S.C. Code Ann. § 44-61-640: Identification of hospitals as primary stroke centers and stroke enabled centers; certification by nationally recognized organizations; designation of acute stroke capable centers; notification of loss of recognition.

(A) The director shall identify hospitals that meet the criteria set forth in this article as primary stroke centers and stroke enabled centers through telemedicine.

(B) The department shall establish a process to recognize as "primary stroke centers" as many accredited acute care hospitals as apply and are certified as primary stroke centers by the Joint Commission or another nationally recognized organization that provides disease-specific certification or accreditation for stroke care, provided that each applicant continues to maintain this certification or accreditation and notifies the department in a timely manner of initial and subsequent certification or accreditation.

(C) As nationally recognized, disease-specific certification or accreditation programs become available at more comprehensive and less comprehensive levels, including, but not limited to, a designation for "acute stroke capable centers", the department may adopt and recognize those hospitals that have achieved the certification or accreditation.

(D) A hospital that no longer meets nationally recognized, evidenced-based standards for primary stroke centers, or other programs as they become recognized by the department, shall notify the department and the Stroke System of Care Advisory Council within thirty days.