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.

new text begin [144.492] DEFINITIONS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Applicability. new text end

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

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Commissioner. new text end

new text begin "Commissioner" means the commissioner of health.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Stroke. new text end

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

Sec. 2.

new text begin [144.493] CRITERIA.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Comprehensive stroke center. new text end

new text begin 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.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Primary stroke center. new text end

new text begin 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.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Acute stroke ready hospital. new text end

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

new text begin (8) a neurosurgery coverage plan, call schedule, and a triage and transportation plan;
new text end

new text begin (9) transfer protocols and agreements for stroke patients; and
new text end

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

Sec. 3.

new text begin [144.494] DESIGNATING STROKE HOSPITALS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Naming privileges. new text end

new text begin 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.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Designation. new text end

new text begin 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.
new text end