Stroke Designation
On February 17, 2022, updated stroke designation rules went into effect. Stroke rules were legislated in 2005, when Senate Bill 330 was passed during the 79th Legislature. The purpose of the bill was to develop a state emergency stroke treatment system. This allows responders to identify and transport a person with acute stroke signs and symptoms to an appropriate designated facility. The hospital designation requirements were established to ensure prompt and appropriate treatment for possible stroke victims.
The stroke requirements now include an Advanced Stroke Center designation which differentiates hospitals that are capable of providing thrombectomy procedures, but are not a Comprehensive Center.
The four levels of stroke designation are:
- Level I – Comprehensive
- Level II – Advanced
- Level III – Primary
- Level IV – Acute Stroke Ready
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has the authority to designate facilities. The EMS/Trauma Systems Section of DSHS works with hospitals and Regional Advisory Councils (RACs) to:
- Develop facility designation protocols,
- Develop policies and guidelines, and
- Improve the overall care and outcomes of stroke patients.
Register Now
Statewide Stroke Designation Meeting
Texas stroke facility designation program staff are invited to attend our monthly meeting in collaboration with the department and peers throughout the state. Share ideas and best practices to improve patient outcomes for Texans.
2024 Meetings:
• Stroke All Designation Levels
2024 Meetings will end in November. Stay connected with us by requesting registration below.
2025 Meetings:
Requests to register for the level I-III meeting will be processed in December.
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Stroke Level IV (occurring now)
Stroke Facility Designation
The Brain Attack Coalition (BAC) recommendations are the department-approved national stroke standard requirements for Comprehensive, Primary and Acute Stroke Ready Stroke Center designation per Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §157.133. The BAC has not published recommendations for the Advanced Level II Stroke Center requirements. The department approved stroke standard requirements.
View the BAC requirements for Comprehensive, Primary and Acute Stroke Ready.
Documents
- Applications and Forms
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DSHS Designation Program: Facility Program Contact Update Form
Use our online verification system to verify your current contact information (instructions).
Fees
The non-refundable stroke application fees for a stroke designation period are as follows:
- Level I (Comprehensive) stroke facility application fee is $100.00.
- Level II (Advanced) stroke facility application fee is $100.00.
- Level III (Primary) stroke facility application fee is $100.00.
- Level IV (Acute Stroke Ready) stroke facility application fee is $100.00.
Facilities
Map
Policies
For the purposes of Stroke Facility designation, DSHS will accept certifications or survey results from these recognized organizations:
- The Joint Commission (TJC)
Comprehensive, Advanced, Primary, and Acute Stroke Ready - Det Norske Veritas Global Healthcare (DNV-GL)
Comprehensive, Advanced, Primary, and Acute Stroke Ready - The Center for Improvement in Healthcare Quality (CIHQ)
Primary and Acute Stroke Ready - Texas EMS Trauma & Acute Care Foundation (TETAF)
Acute Stroke Ready
Get in touch
Fax
512-834-6611
Mailing Address
Texas Department of State Health Services EMS/Trauma Systems
Attn: Stroke Designation Program
PO Box 149347 MC 1876
Austin, TX 78714-9347
United States
Phone
512-566-6719
For technical difficulties information, process or rule clarification.
Phone
512-605-9108
For technical difficulties information, process or rule clarification.
Phone
737-354-1849
For technical difficulties information, process or rule clarification.
Phone
512-834-6794
For technical difficulties information, process or rule clarification.