Regarding HB 350: AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO HOSPITAL COSTS

On March 27, 2024, HB 350 was voted out of committee and placed on the Ready List for a vote by the Delaware House of Representatives. This bill creates the Diamond State Hospital Cost Review Board which would provide review and approval of annual hospital budgets beginning in 2026. The goal of the bill is to aide in the control of rising healthcare costs in Delaware. Non-profit hospitals in Delaware oppose this bill and have asked their employees, including nurses, to contact their state representatives to voice opposition to the bill. Please click this link to read the bill and click this link to read the March 27, 2024 press release from the Delaware Nurses Association (DNA) regarding their position and recommendations to their membership. The DCNP on counsel from the Advocacy/Legislative Committee maintains a neutral position regarding HB 350 but, like the DNA, encourages DCNP members to become familiar with the bill's contents and how it relates to maintaining a high level of healthcare in Delaware while controlling healthcare costs.