Bill > HB327

This bill, by amending Title 16 of the Delaware Code, establishes new standards for neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and neonatal nurseries, aiming to improve care for newborns in Delaware, which currently has a high infant mortality rate. The bill formally defines terms like "American Academy of Pediatrics" (AAP), a leading professional organization for pediatricians, and "AAP Standards for Levels of Neonatal Care," which outline the necessary resources and personnel for different levels of infant care. It mandates that licensed facilities operating NICUs or nurseries must comply with these AAP standards, including staffing, equipment, and patient care protocols. The Secretary of Health and Social Services will designate the levels of care for these units. Specifically, facilities providing Level IV NICU services, which offer advanced surgical and non-surgical care for critically ill newborns, must meet stringent criteria, including having a Children's Surgical Verification from the American College of Surgeons, having board-certified neonatologists on-site at all times, and having various pediatric medical and surgical subspecialties and services readily available. The bill also outlines procedures for facilities to report non-compliance, request voluntary downgrades, and appeal designation decisions, and requires the Department of Health and Social Services to adopt implementing rules by June 30, 2027, with input from relevant stakeholders.