(Dover, DE – July 1, 2026) – Following the conclusion of the 153rd General Assembly Wednesday, the Delaware Healthcare Association commended policymakers for championing legislation that advances healthcare in our uniquely growing and aging state. From January to June of this year, DHA participated in 120 committee hearings and engaged in numerous bills impacting hospitals and healthcare. The following major initiatives that DHA ultimately supported were passed by the General Assembly:

• Senate Bill 213 (signed into law in January): Compromise legislation to implement the Diamond State Hospital Cost Review Board, requiring unprecedented hospital financial transparency and accountability
• SS 2 for Senate Bill 1: Supports primary care while taking another meaningful step toward addressing healthcare affordability
• HS 1 for House Bill 322 (a DHA-led bill): Seeks to protect healthcare workers, patients, and families from violence in hospital and healthcare settings
• SS 1 for Senate Bill 13: Enhances access to hospital financial assistance programs
• Senate Bill 313: Aims to prevent private equity from acquiring Delaware’s nonprofit acute care hospitals
• House Bill 385: Supports nurse preceptor programs to strengthen Delaware’s healthcare workforce

“This was a consequential session for healthcare policy in Delaware. DHA and our hospital members are proud to be leading the way on collaborative efforts with policymakers and our First State Health Leaders Alliance partners to address our state’s healthcare challenges. We thank Governor Meyer and his Administration, Senate Majority Leader Bryan Townsend, House Speaker Melissa Minor-Brown, Senator Marie Pinkney, Senator Spiros Mantzavinos, Rep. Mara Gorman, Rep. Nnamdi Chukwuocha, Rep. Kendra Johnson as well as the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services and Department of Insurance for their leadership and collaboration on several major healthcare bills this year. These policy efforts will collectively strengthen the healthcare workforce and ensure healthcare quality, access, affordability, and equity, especially as we brace for major federal policy changes,” said Brian Frazee, President & CEO of the Delaware Healthcare Association.

Added Frazee: “Delaware hospitals have stepped up to support legislation addressing healthcare access and affordability despite facing significant headwinds. Last year, Congress passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which included significant changes to Medicaid policy beginning in 2027. We remain deeply concerned that these cuts will lead to more Delawareans becoming uninsured, worsening health outcomes, increased reliance on hospital emergency departments, and additional strain on our healthcare workforce and hospitals. At the same time, Delaware’s healthcare needs continue to grow as the fifth oldest and sixth fastest growing state in the country, requiring greater access to care and a stronger workforce to meet increasing demand. Healthcare is at an inflection point and hospitals are being asked to do more with less at both the federal and state levels. Delaware hospitals have done their part by taking meaningful action to improve affordability while continuing to provide high-quality care to every patient who walks through their doors 24/7/365. We look forward to our continued collaborative efforts to make the First State First in Health.”

About the Delaware Healthcare Association

The Delaware Healthcare Association (DHA) advances health in Delaware through collaborative policies and partnerships. DHA represents the First State’s hospitals, health systems, and other healthcare-related organizations, which include all of Delaware’s acute care, post acute care, behavioral health, rehabilitation, and children’s hospitals. Our vision is to Make the First State First in Health.