Primary Stroke Centre Plus (PSC+) Certification
DNV’s PSC+ certification demonstrates your hospital’s commitment to high-quality stroke care by verifying it exceeds core requirements for timely and effective treatment.
Primary Stroke Centre Plus (PSC+) Certification
Challenges in stroke care for mid-level centres
For hospitals that can deliver more advanced care than a primary stroke centre (PSC) but lack the full capabilities of a comprehensive stroke centre, this is the PSC+ is the ideal certification level.
Hospitals are increasingly stepping up to fill this middle ground by offering broader stroke services. Hospitals that are fully thrombectomy capable but that don’t meet the requirements of a primary stroke centre are best suited for Primary Stroke Centre Plus (PSC+) Certification.
How our stroke centre plus services support you
DNV’s PSC+ certification is designed for hospitals that meet all PSC requirements and are fully thrombectomy-capable, but do not meet comprehensive stroke centre standards due to factors like patient volume or service scope.
PSC+ includes all PSC standards, plus additional criteria for thrombectomy capability, medical staff qualifications, and performance metrics aligned with the AHA’s Get With The Guidelines® Stroke program. A guiding crosswalk helps hospitals align their data collection with national benchmarking efforts, supporting continuous improvement in stroke care delivery.
This certification empowers hospitals to provide both thrombolytic therapy and select endovascular procedures, while continuing to transfer highly complex cases – enhancing stroke system integration without requiring full comprehensive certification.
Elevating stroke care standards
Discover how DNV’s Acute Stroke Ready (ASR) Certification helps hospitals strengthen their response systems, enhance coordination, and deliver faster, evidence-based care for every patient.
Trusted experts in healthcare
DNV certification frameworks evolve with your care model. PSC+ is designed for hospitals ready to grow their stroke program while maintaining scalability and flexibility.
Benefits of our stroke centre plus services
- Broader recognition within stroke systems of care.
- Increased staff readiness for complex interventions.
- Measurable gains in time-to-treatment metrics.
- Higher referral volumes from community providers.
- Quality approach based on our NIAHO® framework and ISO 9001 principles.
- Metrics collection overlay with the AHA’s Get With The Guidelines® Stroke system.
Resources to support your stroke certification
Access essential materials to help guide your certification journey - from program standards to readiness tools.
Integrated stroke center program requirements
Explore the foundational requirements for integrated stroke systems to align with DNV’s tiered certification framework.
Stroke programs service line brochure
Learn how DNV’s stroke certification programs work together to elevate quality, performance, and patient outcomes across all levels of care.
Download the DNV Acute Stroke Ready program requirements
Download the full ASR program standards and discover how certification supports readiness, coordination, and quality in time-sensitive stroke care.
Download the DNV Primary Stroke Certification Requirements
Access the detailed criteria hospitals must meet to achieve DNV’s Primary Stroke Certification and demonstrate excellence in patient outcomes.
Download the DNV Primary Stroke Plus Certification Requirements
Review the enhanced standards for stroke centers seeking advanced readiness and integrated response capabilities.
Download the DNV Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification Requirements
Understand the requirements for hospitals providing the highest level of stroke care, from complex cases to specialized interventions.
Contact us
