Bill > SB213

This bill amends Title 16 of the Delaware Code concerning hospital budget review by updating definitions and procedures for the Diamond State Hospital Cost Review Board. Key changes include expanding the types of hospitals excluded from the subchapter to include those providing psychiatric, rehabilitative, or long-term acute care services, and introducing definitions for "Manual" (a uniform reporting guide), "Meaningful Cost Containment Arrangement" (which includes Medicare/Medicaid Global Budget Arrangements and Substantial Financial Downside Risk Arrangements), and related terms. The bill also modifies the voting requirements for the Board, requiring a majority of all voting members for actions like adopting regulations or written findings, and changes the focus from "performance improvement plans" to "benchmark compliance plans" for hospitals exceeding cost growth benchmarks, while also providing an exemption for hospitals participating in approved Meaningful Cost Containment Arrangements. Furthermore, the bill repeals the section on the Board's direct budget approval and modification process, shifting the emphasis to the hospital's submission of financial information and benchmark compliance plans, and clarifies enforcement provisions by allowing for civil penalties for non-compliance with subchapter requirements. Finally, public hearings will now focus on financial information and benchmark compliance plans rather than annual budgets and performance improvement plans.

Government Affairs

https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142741