An essential difference between a CPT and another major medical center is the dedicated leadership by expert specialists in medical toxicology. Higher quality clinical training and research will expand the knowledge base in medical toxicology. CPTs that serve as regional referral centers should publicly report and summarize their activities at least annually. CPTs are not intended to compete with regional poison information centers or poison control centers but to work with them to enhance the regional poison care system. CPT Facility Assessment Guidelines outline the preparations necessary to achieve the goals and objectives.
Proper preparation requires a philosophical and financial commitment by the host medical center.
These preparations include recruitment a qualified director and toxicology attending staff, a stockpile of recommended antidotes with appropriate staff staff training in their use, and strong support from critical ancillary services such as the Psychiatry Department and the Toxicology Laboratory. Understanding and acceptance by these groups are crucial to the success of CPTs. These guidelines will be periodically reviewed by ACMT and revised when appropriate. All medical activities of the CPT shall be under the control and supervision of a qualified medical director. A CPT may be comprised of more than one medical center.