VSS Web Policy & Legislation:

Virginia Stroke Systems’ work to effect policy change re stroke: Va General Assembly recognized certified Primary Stroke Centers (PSCs)  (Feb 2007) Joint Commission on Health Care (JCHC) agreed to address stroke policy Stroke Policy Workgroup convened   (Summer 2007) Policy Recommendations presented and approved (Fall 2007) Request by letter from the Chairman that the Virginia Department of Health convene a standing Stroke Systems Task Force to address improvement in Virginia’s Stroke Systems. Request by letter from the Chairman that the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association provide assistance on encouraging all hospitals to establish a protocol for the rapid evaluation and subsequent admission or transfer of the stroke patient. Request by letter of the Chairman that OEMS report to JCHC in 2008 regarding progress in developing a centralized electronic medical record data collection. Request by letter of the Chairman that Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) investigate the option for care coordination service payments for those who have had a stroke. Request by letter of the Chairman that Department of Social Services (DSS) and DMAS investigate an expedited Medicaid determination review for acute stroke patients. Amend the Code of Virginia to require each regional EMS Council to create a uniform destination plan for prehospital stroke patients, with partners including the Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) and public safety answering points (PSAPS), as well as other organizations as deemed appropriate. This was submitted to the Virginia General Assembly for consideration January 2008 (HB 479).  Virginia Governor Tim Kaine signed HB 479 (and companion bill SB 344) into law  (March 2008)   Emergency Medical Services Plan; Stroke Triage Plan. Requires the Board of Health to develop and maintain as a component of the Emergency Medical Services Plan a statewide prehospital and interhospital Stroke Triage Plan designed to promote rapid access for stroke patients to appropriate, organized stroke care. The Plan shall include formal regional stroke triage plans, which shall be reviewed triennially. OEMS will develop base standards Regional EMS Councils will customize based on demographic, geographic, and other factors.