Guiding a Successful Transition From State Designation to ACS Verification

Kona Community Hospital, a state‑designated Level III trauma center in West Hawaii, partnered with Optimal Healthcare Advisors to prepare for American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma (ACS COT) verification, scheduled for summer 2025. During a comprehensive one‑week onsite assessment, Optimal Healthcare Advisors worked closely with hospital leadership to evaluate trauma program operations, identify gaps in meeting ACS COT standards, and strengthen key processes ahead of the survey. The review, which included a mock survey, a detailed gap analysis, and assessment of trauma program documentation and TQIP data, provided a clear roadmap to keep the hospital on track for successful verification.

“Optimal Healthcare Advisors provided provided invaluable support in preparing Kona Community Hospital’s trauma program for our verification survey. Their assessments identified gaps and opportunities, helping ensure we were well prepared. Thanks to their ongoing guidance, we successfully earned Level III Trauma Center Verification by the American College of Surgeons, a milestone we are very proud of.”

Denise Wiegand, RN, Interim Trauma Program Manager, Kona Community Hospital

As part of the engagement, Optimal Healthcare Advisors provided structured, ongoing guidance through regular check‑ins, committee review, and progress monitoring. This continued support helped Kona Community Hospital maintain momentum ahead of its survey, ultimately earning a one‑year ACS Level III verification in 2025 and a full three‑year verification in 2026.