DelawareSB 281153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)SenateWALLET

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 31 AND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO TECHNICAL UPDATES FOR THE DELAWARE HOSPITAL FOR THE CHRONICALLY ILL.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.

Care protections for Eleanor Cain residents

Eleanor Cain Center residents have all resident rights listed in Title 16, Chapter 11, subchapter II of Delaware law. The Center must follow applicable state and federal laws, including federal nursing facility rules in 42 C.F.R. Part 483. Care and surroundings must support each resident’s dignity, respect, and quality of life. An ongoing activities program must reflect residents’ choices and interests and support their physical, mental, and social well-being.

Admission rules for Eleanor Cain Center

Delaware’s health department must set referral, review, and admission rules for the Eleanor Cain Center. Applicants must need skilled nursing care and choose facility care after learning about available community options. Every private long-term care facility in Delaware must have refused them admission. Turning down another viable facility does not meet that requirement. Applicants must also complete a Medicaid financial interview through the Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance and have eligibility determined.

State support for Eleanor Cain Center

The law renames the Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill as the Eleanor Cain Center, on Smyrna’s 62-acre Eleanor Cain Campus. Delaware’s Department of Health and Social Services must keep this skilled nursing facility operating and has full oversight. The State Treasurer must pay operating, maintenance, and resident care costs; the law sets no dollar amount. The Department has authority to contract for additional buildings, facilities, and equipment. It must also maintain a suitable campus burial area for cases covered by Title 29, Section 4711.

Payment responsibility for Eleanor Cain residents

Delaware’s health department must determine what Eleanor Cain Center residents owe for services under Title 29, Section 7940. This law sets no payment amount or formula.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Trey Paradee
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

William Bush
Democratic • House
William J. Carson
Democratic • House
Jeff Hilovsky
Republican • House
Kyra L. Hoffner
Democratic • Senate
Russell Huxtable
Democratic • Senate
Kendra Johnson
Democratic • House
Marie Pinkney
Democratic • Senate
Ray Seigfried
Democratic • Senate
David P. Sokola
Democratic • Senate
David L. Wilson
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 58 • No: 1

House vote • 6/16/2026

Passed (3/5 required)

Yes: 37 • No: 1

Senate vote • 5/5/2026

Passed (SM required)

Yes: 21 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

Signed by Governor
9/17/2026Governor
Passed By House. Votes: 37 YES 1 NO 3 ABSENT
6/16/2026House
Reported Out of Committee (Health & Human Development) in House with 9 On Its Merits
5/14/2026House
Assigned to Health & Human Development Committee in House
5/6/2026House
Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES
5/5/2026Senate
Amendment SA 1 to SB 281 - Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES
5/5/2026Senate
Reported Out of Committee (Health & Social Services) in Senate with 6 Favorable
4/22/2026Senate
Amendment SA 1 to SB 281 - Introduced and Placed With Bill
4/21/2026Senate
Introduced and Assigned to Health & Social Services Committee in Senate
4/16/2026Senate

Bill Text

Current
4/16/2026
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