26:2H-12.27 Findings, declarations relative to designation of stroke centers.

1. The Legislature finds and declares that:

a. Despite significant advances in diagnosis, treatment and prevention, stroke remains a common disorder; an estimated 700,000 to 750,000 new and recurrent strokes occur each year in this country; and with the aging of the population, the number of persons who have strokes is projected to increase;

b. Although new treatments are available to improve the clinical outcomes of stroke, many acute care hospitals lack the necessary staff and equipment to optimally triage and treat stroke patients, including the provision of optimal, safe and effective emergency care for these patients;

c. Two levels of stroke centers should be established for the treatment of acute stroke. Primary stroke centers should be established in as many acute care hospitals as possible. These centers would evaluate, stabilize and provide emergency care to patients with acute stroke and then, depending on the patient's needs and the center's capabilities, either admit the patient and provide inpatient care or transfer the patient to a comprehensive stroke center. Comprehensive stroke centers should be established in hospitals that meet the criteria set forth in this act, to ensure coverage for all patients throughout the State who require this level of care. These centers would provide complete and specialized care to patients who experience the most complex strokes, which require specialized testing, highly technical procedures and other interventions. Also, these centers would provide education and guidance to affiliated primary stroke centers;

d. There is a public health need for acute care hospitals in this State to establish stroke centers to ensure the rapid triage, diagnostic evaluation and treatment of patients suffering a stroke. This should result in increased survival and a decrease in the disabilities associated with stroke; and

e. Therefore, it is in the best interest of the residents of this State to establish a program to designate stroke centers throughout the State, to provide specific patient care and support services criteria that stroke centers must meet in order to ensure that stroke patients receive safe and effective care, and to provide financial support to acute care hospitals to encourage them to develop stroke centers in all areas of the State.

L.2004,c.136,s.1.