Challenges in ASR certification for healthcare providers 

Rapid diagnosis and treatment of acute stroke can mean the difference between recovery and long-term disability – or even life and death. Community hospitals and rural care centres often serve as the first point of contact for stroke patients, making readiness for immediate intervention essential. 

These facilities play a critical role in a region’s broader system of stroke care. Ensuring that they are equipped to evaluate, stabilize, and begin treatment as quickly as possible helps reduce transfer delays and improve patient outcomes. Acute Stroke Ready (ASR) Certification supports these hospitals in meeting recognized national standards for stroke care. 

How our ASR certification services support you  

DNV’s ASR certification is designed for hospitals, usually smaller or rural facilities, that provide the initial, time-sensitive triage and stabilization of acute stroke, often before transferring to a larger facility. It verifies that the hospital has the necessary infrastructure, staffing, protocols, and EMS coordination to deliver reliable and standardized emergency stroke treatment. 

ASR-certified hospitals can administer intravenous thrombolytic therapy (such as tissue plasminogen activator, or tPA/alteplase) and are equipped to diagnose, stabilize, and perform initial treatment before transferring patients to a primary or comprehensive stroke centre for advanced care. 

While these facilities have fewer capabilities than a Primary Stroke Centre, the ASR certification ensures they are fully prepared to manage the critical first phase of stroke care, laying the groundwork for better outcomes.