DUTIES OF STROKE COMMITTEE; DEVELOPMENT OF STROKE EMERGENCY TRANSPORT PLAN AND STROKE FACILITY CRITERIA

(a) The advisory council, with the assistance of the stroke committee and in collaboration with the Texas Council on Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke, shall develop a statewide stroke emergency transport plan and stroke facility criteria. (b) The stroke emergency transport plan must include: (1) training requirements on stroke recognition and treatment, including emergency screening procedures; (2) a list of appropriate early treatments to stabilize patients; (3) protocols for rapid transport to a stroke facility when rapid transport is appropriate and it is safe to bypass another health care facility; and (4) plans for coordination with statewide agencies or committees on programs for stroke prevention and community education regarding stroke and stroke emergency transport. (c) In developing the stroke emergency transport plan and stroke facility criteria, the stroke committee shall consult the criteria for stroke facilities established by national medical organizations such as The Joint Commission.