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SB 301

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO HOSPITAL DISCHARGE PLANS FOR PREGNANT PATIENTS.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Darius Brown and 13 co-sponsors

Hospitals would must develop and document comprehensive discharge plans for pregnant patients, detailing post-hospital care, follow-ups, and needed supports.

Passed By House. Votes: 40 YES 1 ABSENT
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Bill Summary · SB 301

Summary of SB 301 (Session 153) – Delaware

Title

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO HOSPITAL DISCHARGE PLANS FOR PREGNANT PATIENTS

Purpose and intent

SB 301 proposes modifications to requirements around hospital discharge planning for pregnant patients. The bill aims to enhance the planning process to ensure pregnant patients receive appropriate, timely, and comprehensive discharge plans from hospitals. The exact statutory changes are not provided in the summary, but the focus is clearly on discharge planning for pregnancy-related care.

Key provisions (as typically included in similar discharge planning amendments)

Note: The precise text of SB 301 is not provided here. The following outlines reflect common elements in bills addressing hospital discharge plans for pregnant patients and should be verified against the bill’s actual language.

  • Discharge plan requirements: Hospitals would be required to develop and document a discharge plan for pregnant patients, outlining post-hospital care needs, follow-up appointments, medications, and any required social services or community supports.
  • Timelines: Discharge planning may need to occur within a specific timeframe prior to anticipated discharge (e.g., at admission or within a certain number of hours/days before discharge).
  • Interdisciplinary involvement: The plan could require input from obstetric care providers, nursing, social work, and case management to address medical and social determinants of health.
  • Post-discharge resources: Hospitals might be required to provide or arrange post-discharge resources, such as transportation, home health services, lactation support, and access to maternal health resources.
  • Documentation and handoff: Clear documentation standards to ensure seamless handoffs to outpatient care, primary care providers, or specialized maternal health services.
  • Patient education and consent: Provisions to educate patients about their discharge plan, ensure understanding, and obtain informed consent where appropriate.
  • Privacy and confidentiality: Compliance with health information privacy regulations in the discharge planning process.
  • Reporting and oversight: Possible reporting requirements to state health departments or health services boards on discharge planning practices and outcomes (e.g., metrics or compliance indicators).

Who is affected

  • Pregnant patients receiving inpatient hospital care: Primary beneficiaries, as discharge plans would directly influence their post-hospital care and connections to services.
  • Hospitals and health systems in Delaware: Responsible for implementing the new discharge planning requirements, documentation, and coordination with providers and community resources.
  • Obstetric care teams, nurses, social workers, and case managers: Stakeholders involved in creating and executing discharge plans.
  • Public health authorities: May oversee compliance, collect data, and monitor outcomes related to maternal health and discharge planning.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced and assigned to Health & Social Services Committee (Senate): As of May 5, 2026, the bill is in committee, indicating it will undergo hearings, possible amendments, and votes before floor action.
  • Sponsor and co-sponsors: Primary sponsor and multiple co-sponsors from diverse offices indicate broad legislative interest and support.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Maternal health outcomes: A well-structured discharge plan can improve continuity of care, reduce readmissions, and facilitate timely follow-up for maternal and neonatal health.
  • Equity and access: By emphasizing social services and post-discharge supports, the bill may help address barriers faced by patients with limited resources.
  • Operational burden: Hospitals may need to adjust workflows, training, and documentation systems to meet new discharge planning standards.
  • Data and accountability: If there are reporting requirements, the state may gain better visibility into maternal discharge planning practices and outcomes.

This summary reflects the bill’s stated purpose and likely substantive areas based on the title and context. For a precise understanding, review the bill’s full text, the committee briefing, and any fiscal notes or amendments.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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