SB 34 Summary

• Hospitals may apply to the Department of Public Health for designation as a comprehensive stroke center, primary stroke center, or acute stroke-ready hospital based on certification by the American Heart Association, Joint Commission, or other nationally recognized certifying organization.

• Hospitals lose their designation if they request removal or if their certification expires, is suspended, or revoked; hospitals cannot advertise themselves as stroke centers without official state designation.

• The Department of Public Health must distribute an updated list of designated stroke centers to emergency medical services providers by January 1, 2018, and annually thereafter, and maintain the list on its website.

• Emergency medical services providers must adopt a standardized stroke triage assessment tool and establish protocols for assessing, treating, and transporting stroke patients to the nearest appropriate facility within a specified timeframe from symptom onset.

• Regional emergency medical services councils must ensure all providers and emergency medical dispatch personnel receive regular training on stroke assessment and treatment.