LAC 48:I.18703. Stroke Center Criteria

A. Each facility participating in stroke center recognition shall meet the following criteria. 1. CSC: a comprehensive stroke center (CSC) will meet the requirements specified by the joint commission or other board approved accrediting/certification body approved by LERN for comprehensive stroke center certification. Attestation as a CSC is only allowed after verification by the joint commission or other LERN approved accrediting/certification body that the facility meets all requirements set forth in the CSC standards. 2. TSC: a thrombectomy capable stroke center (TSC) will meet the requirements specified by the joint commission or other board approved accrediting/certification body approved by LERN for thrombectomy capable stroke center certification. Attestation as a TSC is only allowed after verification by the joint commission or other LERN approved accrediting/certification body that the facility meets all requirements set forth in the TSC standards. 3. PSC-E: a primary stroke center (PSC-E) shall meet the requirements specified by the joint commission, healthcare facilities accreditation program (HFAP), or other LERN approved accrediting/certification body for Primary Stroke Center verification. Attestation as a PSC-E is only allowed after verification by the joint commission, HFAP, or other LERN approved accrediting/certification body that the facility meets all requirements set forth in the PSC standards. In addition to PSC requirements, a PSC-E must have physician(s) credentialed to perform mechanical thrombectomy and must update resource management portal of endovascular availability at all times. If a physician credentialed to perform endovascular capability is not available, the PSC-E must notify all EMS providers in the region when endovascular resources are not available. The PSC-E must collect and submit quarterly to LERN to the joint commission or other approved accrediting or certification body the same data the joint commission requires the Thrombectomy Stroke centers to collect and any other data as required by LERN. 4. PSC: a primary stroke center (PSC) shall meet the requirements specified by the joint commission, healthcare facilities accreditation program (HFAP), or other LERN approved accrediting/certification body for primary stroke center verification. Attestation as a PSC is only allowed after verification by the joint commission, HFAP, or other LERN approved accrediting/certification body that the facility meets all requirements set forth in the PSC standards. 5. ASRH: an acute stroke ready hospital (ASRH) will provide timely access to stroke care but may not meet all criteria for a CSC, TSC, or a PSC or a PSC-E facility. An ASRH will provide acute stroke care in urban and rural areas where transportation and access are limited. An ASRH is intended to recognize models of care delivery that have shown utility, including “drip-and-ship” and telemedicine. An ASRH must meet requirements adopted by LERN and submit quarterly data as required by LERN. LERN approved requirements are based on national best practice guidelines. 6. Stroke referral center: a stroke referral center should not receive patients exhibiting signs or symptoms of stroke except for instances when the clinical situation requires stopping at the closest emergency department. A stroke referral center must: a. have a transfer protocol in place for transfer to higher levels of care through written and agreed upon relationship with a CSC, TSC, PSC, PSC-E or ASRH stroke center; b. participate in LERN stroke education; and c. maintain a stroke resource binder or internet resource which at a minimum includes the following LERN guidelines: ED Provider Stroke Care Guideline, Anti-coagulant Associated Intercranial Hemorrhage Guideline, Spontaneous Intercranial Hemorrhage Guideline, and Wake Up/Unknown Time of System Onset Guideline.