Valued Voice

On Oct. 9, Sen. Eric Wimberger (R-Oconto) and Reps. Ray Snyder (R-Weston) and Lisa Subeck (D-Madison) released for co-sponsorship their "next-of-kin" legislation supported by WHA. 

"This legislation aims to empower family members to help get their loved ones the care they need without having to go through a lengthy and expensive court-ordered guardianship process if they become incapacitated and do not have a Power of Attorney for Health Care (POAHC)," said the legislators in their co-sponsorship memo. "LRB-4394 is nearly identical to legislation that passed the Assembly on a voice vote last session but did not clear the Senate before the session was adjourned," they added.

WHA sent out a memo urging legislators to co-sponsor the legislation.

"The current process is a burden on families, providers and patients and delays appropriate treatment in the correct setting," said WHA in the memo. "We respectfully request you sponsor this legislation as it will have an immediate impact on increasing access to care by opening up hospital beds to new patients in need and transferring medically incapacitated patients to the most appropriate care setting more quickly," the memo continued.

WHA will also be sending out a HEAT alert urging its members to contact their legislators and will be working with legislators in the coming weeks to get the legislation scheduled for committee hearings.

Contact WHA Vice President of Government Relations Abbey Rude or Vice President of Federal Affairs & Advocacy Jon Hoelter with questions.