Stroke Certification and Recognition

Hospitals with certified stroke centers meet national stroke certification standards. Ohio hospitals utilize several stroke-certifying agencies: The Joint Commission (TJC), Det Norske Veritas (DNV), Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC), and the Center for Improvement in Healthcare Quality (CIHQ), with the majority utilizing TJC. Certification ensures that centers provide consistent, high-quality stroke treatment. 

Levels of Stroke Care Certification

Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC)

This is the most demanding certification and is designed for those hospitals that have specific abilities to receive and treat the most complex stroke cases. 

Primary Stroke Center (PSC)

This certification is designed for hospitals that provide the critical elements of stroke care to achieve long-term success in improving outcomes.

Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center (TSC)/ DNV Primary Plus Stroke Center (PSC+)

This certification is designed for hospitals that are a Primary Stroke Center and also provides endovascular procedures and post-procedural care. 

Acute Stroke Ready Hospital (ASRH) 

This certification is for hospitals or emergency centers that have a dedicated stroke-focused program. 

Hospital Stroke Level Recognition

Effective, March 20, 2019, a hospital shall not represent itself as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center, Primary Stroke Center, or Acute Ready Hospital unless it is recognized by the Ohio Department of Health under section 3727.13 of the Revised Code.  Additional provisions regarding Stroke Level Recognition may be found in sections 3727.11 to 3727.15 of the Revised Code.  

For additional information please view the Hospital Stroke Level Recognition page.

If you or someone you know is experiencing stroke symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) will activate the emergency stroke protocol to transport the person to the closest facility for the appropriate level of care.