Legislation Improving Stroke Care In Ohio Passes Ohio Senate

LAKEWOOD, OH — Legislation improving treatment for stroke patients passed the Ohio Senate this week.

Senate Bill 302 (SB 302), introduced by Lakewood's Nickie Antonio and Munson Township's John Eklund, would require the development of statewide guidelines for the assessment, triage and transport to hospitals of stroke patients.

“Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in Ohio,” Antonio said. “With someone in the United States experiencing a stroke every 40 seconds, SB 302’s standardization will help save lives throughout the state.”

The senate bill builds on House Bill 464 from the previous General Assembly. That legislation created a three-tiered designation system for hospitals, based on their ability to treat strokes. The tiers were based on experience, training and caseload. The bill allowed EMS to transport patients to the best hospital for the patient.

Antonio's legislation will now head back to the Ohio House for referral to a committee.

“I am humbled to have worked with my colleague, Senator Nickie Antonio, on this crucial and purposeful legislation. Senate Bill 302 strikes an appropriate balance in creating standardized guidelines for best practices in stroke triage and transport, without being overly prescriptive and allowing for flexibility when needed,” Eklund said. “The bill would also promote those practices and further help first responders to make the best decisions possible to save a patient's life.”