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SB 341

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DELAWARE HEALTH INFORMATION NETWORK.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Spiros Mantzavinos and 3 co-sponsors

SB 341 updates the Delaware Health Information Network framework to strengthen privacy, governance, and interoperability, defining access, consent, and security requirements.

Passed By House. Votes: 37 YES 1 NO 3 ABSENT
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Bill Summary · SB 341

Overview

SB 341 is a bill introduced in the 153rd Delaware General Assembly that amends Title 16 of the Delaware Code regarding the Delaware Health Information Network (DHIN). The measure is aimed at modifying how DHIN operates, governs data sharing, and sets forth requirements related to health information exchange within the state. The bill was introduced and assigned to the Health & Social Services Committee in the Senate on June 4, 2026. It has four co-sponsors: Sen. Spiros Mantzavinos, Sen. Cyndie Romer, Sen. Laura Sturgeon, and Sen. Ray Seigfried.

Purpose and Intent

  • Modernize and/or adjust the statutory framework governing the Delaware Health Information Network.
  • Clarify roles, responsibilities, and governance related to the DHIN.
  • Potentially expand authorized data uses, consenting requirements, privacy protections, interoperability standards, and security controls to align with evolving health information exchange practices.

Key Provisions (Projected Areas Based on Title 16 Amendments)

Note: The following outlines common categories typically addressed in DHIN-related amendments. Specific text from SB 341 would provide precise changes; this section describes the likely substantive areas the bill targets.

  • Governance and Oversight

    • Reaffirm or modify the composition and authority of DHIN’s governing bodies or advisory groups.
    • Establish or refine oversight responsibilities, reporting requirements, and annual auditing/compliance processes.

  • Data Access and Use

    • Define who may access DHIN data (e.g., healthcare providers, public health authorities, researchers) and under what conditions.
    • Set rules for patient access, control, and portability of health information.
    • Clarify permissible data flows and data-sharing agreements with external entities.

  • Privacy and Security

    • Strengthen privacy protections for patient information, including consent mechanics and consent withdrawal options.
    • Enhance security requirements, breach notification standards, and risk management processes.

  • Interoperability and Standards

    • Align DHIN standards with national interoperability frameworks.
    • Require participation in standardized data formats, coding systems, and data exchange protocols.

  • Financial Provisions

    • Address funding, cost recovery, or financial governance related to DHIN operations.
    • Outline allocations, appropriations, or fee structures for data access or services.

  • Privacy Safeguards and Patient Rights

    • Specify patient rights related to electronic health information within DHIN.
    • Establish mechanisms for patients to request amendments, limit certain disclosures, or opt out of data sharing in specific scenarios.

Who Is Affected

  • Healthcare providers and organizations that participate in DHIN or rely on its data exchanges.
  • Patients whose health information may be stored, accessed, or transmitted through DHIN.
  • State agencies and public health authorities employing DHIN data for surveillance, reporting, and program evaluation.
  • DHIN governance entities, including the board, administrators, and vendors involved in data infrastructure and security.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status: Introduced and assigned to the Health & Social Services Committee in the Senate (as of 2026-06-04).
  • Next steps: The bill would proceed through committee hearings, potential amendments, and votes in the Senate. If approved, it would move to the House of Representatives for consideration, followed by any reconciliation if both chambers pass different versions.
  • Effective date: Any operative dates, sunset provisions, or staged implementations would be specified in the bill text. In many DHIN-related amendments, effective and transition timelines are phased to allow entities to comply with new requirements.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Enhanced privacy protections and clearer patient consent pathways could increase patient trust and participation in DHIN.
  • Stronger security and compliance measures may raise costs for DHIN operations but improve resilience against data breaches.
  • Updated interoperability requirements could improve data sharing quality and timeliness across health care providers and public health entities.
  • Changes to governance or funding could affect DHIN’s strategic direction and long-term sustainability.

For a precise understanding, reading the full statutory text of SB 341 will clarify the exact amendments to Title 16, including any specific definitions, conditions, timelines, and administrative requirements.

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

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