DE HB161

Amends Delaware Code Chapter 10 to redefine "hospital" as a health-care organization providing medical diagnosis, treatment, nursing services, or rehabilitation services 24 hours per day, 7 days per week with primarily inpatient services, a governing body, organized medical staff, and inpatient facilities.

Adds a new classification for "Surgical hospitals" that provide inpatient and outpatient surgical services with anticipated patient stays not exceeding 72 hours and must provide on-site diagnostic x-ray, clinical laboratory, operating room, and basic emergency care services.

Maintains four existing hospital classifications (General, Long-term care, Psychiatric, and Rehabilitation) with General hospitals required to provide on-site diagnostic x-ray, clinical laboratory, operating room, and emergency department services.

Allows hospitals classified as Long-term care, Psychiatric, or Rehabilitation to be exempt from General hospital requirements but requires them to provide on-site basic emergency care services at minimum.

Preserves all hospital services provided in Delaware prior to the effective date of this Act and does not invalidate any previously authorized services.