SB 2235

Abstract

Amends the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems Act. For provisions concerning hospital stroke care, defines "stroke" as brain, spinal cord, or retinal cell death attributable to ischemic or hemorrhagic infarction that is consistent with the most current nationally-recognized, evidence-based stroke definitions. Provides that the Department of Public Health's certification criteria for Primary Stroke Centers shall be consistent with the most current nationally-recognized, evidence-based stroke guidelines that include the use of thrombolytic therapy and anticoagulation reversal medications to reduce (rather than the most current nationally-recognized, evidence-based stroke guidelines related to reducing) the occurrence, disabilities, and death associated with ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke (rather than associated with stroke). Makes similar changes to provisions concerning the criteria for Comprehensive Stroke Centers. Provides that the criteria for the Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital designation of hospitals shall include the ability of a hospital to create written acute care protocols related to emergent ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke care (rather than emergent stroke care) and administer thrombolytic therapy and anticoagulation reversal medications (rather than administer thrombolytic therapy). Provides that the Department shall maintain an educational reference on the Department's website with the most current nationally-recognized and evidence-based guidelines for the management of hemorrhagic stroke and anticoagulation reversal.