Primary Stroke Center Certification

Primary Stroke Center Certification from DNV Healthcare is an opportunity for healthcare organizations providing stroke treatment to demonstrate their commitment to excellence. In a growing number of states, PSC Certification goes beyond "prestige" and directly impacts patient volumes. In Texas, for example, The State Department of Health Services requires local ambulance services to deliver stroke victims to the nearest certified stroke center. DNV is one of only two state-authorized certifiying agencies in Texas.
 
DNV's PSC Certification program 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.
 
Hospitals seeking and maintaining a Primary 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.

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
 
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
 

Quick Access Center

Download NIAHO Standards
 
 

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