The Department shall adopt, promulgate, amend and repeal any rules and regulations that are consistent with law relative to this chapter and necessary to achieve the purpose and requirements of this chapter. These rules and regulations shall include provisions for:

1. (1) The establishment and maintenance of an up-to-date registry that shall document every occurrence of cancer and of benign tumor in this State;

2. (2) The establishment of a procedure for reporting to the Department, within 180 days of initial diagnosis or treatment, every occurrence of cancer and of benign tumor in this State. Such procedure shall include the reporting of specified information that the Department deems necessary and appropriate for the recognition, prevention, control or cure of cancer and benign tumors, and shall minimally include the reporting requirements of the National Cancer Data Base established by the American College of Surgeons, along with information regarding the patient’s length of residency in Delaware, primary residential address in Delaware and the location and nature of the patient’s primary past employment. Those required to report to the Department occurrences of cancer and benign tumors shall include:

   1. a. Any physician, surgeon, dentist, podiatrist or other health-care practitioner who diagnoses or provides treatment for cancer or benign tumors;
   2. b. The designated representative of any hospital, dispensary, asylum or other similar public or private institution that diagnoses or provides treatment for cancer or benign tumors; and
   3. c. The designated representative of any laboratory that examines tissue specimens which disclose the existence of cancer or benign tumor;
3. (3) The establishment of a procedure for the publication and distribution of forms, instructions and notices required by this chapter or necessary to accomplish the purpose of this chapter; and
4. (4) The establishment of a procedure to obtain follow-up information from those required to report occurrences of cancer and benign tumors pursuant to this chapter. Any follow-up information deemed necessary by the Department shall be submitted to the Department at least 1 time each year by those required to report occurrences of cancer and benign tumors.

This chapter and any rules or regulations issued pursuant to this chapter shall not apply to any person or private institution that, as an exercise of religious freedom, treats the sick or suffering by spiritual means through prayer alone.

62 Del. Laws, c. 334, § 1; 70 Del. Laws, c. 391, § 1; 73 Del. Laws, c. 431, §§ 1, 2