Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC) Certification Visit Prep 2026/2027 – 260+ Q&A with Rationales | Joint Commission Standards

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COMPREHENSIVE STROKE CENTER (CSC)
CERTIFICATION VISIT PREP 2026/2027 | 260+ Q&A
WITH RATIONALES | JOINT COMMISSION
STANDARDS | HIGH-YIELD, GRADED A+ | FIRST-TIME
PASS


## Table of Contents


| Section | Title | Question Numbers |
|---------|-------|------------------|
| 1 | CSC Certification Standards & Requirements | 1–35 |
| 2 | Stroke Systems of Care & Prehospital Protocols | 36–65 |
| 3 | Acute Ischemic Stroke Management & Reperfusion Therapies | 66–100 |
| 4 | Performance Measures & Data Submission (CSTK, STK) | 101–135 |
| 5 | Clinical Stroke Scales (NIHSS, mRS, GCS) | 136–165 |
| 6 | Hemorrhagic Stroke Management | 166–185 |
| 7 | Inpatient Stroke Care & Secondary Prevention | 186–215 |
| 8 | Quality Improvement & Performance Measurement | 216–235 |
| 9 | Survey Preparation & Surveyor Expectations | 236–260 |




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# SECTION 1: CSC CERTIFICATION STANDARDS & REQUIREMENTS
(Questions 1–35)


**Q1.** The most current stroke certification standards from The Joint
Commission for Comprehensive Stroke Centers (CSC) take effect on which date?
A. January 1, 2025
B. January 1, 2026
C. July 1, 2026
D. April 1, 2025


**Correct Answer: B**
**Rationale:** The 2026 Stroke Certification Standards became effective January
1, 2026. These include all Disease-Specific Care (DSC) core standards and EPs as
well as CSC program-specific EPs .


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**Q2.** Which advanced certification level requires the highest volume of acute
ischemic stroke patients and the most comprehensive capabilities?
A. Acute Stroke Ready Hospital (ASRH)
B. Primary Stroke Center (PSC)
C. Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center (TSC)
D. Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC)


**Correct Answer: D**

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**Rationale:** CSC represents the highest level of stroke certification, requiring
the most robust infrastructure, staffing, and volume capabilities to treat the most
complex stroke patients .


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**Q3.** A Comprehensive Stroke Center must have which capabilities that are
NOT required for Primary Stroke Centers? (Select all that apply)
A. Mechanical thrombectomy availability 24/7
B. Neurosurgical services available 24/7
C. Vascular neurology staffing
D. Advanced neuroimaging (CTA, CTP, MRI, MRA)


**Correct Answers: A, B, C, D**
**Rationale:** CSCs require all of these: 24/7 thrombectomy, 24/7 neurosurgery,
vascular neurology, and advanced multimodal imaging. Some lower-level
certifications may lack certain requirements .


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**Q4.** Which document contains the official Joint Commission standards for
Comprehensive Stroke Center certification for 2026?
A. 2026 Comprehensive Certification Manual for Disease-Specific Care
B. 2026 Stroke Certification Standards (SCS26)
C. 2026 AHA/ASA Acute Ischemic Stroke Guidelines
D. 2026 CMS Conditions of Participation

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**Correct Answer: B**
**Rationale:** The 2026 Stroke Certification Standards (SCS26) is the official
Joint Commission publication containing all stroke certification requirements for
CSC, PSC, TSC, and ASRH programs .


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**Q5.** The 2026 Stroke Certification Standards include which of the following
sections? (Select all that apply)
A. Core Disease-Specific Care Program Standards
B. Advanced Disease-Specific Care Certification Requirements for CSC
C. Performance Measurement (DSPM) standards
D. Hospital cafeteria inspection criteria


**Correct Answers: A, B, C**
**Rationale:** The SCS26 includes core DSC standards (CPR, DSPR, DSDF,
DSSE, DSCT, DSPM) and advanced certification requirements for all stroke
certification levels, including CSC .


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**Q6.** A CSC must have a dedicated stroke unit or dedicated stroke beds with:
A. Only during weekday business hours
B. Staff trained in stroke care available 24/7
C. Telemedicine coverage only