NC S456

Department of Health and Human Services must designate hospitals certified by the Joint Commission or other nationally recognized accrediting bodies as primary stroke centers.

Hospitals receiving Joint Commission certification for stroke care must report the certification to the Department within 90 days and notify the Department of any changes within 30 days.

Designated primary stroke centers must coordinate acute stroke care with other hospitals through formal written agreements addressing patient transportation and acceptance of stroke patients from non-capable facilities.

Department shall maintain and annually update a list of designated primary stroke centers in the Division of Health Service Regulation and transmit the list to emergency medical services providers by June 1 each year.

Hospitals cannot advertise or represent themselves as primary stroke centers unless certified by the Joint Commission or other nationally recognized accrediting body; becomes effective October 1, 2013.