SF 598

1st Engrossment - 88th Legislature (2013 - 2014) Posted on 03/01/2013 08:29am

A bill for an act
relating to health; establishing a system to deal with acute strokes; proposing
coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 144.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

[144.492] DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1.

Applicability.

For the purposes of sections 144.492 to 144.494, the
terms defined in this section have the meanings given them.

Subd. 2.

Commissioner.

"Commissioner" means the commissioner of health.

Subd. 3.

Stroke.

"Stroke" means the sudden death of brain cells in a localized
area due to inadequate blood flow.

Sec. 2.

[144.493] CRITERIA.

Subdivision 1.

Comprehensive stroke center.

A hospital meets the criteria for a
comprehensive stroke center if the hospital has been certified as a comprehensive stroke
center by the joint commission or another nationally recognized accreditation entity.

Subd. 2.

Primary stroke center.

A hospital meets the criteria for a primary stroke
center if the hospital has been certified as a primary stroke center by the joint commission
or another nationally recognized accreditation entity.

Subd. 3.

Acute stroke ready hospital.

A hospital meets the criteria for an acute
stroke ready hospital if the hospital has the following elements of an acute stroke ready
hospital:

(1) an acute stroke team available or on-call 24 hours a days, seven days a week;

(2) written stroke protocols, including triage, stabilization of vital functions, initial
diagnostic tests, and use of medications;

(3) a written plan and letter of cooperation with emergency medical services regarding
triage and communication that are consistent with regional patient care procedures;

(4) emergency department personnel who are trained in diagnosing and treating
acute stroke;

(5) the capacity to complete basic laboratory tests, electrocardiograms, and chest
x-rays 24 hours a day, seven days a week;

(6) the capacity to perform and interpret brain injury imaging studies 24 hours a
days, seven days a week;

(7) written protocols that detail available emergent therapies and reflect current
treatment guidelines, which include performance measures and are revised at least annually;

(8) a neurosurgery coverage plan, call schedule, and a triage and transportation plan;

(9) transfer protocols and agreements for stroke patients; and

(10) a designated medical director with experience and expertise in acute stroke care.

Sec. 3.

[144.494] DESIGNATING STROKE HOSPITALS.

Subdivision 1.

Naming privileges.

Unless it has been designated a stroke hospital
by the commissioner, the joint commission, or another nationally recognized accreditation
entity, no hospital shall use the term "stroke center" or "stroke hospital" in its name or its
advertising or shall otherwise indicate it has stroke treatment capabilities.

Subd. 2.

Designation.

A hospital that voluntarily meets the criteria for a
comprehensive stroke center, primary stroke center, or acute stroke ready hospital may
apply to the commissioner for designation, and upon the commissioner's review and
approval of the application, shall be designated as a comprehensive stroke center, a
primary stroke center, or an acute stroke ready hospital for a three-year period. If a hospital
loses its certification as a comprehensive stroke center or primary stroke center from
the joint commission or other nationally recognized accreditation entity, its Minnesota
designation will be immediately withdrawn. Prior to the expiration of the three-year
designation, a hospital seeking to remain part of the voluntary acute stroke system may
reapply to the commissioner for designation.