Bill to strengthen healthcare workforce moves through House

A bill updating regulations for physician associates and assistants passed the House April 14.

Sponsored by Rep. Alonna Berry, D-Milton, House Bill 325 would create an application process for physician associates with more than 6,000 post-graduate clinical practice hours to request the ability to practice independently. Previously, physician assistants were required by law to work in a facility with oversight by a physician.

In order to work independently, the bill states a physician assistant would apply to the Regulatory Council for Physician Associates, which would oversee other healthcare rules.

“One of the most common concerns I hear from constituents is how difficult it can be to access care when they need it,” Berry said in a press release. “We have trained, experienced providers ready to meet that need, but outdated requirements are holding them back. This bill removes those barriers so more Delawareans can get timely care.” 

The bill is directly tied to Delaware’s Rural Health Transformation Program, a major initiative supported by more than $157 million in federal funding aimed at improving healthcare access, quality and workforce capacity, particularly in rural communities. As part of that agreement, Delaware committed to allowing experienced physician associates to practice with greater autonomy.

Without putting this provision in place, officials said, Delaware risks reductions in future funding and critical healthcare investments.

HB 325 now heads to the Senate for consideration.

House passes bill limiting immigration enforcement

A bill that restricts state and local law enforcement from cooperating with federal agencies conducting civil immigration enforcement activities at certain places passed the House 27-14 April 16.

Places where cooperation would be limited include daycares, schools, places of worship and healthcare facilities, except in exigent circumstances, the bill states.

In those exigent circumstances – meaning an imminent risk to an individual, group or public safety is likely – the bill requires law enforcement to file a report within 48 hours to the Department of Safety and Homeland Security and the Police Officer Standards and Training Commission.

The bill awaits action in the Senate Corrections and Public Safety Committee.