Bill Text: DE HCR160 | 2023-2024 | 152nd General Assembly | Draft
Bill Title: Urging The Establishment Of A Medical School In The State Of Delaware.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2024-06-30 - Passed By Senate. Votes: 20 YES 1 NOT VOTING [HCR160 Detail]
Download: Delaware-2023-HCR160-Draft.html
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SPONSOR: |
Rep. Minor-Brown & Rep. Ramone & Rep. Bolden & Rep. Jones Giltner & Rep. Parker Selby & Sen. Townsend |
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
152nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 160
URGING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A MEDICAL SCHOOL IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.
WHEREAS, Delaware is currently one of only four states in the nation without a medical school, despite a growing need for healthcare professionals within the state; and
WHEREAS, the establishment of a medical school in Delaware would help address the urgent physician shortage, especially in underserved areas such as Sussex County, which faces significant healthcare access issues due to its rapidly growing and aging population; and
WHEREAS, the Sussex Economic Development Action Committee (SEDAC) commissioned a feasibility study, which found that establishing a branch campus of an existing osteopathic medical program in Sussex County is both needed and feasible; and
WHEREAS, the feasibility study concluded that a branch campus would increase the physician workforce, improve healthcare quality, and drive significant economic and social impact in Sussex County; and
WHEREAS, the establishment of a medical school branch campus is expected to create over $90 million in annual economic impact and support more than 600 jobs in Sussex County, thus enhancing both healthcare and economic development in the region; and
WHEREAS, Delaware State University (DSU) and ChristianaCare have initiated discussions on establishing a medical school program that could leverage existing facilities and partnerships, potentially making DSU a branch campus of the Sidney Kimmel Medical College; and
WHEREAS, the Delaware Institute for Medical Education and Research (DIMER) program currently offers limited opportunities for Delaware students to pursue medical education out-of-state, which does not fully meet the state's healthcare workforce needs; and
WHEREAS, the establishment of a Delaware-based medical school would help retain medical graduates within the state, thus addressing the physician shortage more effectively .
BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the State of Delaware, the Senate concurring therein, that the General Assembly urges the relevant stakeholders, including Delaware’s healthcare organizations, higher education institutions, government representatives, and community organizations to come together and take the necessary steps to establish a medical school in Delaware.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the General Assembly supports the formation of a formal Steering Group with participation from healthcare organizations, higher education institutions, government representatives, and community leaders to guide the planning and implementation of this initiative.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the General Assembly encourages the pursuit of partnerships with established medical schools and other medical education programs to facilitate the creation of a medical school that meets the accreditation standards and educational needs of Delaware.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the General Assembly commits to supporting efforts to secure the necessary funding from public and private sources to make the medical school financially sustainable and ensure its long-term success.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, Delaware’s healthcare organizations, higher education institutions, and community organizations, to inform them of the General Assembly's support and urge their collaboration in this critical initiative.
SYNOPSIS
This House Concurrent Resolution urges the establishment of a medical school in the State of Delaware; calls for the formation of a formal Steering Group to guide the planning and implementation of a medical school; encourages the pursuit of partnerships with established medical schools and other medical education programs; and commits to supporting efforts to secure necessary funding needed to establish a medical school.
