DE HB248

Exempts freestanding emergency departments owned and operated by licensed hospitals from state licensure requirements if the department is accredited by an organization approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Removes hospital-owned freestanding emergency departments from the definition of facilities requiring separate Delaware licensure, as these hospitals are already licensed and authorized to provide emergency services.

Maintains licensure and regulatory standards for independently-owned freestanding emergency departments, including requirements for physician directors, nursing staff, clinical laboratory services, diagnostic radiology services, and hospital transfer agreements.

Establishes application fees of $250 and annual renewal fees of $150 for freestanding emergency departments that are not exempt from licensure requirements.

Makes technical revisions to clarify requirements for on-premises clinical laboratory and diagnostic radiology services, including scan, ultrasound, and result processing for emergency patients.