2018

Senate Bill 262  This Act, named the Share the Care Act, permits a responsible caregiver to give permission to an individual employed by a home care agency selected by the responsible caregiver to administer medications to an adult individual who lacks decision-making capacity in the individual’s residence. Under this Act, the responsible caregiver must prepackage the medication by date and time and provide written instructions regarding the administration procedure. And, the responsible caregiver and the person employing the unlicensed assistive personnel must sign an agreement governing the administration or medication. DNA was successful in blocking the forward movement of this bill. DNA has concerns over expanded liability for home care and hospice nurses.  Senate Sunset 6/19/18

2017

Senate Bill 59 This Act replaces the current multistate nurse licensure compact with an enhanced version. The enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact allows for registered nurses and licensed practical nurses to have one multistate license, with the privilege to practice in their home state and other compact states. Under the enhanced version, all nurses practicing under a multistate license must meet a minimum set of licensure requirements, including a fingerprint federal criminal background check. Signed on 06/30/2017

2016

House Bill 214 w/HA 1 This amended bill makes it an assault 2nd degree, class D felony, to intentionally cause physical injury to an ambulance operator, a rescue squad member, licensed practical nurse, registered nurse, paramedic, or licensed medical doctor while such person is performing a work-related duty.

2015

In partnership with the Delaware Board of Nursing APN Committee, DNA supported SB 57 w/SA 1 and SS 1 for SB 101. Senate Bill 57 w/SA 1 changes the title of Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) to Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), updates the renewal and reinstatement requirements for advanced practice nursing licensure, and clarifies prescription requirements.

SS 1 for Senate Bill 101 creates a new Board of Nursing Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Committee to include four APRNs in the four population foci to be consistent with the Consensus Model, four medical doctors and one pharmacist. Also included is the provision for full practice authority for APRNs that extends to ordering and prescribing non-pharmacological interventions such as medical devices, durable equipment, diagnostic and supportive services and to sign death certificates.

The bill eliminates collaborative agreements for licensure for APRNs already practicing with a collaborative agreement as of
July 1, 2015. All new APRN graduates and those nurses seeking to obtain independent practice must practice under a collaborative agreement for 2 years and a minimum of 4,000 full-time hours. Both bills signed on 09/01/15

House Bill 111: DNA supported this bill which updates the Delaware Code to clearly define the level of medication administration permitted by unlicensed personnel and the settings in which they can administer medications. Signed 07/10/15

2013

As a part of a coalition of Delaware patient groups, DNA supported SS 1 for SB 35-This bill imposes dollar limits on the health plan practice of prescription drug cost-sharing known as specialty tiers, in order to protect patients from unaffordable co-insurance or co-payment amounts. Patients’ co-insurance or co-payment fees for specialty tier drugs will be limited to $150 per month for up to a 30-day supply of any single specialty tier drug. Patients will also be able to request an exception to obtain a specialty drug that would not otherwise be available on a health plan formulary. The bill goes into effect on January 1, 2014. Signed on 07/32/13

2012

DNA opposed House Bill 354-This bill allows retired nurse volunteers to work under the direction of a licensed physician or dentist at Delaware medical clinics that provide free non-emergency medical care and limited dental services to low-income, uninsured adults ages 18 to 64, so long as the retired nurse volunteer was licensed in Delaware within 5 years of applying to be a retired nurse volunteer. Did not get out of committee. DNA response to the bill.

House Bill 261 w/HA 1-An Act to amend Title 26 of the Delaware Code relating to termination of utility service or sale. This bill will allow NPs to certify utility medical need. Signed on 07/18/12

2011

SB70-This bill protects the health of young children by prohibiting the chemical bisphenol-A in certain children's products such as bottles, cups, and other containers used for food or beverages. Bisphenol-A, or BPA is a chemical used to help harden plastic and is found in many plastic food storage containers. BPA is a known hormone disruptor. Tests have shown that trace amounts leach out of the containers and into foods and liquids. BPA-free products exist. Signed on 06/30/11

HCR17-This resolution celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Delaware Nurses Association and recognizes its 100 years of commitment and service to professional nurses in the state of Delaware.

2010

SCR32-BPA Resolution recognizing the dangers of BPA on the environment and human health. Signed on 06/01/10

Senate Tribute-The Delaware Nurses Association received a Senate Tribute from the Senate of the 145th General Assembly paying tribute to all Delaware Nurses observing 2010 as the International Year of the Nurse. Signed on 06/01/10

Senate Bill 182-Protects the title of "nurse". The Bill prohibits the use of the title "nurse" unless such person is a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse. It also includes limits, titles and abbreviations for advanced practice nurses. Signed 03/31/10

2009

Senate Bill 138-Permit physician’s assistants who are supervised by licensed physicians and advanced practice nurses who are employed by or who have a collaborative agreement with a licensed physician, in addition to physicians, to sign applications and renewal applications for license plates, and temporary and permanent parking permits for persons with disabilities. Signed 07/06/09