(1) When a trauma facility is designated as such pursuant to ARM 37.104.3021, the period of designation is for three years beginning from the date the notice of designation is issued.

(2) When a trauma facility is designated as such pursuant to ARM 37.104.3022, the expiration date of the designation shall coincide with the expiration date of the American College of Surgeons' Certificate of Verification. Upon expiration of the Certificate of Verification, the facility may be granted a Montana designation extension of up to six months if the department receives documentation that an American College of Surgeons' verification survey is anticipated.

(3) A provisional designation imposed pursuant to ARM 37.104.3030 is valid for a period determined by the department in consultation with the designation subcommittee, but not longer than 12 months. The provisional designation expires on the date set by the department unless the provisionally designated trauma facility:

(a) receives a focused review by the department in consultation with the designation subcommittee to determine if the corrective action plan has resulted in compliance with the required criteria; and

(b) the department determines that the corrective action plan has resulted in the facility successfully meeting the required criteria, in which case the department shall issue a designation as a trauma facility.

(4) A trauma facility may renew its designation by completing the requirements of ARM 37.104.3021 or 37.104.3022. 

(5) The department may waive any designation expiration dates if the facility provides sufficient written justification and/or the department determines a waiver is necessary due to an emergency or disaster declaration by the governor, county, or city, or in the event of an unforeseen natural disaster. A waiver will be issued only if the following criteria are met:

(a) the waiver is necessary to avoid significant financial or other hardship to the facility; and

(b) granting the waiver would not jeopardize patient care or public health and safety.

(6) A waiver issued under (5) will be issued on a temporary basis not to exceed a period of 12 months.