HI SCR155

Urges the Department of Health to convene a task force to establish a statewide stroke system of care including a stroke database and registry by December 31, 2015.

Task force membership comprises representatives from government, non-profit, and private health care entities including the Director of Health, county EMS Directors, Neurotrauma Advisory Board, American Heart/Stroke Association, legislative members, and Healthcare Association of Hawaii representatives.

Directs the task force to examine barriers to stroke care, review national best practices, update Hawaii's stroke prevention plan, establish uniform pre-hospital protocols, and create performance measurement standards aligned with American Heart Association or Joint Commission guidelines.

Requires the task force to submit an initial report to the Legislature by December 31, 2013, and a final report no later than 20 days before the 2015 Regular Session convening with findings, recommendations, proposed legislation, and funding levels.

Emphasizes focus on ensuring stroke patients receive care at stroke support facilities, particularly addressing Neighbor Island issues, and recommends protocols for direct transportation of stroke patients to appropriate hospitals.