Delaware General Assembly

(1) set Set standards of care, care.

(2) determine Determine compliance with those standards through inspections, investigations and other compliance measures, and impose measures.

(3) Impose sanctions and remedies for noncompliance.

(2) Each facility licensed under this chapter shall, at a minimum, provide quality care in accordance with this chapter and the regulations promulgated thereunder. Components of quality of care and quality of life addressed by this Chapter and regulations promulgated thereunder include: access to care; continuity of care; comprehensiveness of care, including activities; coordination of services; humaneness of treatment and respect for the dignity of each resident; safety of the environment; and qualifications of caregivers. include all of the following:

a. Access to care.

b. Continuity of care.

c. Comprehensiveness of care, including activities.

d. Coordination of services.

e. Humaneness of treatment and respect for the dignity of each resident.

f. Safety of the environment.

g. Qualifications of caregivers.

(1) Monitoring the factors relating to the health, safety, welfare and dignity of each resident; resident.

(2) Providing effective remedies and requiring their prompt imposition for noncompliance with licensing standards; and standards.

(3) Providing the public with information concerning the operation of nursing facilities and related long term care facilities in this State.

(1) "Controlling Person" means:

a. A person who has the ability, acting alone or in concert with others, to directly or indirectly influence, direct, or cause the direction of the management, expenditure of money, or policies of a facility or other person.

b. For purposes of this chapter, "controlling person" includes the following:

1. A management company, landlord landlord, or other business entity that operates or contracts with others for the operation of a facility; facility.

2. Any person who is the controlling person of a management company or other business entity that operates a facility or who contracts with another person for the operation of a facility; facility.

3. Any other individual who, because of a personal, familial familial, or other relationship with the owner, manager, landlord, tenant tenant, or provider of a facility, is in a position of actual control or authority with respect to the facility, without regard to whether the individual is formally an owner, manager, director, officer, provider, consultant, contractor contractor, or employee of the facility.

c. A controlling person described by subsection (1)b.3. of this section does not include a person, such as an employee, lender, secured creditor creditor, or landlord, who does not exercise any influence or control, whether formal or actual, over the operation of a facility.

d. The Department may adopt regulations to define the ownership interest and other relationships that qualify a person as a controlling person.

a. 1. Because of their physical and/or or mental condition condition, require a level of care and services suitable to their needs to contribute to their health, comfort, and welfare; and welfare.

b. Who are 2. Are not related within the second degree of consanguinity to the controlling person or persons of the facility. facility’s controlling person.

The facilities to be licensed pursuant to Chapter 11 include but are not limited to b. “Long term care facility” includes all of the following: nursing facilities (commonly referred to as nursing homes); assisted living facilities; intermediate care facilities for persons with intellectual disabilities; neighborhood group homes; family care homes; rest residential facilities; retirement homes; rehabilitation homes; and hospices, with such terms to have such meaning as set forth in this title or, if not defined therein, as such terms are commonly used.

1. A nursing facility. As used in this chapter, “nursing facility” commonly referred to as a “nursing home,” means a residential facility that provides services to residents including resident beds, continuous nursing services, and health and treatment services for individuals who do not currently require continuous hospital care and that provides care in accordance with a physician's order and requires the supervision of a registered nurse (RN).

2. An assisted living facility. As used in this chapter, “assisted living facility” means a special combination of housing, supportive services, supervision, personalized assistance, and health care designed to respond to the individual needs of those who need help with activities of daily living or instrumental activities of daily living. Facilities offer living arrangements to medically stable adult individuals who do not require the skilled nursing services of a nursing facility.

3. Intermediate care facility for persons with intellectual disabilities. As used in this chapter, “intermediate care facility for persons with intellectual disabilities” means a residential facility that provides services to residents with intellectual disabilities including resident beds, continuous nursing services, and health and treatment services for individuals who do not currently require continuous hospital care and that provides care in accordance with a physician's order and requires the supervision of a registered nurse (RN).

4. A neighborhood home. As used in this chapter, a “neighborhood home” means a residence for no more than 5 individuals that is fully integrated in the community, not on the grounds of an institution, has shared common living areas, is where the individual chooses to live, and offers 24 hour supports to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

5. A group home for persons with mental illness. As used in this chapter, a “group home for persons with mental illness” means a residence that provides 24 hour supports, mental health treatment, rehabilitation, housing for between 3 and 10 adults with a primary diagnosis of psychiatric disabilities, and is fully integrated in the community, not on the grounds of an institution, has shared common living areas, and is where the individual chooses to live. “Group home for persons with mental illness” does not include supervised apartments.

6. A group home for persons with AIDS. As used in this chapter, a “group home for persons with AIDS” means a residence for 16 or less individuals with AIDS that only admits those individuals with an established diagnosis and disease progression such that the individual requires a routine and frequent combination of physician, professional nursing, and supportive services.

7. A family care home. As used in this chapter, a “family care home” means a home, including a physical structure and the necessary equipment, that provides beds and personal care services for 2 or 3 residents who cannot live independently and who need or could benefit from a family living situation, and that provides shelter, housekeeping services, food, meals, and personal care for residents.

8. A rest residential facility. As used in this chapter, a “rest residential facility” means a facility that provides resident beds and personal care services in a homelike environment for adult individuals who are normally able to manage their own activities of daily living.

9. An intensive behavioral support and educational residence. As used in this chapter, an “intensive behavioral support and educational residence” means a residential facility that provides services to adult individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, or severe mental or emotional disturbances who have specialized behavioral needs.

(1) Minimum standards of medical care, and/or care or nursing care, as applicable by type of facility; facility.

(2) Financial capability; and capability.

(3) Any other applicable state and federal laws and regulations for that category of facility.

(1) Any partner, officer, director director, or managing employee of the applicant or license holder; holder.

(2) Any person who owns or controls the physical plant in which the facility operates or is to operate; and operate.

(3) Any controlling person with respect to the facility for which a license or license renewal is requested.

(2) No license granted by the Department shall be assigned or otherwise transferred to another person or controlling person. person except upon such conditions as the Department may specifically designate and then only pursuant to written consent from the Department. Application for transfer of a license shall be submitted at least 90 days before the proposed transfer and shall contain the same information and be subject to the same criteria for approval as contained in this section.

(1) Fails Failed to meet the requirements of § 1104 of this title; or title.

(2) Operated any nursing facility or related long term care facility without a license or under a revoked or suspended license in any jurisdiction; or jurisdiction.

(3) Knowingly, or with reason to know, made a false statement of a material fact in an application for license or renewal, or any data attached thereto, or in connection with any matter under investigation by the Department, or in any document submitted to the Department, including, but not limited to, including a plan for the correction of violation(s) all violations of applicable laws or regulations; or regulations.

(4) Refused to allow representatives or agents of the Department to inspect a portion of the premises of the facility or any patient resident related documents, records records, and files required to be maintained by the facility; or facility.

(5) Interfered with or attempted to impede in any way the work of any authorized representative of the State or protection and advocacy agency or the lawful enforcement of any provision of this chapter; or chapter.

(6) Has a history of noncompliance with federal or state law or regulations in providing long-term care. In deciding whether to deny a license under this section, the factors to be considered by the Department shall include the severity and recurrence of the noncompliance.

(1) a. $250 for facilities with less than 100 units of capacity or bed space for which a license is sought, and sought.

b. $400 for facilities with more than 100 or more units of capacity or bed space for which a license is sought; and space.

(2) c. A background examination fee for initial applications in an amount set by the Department necessary to defray its expenses in administering its duties under § 1104(c) and (d) of this title, but not to exceed $500.

(3) Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) and (2) of this section, the

(2) The total fee shall be $50 for all other facilities with 10 or less 16 or fewer units of capacity or bed space for which a license is sought. space is $50.

(1) An approved increase in bed space.

(2) An approved decrease in bed space.

(3) A facility change of name.

(1) Interviewing residents.

(2) Interviewing family members or staff.

(3) Reviewing and photocopying any records and documents maintained by the licensee; inspecting licensee.

(4) Inspecting any portion of the physical plant of the facility; and otherwise enforcing facility.

(5) Enforcing any provision of this chapter and the regulations pursuant to it, as well as applicable federal law and regulations. All licensees are required to provide immediate access to Department personnel to conduct inspections.

(1) The license issued under this subchapter.

(2) A sign prescribed by the Department that specifies complaint procedures and provides the "1-800" hotline number to receive complaints 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

(3) The most recent state survey report prepared by the Department of the most recent inspection report for the facility.

(4) A notice notice, as required by regulation, in the form prescribed by the Department stating that informational materials relating to the compliance history of the facility are available for inspection at a location in the facility specified by the sign and online at a web site specified by the sign. The notice shall also provide the telephone number to reach the Division Department to obtain the same information concerning the facility.

(5) A notice that the Board of Examiners of Nursing Home Administrators notice, as required by regulation, that the Division of Professional Regulation can provide information about the nursing facility administrator along with the Board of Examiners' Division of Professional Regulation telephone number to call for this information.

(1) The Department shall require the facility to notify nursing home residents and their families of the meetings required pursuant to under this subsection.

(2) The Department shall also provide staff for these meetings and the staff shall be prepared to present the findings of the surveys and to answer questions regarding the annual inspection surveys and plans of action. This annual meeting requirement shall apply to all nursing facilities during the first year after enactment of this law, and shall be phased in for all other facilities licensed under Chapter 11 of this title within 3 years after the enactment of this law. This section shall become effective on March 31, 1999.

(2) A licensee or other person is liable for a civil penalty of not less than $1,000 nor more than $10,000 per violation for violations which the Department determines pose a serious threat to the health and safety of a resident.

(1) The seriousness of the violation, including the nature, circumstances, extent, and gravity of the violation and the hazard or potential hazard created by the violation to the health or safety of a resident or residents; residents.

(2) The history of violations committed by the person or the person's affiliate(s), employee(s), or controlling person(s); affiliate, employee, or controlling person.

(3) The efforts made by the facility to correct the violation(s); violation.

(4) The culpability of the person or persons who committed the violation(s); violation.

(5) A misrepresentation made to the Department or to another person regarding any of the following:

a. The quality of services provided by the facility; facility.

b. The compliance history of the facility; or facility.

c. The identity of an owner or controlling person of the facility.

(6) Any other matter that affects the health, safetysafety, or welfare of a resident or residents.

(1) Making a false statement that the person knows or should know is false, about a material fact: one of the following:

a. On A material fact on an application for issuance or renewal of a license or any document attached thereto; or to an application.

b. WithA material fact with respect to a matter under investigation by the Department; Department.

(2) Refusing to allow a representative of the Department to inspect without notice at any time either of the following:

a. Any portion of the premises of a facility; or facility.

b. Any documents, records, or files required to be maintained by a facility; facility.

(3) Willfully interfering with the work of a representative of the Department or with the enforcement of this chapter; or chapter.

(4) Willfully interfering with the preservation of evidence of a violation of this chapter or regulation pursuant to it.

(1) Monitoring Require monitoring at facility expense,(according to the terms and conditions, including timeframes, determined necessary by the Department); Department.

(2) Suspension of Suspend the admission or readmission of residents to the nursing long term care facility (according to under the terms and conditions conditions, including timeframes, determined by the Department); Department.

(3) Selective transfer of Transfer residents whose care needs are not being met by the licensee; licensee.

(4) Suspension, revocation or refusal Suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew a license; license.

(5) In cases where the physical health or safety of residents is in imminent risk, issuance of issue an emergency order temporarily transferring the management of the facility to another qualified entity (according to under the terms and conditions, including timeframes, deemed necessary determined by the Department). Department.

(6) Issuance of Issue a provisional license for a nursing long term care facility that is in substantial but not full compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

(1) Nursing services for a resident younger than 16 18 years of age are provided by staff who have received training regarding and have and demonstrated competence in the care of children; and children.

(2) Consultative pediatric nursing services are available to the staff if the facility has a resident younger than 18 years of age. Staff.

(1) Every patient and Each resident shall have the right to receive considerate, respectful, and appropriate care, treatment and services, in compliance with relevant federal and state law and regulations, recognizing each person's basic personal and property rights which include dignity and individuality.

(2) Each patient or resident and the family authorized representative under § 1122 of this chapter of such patient or resident shall, prior to or at the time of admission, receive a written statement of the services provided by the facility including those required to be offered on an "as needed" basis, and a statement of related charges for services not covered under Medicare or Medicaid, or not covered by the facility's basic per diem rate. Upon receiving such statement, the patient and the patient's representative resident and the resident’s authorized representative under § 1122 of this chapter representative shall sign a written receipt which must be retained by the facility in its files.

(3) After admission, each facility shall submit to the patient, resident or legal authorized representative, on a monthly basis, a written, itemized statement detailing detailing, in language comprehensible to the ordinary layperson layperson, the charges and expenses the patient or resident incurred during the previous month.

a. The statement shall contain a description of specific services, equipment and supplies received received, and expenses incurred for each such item.

b. The statement shall include an explanation of any items identified by code or by initials, but shall not include nursing home based physician charges if billed separately.

c. The facility shall make reasonable efforts to communicate the contents of the individual written statement to persons who it has reason to believe cannot read the statement.

(4) Each patient resident shall receive from the attending physician or the resident physician of the facility or facility physician complete and current information concerning the patient's resident’s diagnosis, treatment treatment, and prognosis in terms and language the patient resident can reasonably be expected to understand, unless medically inadvisable. The patient or

(5) Each resident shall participate in the planning of the patient's or resident's medical treatment, including attendance at care plan meetings, meetings.

(6) Each resident may refuse medication or treatment, treatment and must be informed of the medical consequences of all medication and treatment alternatives and alternatives.

(7) Each resident shall give prior informed consent to participation in any experimental research after a complete disclosure of the goals, possible effects on the patient resident and whether or not the patient resident can expect any benefits or alleviation of the patient's resident’s condition.

a. In any instance of any type of experiment or administration of experimental medicine, there shall be written evidence of compliance with this section, including the signature of the patient, or the signature of the patient's guardian or representative if the patient resident or the resident’s authorized representative if the resident has been adjudicated incompetent.

b. A copy of signed acknowledgment or informed consent, or both when required, shall be forwarded to each signer and a copy shall be retained by the facility.

(5) (8) At the bedside of each patient and resident resident, the facility shall place and maintain in good order the name, address address, and telephone number of the physician responsible for the patient's resident’s care.

(6) (9) Each patient and resident shall receive respect and privacy in the patient's or resident's own medical care program. Case discussion, consultation, examination examination, and treatment shall be confidential, and shall be conducted discreetly. In the patient's

a. At the resident’s discretion, persons not directly involved in the patient's resident’s care shall may not be permitted to be present during such discussions, consultations, examinations or treatment, except with the consent of the patient or resident.

b. Personal and medical records shall be treated confidentially, and shall not be made public without the consent of the patient or resident, except such records as are needed for a patient's resident’s transfer to another health care institution or as required by law or third party payment contract.

c. No personal or medical records shall be released to any person inside or outside the facility who has no demonstrable need for such records.

(7) Every patient and (10) Each resident shall be free from chemical and physical restraints imposed for purposes of discipline and convenience, and not necessary to treat the patient's resident’s medical condition.

(8) Every patient and (11) Each resident shall receive from the administrator or staff of the facility a courteous, timely timely, and reasonable response to requests, and the facility shall make prompt efforts to resolve grievances. Responses to requests and grievances shall be made in writing upon written request by the patient or resident.

(9) Every patient and (12) Each resident shall be provided with information as to any relationship the facility has with other healthcare and related institutions and/or or service providers, including, but not limited to, including pharmacy and rehabilitation services, to the extent the patient resident is offered care and/or or services from these related entities. Such information shall be provided in writing upon admission, and thereafter when additional services are offered.

(10) Every patient and (13) Each resident shall receive reasonable continuity of care that meets professional standards of care.

(11) Every patient and (14)a. Each resident may associate and communicate, including visits and visitation, privately and without restriction with persons and groups of the patient's or resident's own choice (on the patient's or choice, on the resident's own or their initiative) initiative, at any reasonable hour; may send and shall receive mail promptly and unopened; shall have access at any reasonable hour to a telephone where the patient may speak privately; and shall have access to writing instruments, stationery and postage. hour.

b. Nothing in 77 Del. Laws, c. 49 shall preclude a nursing facility or similar precludes a long term care facility, as defined in § 1102(4) § 1102 of this title, from restricting visitations due to attempts to interfere with patient resident care, the presentation of a threat to staff, patients and residents, or personnel, or other actions disruptive to the facility's operations.

(15) Each resident may send and shall receive mail promptly and unopened.

(16) Each resident shall have access at any reasonable hour to a telephone where the resident may speak privately.

(17) Each resident shall have access to writing instruments, stationery, postage, and the Internet.

(12) (18) Each patient and resident has the right to manage the patient's or resident's own financial affairs.

a. If, by written request signed by the patient or resident, or by the guardian or representative of a patient or authorized representative of a resident who has been adjudicated incompetent, the facility manages the patient's or resident's financial affairs, it shall have available for inspection a monthly accounting, and shall furnish the patient or resident and the patient's or resident's family or resident’s authorized representative with a quarterly statement of the patient's or resident's account.

b. The patient and resident shall have unrestricted access to such account at reasonable hours.

(13) (19) If married, every patient and a resident shall enjoy privacy in visits by the patient's or resident's spouse, and, if both are in-patients spouses are both residents of the facility, they shall be afforded the opportunity where feasible to share a room, unless medically contraindicated.

(14) Every patient and (20) Each resident has the right of privacy in the patient's or resident's own room, and personnel of the facility shall respect this right by knocking on the door before entering the patient's or resident's room.

(15) Every patient and (21) Each resident has the right, personally or through other persons or in combination with others, to exercise the patient's or resident's own rights; to present grievances; to recommend personally, through other persons, or in combination with others to do any the following:

a. Exercise the resident’s own rights.

b. Present grievances.

c. Recommend changes in facility policies or services on behalf of the patient's or resident's self or others; to present others.

d. Present complaints or petitions to the facility's staff or administrator, to the Department of Health and Social Services, the protection and advocacy agency agency, or to other persons or groups without fear of reprisal, restraint, interference, coercion coercion, or discrimination.

(16) A patient or resident shall (22) A resident may not be required to perform services for the facility.

(17) Each patient and (23) Each resident shall have the right to retain and use the patient's or resident's own personal clothing and possessions where reasonable, and shall have the right to security in the storage and use of such clothing and possessions.

(18) No patient or resident shall be transferred or discharged out of a facility except for medical reasons; inappropriate level of care; the patient's or resident's own welfare or the welfare of other patients or residents; or for nonpayment of justified charges. If good cause for transferal is reasonably believed to exist, the patient or resident shall be given at least 30 days' advance notice of the proposed action, together with the reasons for the decision, and the patient or resident shall have the opportunity for an impartial hearing to challenge such action if the patient or resident so desires. In emergency situations such notice need not be given. If a patient or resident is transferred out of a facility to an acute care facility or other specialized treatment facility, the facility must accept the patient or resident back into the facility when the resident no longer needs acute or specialized care and there is space available in the facility. If no space is available, the resident shall be accepted into the next available bed. For purposes of this section, "specialized treatment facility" shall mean a health-care setting including, without limitation, settings licensed or certified pursuant to Chapters 11, 22, 50 or 51 of this title. The Division shall issue an annual report on implementation of this paragraph. (24) The facility must permit each resident to remain in the facility, and not transfer or discharge the resident from the facility, except as provided in § 1127 of this title.

(19) Every patient and resident shall have (25) Each resident has the right to inspect all records pertaining to the patient or resident, upon oral or written request request, within 24 hours of notice to the facility. Every patient and resident shall have Each resident has the right to purchase photocopies of such records or any portion of them, at a cost not to exceed the community standard, upon written request and two 2 working days advance notice to the facility.

(20) Every patient and (26) Each resident shall be fully informed, in language the patient or resident can understand, of the patient's or resident's rights and all rules and regulations governing patient or resident conduct and the patient's or resident's responsibilities during the stay at the facility.

(21) Every patient and resident shall have (27) Each resident has the right to choose a personal attending physician.

(22) Every patient and resident shall have (28) Each resident has the right to examine the results of the most recent survey of the facility conducted by federal and/or or state surveyors and any plan of correction in effect with respect to the facility. Survey results shall be posted by the facility in a place readily accessible to patients and residents.

(23) Every patient and resident shall have (29) Each resident has the right to receive information from the protection and advocacy agency and agencies acting as client advocates and be afforded the opportunity to contact those agencies.

(24) Every patient and (30) Each resident shall be free from verbal, physical or mental abuse, cruel and unusual punishment, involuntary seclusion, withholding of monetary allowance, withholding of food food, and deprivation of sleep.

(25) Every patient and (31) Each resident shall be free to make choices regarding activities, schedules, health care care, and other aspects of the patient's or resident's life that are significant to the patient or resident, as long as such choices are consistent with the patient's or resident's interests, assessments assessments, and plan of care and do not compromise the health or safety of the individual or other patients or residents within the facility.

(26) Every patient and (32) Each resident has the right to participate in an ongoing program of activities designed to meet, in accordance with the patient's or resident's individualized assessments and plan of care, the patient's or resident's interests and physical, mental mental, and psychosocial well-being.

(27) Every patient and resident shall have (33) Each resident has the right to participate in social, religious religious, and community activities that do not interfere with the rights of other patients or residents.

(28) Every patient and (34) Each resident shall receive notice before the resident's room or roommate is changed, except in emergencies. The facility shall endeavor to honor the room or roommate requests of the resident whenever possible.

(29) Every patient and (35) Each resident shall be encouraged to exercise the patient's or resident's own rights as a citizen of the this State and the United States of America.

(30) Every patient and resident shall have (36) Each resident has the right to request and receive information regarding minimum acceptable staffing levels as it relates to the patient's or resident's own care.

(31) Every patient and resident shall have (37) Each resident has the right to request and receive the names and positions of staff members providing care to the patient or resident.

(32) Every patient and resident shall have (38) Each resident has the right to request and receive an organizational chart outlining the facility's chain of command for purposes of making requests and asserting grievances.

(33) Every patient and resident shall have (39) Each resident has the right to compliance with the patient's or resident's advance health care health-care directive, power of attorney, Delaware Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment, or similar document in accordance with and subject to Chapter 49 of Title 12 and Chapter 25 of this title.

(34) Where a patient or (40) If a resident is adjudicated incompetent, is determined to be incompetent by the patient's or resident's attending physician, or is unable to communicate, the patient's or resident's rights shall devolve to the patient's or resident's next of kin, guardian or representative. resident’s authorized representative, as established under any of the following:

a. An advance health-care directive.

b. A medical durable power of attorney for health-care decisions.

c. A court appointed guardian under Chapters 39 and 39A of Title 12, in accordance with the authority granted by the appointing court.

d. A surrogate appointed under Chapter 25 of this title.

e. An individual who is otherwise authorized under applicable law to make the health-care decisions being made by execution of the DMOST form on the patient's behalf under Chapter 25A of this title.

(1) An advance health-care directive.

(2) A medical durable power of attorney for health-care decisions.

(3) A court appointed guardian pursuant to Chapters 39 and 39A of Title 12, in accordance with the authority granted by the appointing court.

(4) A surrogate appointed under Chapter 25 of this title.

(5) An individual who is otherwise authorized under applicable law to make the health-care decisions being made by execution of the DMOST form on the patient's behalf under Chapter 25A of this title.

(6) A sponsoring agency or representative payee (except payee, except where the facility itself is the representative payee) selected pursuant to payee, selected under § 205(j) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. § 405(j)].

(1) The transfer or discharge is both necessary for the resident’s welfare and the resident’s needs cannot be met in the facility with reasonable accommodations when assessed with due regard to the scope of the facility’s license.

(2) The discharge is appropriate because the resident’s health has improved sufficiently so the resident no longer needs the services provided by the facility.

(3) The transfer or discharge is appropriate because the safety of individuals in the facility is endangered by the clinical or behavioral status of the resident.

(4) The transfer or discharge is appropriate because the health of other individuals in the facility would otherwise be endangered.

(5) The resident has failed, after reasonable and appropriate notice, to pay for, or to have paid by Medicare, Medicaid, or third party, a stay at the facility leading to discharge provided that:

a. A resident who becomes eligible for Medicaid after admission to a facility may only be charged allowable charges under Medicaid.

b. A resident who has submitted the necessary paperwork for third party payment may not be discharged if a final decision on the claim has not been issued.

(6) The facility ceases to operate.

(1) Transfers or discharges under this section must be documented in the resident’s clinical record and must include all of the following:

a. The basis for the transfer or discharge under subsection (a) of this section.

b. In the case of a transfer or discharge under subsection (a)(1) of this section, all of the following:

1. The specific needs that cannot be met in the facility.

2. The attempts made to meet those needs.

3. The services available at the receiving facility to meet those needs.

c. The certification of the resident’s personal attending physician that transfer or discharge is necessary under subsection (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this section.

d. A physician certification that transfer or discharge is necessary under subsection (a)(3) or subsection (a)(4) of this section.

(1) Except as permitted under paragraph (d)(3) of this subsection, a notice of discharge must be issued by the long term facility at least 30 days before the resident is transferred or discharged.

(2) A long term care facility may not discharge a resident during the pendency of administrative proceedings implementing a resident’s appeal of a discharge.

(3) Notice must be issued as soon as practicable before transfer or discharge when one of the following standards is met:

a. An immediate transfer or discharge is required by the resident’s urgent medical needs supported by the certification required under paragraph (b) of this section.

b. There is a significant and immediate threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the long term care facility as documented under paragraphs (b)(1)c. or (b)(1)d. of this section.

c. The resident was admitted solely on a respite basis not to exceed 14 days or as an emergency placement by the Department not to exceed 21 days.

a. A detailed individualized explanation of each reason for the transfer or discharge.

b. The effective date of transfer or discharge.

c. The location to which the resident is transferred or discharged.

d. The time frame and procedure to appeal the action to the State.

e. The name, address, and telephone number of the State long-term care ombudsman and Division.

f. The name, address, and telephone number of the protection and advocacy agency for facility residents with developmental disabilities or mental illness.

a. The long term care facility must accept the resident back when the resident no longer needs acute or specialized care and there is space available in the facility.

b. If no space is available, the resident must be accepted into the next available bed.

(2) For purposes of this subsection, “specialized treatment facility” means a health care setting including, settings licensed or certified pursuant under this chapter or Chapters 22, 50, or 51 of this title.

(1) Abuse shall mean “Abuse” means the infliction of injury, unreasonable confinement, intimidation, or punishment with resulting physical harm, pain, or mental anguish and includes all of the following:

a. Physical abuse by unnecessarily inflicting Physical abuse. “Physical abuse” means the unnecessary infliction of pain or injury to a patient or resident. This includes but is not limited to,“Physical abuse” includes hitting, kicking, punching, slapping slapping, or pulling hair. When If any act constituting physical abuse has been proved, proven, the infliction of pain is assumed. presumed.

b. Sexual abuse which includes, but is not limited to, Sexual abuse. “Sexual abuse” includes any sexual contact, sexual penetration, or sexual intercourse, as those terms are defined in § 761 of Title 11, with a patient or resident by an employee or volunteer working at a facility. It shall be nois not a defense that the sexual contact, sexual penetration, or sexual intercourse was consensual.

c. Emotional abuse which includes, but is not limited to, Emotional abuse. “Emotional abuse” means the use of oral, written, or gestured language that includes disparaging and derogatory terms to patients, residents, their families, or within their hearing distance, regardless of their age, ability to comprehend, or disability. “Emotional abuse” includes the violation of resident rights and privacy through the posting of inappropriate materials on social media. “Emotional abuse” includes all of the following: ridiculing, demeaning, humiliating, or cursing at a patient or resident,resident; punishment or deprivation; or threatening a patient or resident with physical harm.

d. Medication diversion by knowingly, or intentionally, interrupting, obstructing, or altering (1) Medication diversion. “Medication diversion” means the knowing or intentional interruption, obstruction, or alteration of the delivery, or administration, administration of a prescription drug to a patient or resident, providing that such prescription drug was: if both of the following apply:

1. Prescribed a. The prescription drug was prescribed or ordered by a health-care provider licensed independent practitioner for the patient or resident; and resident.

2. b. The interruption, obstruction, or alteration occurred without the prescription, or order, of ahealth-care provider; prescription or order of a licensed independent practitioner.

e. A person is justified in engaging in conduct otherwise prohibited in paragraph (1)d. of this section if the conduct was (2) “Medication diversion” does not mean conduct performed by any of the following:

1. A health-care provider, a. A licensed independent practitioner or licensed health-care professional,professional who acted in good faith within the scope of the person's individual’s practice or employment; or employment.

2. A person b. An individual acting in good faith while rendering emergency care at the scene of an emergency, emergency or accident.

(2) "Department" shall mean the Department of Health and Social Services or its designee.

(3) "Division" shall mean the Division of Long-Term Care Consumer Protection;

(4) "Facility" shall include: means all of the following:

a. Any facility required to be licensed under this chapter; chapter.

b. Any facility operated by or for the State which provides long-term care residential services; services.

c. The Delaware Psychiatric Center and hospitals certified licensed by the Department of Health and Social Services pursuant to § 5001 or § 5136 of this title; and under § 5001 and § 5136 of this title.

d. Any hospital as defined in § 1001(3) under Chapter 10 of this title. "Hospital" as defined in § 1001(3) of this title is included in the definition of facility only for the purposes and application of §§ 1131 and 1136 of this title.

(5) "Financial exploitation" shall mean means the illegal or improper use or abuse of a patient's or resident's resources or financial rights by another person, whether for profit or other advantage.

(6) "Health-care provider" shall mean an individual licensed, certified or otherwise authorized or permitted by law to provide health care in the ordinary course of business or practice of a profession. This is the same definition as in § 2501 of this title.

(7) "High managerial agent" means an officer of a facility or any other agent in a position of comparable authority with respect to the formulation of the policy of the facility or the supervision in a managerial capacity of subordinate employees.

(8) "Investigation" shall mean means the collection of evidence in response to a report an allegation of abuse, neglect, mistreatment mistreatment, or financial exploitation of a resident or patient to determine if that resident or patient has been abused, neglected, mistreated mistreated, or financially exploited. The Division Department shall develop protocols for its investigations which focus on ensuring the safety and well-being of the patient or resident and which satisfy the requirements of this chapter.

( ) “Licensed independent practitioner” means a physician or an individual licensed and authorized to write medical orders under Chapter 17 or Chapter 19 of Title 24 and who is providing care for the patient or resident or is overseeing the health care provided to the resident.

(9) "Mistreatment" shall include means the inappropriate use of medications, isolation, or physical or chemical restraints on or of a patient or resident.

(10) "Neglect" shall mean: means the failure to provide goods and services necessary to avoid physical harm, mental anguish, or mental illness. Neglect includes all of the following:

a. Lack of attention to physical needs of the patient or resident including, but not limited to including toileting, bathing, meals meals, and safety.

b. Failure to report patient or resident health problems or changes in health problems or changes in health condition to an immediate supervisor or nurse.

c. Failure to carry out a prescribed treatment plan for a patient or resident.

d. A knowing failure to provide adequate staffing which results in a medical emergency to any patient or resident where there has been a documented history of at least 2 prior cited instances of such inadequate staffing within the past 2 years in violation of minimum maintenance of staffing levels as required by statute or regulations promulgated by the Department, all so as to evidence a willful pattern of such neglect.

(11) "Person" means a human being and where appropriate and, where appropriate, a public or private corporation, an entity, an unincorporated association, a partnership, a government government, or governmental instrumentality.

(12) "Protection and advocacy agency" shall mean the Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. or successor agency designated the State protection and advocacy system pursuant to the following:

a. Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Act (42 U.S.C. § 10801 et seq.);

b. Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (42 U.S.C. § 15001 et seq.); or

c. Protection and advocacy for individual rights (29 U.S.C. § 794e).

(13) "Prescription drug" means a controlled substance as listed in subchapter II in Chapter 47 of this title or any other drug that can only be dispensed upon written, or verbal, authorization from a licensed health-care provider.drug required by federal or state law or regulation to be dispensed only by a prescription, which means a lawful written or verbal order of a practitioner for a drug, including finished dosage forms and active ingredients, subject to § 503(b) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. § 353(b)).

(2) In addition to the persons required to report abuse, neglect, mistreatment, or financial exploitation under paragraph (a)(1) of this section, any other person, including a patient or facility resident, may contact the Department to report any complaint concerning the health, safety, and welfare of patients or facility residents.

(3) The Department shall inform a person making a report under paragraphs (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this section of the person’s right to obtain information concerning the disposition of the report. Such person shall receive, if requested, information on the general disposition of the report at the conclusion of the investigation.

(4) If the Department does not have jurisdiction over the report, the Department shall so advise the person making the report under paragraphs (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this section and shall promptly refer the person to the appropriate agency.

(1) Notify the facility, care provider, or individual implicated in the event.

(2) Provide information regarding the reported abuse, neglect, mistreatment, or financial exploitation to the facility, care provider, or individual implicated in the event.

(1) The name and sex of the patient or resident; the resident.

(2) The name and address of the facility in which the patient or resident resides; the resident resides.

(3) The age of the patient or resident, if known; the known.

(4) The name and address of the reporter and where the reporter can be contacted; any contacted.

(5) Any information relative to the nature and extent of the abuse, mistreatment or neglect, and mistreatment, financial exploitation, or neglect and, if known to the reporter reporter, any information relative to prior abuse, mistreatment mistreatment, financial exploitation, or neglect of such patient or resident; the resident.

(6) The circumstances under which the reporter became aware of the abuse, mistreatment or neglect; what mistreatment, financial exploitation, or neglect.

(7) What action, if any, was taken to treat or otherwise assist the patient or resident; and any resident.

(8) Any other information which the reporter believes to be relevant in establishing the cause of such abuse, mistreatment mistreatment, financial exploitation, or neglect.

(1) Receive and maintain reports in a computerized central data base.

(2) Acknowledge all complaints, when authorized by the person making the report. The acknowledgement shall identify other relevant remedial agencies, including the protection and advocacy agency, Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Ombudsperson, and victim rights resource organizations. If the Division does not have jurisdiction over the complaint, its staff shall so advise the person making the complaint and shall promptly refer the complainant to the appropriate agency.

(3) Forward complaints to the appropriate Division Department staff who shall determine, through the use of standard operating procedures developed by the Division, Department, whether an investigation should be initiated to respond to the complaint. The protocols for making this determination shall be developed by the Division Department and shall give priority to ensuring the well-being and safety of residents and patients.

(4) Begin the investigation within 24 hours of receipt of any report or complaint that alleges any of the following:

a. A resident's or patient's health or safety is in imminent danger; or danger.

b. A resident or patient has died due to alleged abuse, neglect or mistreatment; or neglect, or mistreatment.

c. A resident or patient has been hospitalized or received medical treatment due to alleged abuse, neglect or mistreatment; or neglect, or mistreatment.

d. If the report or complaint alleges the existence of circumstances that could result in abuse, neglect neglect, or mistreatment and that could place a resident's or patient's health or safety in imminent danger; or danger.

e. A resident or patient has been the victim of financial exploitation or risk thereof and exigent circumstances warrant an immediate response.

(5) Except in situations outlined in paragraph (d)(4) of this section, initiate and conclude an investigation within 10 days of receiving a report or complaint unless extenuating facts warrant a longer time period to complete the investigation.

(5) Contact the appropriate law enforcement agency immediately upon receipt of any complaint requiring an investigation immediately under this section and shall provide the police with a detailed description of the complaint received.

a. The appropriate law enforcement agency shall conduct its investigation or provide the Division, Department within a reasonable time period, an explanation detailing the reasons why it is unable to conduct the investigation.

b. The Department may defer its own investigation in these circumstances until it receives appropriate guidance from the Attorney General's Office and the relevant police agency with respect to how to proceed with its investigation thereby assuring a coordinated investigation.

c. Notwithstanding any provision of the Delaware Code to the contrary, to the extent the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over the case is unable to assist, the Division Department may request that the Delaware State Police exercise jurisdiction over the case and, upon such request, the Delaware State Police may exercise such jurisdiction.

(6) Upon receipt of any report pursuant to paragraph (d)(4) of this section, the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction shall conduct a full and complete criminal investigation based on their departmental policies and shall assess probable cause and effectuate arrests when appropriate. The Attorney General's Office or other law enforcement agency conducting the investigation shall keep the Division informed of the case status and all major decisions pursuant to Memoranda of Understanding between the Division and the Attorney General's Office and other relevant law enforcement agencies. The Memoranda of Understanding shall be executed within 180 days of the signing of this legislation and may be amended as needed. To the extent the criminal arrest and criminal prosecution, the Department of Justice shall keep the Division well informed of the case status and all major decisions, including but not limited to the disposition of criminal charges and the specifics of any sentencing order rendered.

(7) The Department shall have Have the authority to secure a medical examination of a nursing facility resident or patient long term care facility resident or patient upon the consent of the resident or patient without the consent of the service provider long term care facility if the resident or patient has been reported to be a victim of abuse, neglect neglect, or mistreatment; provided, that such case is classified as an investigation pursuant to under this subchapter.

(8) When a written report of abuse, neglect, mistreatment mistreatment, or financial exploitation is made by a person required to report under § 1132(a) of this title, the Division Department shall contact the person who made such report within 48 hours of the receipt of the report in order to ensure that full information has been received and to obtain any additional information, including medical records, which may be pertinent.

(9) The Division shall conduct Conduct an investigation involving all reports which, if true, would constitute criminal offenses pursuant to any of the following provisions of Title 11 of the Delaware Code: Title 11: §§ 601, 602, 603, 604, 611, 612, 613, 621, 625, 626, 627, 631, 632, 633, 634, 635, 636, 645, 763, 764, 765, 767, 768, 769, 770, 771, 772, 773, 774, 775, 791, 841, 842, 843, 844, 845, 846, 848, 851, 861, 862 and 908 or an attempt to commit any such crime. Except for situations outlined in paragraph (d)(4) of this section requiring the initiation of an investigation within 24 hours, all other investigations under this subchapter shall be initiated within 10 days and conducted during that timeframe unless extenuating facts warrant a longer time period to complete the investigation.

(10) The Division shall develop Develop protocols to ensure that it shall conduct its investigation in coordination with the relevant law enforcement agency. The primary purpose of the Division's Department’s investigation shall be the protection of the resident(s) or patient(s). resident or patient.

(11) In Do any of the following when investigating abuse, neglect, mistreatment mistreatment, or financial exploitation reports, the Division may: reports:

a. Make unannounced visit(s) visits to the facility facility, as required, to determine the nature and cause of the alleged abuse, neglect, mistreatment or financial exploitation; mistreatment, or financial exploitation.

b. Interview available witnesses identified by any source as having personal knowledge relevant to the reported abuse, neglect, mistreatment or financial exploitation; mistreatment, or financial exploitation.

c. Conduct interviews in private unless the witness expressly requests that the interview not be private; private.

d. Write an investigation report that includes the all of the following:

1. The investigator's personal observations, a observations.

2. A review of the medical and all other relevant documents and records, a records.

3. A summary of each witness statement and a statement.

4. A statement of the factual basis for the findings for each incident or problem alleged in the complaint.

(12) Appointment of special investigators; powers and duties.

a. The Secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services may appoint qualified persons to be special investigators for the Division of Long-Term Care Residents Protection. Such investigators shall hold office at the pleasure of the Secretary. Any person appointed pursuant to this section shall have a minimum of 10 years experience as a "police officer," as that term is defined in § 1911(a) of Title 11, significant investigatory experience while working as a police officer, shall be in good standing with the previous or present law-enforcement agency where such person is or was employed, and shall have such other qualifications deemed appropriate by the Secretary.

b. Special investigators appointed under this section may conduct investigations of abuse, neglect, mistreatment or financial exploitation of residents of long-term care facilities and adults who are impaired anywhere in this State as directed by the Director of the Division of Long-Term Care Residents Protection and shall have the power to make arrests and serve writs anywhere in this State. In conducting such investigations, the special investigators shall have the statewide powers enumerated under § 1911 of Title 11 and such other powers as conferred by law on police officers, but such powers shall be limited to offenses involving abuse, neglect, mistreatment or financial exploitation of residents of long-term care facilities and adults who are impaired anywhere in this State as directed by the Director of the Division of Long-Term Care Residents Protection. To the extent possible, special investigators pursuant to this section shall consult with the police agency having jurisdiction and the Director or the Director's designee prior to making an arrest and shall do so in all cases after making such arrest.

c. The salary of special investigators shall be fixed by the Secretary within the appropriations made to the Department.

d. Special investigators will assist in the training of other Division staff.

(13) The Department the Office of the Attorney General and other law enforcement agencies shall develop Memoranda of Understanding pursuant to this subchapter which provide for timely notification, co-investigation, referral of cases, including automatic referral in certain cases, and ongoing coordination in order to keep each other apprised of the status of their respective investigations. This paragraph shall become effective March 31, 1999.

(14) If the Division suspects or discovers information indicating the commission of violations of standards of professional conduct by facilities licensed under this chapter or by staff employed by such facilities, the Division shall immediately contact the Office of the Attorney General and the relevant professional licensing board.

(15) The Division and the Attorney General's Office shall cooperate with law enforcement agencies to develop training programs to increase the effectiveness of Division personnel, Attorney General's Office personnel and law enforcement officers in investigating suspected cases of abuse, neglect, mistreatment or financial exploitation.

(16) A person required to report to the Division under § 1132(a) of this title shall be informed by the Division of the person's right to obtain information concerning the disposition of the report. Such person shall receive, if requested, information on the general disposition of the report at the conclusion of the investigation.

(17) Before the completion of an investigation, the Division shall file a petition for the temporary care and protection of the resident or patient if the Division Department determines that immediate removal is necessary to protect the resident or patient from further abuse, neglect, mistreatment mistreatment, or financial exploitation.

(18) Upon completing an investigation of a complaint, the Division Department shall take 1 or more of the following courses of action, as appropriate:

a. If representatives of the Department, the Attorney General's Office and/or or the appropriate law enforcement agency are unable to substantiate a complaint that applicable laws or regulations have been violated the Department or appropriate law enforcement agency shall so advise the complainant and the facility, agency agency, or individual against which the complaint was made.

b. If Division Department representatives are able to substantiate a complaint that applicable laws or regulations have been violated, the Division Department shall take appropriate enforcement action.

c. Enforcement 1. An enforcement action may include instituting actions by the Division Department for injunctive relief or other relief deemed appropriate.

2. The Office of the Attorney General shall provide legal advice and assist the Division Department to institute such proceedings. an enforcement action.

d. If the Division Department discovers a deficiency in violation of federal laws or regulations or rules administered by any other government agency, the Division Department shall refer the matter directly to the appropriate government agency for an enforcement action.

e. In the event that a criminal prosecution for abuse, neglect, mistreatment or financial exploitation is initiated by the Attorney General's Office pursuant to a report under this subchapter, and incarceration of the person who is the subject of the report is ordered by the Court, the Attorney General's Office shall keep the Division informed of actions taken by the Court which result in the release of any such individual, provided that the Attorney General's Office is represented at such a hearing.

f. In the event that a criminal prosecution for abuse, neglect, mistreatment or financial exploitation is initiated by the Attorney General's Office against a person employed by or associated with a facility or organization required to be licensed or whose staff are required to be licensed under Delaware law, the Attorney General shall notify the Department within 48 hours and the Department shall then notify the person's employer:

1. Upon return of an indictment charging such person with having committed at least one felony offense involving an allegation of abuse, neglect, mistreatment or financial exploitation; or

2. Upon an adjudication of guilt of such person for any misdemeanor or violation, when such offense involved abuse, neglect, mistreatment or financial exploitation.

(19) Protect the privacy of the nursing facility resident or patient and his or her family, and the Division long term care resident or patient and the patient or resident’s family.

a. The Department shall establish guidelines concerning the disclosure of information relating to complaints and investigations regarding abuse, neglect, mistreatment mistreatment, or financial exploitation involving that resident or patient. The Division

b. The Department may require persons to make written requests for access to records maintained by the Division. Notwithstanding Chapter 100 of Title 29, the Division Department.

c. Records maintained for investigations conducted under this section are not public records under Chapter 100 of Title 29 and the Department may only release information to persons who have a legitimate public safety need for such information and such information shall must be used only for the purpose for which it is released pursuant to under a user agreement with the Division. Department.

(1) Solicit and receive oral and written reports and complaints of abuse, neglect, mistreatment mistreatment, or financial exploitation of facility patients or residents; and residents.

(2) Access a facility; interview patients, residents, facility staff and agents; and interview facility.

(3) Interview patients, residents, facility staff, and agents; and inspect agents.

(4) Inspect and copy records pertaining to the patient or resident with valid consent or as otherwise authorized by federal law.

(1) The Secretary of the Department may appoint qualified persons to be special investigators.

a. Such investigators hold office at the pleasure of the Secretary.

b. Any individual appointed under this section must have all of the following qualifications:

1. A minimum of 10 years experience as a "police officer," as that term is defined in § 1911(a) of Title 11.

2. Significant investigatory experience while working as a police officer.

3. Be in good standing with the previous or present law-enforcement agency where such individual was or is employed,

4. Such other qualifications deemed appropriate by the Secretary.

(2) Special investigators appointed under this section may conduct investigations of abuse, neglect, mistreatment, or financial exploitation of patients and residents of facilities and adults who are impaired as defined in § 3902 of Title 31 anywhere in this State as directed by the Department and shall have the power to make arrests and serve writs anywhere in this State.

a. In conducting such investigations, the special investigators have the statewide powers enumerated under § 1911 of Title 11 and such other powers as conferred by law on police officers, but such powers are limited to offenses involving abuse, neglect, mistreatment, or financial exploitation of patients and residents of long term care facilities and adults who are impaired anywhere in this State as directed by the Department.

b. To the extent possible, special investigators under this section may consult with the police agency having jurisdiction and the Department prior to making an arrest and shall do so in all cases after making such arrest.

(3) The Secretary of the Department shall fix the salary of special investigators within the appropriations made to the Department.

(4) Special investigators shall assist in the training of other Department staff.

(1) The Attorney General's Office or other law enforcement agency conducting the investigation shall keep the Department informed of the case status and all major decisions under memoranda of understanding between the Department and the Attorney General's Office and other relevant law enforcement agencies entered into under subsection (j) of this section.

(2) The Department of Justice shall keep the Department well informed of the case status and all major decisions, including the disposition of criminal charges and the specifics of any sentencing order rendered.

(1) When such individual is charged with having committed at least one felony offense involving an allegation of abuse, neglect, mistreatment, or financial exploitation.

(2) Upon an adjudication of guilt of such person for any misdemeanor or violation, when such offense involved abuse, neglect, mistreatment, or financial exploitation.

Where abuse results in (1) If the abuse involves sexual contact such person shall be is guilty of a class G felony. Where

(2) If the abuse, mistreatment mistreatment, or neglect results in serious physical injury, sexual penetration penetration, or sexual intercourse, such person shall be is guilty of a class C felony. Where

(3) If the abuse, mistreatment mistreatment, or neglect results in death, then the person shall be is guilty of a class A felony.

(1) A class G felony and guilty of a felony.

(2) A class F felony, if committed by a health-care professional.

(1) A class A misdemeanor where if the value of the resources is less than $1,000 and shall be guilty of a $1,000.

(2) A class G felony where if the value of the resources is $1,000 or more.

(1) "Applicant" means any of the following:

a. A person seeking employment in a facility, as defined below; facility.

b. A current employee of a facility who seeks a promotion in the facility; facility.

c. A self-employed person or a person employed by an agency for work in a facility; facility.

d. A current employee of a facility or a person as defined in paragraph (b)(1)c. of this section above who the Department of Health and Social Services has a reasonable basis to suspect has been arrested for a disqualifying crime since becoming employed or commencing work; work.

e. A former employee who consents prior to leaving employment to periodic review of his or her criminal background for a fixed time period.

(2) "Background Check Center (BCC)" means the electronic system which combines the data streams from various sources within and outside the State in order to assist an employer in determining the suitability of a person for employment in a nursing facility or similar facility long term care facility.

(3) "Criminal history" means a report from the Department of Health and Social Services regarding its review of the applicant's entire federal criminal history from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, pursuant to under Public Law 92-544 as amended (28 U.S.C. § 534) § 534), and his or her the applicant’s Delaware record from the State Bureau of Identification.

(4) "Department" means the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS).

(5) "Facility" means any facility licensed pursuant to this chapter, including but not limited to nursing facilities (commonly referred to as nursing homes), assisted living facilities, intermediate care facilities for persons with intellectual disability; neighborhood group homes, family care homes, rest residential homes, intensive behavioral support and educational residences; retirement homes and rehabilitation homes with such terms to have such meaning as set forth in this title or, if not defined therein, as such terms are commonly used. under Subchapter I of this chapter.

(6) "Grandfathered employee" means an employee of a facility who was not fingerprinted pursuant to this statute because the employment commenced before the effective date of the statute (March 31, 1999), and no requirement for fingerprinting has since applied (see paragraph (b)(1) of this section above).

(7) "SBI" means the State Bureau of Identification.

(1) Before an employer may offer conditional employment, the employer must receive verification that the applicant has been fingerprinted by the SBI for purposes of the criminal history. No

(2) The Department may not issue a criminal history will be issued if the applicant fails to provide information to DHSS the Department regarding the status or disposition of an arrest within 45 days from the date of notice from DHSS the Department of an open criminal charge. DHSS The Department may extend the time limits for good cause shown.

(1) Provide accurate information sufficient to secure a criminal history; history.

(2) Execute a full release to enable the employer to secure a criminal history and to update the criminal history while employed; employed.

(3) Execute a full release giving the employer permission to provide the criminal history to the facility where the work is to be performed if the employer is other than the facility.

(1) Shall use the fingerprints to establish the grandfathered employee's identity and to assign an SBI identification number for the sole purpose of enabling the person's criminal record to be monitored for new arrests while the grandfathered employee continues to work at a nursing facility or similar facility;

(2) Shall not secure a state or federal criminal history on the grandfathered employee unless the grandfathered employee is also an applicant as defined in subsection (b) of this section above;

(3) Shall comply with § 1911 of Title 11.

(1) The criteria it uses to determine unsuitability for employment; employment.

(2) The policies and procedures for preparing the criminal history which govern the frequency of criminal record review and updating; updating.

(3) The frequency with which fingerprints must be obtained; obtained.

(4) The information that DHSS the Department provides in the criminal history about disqualifying and nondisqualifying criminal convictions; convictions.

(5) The methods for notifying applicants and employers of the results of DHSS's the Department’s review, and for providing applicants with the criminal history; history.

(6) The administrative review process available to a person desiring to contest adverse information; information.

(7) Other provisions required to achieve the purpose of this section.

(1) Marijuana/cannabis; Marijuana/cannabis.

(2) Cocaine; Cocaine.

(3) Opiates; Opiates.

(4) Phencyclidine ("PCP"); Phencyclidine (“PCP”).

(5) Amphetamines; Amphetamines.

(6) Any other illegal drug specified by DHSS, pursuant to the Department under regulations promulgated pursuant to under this section.

(1) "Applicant" means any of the following:

a. A person seeking employment with an employer, as defined below; employer.

b. A current employee who seeks a promotion from an employer, as defined below; employer.

c. A self-employed person seeking employment in a private residence for the purpose of providing services to protect the health, safety safety, and well-being of an individual who requires home health care service as defined in § 122(3)o. § 122(3)m, § 122(3)o., or § 122(3)x. of this title.

d. A current employee of an employer as defined below who DHSS who the Department has a reasonable basis to suspect has been arrested for a disqualifying crime since becoming employed.

e. A former employee who consents prior to leaving employment to periodic review of his or her the former employee’s criminal background for a fixed time period.

( ) “Authorized representative” means an individual who has the highest priority to act for the patient under law, and who has the authority to make decisions with respect to the patient’s health care preferences. The patient’s authorized representative can be one of the following:

a. An individual designated by a patient under an advance health-care directive; an agent under a medical durable power of attorney for health-care decisions.

b. A guardian of the person appointed under Chapter 39 or 39A of Title 12, in accordance with the authority granted by the court; a surrogate appointed under Chapter 25 of this title.

c. An individual who is otherwise authorized under applicable law to make health care decisions on the patient’s behalf, if the patient lacks decision-making capacity.

(2) "Criminal history" means a report from the Department of Health and Social Services regarding its review of the applicant's entire federal criminal history from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, pursuant to Public Law 92-544 as amended (28 U.S.C. § 534) and his or her Delaware record from the State Bureau of Identification.

(3) "Background Check Center (BCC)" means the electronic system which combines the data streams from various sources within and outside the State in order to assist an employer in determining the suitability of a person for employment in a nursing facility or similar facility, or home care agency or private residence.

( ) "Criminal history" means a report from the Department regarding its review of the applicant's entire federal criminal history from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under Public Law 92-544 as amended (28 U.S.C. § 534) and the applicant’s Delaware record from the State Bureau of Identification.

(4) "Department" means the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS).Services.

(5) "Employer" means: means a home care agency as defined in this section; agency; a management company that contracts to provide services on behalf of a home care agency; or other business entity (including but not limited to a temporary employment agency) entity, including a temporary employment agency, that contracts to provide services on behalf of a home care agency.

(6) "Grandfathered employee" means an employee of an Employer who was not fingerprinted pursuant to this statute because the employment commenced before July 1, 2001, and no requirement for fingerprinting has since applied. See paragraph (b)(1) of this section above.

(7) "Home care agency" includes means all programs or agencies licensed pursuant to § 122(3)(m), or (3)(o), or (3)(x) under § 122(3)m., § 122(3)o., or § 122(3)x. of this title that provide services to individuals in their private residence, as defined below. residence.

(8) "Private residence" means the domicile of the individual in need of care, either personally owned by that individual or considered the place of residence of that individual. A private residence does not include those healthcare facilities licensed by the Department of Health and Social Services under Chapter 11 of this title.

(9) "SBI" means the State Bureau of Identification.

(1) Upon request request, the criminal history must be provided to the person for whom the services are to be provided, or to the person's guardian, agent for health care decisions, or surrogate authorized representative upon the applicant's commencement of work.

(1) The BCC user fee shall be set by regulation, but may not exceed that charged to an employer.

(2) The cost of the criminal background check from SBI and/or or drug screening shall must be borne by the person making the request.

(1) Before an employer may offer conditional employment, the employer must receive verification that the applicant has been fingerprinted by the SBI for purposes of the criminal history. No

(2) The Department may not issue a criminal history will be issued if the applicant fails to provide information to DHSS the Department regarding the status or disposition of an arrest within 45 days from the date of notice from DHSS the Department of an open criminal charge. DHSS The Department may extend the time limits for good cause shown. No

(1) Provide accurate information sufficient to secure a criminal history; history.

(2) Execute a full release to enable the employer to secure a criminal history and to update the criminal history while employed; employed.

(3) Execute a full release giving the employer permission to provide the criminal history to the person for whom the services are to be provided, or to the person's guardian, agent for health care decisions, or surrogate. authorized representative.

(1) Shall use the fingerprints to establish the grandfathered employee's identity and to assign an SBI identification number for the sole purpose of enabling the person's criminal record to be monitored for new arrests while employed in a private residence.

(2) Shall not secure a state or federal criminal history on the grandfathered employee, unless the grandfathered employee is also an applicant as defined in subsection (b) of this section above;

(3) Shall comply with § 1911 of Title 11.

(1) The criteria it uses to determine unsuitability for employment; employment.

(2) The policies and procedures for preparing the criminal history which govern the frequency of criminal record review and updating; updating.

(3) The frequency with which fingerprints must be obtained; obtained.

(4) The information that DHSS the Department provides in the criminal history about disqualifying and nondisqualifying criminal convictions; non-disqualifying criminal convictions.

(5) The methods for notifying applicants and employers of the results of DHSS's the Department’s review, and for providing applicants with the criminal history; history.

(6) The administrative review process available to a person desiring to contest adverse information; information.

(7) Other provisions required to achieve the purpose of this section.

(1) "Applicant" is defined in § 1145 of this title.

(2) "Department" means the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS).

(3) "Employer" means: a home care agency as defined in this section; a management company that contracts to provide services on behalf of a home care agency; or other business entity (including but not limited to a temporary employment agency) that contracts to provide services on behalf of a home care agency.

(4) "Home care agency" includes all programs or agencies licensed pursuant to § 122(3)(m), or (3)(o), or (3)(x) of this title that provide services to individuals in their private residence, as defined below.

(5) "Private residence" means the domicile of the individual in need of care, either personally owned by that individual or considered the place of residence of that individual. A private residence does not include those healthcare facilities licensed by the Department of Health and Social Services under Chapter 11 of this title.

(1) Marijuana/cannabis; Marijuana/cannabis.

(2) Cocaine; Cocaine.

(3) Opiates; Opiates.

(4) Phencyclidine ("PCP"); Phencyclidine (“PCP”).

(5) Amphetamines; Amphetamines.

(6) Any other illegal drug specified by DHSS, pursuant to the Department under regulations promulgated pursuant to under this section.

(1) "Agency" means any private or public agency operating in the State, one of whose purposes is the funding, provision or regulation of health care services.

(2) "Long-term care facility" means any facility, institution, foster home, group living arrangement, adult care home or any other facility which is required to be licensed under this chapter. facilty as defined in § 1102 of this chapter.

(3) "Long-Term Care Ombudsperson" or "Ombudsperson" means the person designated under § 307(a)(12) of the Older Americans ActAmendments of 1987 (42 U.S.C. § 3027(a)(12)), Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. § 3001 et. seq.) to perform the mandated functions of the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsperson in the State, or the Ombudsperson's designee.

(4) "Record" means any medical, social social, or financial information pertaining to a resident of a long-term care facility which is maintained by any agency regulated under this chapter or Chapter 10 of this title; provided, however, that "record" shall does not include criminal investigative files.

(7) Perform other duties as mandated by the Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended (42 U.S.C. § 3001 et. seq.).

(1) The terms "CMS,'' "DHSS,'' "managed care company under contract to the Medicaid agency,'' "Medicaid,'' "Medicaid resident day,'' "nursing facility,'' "nursing facility services,'' have the meaning given these terms in Chapter 65 of Title 30.

( ) “CMS” means as defined in § 6501 of Title 30.

( ) “Managed care company under contract to the Medicaid agency” means an entity as defined in § 6501 of Title 30.

( ) “Medicaid” means as defined in § 6501 of Title 30.

(2) "Medicaid enrolled nursing facility'' means a nursing facility enrolled in the Medicaid program and/or or enrolled with a managed care company under contract to the Medicaid agency for the purpose of providing nursing facility services to Medicaid eligible patients, but shall exclude residents, but excludes the Delaware Veterans Home and any state, federal federal, or other public government-owned facilities and any facilities that exclusively serve children.

( ) “Medicaid resident day” means as defined in § 6501 of Title 30.

(3) "Medicaid share of the quality assessment'' means for each nursing facility, the assessment cost applicable to Medicaid residents.

( ) “Nursing facility” means as defined in § 6501 of Title 30.

( ) “Nursing facility services” means as defined in § 6501 of Title 30.

(1) As specified in § 6502(e)(1) of Title 30, 90% of the quality assessment collected; collected.

(2) On the last day of each month, the State Treasurer shall credit the Fund with interest on the average balance in the Fund for the preceding month. The interest to be paid to the Fund shall must be that proportionate share, during such preceding month, of interest to the State as the Fund's and the State's average balance is to the total State's average balance.

(1) Provide for per diem rate adjustments in accordance with § 1183 of this title to Medicaid enrolled nursing facilities; facilities.

(2) To reimburse Reimburse the Medicaid share of the quality assessment in accordance with § 1183 of this title; title.

(3) To reimburse Reimburse any funds advanced from the DHSS the Department Medicaid budget appropriation that were used to make the payments referred to under paragraphs (a)(1) and (2) of this section.

(1) First reimburse DHSS the Department if the total of all quality assessment payments received from nursing facilities are equal to or less than the state share of all of the payments referred to by paragraphs (a)(1) and (2) of this section made by DHSS the Department including managed care companies under contract to the Medicaid agency to nursing facilities; and facilities.

(2) If the total of all quality assessments received is greater than the state share of the payments issued referred to by paragraphs (a)(1) and (2) of this section, the remaining funds will must be distributed back to the nursing facilities generally and proportionately on the same basis as the assessments were collected in the last calendar quarter.

(1) "Applicant" means any of the following:

a. An individual seeking employment with an employer.

b. A current employee who seeks a promotion from an employer.

c. A self-employed individual or contractor seeking employment in a prescribed pediatric extended care center.

d. A current employee of an employer who the Department has a reasonable basis to suspect has been arrested for a disqualifying crime since becoming employed.

e. A former employee who consents prior to leaving employment to periodic review of his or her criminal background for a fixed time period.

(2) "Background Check Center” (“BCC”) means the electronic system which combines the data streams from various sources within and outside the State in order to assist an employer in determining the suitability of an individual for employment in a prescribed pediatric extended care center.

(3) "Criminal history" means a report from the Department of Health and Social Services regarding its review of the applicant's entire federal criminal history from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under Public Law 92-544 as amended (28 U.S.C. § 534) and the applicant’s Delaware record from the State Bureau of Identification.

(4) "Employer" means a prescribed pediatric extended care center.

(5) "Prescribed pediatric extended care center" means a facility licensed under § 122(3)q. of Title 16.

(6) "SBI" means the State Bureau of Identification.

(1) Before an employer may offer conditional employment, the employer must receive verification that the applicant has been fingerprinted by the SBI for purposes of the criminal history.

(2) The Department may not issue a criminal history if the applicant fails to provide information to the Department regarding the status or disposition of an arrest within 45 days from the date of notice from the Department of an open criminal charge. The Department may extend the time limits for good cause shown.

(1) Provide accurate information sufficient to secure a criminal history.

(2) Execute a full release to enable the employer to secure a criminal history and to update the criminal history while employed.

(3) Execute a full release giving the employer permission to provide the criminal history to the facility where the work is to be performed if the employer is other than the facility.

(1) The criteria it uses to determine unsuitability for employment.

(2) The policies and procedures for preparing the criminal history which govern the frequency of criminal record review and updating.

(3) The frequency with which fingerprints must be obtained.

(4) The information that the Department provides in the criminal history about disqualifying and non-disqualifying criminal convictions.

(5) The methods for notifying applicants and employers of the results of the Department's review, and for providing applicants with the criminal history.

(6) The administrative review process available to a person desiring to contest adverse information.

(7) Other provisions required to achieve the purpose of this section.

(1) Marijuana/cannabis.

(2) Cocaine.

(3) Opiates.

(4) Phencyclidine ("PCP").

(5) Amphetamines.

(6) Any other illegal drug specified by the Department, under regulations promulgated under this section.

Approved February 14, 2018