05 LC 98
0666
Senate
Resolution 435
By:
Senator Butler of the 55th
A
RESOLUTION
Urging
the State of Georgia to work toward the passage of legislation that will
establish a system of stroke care for all state residents stricken by stroke;
and for other purposes.
WHEREAS,
according to the American Stroke Association, strokes are the third leading
cause of death in the United States, striking about 700,000 Americans each year;
and
WHEREAS,
stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability in the United States
with about 4.8 million stroke survivors today; and
WHEREAS,
in 2004 the estimated direct and indirect cost of stroke is about $53.6 billion
dollars; and
WHEREAS,
the Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academy of Science has concluded
that the fragmentation of the delivery of health care services frequently
results in less than optimal treatment, safety concerns, and inefficient use of
health care resources; and
WHEREAS,
the IOM recommended the establishment of coordinated systems of care that
integrate preventative and treatment services and promote patient access to
evidence based care; and
WHEREAS,
according to the American Stroke Association, research into a systems approach
is necessary to effectuate true change in the way stroke is treated statewide so
that patients have access to the most advanced treatment in centers that are
best designed and equipped to deal with the critical and time sensitive needs of
stroke patients; and
WHEREAS,
the main purpose of stroke systems legislation is to establish a systems
approach to dealing with stroke patients, including assessing center
designations, EMS protocols and field triage, interfacility stroke transfer, and
stroke data collection.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body urge the
State of Georgia to work toward the passage of legislation that will establish a
system of stroke care for all state residents stricken by stroke.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to transmit appropriate copies of this resolution to Governor Sonny Perdue and
the American Stroke Association.