OH SB221

Hospitals may apply to the Department of Health for state designation as comprehensive stroke centers, primary stroke centers, or acute stroke ready hospitals.

The Department must complete application reviews within 30 days and designate hospitals meeting certification standards from The Joint Commission or other nationally recognized accrediting bodies.

Designations expire after three years and may be renewed if hospitals continue to meet requirements; the Department must revoke designations if hospitals lose their certifications.

Acute stroke ready hospitals must demonstrate specific capabilities including a 24/7 stroke treatment team, written protocols, brain imaging capacity, emergency medical service coordination, and a designated medical director.

Hospitals are prohibited from using terms like "stroke center" or "stroke hospital" unless they hold a state designation or current certification from The Joint Commission or equivalent nationally recognized accreditor.