CT SB00438

Establishes a task force to study stroke that will review stroke assessment tools, emergency medical service protocols, quality improvement plans, and the feasibility of a state-wide hospital stroke designation program administered by the Department of Public Health.

Task force consists of 12 members including representatives from the American Academy of Neurology, Stroke Coordinators of Connecticut, Connecticut College of Emergency Physicians, American Heart Association, Connecticut Hospital Association, the Commissioner of Public Health, and the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Board.

All task force appointments must be made within 30 days of the effective date, with the first meeting held within 60 days; the task force must submit findings and recommendations by January 15, 2016.

Requires the Department of Public Health to submit annual reports to the General Assembly on health care-associated infections collected through mandatory reporting, including specific infection types such as central line-associated bloodstream infections, MRSA, and C. difficile infections.

Department of Public Health must post health care-associated infection information on its website with clear links to annual reports and the Medicare Hospital Compare website to help the public learn about and compare infection rates at state facilities.