AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO STAFFING IN NURSING FACILITIES, INTERMEDIATE CARE FACILITIES FOR PERSONS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES, ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES, AND DEMENTIA CARE.

The Delaware Code currently has no provisions for dementia care. This bill defines dementia care and sets forth staffing requirements for all facilities that provide dementia care, including setting minimum staffing ratios. The bill requires that staff who provide dementia care must complete dementia-specific-care training and identifies what the training must include. This bill also requires that facilities have dedicated activity staff and that activity services be offered seven days a week at least 9 hours per day while residents are awake and able to participate. This bill prohibits the use of “dementia” or “memory care” in advertising unless a facility is in compliance with the Delaware Code and associated regulations. Finally, this bill provides that the Department may promulgate and adopts rules and regulations to implement the section and the subchapter.