Delaware Enacts Moratorium On For-Profit Acquisition Or Control Of Non-Profit Acute Care Hospitals

Delaware enacted legislation, Senate Bill 313, placing a moratorium on the acquisition or control of non-profit acute care hospitals by for-profit entities. The moratorium took effect on July 20, 2026, when Governor Matt Meyer signed the legislation, and runs through July 1, 2028. Delaware has eight community hospitals operated by six non-profit health systems. During the moratorium, the state intends to develop permanent statutory safeguards appropriate to Delaware's health care market and the characteristics of its hospital systems.

Delaware is the second state to enact such a moratorium and the only state with an active moratorium . . .