The Delaware General Assembly re-convenes this week in the race to its final session day on June 30th. The legislature passed the second leg of a constitutional amendment to move the final day of session’s closing time from midnight to 5:00pm. They’ll have the ability to extend after 5:00pm, but this will hopefully make for a safer driving situation and create a more open process for the public. 

A lot of impactful legislation has been worked, including the legalization of recreational marijuana (HB 1 and HB 2). Both became law without the Governor’s signature. 

The MSD team has been closely following a large amount of legislation, most of which is highlighted in the Bill Chart. 

One important bill to call attention to is SS 1 for SB 8 regarding medical debt collection. The bill was heard in committee and signed out despite widespread opposition. Due to the efforts of MSD and others, the bill's sponsor has agreed to hold the legislation for now and is bringing stakeholders together. MSD has met multiple times with the sponsor on the subject. 

Another update is from a bill from last session, SB 283, which required certain physicians to obtain one hour of CME regarding dementia in each licensure reporting period. MSD held a town hall with the sponsor of the bill, Senator Spiros Mantzavinos, on April 10th. In a follow up meeting last week, Sen. Mantzavinos indicated he is open to revisiting this unpopular legislation in some fashion. The Division of Professional Regulation has implemented a delay on the CME requirement in the meantime. More updates will be provided when they happen. 

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-Update is a benefit to our members, providing information on legislative activity of interest in the 152nd General Assembly in Dover.