(Dover, DE – June 11, 2026) – The Delaware Healthcare Association commended lawmakers for passing four key healthcare bills on Thursday.
SS1 for SB 13 aims to strengthen hospital financial assistance programs and processes. Delaware’s nonprofit hospitals already have robust financial assistance policies. A DHA member survey found that in fiscal year 2024 alone, Delaware hospitals provided nearly $100 million in uncompensated care, including more than $47 million in charity care. DHA supported the legislation after working closely with Governor Meyer’s administration and Senator Marie Pinkney to ensure operationalization across the state. The bill passed Thursday presents a meaningful step forward that both addresses affordability and recognizes the many challenges facing hospitals in Delaware’s ever-evolving healthcare landscape.
“DHA and our members were proud to work with the Meyer Administration and Senator Pinkney on charity care legislation and thank them for the robust, collaborative process they led on this bill. The status quo is not working, and it’s going to take all stakeholders, working together, to make the First State First in Health,” said Brian Frazee, President & CEO of the Delaware Healthcare Association. “Our hospitals continue to lead the way on addressing Delaware’s healthcare challenges even as they brace for major headwinds. We have a uniquely growing and aging population that needs access to more healthcare, we expect higher uninsured populations in our Emergency Departments with upcoming federal policy changes, and we are being challenged to do more with less. DHA is grateful for the partnership to address healthcare access, quality, and affordability in our state.”
DHA also supported SB 313 led by the Meyer Administration and Senator Spiros Mantzavinos aimed at preventing private equity from acquiring Delaware’s nonprofit acute care hospitals.
“We appreciate the Meyer Administration and Senator Mantzavinos’ leadership on efforts to protect and prioritize healthcare access. DHA looks forward to ongoing collaboration on long-term solutions that preserve access for all Delawareans and place appropriate safeguards on private equity involvement in healthcare,” Frazee said.
Over in the Delaware House of Representatives, lawmakers passed a DHA-led measure, HS 1 for HB 322, which protects our healthcare workers, patients and visitors. This bill ensures those posing a safety risk to healthcare workers, patients, and visitors in a hospital or healthcare setting can be detained temporarily for the purpose of summoning a law enforcement officer. Healthcare workers are 5 times more likely to experience workplace violence than workers overall.
“The well-being of our healthcare workers, patients and visitors is essential, and we want to take proactive action before we see headlines,” Frazee continued. “We’re grateful to Rep. Mara Gorman for championing HS 1 for HB 322. This legislation will help our healthcare workers feel safe and supported while they provide high-quality patient care. Strengthening Delaware’s healthcare workforce begins with safe workplaces. We look forward to seeing this bill move through the legislative process and signed into law.”
DHA also supported HB 385, championed by House Speaker Mimi Minor-Brown, to create new incentives for nurse preceptors. The number of students who can enter the workforce is often limited by the availability of qualified preceptors, so this bill aims to increase access and remove barriers.
“Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare workforce, providing high-quality care so all Delawareans can heal and thrive,” Frazee added. “Speaker Minor-Brown’s preceptor legislation will bolster access to care, increasing opportunities for clinical training capacity, reducing bottlenecks in nursing education, and accelerating the entry of nurses into Delaware’s workforce. DHA is grateful for her leadership in government, informed by work at the bedside, to craft strong policies that will advance health access and equity.”
Delaware Healthcare Association’ advocacy priorities include:
- Strengthening Delaware’s Healthcare Workforce
- Ensuring Healthcare Access, Quality, and Affordability
- Advancing Health Equity
“It is a pivotal time for healthcare on both the state and federal levels, and it is clear the work is not over,” said Frazee. “DHA and our members will continue to prioritize our collaborative leadership and partnership with policymakers and the First State Health Leaders Alliance to achieve the best healthcare system for Delaware.”
The 153rd General Assembly will conclude on June 30, 2026.
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.