When you or someone else is having a stroke, every minute counts. If you're having any of the stroke warning signs, you want to know that you are going to a facility that can help you as quickly as possible.

The Primary Stroke Center Certification Program uses the Recommendations for Primary Stroke Centers published by the Brain Attack Coalition and American Stroke Association statements for stroke. The program, implemented by The Joint Commission, evaluates stroke care provided by hospitals. 

Hospitals are evaluated and receive a certification decision based on an assessment of:

1. Compliance with consensus-based national standards.
2. Effective use of primary stroke center recommendations and clinical practice guidelines to manage and optimize care.
3. Performance measurement and improvement activities.

The Joint Commission awards certification for one year to primary stroke centers that successfully demonstrate compliance in all three areas. A one-year extension is contingent on submitting an acceptable assessment of compliance with standards and performance measurement and management activities.  Primary Stroke Centers will receive an on-site review every two years by The Joint Commission.

See The Joint Commission's list of certified facilities. This list is organized by state and includes hospitals with any type of Joint Commission certification, so check the list carefully to be sure your hospital is listed as a Primary Stroke Center. If you don't see a hospital listed in your area, be sure to check back later. This is a new program with new hospitals being evaluated and receiving certification regularly. 

This content is reviewed regularly. Last updated 06/18/09.