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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. 

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

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:

Get in touch

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

For technical difficulties information,  process or rule clarification.

For technical difficulties information,  process or rule clarification.

For technical difficulties information,  process or rule clarification.

For technical difficulties information,  process or rule clarification.