Directing The Delaware Department Of Health And Social Services To Issue A Report Analyzing Long-term Care.
HCR55 aims to reformulate the existing statutory and regulatory frameworks surrounding long-term care and memory care services in Delaware, which have not seen significant updates in over twenty years. The bill calls for a thorough review and revision to establish a standardized nomenclature and practices within the Delaware Code and Administrative Code. This modification is intended to help long-term care facilities better serve their residents and ensure that terminology is current and reflective of best practices. Furthermore, it mandates an implementation plan that focuses on how these revisions and staffing models can be effectively introduced into practice.
House Concurrent Resolution No. 55 (HCR55) directs the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) to review and analyze the existing frameworks governing long-term care facilities in the state. The resolution comes at a time when Delaware's senior population is projected to grow significantly, and it acknowledges the pressing need for comprehensive reform in long-term care provisions to meet the evolving demographics and health needs of this population. Specifically, HCR55 emphasizes the importance of adopting a person-centered acuity model for staffing, which aligns the staffing needs of facilities with the care requirements of residents, ensuring better services for the elderly.
The sentiment around HCR55 appears to be positive, marking a proactive approach towards addressing long-term care issues. It is supported by findings from relevant studies, such as projections from the Delaware Population Consortium and various health organizations emphasizing the rising needs of an aging population. As such, the resolution has garnered bipartisan support from a range of legislators, indicating a strong consensus on the urgency of updating Delaware's long-term care framework to better align with contemporary needs and challenges.
While the overall atmosphere surrounding HCR55 is supportive, there are concerns regarding the execution of the measures proposed. Some stakeholders may worry about the state's ability to adequately implement the recommended changes without compromising the quality of care. Moreover, there may be debate surrounding the specifics of what a person-centered acuity model entails and how its effectiveness will be measured post-implementation. These discussions will be crucial as the DHSS moves forward with their findings and recommendations, particularly in ensuring that the changes do not lead to unintended consequences for residents and facilities.