Bill > H1919

This bill aims to improve stroke care by establishing safeguards to prevent death and disability from stroke, primarily by having the Department of Public Health (DPH) designate hospitals as Comprehensive Stroke Centers, Primary Stroke Centers, or Acute Stroke Capable Centers based on their ability to provide stroke treatment. Hospitals must apply for these designations and demonstrate they meet criteria set by nationally recognized organizations like the American Heart Association or The Joint Commission, and must maintain their certifications. The bill also mandates that Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers develop pre-hospital care protocols for assessing, treating, and transporting stroke patients to the appropriate designated stroke center within a specified timeframe, and requires EMS personnel and 911 dispatchers to receive regular training on stroke assessment and treatment. Furthermore, the DPH will implement a plan for continuous quality improvement in stroke care, including maintaining a statewide stroke database, requiring reporting of treatment data from stroke centers and EMS agencies, and facilitating the sharing and analysis of health information to identify areas for improvement and make recommendations to the legislature.