Certified Primary Stroke Centers

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. Learn where your nearest stroke-certified hospital is by typing in your address or zip code. Be prepared!

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:

Compliance with consensus-based national standards.
Effective use of primary stroke center recommendations and clinical practice guidelines to manage and optimize care.
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.

This content is reviewed regularly. Last updated 05/03/10.

	Privacy Policy \| Copyright \| Ethics Policy \| Conflict of Interest Policy \| Linking Policy © 2010 American Heart Association, Inc. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.