NC H697

Directs the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, to assess chronic disease management of stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AFib) within available appropriations.

Notes that AFib affects more than 2.3 million Americans and causes approximately 15% of all strokes in the United States, with AFib-related strokes being twice as likely to be fatal or severely disabling compared to non-AFib strokes.

Recognizes that three out of four AFib-related strokes are preventable but many patients are unaware of their risk and do not take preventive action.

States that appropriate stroke prevention in AFib can reduce the financial burden on public programs such as Medicaid and Medicare, with stroke-related direct medical costs estimated at $25.2 billion for 2007.

Allows the Department to report its findings and recommendations to the 2012 Regular Session of the General Assembly.