AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE RIGHTS OF RESIDENTS OF LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES.

Stronger rights for long-term care residents

Delaware long-term care residents have a right to privacy during visits with a spouse or domestic partner. If both partners live in the facility, it must offer a shared room when feasible, unless medical reasons prevent it. Residents also have protection against discrimination in care, treatment, or services on grounds covered by Delaware’s Title 6, Chapter 45. The Department of Health and Social Services must prepare a notice containing all resident rights listed in Section 1121. It must use a language and format accessible to each resident or their authorized representative. The Department must update the notice within 30 days of changes to those rights. Facilities must train staff to carry out these rights and cover any changes in training within 60 days.