Regional Advisory Councils (RACs), such as NETRAC, are designated non-profit organizations responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring regional trauma and emergency healthcare systems within specific Trauma Service Areas (TSAs). There are 22 RACs in Texas (one for each TSA), created to coordinate hospitals, EMS, and stakeholders to improve patient outcomes, reduce injury rates, and manage disaster preparedness.
Key Aspects of Texas RACs:
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System Development & Oversight: RACs create and maintain comprehensive trauma, acute, and emergency care plans to improve outcomes.
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Stakeholder Collaboration: They unite hospitals, EMS providers, and community members to collaborate on, standardize, and improve patient care.
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Emergency Preparedness: RACs play a major role in coordinating responses to mass casualty incidents, hurricanes, and public health emergencies.
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Data & Performance Improvement: RACs collect and analyze data to conduct performance improvement, ensuring providers adhere to protocols and reduce trauma incidence.
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Facility Designation: RAC’s work to support facilities in pursuit of program designation.
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Education & Prevention: RACs provide public education and injury prevention initiatives.
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Funding & Compliance: As 501(c)(3) entities, they manage state and federal grant funding for EMS and trauma services.