SB 171

Abstract

This Act establishes a new subchapter of Title 16 regulating urgent care facilities. It requires such facilities, existing and new, to obtain a license from DHSS, which requires the urgent care facility to either be accredited by an approved accrediting body or be seeking such accreditation. If the urgent care facility is seeking accreditation, it can operate on a provisional license for nine months. If accreditation is not obtained, the urgent care facility can apply once for a renewal of a provisional license. Operating without a license or accreditation will subject urgent care facilities to fines. The Act grants DHSS the power to promulgate various regulations to enforce the Act. DHSS can also make and enforce orders to protect the public health and share information with the Division of Professional Regulation. The Act requires each urgent care facility in the State to enroll in the Delaware Health Information Network ("DHIN") and to notify a patient's primary care provider through DHIN to facilitate the coordination of care.