The 152nd General Assembly wrapped up another session taking legislative business to the very last moment on June 30, 2023.  

In the final hours, Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf announced he was stepping down as Speaker but would serve his remaining term as State Representative. The House will be led by newly elected Speaker Valerie Longhurst. She makes history as the first female in the role. House Democrats also announced the elections of Melissa Minor-Brown as Majority Leader and Kerri Evelyn Harris as Majority Whip—also making history as the three constitute the first all-female leadership lineup. Majority Whip Kerri Evelyn Harris also makes history as the first openly LGBTQ member of legislative leadership.

This session saw a few themes, groundbreaking legislation, and new bills introduced to advocate for enhanced processes for physicians and improved health care for their patients. MSD continues to advocate for physicians to select their own continuing education and training, rather than mandated training on topics. HB 227, as originally introduced, would have imposed a one-hour CME requirement on physicians on lead poisoning every two years. MSD successfully pushed back and the legislation was amended to remove the training requirement. In response to the very controversial SB 283 from last session (requiring CME on dementia), MSD worked with the bill sponsor to pass SB 185 this year. It delays implementation of SB 283 until April 1, 2025. This gives MSD and the bill sponsor more time to improve the legislation. 

MSD, along with the Delaware Healthcare Association, authored a bill to significantly reform the prior authorization process. SB 10, the "Delaware Pre-Authorization Reform Act of 2023," will be worked on with other interested parties over the next several months. 

The Director of Public Health role has been vacant for a year. HB 243 with HA 1 allows for this position to be expanded to a non-physician role. With the amendment, the expansion will sunset after five years. It is critical for the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) to fill this role to ensure the public health of our Delawareans. We are now on our 2nd interim director since the retirement of Dr. Karyl Rattay. This is not a long-term solution. Both MSD and DHSS are committed to finding a practical solution that would allow a physician to lead the Division of Public Health.

The final legislative highlight was MSD’s work on SB 8 regarding medical debt collection. This bill adds to the already complex federal requirements on the collection of medical debt. With MSD’s advocacy, the bill was significantly amended to draw out the vast majority of private practices. It will continue to be reviewed for any legislative changes that might be required before the bill is enacted.

The Operating Budget for fiscal year 2024 passed with a 10% increase from the prior budget. The $5.6 billion Operating Budget heads to the Governor’s desk for signature.

For more details on specific legislation, please click here to see MSD’s Bill Chart for the 152nd General Assembly. 

If you have questions, please contact Mark B. Thompson, MHSA, Executive Director at 302-444-6958, Mark.Thompson@medsocdel.org or Lincoln Willis, lobbyist at 302-632-9898 or Lincoln.Willis@TheWillisGroupLLC.com.

MSD actively monitors all health-related legislation and maintains an active and visible presence in Legislative Hall on your behalf.

The Medical Society of Delaware Legislative e-Updates are a benefit to our members, providing information on legislative activity of interest in the 152nd General Assembly in Dover.