(SB 1590) The act
directs AHCA to create a public list of primary and
comprehensive stroke centers in Florida, and to establish
guidelines substantively similar to JCAHO certification
standards to certify a facility as a primary or comprehensive
stroke treatment center. DOH will develop a sample stroke
assessment tool and provide it to all EMS providers, and all EMS
medical directors are required to develop and implement an
assessment, treatment and transport-destination protocols for
stroke patients.
The original language of the bill appeared to create a state
mandated standard of care for the treatment of stroke patients.
Citing significant disagreement within the medical community on
the appropriate ways to treat stroke patients, as well as the
discomfort at having a state agency rather than the medical
community determine appropriate standards of care, the Florida
College of Emergency Physicians met with legislators and
stakeholders to ensure that the bill was amended to protect the
physician’s role in determining appropriate patient care. The
legislation now states that the act is “not intended as a
medical practice guideline” and reaffirms that “all patients be
treated individually based on each patient’s needs and
circumstances.”
