DNV Stroke Center Certifications
Stroke center certifications, though non-mandatory from a national regulatory perspective, are an increasingly important way to demonstrate a stroke center's expertise and leadership within its peer group. In some states, such as Texas, the level of certification determines where trauma and EMS services will transport patients for the most appropriate reimbursable care within state health department guidelines. DNV is an accepted certification body within the Texas stroke center designation program, and is seeking similar status in other states.
DNV's stroke certification programs incorporates elements from our NIAHO® hospital accreditation standards, as well as requirements from the Guidelines of the Brain Attack Coalition, and Recommendations of the American Stroke Association.
The emphasis these programs place on deploying a disciplined management system, combined with the relevant clinical best practices, sets DNV stroke certifications apart from other programs.
Hospitals seeking and maintaining a Stroke Center Certification must participate in the Medicare program and be in compliance with the CoPs which may be demonstrated by maintaining accreditation with DNV or another approved CMS-approved accreditation organization.
To download a copy of the Stroke Center Certification Standards, please visit our
Registration page.
Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification
Comprehensive Stroke Centers represent the most advance stroke treatment available in a given geographic area.
Primary Stroke Center Certification
Primary Stroke Center Certification is an opportunity for healthcare organizations providing stroke treatment to demonstrate their commitment to excellence.
Certification Survey Process
The objective of DNV assessment activities is to determine the center's compliance with the requirements through observations, interviews, and document review. During a certification audit, DNV will:
- Review actual and potential patient outcomes, as well as required processes
- Assess the care and services provided, including the appropriateness of the care and services within the context of the certification requirements
- Visit patient care settings, including inpatient units, outpatient settings, emergency departments, imaging, rehabilitation, remote locations, satellites, etc. associated with the center
- Review clinical records, staff records, and other documentation necessary to validate information gained from observations and interviews
The new Primary Stroke Center Certification (PSC) from DNV Healthcare reflects requirements from DNV hospital accreditation (based on our NIAHO® standards), the CMS Conditions of Participation for hospitals (CoPs), ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System Requirements, the Guidelines of the Brain Attack Coalition and Recommendations of the American Stroke Association.
Hospitals seeking and maintaining a Primary Stroke Center must participate in the Medicare program and be in compliance with the CoPs which may be demonstrated by maintaining accreditation with DNV or another approved CMS-approved accreditation organization.
Certification Survey Process
The objective of DNV assessment activities is to determine the PSC’s compliance with the requirements through observations, interviews, and document review. During a PSC certification audit, DNV will:
- Review actual and potential patient outcomes, as well as required processes
- Assess the care and services provided, including the appropriateness of the care and services within the context of the certification requirements
- Visit patient care settings, including inpatient units, outpatient settings, emergency departments, imaging, rehabilitation, remote locations, satellites, etc. associated with the PSC
- Review clinical records, staff records, and other documentation necessary to validate information gained from observations and interviews
