Governor Meyer’s Picks For Diamond State Hospital Review Board Revealed

Dr. Thomas Sweeney and Gary Ferguson have been nominated for Diamond State Hospital Review Board. (Photo/ Delaware.gov)

WILMINGTON— Governor Matt Meyer announced his two nominees for the Diamond State Hospital Cost Review Board.

Dr. Thomas Sweeney and Gary Ferguson have been nominated and must be confirmed by the Delaware State Senate.

Dr. Thomas Sweeney, an emergency medicine physician and leader, has over 30 years of experience in clinical practice, medical education, and EMS leadership, dedicated to enhancing patient care and mentoring future healthcare professionals.

Gary Ferguson, a healthcare executive with over 40 years of experience in health system operations, medical administration, and public health planning, dedicated three decades to leadership roles at ChristianaCare Health System. As Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Ferugson oversaw system-wide operations, spearheaded strategic initiatives, and advanced high-quality patient care in Delaware.

“They are healthcare leaders in their field and in their expertise, and we look forward to them bringing that to the role’’ said Mila Myles, Director of Communications for the office of the Governor.

Who else was confirmed to the Diamond State Hospital Cost Review Board?

Richard Geisenberger, the current Secretary of Finance for Delaware
Heath Chasanov, CEO of Kent-Sussex Industries, which assists people with disabilities
Thomas Brown, a former Nanticoke Healthcare executive
David Singleton, the former Chief of Staff in Wilmington, state Secretary of Finance, CAO of New Castle County and Vice President of the University of Delaware
Devona Williams, the President, CEO, and Founder of Goeins Williams Associates consulting firm

“These two nominations bring experience and expertise that are really lacking, adding them should hopefully lead to better and more informed decisions.”

The Diamond State Health Cost Review Board aims to reduce healthcare costs for Delawareans, who pay more than many neighboring states. The board’s creation means that, for the first time, the public will have access to hospital budgets, financial data, and utilization rates that were previously unavailable.

One of the most debated bills in the past legislative session was House Bill 350, which established the Diamond State Cost Review Board. This board reviews hospital budgets and revenues to identify potential cost-saving measures.

“They understand the complexities that go into hospital costs,” said Miles. “ The hope is that with their knowledge, we’ll be able to have a commission that is able to make informed decisions for all Delawareans.”

The bill stemmed from the rapidly rising cost of health care in Delaware, particularly for state employees whose coverage is funded by taxpayers and overseen by legislators.

According to a 2022 RAND report on national health care costs, Delaware ranks among the most expensive states for commercial hospital prices, with inpatient facility services costing 281% of Medicare rates and outpatient services reaching 369%.

Disagreements over how to control these costs continue. Healthcare leaders attribute the rising expenses to pharmaceutical prices and provider salaries in a competitive mid-Atlantic market. Lawmakers, on the other hand, argue that not-for-profit health systems are generating excessive profits—profits that are reinvested within the system instead of being used to lower costs for consumers.

RELATED STORY: Hospital Cost Review Board Picks

The board faced challenges early on, including a lawsuit from ChristianaCare less than a month after its creation. The health system sought to block the board from taking effect, arguing that the law violated federal constitutional rights by interfering with private hospital governance and budgets.

Some hospital administrators strongly opposed the bill, as it curtails some of the decision-making power traditionally held by hospital boards of directors.

Delaware Healthcare Association President and CEO Brian Frazee, has been in opposition to House Bill 350, and continues to push other ideas to lower rising healthcare costs.

“We know HB 350 is not the best approach for Delaware, especially as the fifth oldest and sixth fastest growing state in the country, but we can still get it right,” Brian Frazee wrote in a statement to Delaware Live.

Frazee supports Governor Meyer’s nominees, as they are well-qualified experts, “whose insights will benefit the collaborative discussions ahead.”

“Delawareans deserve an all-hands-on-deck collaborative approach to meaningfully address healthcare access, quality, equity, and affordability especially as we face uncertainty on the national level and the likelihood of deep cuts to healthcare programs.”

The Delaware Healthcare Association (DHA) is a statewide trade organization representing hospitals, health systems, and related healthcare organizations. DHA advocates for cost-effective, quality care and works to improve health services through collaboration at state and federal levels.

“ Delaware hospitals are on the frontlines, open 24/7/365 to anyone who walks through their doors and will be the backstop for harmful federal policies.”

The DHA continues to work with its new state administration and new legislature to find solutions that will meaningfully address challenges in the healthcare system.

“DHA and our members want to partner with policymakers and stakeholders to make the First State first in health. The first step is addressing HB 350 to avoid duplicating the devastating healthcare landscape in Vermont. We look forward to continuing these conversations.”

Despite the ongoing battle to initiate the board, the Governor’s office confirms it will move forward with its plan and hold a meeting sometime in March.