(a) List of all stroke centers.--The department shall:
(1) Make available a list of certified comprehensive stroke centers, primary stroke centers and acute stroke-ready hospitals to each emergency medical services agency medical director in this Commonwealth.
(2) Maintain a copy of the list of certified comprehensive stroke centers, primary stroke centers and acute stroke-ready hospitals in the office designated with the department to oversee emergency medical services.
(3) Post a list of certified comprehensive stroke centers, primary stroke centers and acute stroke-ready hospitals on the department's Internet website.
(b) Assessment.--The department shall make available and distribute a nationally recognized standardized stroke triage assessment tool within 60 days of the effective date of this act. The department shall:
(1) Make available a copy to each emergency medical services agency medical director in this Commonwealth so that the directors can use the tool or a substantially similar one to evaluate patients.
(2) Post the assessment tool on its Internet website.
(c) Protocols.--The department shall establish protocols that are related to prehospital assessment, treatment and transport of stroke patients by licensed emergency medical services providers that will allow the patient to receive the appropriate care at a certified stroke center in the shortest amount of time. The protocols shall include plans for triage and transport of acute stroke patients to the closest certified stroke center or a facility that can provide appropriate treatment if the certified stroke center is not within a specified time frame from onset of symptoms.
(d) Training.--The department shall establish protocols to ensure that certified emergency medical services providers, within their scope of practice, receive regular training on the assessment and treatment of stroke patients.
(e) Compliance.--Within 60 days of the effective date of this act, each emergency medical services provider must comply with all protocols and regulations promulgated by the department under this act.
Credits
2012, May 29, P.L. 549, No. 54, § 4, effective in 60 days [July 30, 2012]. Amended 2017, June 12, P.L. 9, No. 4, § 3, effective in 60 days [Aug. 11, 2017].
35 P.S. § 6944.4, PA ST 35 P.S. § 6944.4
Current through Act 10 of the 2024 Regular Session. Some statute sections may be more current, see credits for details.
