DE HB157

Renames "freestanding emergency centers" to "freestanding emergency departments" throughout Delaware Code Title 16 and establishes comprehensive operational requirements.

Requires freestanding emergency departments to operate 24 hours per day, 7 days per week and maintain services, staff, equipment, and drugs necessary to provide initial evaluation and stabilization for patients of any age with emergent conditions.

Mandates a full-time physician director board-certified in emergency medicine and requires all physicians to be licensed in Delaware and meet specific emergency medicine credentials or experience requirements within a three-year timeframe.

Requires at least one physician and one registered nurse with current advanced cardiac life support and pediatric advanced life support certifications present at all times, and mandates on-premises clinical laboratory and diagnostic radiology services (x-ray, CT scan, ultrasound) during all operating hours.

Establishes requirements for patient transfer agreements with acute care hospitals, participation in the Delaware Health Information Network within 18 months, compliance with Emergency Medical Services medical command facility procedures, and maintenance of malpractice insurance coverage.