TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- Hospitals in Sabetha and Beloit are the first in the state to be designated as Level 4 trauma centers.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday announced the designation for Mitchell County Hospital Health Systems in Beloit and Sabetha Community Hospital.

The designation means the two hospitals have met requirements for equipment and resources to provide urgent care for seriously injured patients. They also have established relationships with other trauma centers if a higher level of care is needed.

WIBW reports ((http://bit.ly/ISm5Jv) the Legislature gave KDHE authority earlier this year to begin designating Level IV trauma centers. The state has four separate categories of designation, with each category having different, specific criteria.