Valued Voice

On Nov. 3, nearly 100 emergency preparedness, trauma program and emergency department leaders from hospitals across the state joined WHA Senior Vice President of Workforce and Clinical Practice Ann Zenk for an opportunity to learn about and provide feedback on the proposed draft of the state’s trauma classification criteria DHS Chapter 118.

During the hour-long interactive webinar, hospital trauma experts described the proposed changes as positive and better than the existing criteria, while emphasizing that some hospitals may still struggle to meet the standards or find the burden of participation outweighs the benefit.

Participants also echoed WHA’s prior feedback to the state and cautioned against repeating the difficulties experienced in 2021. All agreed with DHS’s stated goal that criteria should be accessible and attainable to hospitals that desire Level III or Level IV trauma designation.

WHA has been engaged in the rule revision through Zenk’s membership in the DHS Chapter 118 Advisory Committee and will alert members to key information as the process continues. In September, DHS requested comments on the economic impact of the proposed rule and WHA submitted a comment letter. The next step in the process, over the months to come, will be a DHS request for comments on the draft rule. WHA member feedback is essential to best inform WHA’s advocacy on this rule.

A copy of the draft Clearinghouse Rule 26-057 can be found here: Proposed DHS 118 Revisions submitted to the Clearinghouse. A recording of the Nov. 3, 2026 webinar is available in the MyWHA member portal.

Zenk encourages hospitals and their trauma teams to review the proposal and let WHA know of any criteria that pose barriers to desired participation in Wisconsin’s trauma designation program.

Please submit any feedback on the proposed rule to Ann Zenk.