SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Gov. Susana Martinez plans to sign legislation that supporters say can help New Mexicans find hospitals that offer the most up-to-date care for stroke patients.
The legislation calls for the state to certify hospitals as a "stroke center" if they are accredited by an independent, nonprofit group called the Joint Commission, which sets standards for health care programs.
The governor's office says Martinez plans to sign the legislation on Wednesday in Albuquerque at a luncheon that's part of a national campaign to increase awareness about heart disease among women.
The legislation calls for the state Health Department to handle the certification of hospitals as primary, comprehensive or acute stroke centers, and to post information about the certification on the agency's website.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.
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