Legislation targets emergency room care gap

U.S. Reps. Michael C. Burgess (R-TX) and Kathy Castor (D-FL) recently reintroduced the MISSION Zero Act, which would aid in addressing the emergency room care gap.

The bill would enable the Department of Defense (DoD) to continue assigning trauma surgeons to civilian trauma centers.

“The MISSION Zero Act established a grant program to foster a partnership between our military and civilian trauma providers to bolster public health preparedness measures,” Burgess, House Rules Committee vice chairman, said. “Our military has made incredible strides in delivering trauma care, saving precious lives that would have otherwise been lost. Americans’ lives have been saved by this expertise, strengthening our civilian trauma centers and systems. I thank Congresswoman Castor in joining me to ensure that care is always readily available.”

Bill proponents indicated the partnership has allowed civilians to learn more about military best practices. They would offer military trauma care providers the opportunity to utilize cutting-edge expertise without leaving the military.

“The MacDill Air Medical Group and Tampa General Hospital have pioneered a ‘full team’ training initiative with military and civilian nurses, surgeons, and specialists to keep their skills sharp,” Castor said. “Their work inspired me to introduce the bipartisan MISSION Zero Act with Rep. Burgess to expand military health partnerships in trauma centers across the country. The MISSION Zero Act provides ongoing support for military and civilian medical teams to hone their skills in intense trauma environments and keep health professionals ready to care for service members.”

Castor said Tampa General Hospital received one of the nation’s first MISSION Zero grants last year and said she is proud to introduce the bill to nurture medical partnerships.