Illinois legislation would establish network of specialist stroke centers

Chicago Tribune, May 20, 2009

The Illinois Senate voted 58-0 to establish a network of specialist stroke centers in the state and allow ambulances to take patients to those facilities, bypassing nearby hospitals. The Illinois House previously passed the bill unanimously, and the legislation now goes to Gov. Pat Quinn. The new system for stroke patients would mimic how emergency care is organized for people with other substantial trauma. Generally, ambulances take these patients to hospitals with specialized trauma units instead of the nearest emergency room. Under the proposed legislation, similar arrangements would be made for stroke patients.