Bill > SB83

This bill amends Delaware's long-term care residents' rights law to enhance protections and clarify rights for residents in long-term care facilities. Specifically, the bill makes three key changes: First, it expands language about spousal and domestic partner visitation rights, allowing domestic partners the same visitation and potential room-sharing privileges previously only afforded to married couples. Second, it adds a new provision explicitly protecting residents from discrimination based on any basis covered under Delaware's existing anti-discrimination laws (Chapter 45 of Title 6), which typically include characteristics like race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and other protected classes. Third, the bill requires the state Department of Health to update its resident rights notice within 30 days of any revisions and mandates that long-term care facilities provide staff training within 60 days to ensure employees understand these updated rights. These changes aim to strengthen resident protections, promote inclusivity, and ensure that all residents are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their personal characteristics or relationship status.

Health and Social Services

https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142037