AN ACT requiring the department of health and human services to adopt rules concerning prehospital stroke protocols for emergency medical services personnel.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  Article 7 of Chapter 131E of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:

§ 131E‑159.5.  Rules to establish EMS protocols for treating and transporting stroke patients.

(a)        The Department shall adopt rules to establish evidence‑based protocols for prehospital assessment, treatment, and transportation of stroke patients by emergency medical services personnel. The rules shall include at least the following:

(1)        Clear and specific guidelines concerning entry and transfer plans for patients with suspected large vessel occlusion that results in the patients receiving care at the most appropriate hospital designated as a primary stroke center.

(2)        Required education and training for emergency medical services personnel on the assessment and treatment of stroke patients, including those with suspected large vessel occlusion.

(b)        Each holder of an ambulance permit under this Article shall implement the stroke protocols adopted pursuant to subsection (a) of this section and provide regular training to licensed emergency medical services personnel employees on the assessment and treatment of stroke patients, including those with suspected large vessel occlusion.

SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.