The General Assembly finds that:
(1) An effective system to support optimal stroke care is needed in our communities in order to treat stroke patients in a timely manner, improve the overall treatment of stroke patients, increase survival, and decrease the disabilities associated with stroke.
(2) There is a public health need for acute care hospitals in this State to become primary stroke centers to ensure the rapid triage, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment of patients suffering a stroke. There is also a need for a pre-hospital emergency transport system that identifies and transports potential stroke patients as quickly as possible to the most appropriate facility for stroke treatment.
(3) Primary stroke centers for the treatment of acute stroke should be established in as many acute care hospitals as possible. In addition, hospitals that do not have primary stroke center certification but use telemedicine or other means to facilitate acute or early stroke treatment should be integrated, along with primary stroke centers, within a system of care to evaluate, stabilize, and provide emergency and inpatient care to patients with acute stroke.
(4) It is in the best interest of the residents of South Carolina to establish a program to facilitate identification and development of stroke treatment capabilities throughout the State. This program will provide a system of stroke care that will include specific patient care and support services criteria that will ensure stroke patients receive safe and effective care in stroke care centers statewide.
(5) It is also in the best interest of the people of South Carolina to modify the state's emergency medical response system to ensure that potential stroke patients are quickly identified and transported to and treated in facilities that have the capability for providing timely and effective treatment for stroke patients.
HISTORY: 2011 Act No. 62, Section 1, eff June 21, 2011.
Structure South Carolina Code of Laws
Chapter 61 - Emergency Medical Services
Section 44-61-10. Short title.
Section 44-61-20. Definitions.
Section 44-61-50. Ambulance permits.
Section 44-61-60. Ambulance equipment requirements.
Section 44-61-65. First responder licensing requirements.
Section 44-61-70. Suspension or revocation of license or permit; penalty.
Section 44-61-90. Records to be kept by ambulance service licensees.
Section 44-61-100. Exemptions.
Section 44-61-110. Restriction on financial aid.
Section 44-61-130. Authority of emergency medical technicians.
Section 44-61-140. Chapter does not limit presently operating rescue units.
Section 44-61-160. Confidentiality of data; exceptions; penalty.
Section 44-61-300. Short title.
Section 44-61-310. Definitions.
Section 44-61-320. Establishment of program.
Section 44-61-330. Scope of program; gathering of data.
Section 44-61-340. Confidentiality of data; exceptions; penalty.
Section 44-61-350. Advisory Committee.
Section 44-61-510. Definitions.
Section 44-61-520. Trauma care standards and regulations; revocation of designation; fines.
Section 44-61-530. Trauma Advisory Council; membership.
Section 44-61-550. Trauma Registry; confidentiality.
Section 44-61-610. Short title.
Section 44-61-620. Legislative findings.
Section 44-61-630. Definitions.
Section 44-61-670. Duties of department; confidentiality of health care information.
Section 44-61-680. Limitation of application of article.
Section 44-61-690. Regulations; duties contingent on funding and promulgation of regulations.
Section 44-61-720. Definitions.
Section 44-61-730. Home state licensure.
Section 44-61-740. Compact privilege to practice.
Section 44-61-750. Conditions of practice in a remote state.
Section 44-61-760. Relationship to Emergency Management Assistance Compact.
Section 44-61-780. Adverse actions.
Section 44-61-790. Additional powers invested in a member state's EMS authority.
Section 44-61-800. Establishment of the Interstate Commission for EMS Personnel Practice.
Section 44-61-810. Coordinated database.
Section 44-61-820. Rulemaking.
Section 44-61-830. Oversight; dispute resolution; enforcement.
Section 44-61-840. Date of implementation; associated rules; withdrawal; amendment.