SB 281: AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 31 AND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO TECHNICAL UPDATES FOR THE DELAWARE HOSPITAL FOR THE CHRONICALLY ILL.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

The Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), through the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD), operates the Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill (DHCI), a Long-Term Care (LTC) facility in Smyrna, Delaware. DHCI is a facility of last resort for Delawareans that require a skilled nursing facility level of care and have no viable options for private nursing facility care. The Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill’s name no longer reflects the dignity of all residents who live there. The existing statute uses outdated and offensive language, often referring to residents as “inmates.” It does not align with current policies and procedures around operation and maintenance of DHCI or the skilled care, screening, and admission of its residents, nor does it recognize DHCI’s role as a skilled nursing facility that maintains a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This bill provides a technical update to reflect DHCI’s current practices, policies and procedures as a LTC facility of last resort. It strikes outdated language and aligns the statute with current DHCI, state, CMS practices and requirements. Finally, this bill renames the Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill to the Eleanor Cain Center. It will be named in honor of Eleanor Lee Cain, who served as the DSAAPD director from 1973 to 2001 and was a champion for older adults.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 9 · Republican 2

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. September 17, 2026Signed by Governor
2. June 16, 2026Passed By House. Votes: 37 YES 1 NO 3 ABSENT
3. May 14, 2026Reported Out of Committee (Health & Human Development) in House with 9 On Its Merits
4. May 6, 2026Assigned to Health & Human Development Committee in House
5. May 5, 2026Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES
6. May 5, 2026Amendment SA 1 to SB 281 - Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES
7. April 22, 2026Reported Out of Committee (Health & Social Services) in Senate with 6 Favorable
8. April 21, 2026Amendment SA 1 to SB 281 - Introduced and Placed With Bill
9. April 16, 2026Introduced and Assigned to Health & Social Services Committee in Senate