How to Apply - Stroke Designated Centers

Why Should a Hospital Seek Designation as a Stroke Center?

Designation allows consumers, other hospitals, and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) providers to identify the capabilities of the hospital to treat stroke patients. In New York State, EMS providers follow protocols to preferentially triage and transport suspected stroke patients to facilities that are designated as stroke centers.

How to Become a New York State Department of Health Designated Stroke Center

A hospital seeking designation as a stroke center at any level must achieve certification from an approved Certifying Organization. Certification must be achieved on or after March 20, 2019. This certification verifies that a hospital's stroke program meets specified criteria related to advanced stroke care. The Certifying Organization will survey based on their own standards, as well as New York State specific criteria that were developed using evidence and guidelines in collaboration with the New York State Stroke Advisory Group, when certifying a hospital. Once a hospital receives certification, they must request designation from the New York State Department of Health (the Department) utilizing the Application for Stroke Services Designation (PDF).

The New York State specific criteria for designated stroke centers are outlined in the New York State Stroke Center Guidance document found below. This document can assist hospitals in developing their stroke program and meeting requirements relating to the New York State Stroke Designation Program and Title 10 NYCRR 405.34: Stroke Services. It serves to detail the process by which a hospital may request designation as a stroke center from the the Department, and it outlines New York State specific standards used by certifying organizations for all levels of stroke designation.

Approved Certifying Organizations