Kentucky Senate Approves Meredith's Bill to Expand Trauma Center Network

Legislation aims to relax standards for level four trauma centers to improve access across the state.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The Kentucky Senate has approved a bill authored by State Senator Steven Meredith that would relax the standards for level four trauma centers in the state. The goal is to expand the trauma care network, especially in rural areas, to help address Kentucky's ranking of 45th nationally in trauma-related deaths. Meredith, the former CEO of Twin Lakes Regional Medical Center, says all 20 of the state's level four trauma facilities are currently located in rural parts of Kentucky.

Why it matters

Kentucky has struggled with access to trauma care, especially in its rural communities. This legislation is an attempt to make it easier to establish level four trauma centers, which provide stabilization and transfer services, in order to improve the state's overall trauma care network and outcomes.

The details

Senator Meredith's bill would relax the standards required for level four trauma centers in Kentucky. Level four trauma centers provide initial evaluation and care for injured patients and then transfer them to a higher level of care if needed. The goal is to expand the number of these facilities across the state, especially in rural areas, to improve access to trauma services.

  • The Kentucky Senate approved the bill on February 6, 2026.
  • The measure now heads to the Kentucky House for consideration.

The players

Steven Meredith

Leitchfield State Senator and former CEO of Twin Lakes Regional Medical Center, who authored the bill to relax standards for level four trauma centers in Kentucky.

Kentucky Senate

The state legislative body that approved Senator Meredith's bill to expand the trauma care network.

Kentucky House

The state legislative body that will now consider the bill passed by the Senate.

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What they’re saying

“Kentucky is 45th nationally in trauma-related deaths. We must do more to improve access to trauma care, especially in our rural communities.”

— Steven Meredith, State Senator (wxbc1043.com)

What’s next

The bill will now move to the Kentucky House, where lawmakers will consider the legislation to relax standards for level four trauma centers.

The takeaway

This bill represents an effort by Kentucky lawmakers to expand the state's trauma care network and improve access to critical services, especially in rural areas that have historically struggled with limited trauma resources. If passed, it could help the state address its high rate of trauma-related deaths.