Bill > SB313

This bill aims to protect nonprofit acute care hospitals, which are vital for providing essential medical services to Delaware residents, especially in underserved areas. It introduces new definitions for "acute care hospital" and "primary facility real estate" to clarify what types of facilities and properties are covered. The bill amends existing law to require that any notice of a conversion transaction involving an acute care hospital be shared with the Governor and the Secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services. Crucially, it establishes a moratorium, a temporary ban, on "change of control transactions" and "not-for-profit healthcare conversion transactions" involving nonprofit acute care hospitals by entities other than charities or other nonprofit organizations. A "change of control transaction" is broadly defined to include acquiring the power to direct a hospital's management or policies, whether through ownership, board influence, or contracts. The bill also clarifies that applications for Certificates of Public Review, a process for approving certain healthcare activities, will not be accepted for the establishment or acquisition of acute care hospitals by for-profit entities. These new provisions, along with the notice requirements, are set to expire on July 1, 2028, unless extended by the General Assembly.