Effective January 1, 2019, the Code of Virginia § 32.1-111.15:1 was amended to require the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) to implement systems for stroke data collection and information sharing, apply evidence-based guidelines for community-based follow-up care, and implement a continuous process for stroke care quality improvement initiatives in collaboration with hospitals and emergency medical services (EMS) agencies. VDH convened the Virginia Stroke Care Quality Improvement (VSCQI) Advisory Group to fulfill these requirements.

The purpose of this report to the Virginia General Assembly is to provide updates on progress towards the implementation of data-driven action steps and building statewide capacity pursuant to § 32.1-111.15:1. In June 2021, VDH began implementing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Program (PCNASP). The strategies and activities contained in the approved work plan for the CDC PCNASP align with requirements of § 32.1-111.15:1 and support staffing for these efforts. Virginia’s CDC PCNASP work plan has been adopted as the updated work plan as described in the 2021 Report to the Virginia General Assembly – Data-Driven Action Steps and Statewide Capacity Building Pursuant to Stroke Care Quality Improvement in Virginia. Prior published reports to the General Assembly can be accessed on the Legislative Information System. Recent progress on strategies and activities contained in the work plan of the Virginia proposal are described under the following requirements of this legislation:

• Implement systems to collect data and information about stroke care;

• Facilitate data sharing and collaboration;

• Apply guidelines for transitioning patients to community-based follow-up care; and

• Establish a process for continuous quality improvement.