NEW CASTLE – Governor Matt Meyer recently signed legislation that strengthens Delaware’s health care workforce by allowing qualified health professionals to provide more care and creating new pathways into health care careers.

Together, Senate Bill 320, Senate Bill 283, and House Joint Resolution 13 remove barriers that can limit access to care by modernizing health care practice laws and supporting innovative approaches to developing Delaware’s future health care workforce. These measures build on Delaware’s broader efforts to address workforce shortages and expand access to care for rural Delawareans.

The legislation includes:

• Senate Bill 320 – Modernizes Delaware’s pharmacy practice laws by allowing pharmacists to evaluate patients, order and interpret laboratory tests, administer medications, and prescribe medications and medical devices consistent with their education, training, and applicable standards of care.
• Senate Bill 283 – Expands the scope of practice for dental hygienists by authorizing additional preventive services and allowing them to provide more care consistent with their education and training, improving access to oral health care.
• House Joint Resolution 13 – Directs a study of a Delaware Healthcare Apprenticeship Degree Program that would allow aspiring health care professionals to earn a degree while gaining paid clinical experience. The study will also examine how the program could strengthen the state’s long-term rural health care workforce.

“Every Delawarean should be able to get the care they need when and where they need it,” said Governor Matt Meyer. “These measures remove barriers, make better use of the talented professionals already serving our communities, and create more opportunities for Delawareans to pursue careers in health care. Together, they move us closer to a stronger, more accessible health care system.”

“Meeting Delaware’s health care needs requires both immediate action and long-term investment,” said Delaware Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Christen Linke Young. “These measures help experienced professionals provide more care while creating innovative pathways for the next generation of health care workers. They build on the work already underway to strengthen our workforce, improve access to care in Kent and Sussex counties, and ensure Delawareans can access the services they need for years to come.”

“Our health care system works best and produces better outcomes when every licensed professional can practice to the full extent of their education, training and expertise. That applies to every space in our health care system, whether that be pharmacists prescribing life sustaining medicine, or dental hygienists performing routine oral care,” said Senator Marie Pinkney, prime sponsor of SB 283 and SB 320. “Expanding the scope of practice isn’t about lowering standards or compromising quality of care, it’s about removing outdated barriers that can help better serve our neighbors. These bills will improve access to timely care and strengthen our health care workforce.”

“One of the best ways we can improve health care for Delawareans and meet the needs of patients in every corner of our state is by investing in the people who provide that care. Studying a Healthcare Apprenticeship Degree Program is an important step we can take today that will strengthen our future workforce by creating a pathway for aspiring health care professionals to earn a degree while gaining valuable, paid clinical experience,” said Rep. Alonna Berry, House Prime sponsor of HJR 13. “This program would be a win for patients and a win for hopeful providers, and I look forward to seeing the results of this study.”

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