§ 144.493

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 and the hospital participates in the Minnesota stroke registry program. 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 and the hospital participates in the Minnesota stroke registry program. Subd. 2a. Thrombectomy-capable stroke center. A hospital meets the criteria for a thrombectomy-capable stroke center if the hospital has been certified as a thrombectomy-capable stroke center by the joint commission or another nationally recognized accreditation entity, or is a primary stroke center that is not certified as a thrombectomy-based capable stroke center but the hospital has attained a level of stroke care distinction by offering mechanical endovascular therapies and has been certified by a department approved certifying body that is a

stroke center but the hospital has attained a level of stroke care distinction by offering mechanical endovascular therapies and has been certified by a department approved certifying body that is a nationally recognized guidelines-based organization. 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 day, 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 day, seven days a week; (7) written protocols that detail available emergent

-rays 24 hours a day, seven days a week; (6) the capacity to perform and interpret brain injury imaging studies 24 hours a day, 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. History: 2013 c 108 art 12 s 31; 2014 c 291 art 6 s 8,9; 2024 c 127 art 59 s 27