WiHPCA Latest News

State Senate Fails to Pass Palliative Care Council Bill

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 16:34:58 GMT

WiHPCA’s top legislative priority for the 2025-2026 state legislative session is the passage of Assembly Bill 23/Senate Bill 39, which would create a state Palliative Care Council to advise the state Department of Health Services (DHS) and the state Legislature on key issues impacting palliative care failed to pass the Republican-controlled State Senate. In addition, the bill would create a statewide palliative care consumer and professional information and education program to educate the general public on palliative care, which is frequently misunderstood.

Thanks to the advocacy of WiHPCA members, our organization made great strides in moving this legislation forward during the 2025-2026 state legislative session! Both the Assembly Health Committee and the Senate Health Committee held respective hearings on this legislation in early 2025, during which several WiHPCA members testified in support of this legislation. Thank you to those WiHPCA members who traveled to Madison who testified at these hearings! After these hearings, the Assembly Health Committee voted overwhelmingly (14-1) to advance AB39, and the Senate Health Committee voted unanimously (5-0) to advance SB39. Following committee action, the full state Assembly voted overwhelmingly (96-1) to pass this bill.

Due to the advocacy of WiHPCA members, this legislation has advanced farther than it has during prior legislative sessions. In particular, WiHPCA members responded to multiple WiHPCA action alerts and contacted their respective state Representatives and state Senators to ask them to vote to advance this bill. In addition, WiHPCA created a coalition of health care organizations which engaged in several outreach efforts to members of the state Legislature to advance this bill. Despite WiHPCA’s broad and sustained advocacy efforts on this bill, the state Senate ultimately did not vote on this legislation during the 2025-2026 legislative session.

It is important to note that it is not unusual for legislation to be re-introduced in several successive two-year legislative sessions before it passes both the Assembly and Senate and makes it to the Governor’s desk. WiHPCA anticipates working with state legislators during the next legislative session – which begins in January 2027 – to re-introduce this important legislation.

State Legislature Session Update

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 16:32:51 GMT

On Friday, February 20, the Wisconsin State Assembly concluded its work for the 2025-2026 regular legislative session and the state Senate is expected to conclude their final action on March 17.

As this is written, the Legislature approved the following bills of interest to WIHPCA:

Senate Bill 264 (Requires health insurers to cover diagnostic breast exams and screening exams for those at increased risk of breast cancer ) passed the Legislature.

• This bill also requires such screenings to be covered by Medicaid.

• SB264 passed the Assembly on February 19 by a vote of 96-0. It passed the Senate on October 14, 2025, by a vote of 32-1. It will subsequently go to the Governor for his consideration.

Senate Bill 417 (Visitation of a long-term care facility resident or hospital patient during a communicable disease outbreak) passed the Legislature.

• Under this bill, if an assisted living facility, nursing home, or hospital limits visitors due to an outbreak or epidemic of a communicable disease, the facility must allow certain visits with residents or patients of the facility.

• The bill allows such a facility to deny visitation with a resident or patient by a member of the clergy or an essential visitor for various reasons, including if:

o the member of the clergy or essential visitor refuses to comply with health and safety policies;

o it is unknown if the member of the clergy or essential visitor is contagious with a communicable disease and adequate precautions are not available to prevent them from infecting others;

o the resident or patient is known or suspected to be contagious with a communicable disease and adequate precautions are not available to prevent them from infecting others; or

o the resident or patient does not wish to visit with the member of the clergy or essential visitor.

• SB417 passed the Assembly on February 19 by voice vote. It had previously passed the Senate on January 21 by a vote of 19-14. The next step is for the bill to be sent to the Governor for his consideration.

Senate Bill 822 (Allows discounts for the prompt payment of health care fees) passed the Legislature.

• Under current state law, a clinician is not allowed to reduce (or offer to reduce) a patient’s coinsurance or deductible unless paying the amount would be an undue financial hardship for the patient.

• This bill clarifies that discounts for prompt patient payment do not violate existing prohibitions in state law. It also clarifies that clinicians may (but are not required to) offer a discount to patients for prompt payment. Discounts are limited to 15% of the bill (and are reasonably related to the avoided amount of collection costs).

• The bill also includes the following requirements related to allowing such a payment discount:

o The discount must be offered uniformly for prompt payment, without regard to the insurer or the patient's reason for seeking care.

o The clinician must notify insurers by posting the most up-to-date discount policy on their website (public advertising of the discount is prohibited unless otherwise required by law).

o The discount cannot be provided before the service is scheduled or outside the clinician’s ordinary course of dealing with patients (e.g., at registration, billing, or payment).

o Clinicians cannot shift the cost of the discount to other payers or include it in third-party payer contracts (except as allowed by state or federal law).

• This bill passed the Assembly on February 19 by voice vote. It passed the Senate on February 11. It will now go to the Governor for his consideration.

Senate Bill 832 (Allowing any pharmacy to be operated as a remotely supervised pharmacy, if the pharmacist complies with the Pharmacy Examining Board’s rules) passed the Legislature.

• Under existing state law, pharmacies at certain locations (e.g., health care facilities, clinicians’ offices, and correctional facilities) may be operated as remote dispensing sites that are supervised remotely by pharmacists.

• This bill passed the Assembly yesterday by voice vote. It passed the Senate on February 11. It will now go to the Governor for his consideration.

Once the state Senate has adjourned for the 2025-2026 regular legislative session, we will provide you with an appropriate update.

Marquette Law School Releases New Statewide Poll

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 16:26:31 GMT

[NOTE: Individuals and topics referenced in the following poll summary were selected to reflect information of general interest to WiHPCA members. The inclusion of any particular item does not in any way reflect the views of WiHPCA, Hoven Consulting, Badger Bay Management Company or its employees or representatives.]

On February 25, 2026, Marquette University Law School Poll released its most recent poll, which surveyed 818 registered Wisconsin voters between February 11-19, 2026. The margin of error is +/-4.3 percentage points. This poll is the first Wisconsin state-specific Marquette poll since October 2025. This new poll covers political approval ratings, 2026 candidates, as well as various policy areas.

The following February 2026 poll findings may be of interest:

Elected Officials

President Trump Job Approval

• 44% approve of the job President Trump (R) is doing.

• 54% disapprove.

• 2% don’t know.

Governor Tony Evers Job Approval

• 49% approve of the job Governor Tony Evers (D) is doing.

• 45% disapprove.

• 6% don’t know.

Wisconsin Legislature Job Approval

• 41% approve of the state legislature’s job performance.

• 44% disapprove.

• 15% don’t know.

Wisconsin Gubernatorial Candidates – 2026 August Primary Election

The following are the polling results of Wisconsin Republican primary voters when asked for whom they would vote:

• Congressman Tom Tiffany: 35%

• Medical Service Technician Andy Manske: 2%

NOTE: 63 percent of Republican primary voters indicated that they have not made up their minds on a preferred candidate for governor.

The following are the polling results of Wisconsin Democratic primary voters when asked for whom they would vote:

• State Rep. Francesca Hong (Madison): 11%

• Former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes: 10%

• Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez: 6%

• Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley: 3%

• Former Non-Profit Executive Joel Brennan: 2%

• Former Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. CEO Missy Hughes: 2%

• State Sen. Kelda Roys (Madison): 1%

• Former State Rep. Brett Hulsey (Madison Suburbs): 1%

NOTE: 65 percent of Democratic primary voters indicated that they have not made up their minds on a preferred candidate for governor.

Wisconsin Supreme Court Candidates – 2026 Spring Election

The following are the polling results of Wisconsin registered voters when asked for whom they would vote in the April State Supreme Court election:

• Waukesha-Based State Appeals Court Judge Maria Lazar (Conservative Candidate): 12%

• Madison-Based State Appeals Court Judge Chris Taylor (Liberal Candidate): 17%

NOTE: 66% of Wisconsin registered voters indicated that they have not made up their minds on a preferred candidate for the state Supreme Court.

General Issues

The most important issue among registered voters:

• Inflation and the cost of living: 34%

• Health insurance: 14%

• Illegal immigration and border security: 13%

• Taxes: 9%

• Jobs and the economy: 9%

• Affordability of housing: 7%

• Gun violence: 5%

• Abortion policy: 5%

• Public schools: 4%

• Crime in your community: 1%

Wisconsin Political Update

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 16:24:08 GMT

[NOTE: Candidates referenced in the following political update were selected to reflect information of general interest to WiHPCA members. The inclusion of any particular item does not in any way reflect the views of WiHPCA, Hoven Consulting, Badger Bay Management Company or its employees or representatives.]

On February 19, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Western Racine County) announced that he will not run for re-election this year. He is the longest-serving Assembly Speaker in Wisconsin history, serving in that role since 2013. He was first elected to the Assembly in 2004. Assembly Majority Leader Tyler August (R-Lake Geneva Area) is widely expected to be the next Assembly Speaker, if the GOP maintains control of that chamber.

In mid-March, state Senator Van Wanggaard (R-Racine) has indicated that he will not run for re-election this year. He was first elected in 2010, lost a recall election in 2012, was elected again in 2014, and has been re-elected since. The boundaries of his state Senate district have changed significantly during redistricting that took place in 2024. This district is now a “swing” district and is considered to be one of the state Senate districts that Democrats have targeted in this year’s elections. As this is written, the only declared candidate is Democrat Trevor Jung, who is a former City of Racine Alder and is the current Director of Transit and Mobility for the city.

Over the last month, several Democrats have announced their respective candidacies against several incumbent Democratic members of the state Assembly from Milwaukee:

• Most recently, Milwaukee Public School Board Member Mimi Reza announced that she will run against Rep. Priscilla Prado (D-Milwaukee South Side) in the Democratic primary in August. No Republicans have announced runs for this Assembly seat.

• Earlier in March, former Madison Alder and Milwaukee small business owner Bridget Maniaci announced she will run against Rep. Ryan Clancy (D-Milwaukee East Side & Bay View Neighborhoods) in the Democratic primary. No Republicans have announced runs for this Assembly seat.

• Several weeks ago, non-profit employee and community activist Ismael Luna announced that he will run against Rep. Sylvia Ortiz-Velez (D-Milwaukee South Side) in the Democratic primary. No Republicans have announced runs for this Assembly seat.

On March 9, State Supreme Court Justice Annette Ziegler, a conservative, announced that she will not run for a third 10-year term in 2027. She first won election to the state Supreme Court in 2007 and previously served as a Washington County judge, a prosecutor and an attorney in private practice. As this is written, no individuals have announced that they will run for this position. However, such announcements could occur after this year’s spring election on April 7.

Legislature Releases Funds to Improve Occupational Credential Processing

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 16:07:17 GMT

In late January, the Legislature’s budget-writing Joint Committee on Finance released funding to the state Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) intended to improve occupational credential processing efficiencies. In particular, the committee released $1.8 million to DSPS to update customer call center software, implement a 24-hour “AI-agent chat” pilot program intended to answer most “how to” questions, and add six contract staff members to implement these upgrades and to provide customer assistance.

Wisconsin Political Update

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 16:07:02 GMT

At the end of January, President Donald Trump endorsed Congressman Tom Tiffany (R-Minocqua) in his campaign for governor. Shortly after, Republican gubernatorial candidate Josh Schoemann – who serves as Washington County Executive – ended his campaign. As such, Congressman Tiffany is the sole major candidate running for the Republican nomination for governor.

Also in January, state Senator Rob Hutton (R-Brookfield) announced that he would not run for re-election this year. After that announcement, physical therapist and business owner Mike Roberts (R-Pewaukee) announced his candidacy for this seat. State Representative Robyn Vining (D-Wauwatosa) had previously announced her candidacy for this state Senate seat. This is viewed as perhaps the most competitive state Senate election in 2026.

On February 2, state Senator Steve Nass (R-Whitewater) announced that he will not run for re-election this year. Senator Nass started his service in the Legislature in 1991, as a member of the state Assembly. Following that announcement, former state Representative Ellen Schutt (R-Clinton) announced her candidacy for this state Senate seat.

Non-Partisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau Projects Increased State Budget Surplus

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 16:06:40 GMT

In January, the non-partisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau (LFB) announced a projection that the state government will have a $2.5 billion surplus at the end of the current Fiscal Year 2025-2027 budget timeframe. This projected amount is $1.5 billion more than previously projected. Most of that increase is due to nearly $1.4 billion in increased state tax collections. LFB’s analysis for this higher-than-expected surplus is due to growth in the 2025 gross domestic product due to a lower rate of inflation. LFB also indicated that a lower-than-expected tariff rate also played a role.

Assembly Approves Legislation Creating a Process to Update State Government Fees

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 16:06:06 GMT

On February 12, the state Assembly unanimously passed Assembly Bill 910, which would put in place a process for each state government agency to review the fees and fines under their respective purview and recommend any updates to the Legislature. Numerous such fees and fines have not been updated in 20, 30, or 40 or more years. It’s also worth noting that fees addressed by this bill include occupational credentialing fees, which are mostly assessed by the state Department of Safety and Professional Services.

In particular, the bill would require each state government agency to undertake a fee and fine review every six years. As a result of this review, each agency would make recommendations to the Legislature to consider updating fees and fines to take into account inflation. However, under the bill, an agency is allowed to recommend no changes to a particular fee or fine. If an agency does recommend an increase to a particular fee or fine, they may recommend implementing it over four years to minimize impact on affected parties.

This bill will now be sent to the state Senate for its consideration.

Governor Evers Delivers His Final State of the State Address on February 17

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 16:09:11 GMT

On January 2, 2026, Governor Tony Evers announced that he will deliver his 2026 State of the State address in the Assembly Chamber of the Wisconsin State Capitol on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 7:00PM (Central Time). As he is not running for re-election in 2026, this will be his final State of the State speech. His speech may be viewed live online on the WisconsinEye website, the Governor’s YouTube channel, as well as his Facebook page.

WiHPCA Supports Bill to Streamline Guardianship Process for Admission to Nursing Homes & Assisted Living Facilities

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 18:25:57 GMT

In recent weeks, WiHPCA decided to support legislation that allows family members to ensure that they are able to get their loved ones admitted to a nursing home or an assisted living facility 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. Under current state law, if a loved one is incapacitated while in a hospital and has not previously completed such a power of attorney – even if they are medically cleared to be transferred – it often takes weeks or months to complete a court-ordered guardianship process.

The Senate Committee on Health voted 4-1 on November 11, 2025, to advance the Senate version of this bill – Senate Bill 578 – to the full Senate. On November 12, 2025, the Assembly Committee on Health held a hearing on the Assembly companion bill, Assembly Bill 598. WiHPCA’s Madison lobbyists will continue to monitor this legislation.

Wisconsin Receives $203 Million from the Federal Rural Health Transformation Program

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 18:25:32 GMT

On December 30, 2025, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced that it received $203 million in Rural Health Transformation Fund grant funding from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This award represents the first of five years of such awards from CMS to benefit rural health care in Wisconsin. According to the DHS press release, these dollars will go towards the following initiatives:

· “Grants for innovative workforce projects in rural communities, support career pathways for rural health care providers, and fund services provided by community health workers.

· Upgrades for rural provider systems, digital infrastructure, and develop a digital rural health care collaborative.

· A competitive grant program for rural regions to create coordinated systems of care where multi-sector partnerships show a clear path to sustainability.”

DHS Continues to Support the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Recommendations on Childhood Vaccines

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 18:25:08 GMT

Following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) decision on January 5, 2026, to significantly modify the childhood vaccine schedule – including reducing the number of recommended vaccines for all children from 17 to 11 – the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced that they continue to recommend that Wisconsin clinicians follow the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) vaccine schedule. For more information, please view the DHS vaccine guidance documenton the DHS website.

Please Contact Your State Senator to Request a Senate Vote on Palliative Care Council Legislation

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 18:22:13 GMT

WiHPCA’s top legislative priority for the 2025-2026 state legislative session is the passage of Senate Bill 39/Assembly Bill 23, which would create a state Palliative Care Council to advise the state Department of Health Services (DHS) and the state Legislature on key issues impacting palliative care and the patients and their families that depend on this type of care.

We are very close to passing this bill and need your expertise and passion to get the bill scheduled for a vote in the Wisconsin State Senate.

What You Already Know

Palliative care is specialized medical care for people living with a serious illness such as cancer, heart failure, kidney failure, and advanced neurologic disorders, among others. This type of care is focused on providing relief from both the symptoms and stress of serious illness with the goal of improving quality of life for both the patient and their family.

Palliative care is based on the needs of the patient, not on the patient’s prognosis. It is appropriate at any age and at any stage for a serious illness, and it can be provided along with curative treatment.

Why Create a Palliative Care Council?

This council would analyze existing palliative care programs in our state, as well as identify ways in which health care providers could improve the quality of life for patients throughout Wisconsin. This council will help improve awareness of palliative care – which is often misunderstood, even in the field of health care – address the shortage of palliative care providers and increase access to this valuable type of care.

Additional Benefits of Palliative Care

Palliative Care Saves Costs

Research has demonstrated that patients in hospital systems with palliative care programs experienced reduced emergency department visits, fewer days in intensive care, and fewer hospital re-admissions after discharge.

According to a summary of palliative care studies prepared by the American Cancer Society:
According to a 2020 study, hospital patients who received a quick palliative care referral had median hospital charges that were $56,700 less than other patients.
A 2022 study found that palliative care provided to adult patients at home decreased their medical costs by 16.7%.
Hospital patients with cancer who received a palliative care consultation within two days of admission experienced up to 32% lower health care costs, according to a 2016 study.

Status of the bill

The state Assembly voted overwhelmingly (96-1) in May to pass Assembly Bill 23, which has now been referred to the Senate. On March 14, the Senate Health Committee voted unanimously (5-0) to send this bill to the full Senate.

As you can see, this legislation has overwhelming support in the Legislature. We need your help to get this bill over the finish line! Specifically, we need WiHPCA palliative care agency staff members to contact their state senators to ask for their support to bring this legislation to a vote in the full state Senate.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP:

Please email or call your state senator by Monday, February 2 and urge him or her to ask Senate leadership to schedule a vote on the Palliative Care Council legislation (Assembly Bill 23/Senate Bill 39) in order to improve awareness of this specialized type of care, address the shortage of palliative care providers, and increase access to this type of care. Ultimately, the intent is to better support patients living with life-limiting illnesses.

Don’t know who your state senator is? Just click here and type your home address in the “Enter address” field at the top of the screen to find that out, as well as the appropriate office phone number and email address.

Please use WiHPCA’s sample e-mail when contacting your state senator. This will only take you a few minutes. Simply cut-and-paste it into an email and send it off. You are also welcome to customize it based on your experience with palliative care. [If you do so, please be sure that any anecdotes/information you share is HIPAA-compliant.] If you prefer to call your state senator’s office, you could use the sample e-mail as a script.

If you have any questions, please contact the WiHPCA Government Affairs Team at tim@hovenconsulting.com or nathan@hovenconsulting.com.

Thank you for your advocacy!

Note to Badger Bay: Please make this a link to the email template that we will provide to you separately.

Unity Hospice Announces the 2025 Honoree for the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 14:38:11 GMT

Unity Hospice announced the 2025 honoree of the nationally recognized DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses during a recent awards ceremony held at Unity Grief and Education Center.

For her commitment to delivering the highest quality of care and compassion, Unity Registered Nurse Tonya Trimberger was presented with a personalized "Extraordinary Nurse" certificate, a DAISY Award pin, and a hand-carved sculpture called "The Healer's Touch" which represents the bond between nurses and their patients. As a DAISY Honoree, Trimberger will also receive ongoing benefits, such as reduced certification rates with the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the opportunity to apply for conference scholarships among others.

Nurses are eligible for the DAISY Award through nominations by patients, family members, physicians, community partners, and colleagues for their outstanding compassion and immense clinical skills based upon the following criteria:

Models empathy and demonstrates a caring attitude in all situations.
Demonstrates extraordinary clinical skills in the delivery of compassionate patient care.
Has a positive attitude and demonstrates professionalism in the work environment.
Exemplifies the mission, vision and values of Unity.
Establishes a special connection with patients and families.

Trimberger received 5 separate nominations from family members of a hospice patient under her care. The nominations shared the following: “Throughout Brad's time with Unity Hospice, when Tonya walked through the doors, we all felt relief knowing that she was going to check on him and give him the best care possible! Her compassion was unmatchable. She cared so incredibly much about Brad as well as the rest of the family. She was caring, compassionate, patient, calming, and reassuring to each of us, always answering all of our large family's questions & concerns as soon as possible. She seems so passionate about this career. It is more than just a job for her. She has touched each of our hearts and we feel Brad was lucky to have her as his nurse in his final days. Tonya is an amazing nurse who goes above and beyond what she needs to do. The family could never pay her back. She deserves to be recognized for the amazing care she gives.”

Unity encourages everyone who has had an exceptional experience with a Unity nurse to express their gratitude by completing the DAISY Award Nomination form located at unityhospice.org/caregiver-resources.

“Unity is proud to be a DAISY Award partner. The kind of work our nurses are called on to do every day epitomizes the purpose of this international award. It’s a privilege to celebrate their contributions to compassionate, patient-centered care”, says Heidi Warpinski, Unity Senior Director of Nursing and Specialty Services.

Happy Holidays and Thank You from Hoven Consulting!

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 19:46:10 GMT

As we look back over 2025, Tim and Nathan at Hoven Consulting are grateful to have the opportunity to work in Madison to advocate on behalf of Wisconsin’s hospice and palliative care agencies – in particular, to improve patient safety and increase patient access to our state’s health care system.

With your help, WiHPCA helped advance a number of important priorities that benefit hospice and palliative care agencies and the patients you serve:

Legislation Creating a State Palliative Care Council: With the help of WiHPCA members, we have advanced this legislation further than ever before! Earlier this year, the State Assembly approved this legislation overwhelmingly. In addition, the Senate Health Committee unanimously advanced this bill to the full state Senate. We are continuing to work to advance this legislation in the state Senate. Thank you for your advocacy on this important legislation!
WiHPCA formally agreed to support legislation allowing Advanced Practice Nurse Prescribers (APNPs) to pronounce the date, time, and place of a patient’s death for purposes of the preparation of death records.
Governor Tony Evers signed this bill into law on August 8, 2025.

We look forward to 2026 and our continued efforts to advocate for policies that benefit both hospice and palliative care agencies and the patients you serve.

From all of us at Hoven Consulting, we would like to wish all of you and your families a very happy and healthy holiday season!

Consider Sending a Letter to the Editor Supporting the Bill Creating a State Palliative Care Council

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 19:45:43 GMT

We need WiHPCA members to continue to contact the state Senate and urge them to pass Senate Bill 39!

We need your help to advance legislation in the state Senate that creates a state Palliative Care Council! Please consider sending a letter to your local newspaper requesting your respective state Senator to support this bipartisan legislation and get it to the Governor’s desk for his signature. Here is a template letter that you are welcome to use – please customize it appropriately.

Not sure who your state senator is? Go to the State Legislature’s interactive map website and type in your home address to find out.

Thank you for your advocacy!

DHS Announces New Online Licensure and Certification System for Health and Residential Care Providers

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 19:45:19 GMT

In recent weeks, the state Department of Health Services’ Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) announced that it is launching a new online portal for health and residential care providers to use for licensure/certification, background checks, plan reviews, among other matters. As of December 15, 2025, various providers, including assisted living facilities, will be required to use this system. In the future, hospices, nursing homes, hospitals and other providers will also be required to use this online portal.

For more information, please visit the DHS website.

2026 Governor’s Race – Update

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 19:44:59 GMT

On December 2, former Democratic Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes announced his candidacy for governor. He was also the Democratic nominee for the 2022 U.S. Senate race against U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (R) and previously served as a state representative, representing an Assembly district in the City of Milwaukee. His entry into the governor’s race was widely expected. Based on statewide polling prior to his announcement, he appears to be the leading candidate for the Democratic nomination at this time.

A little over a week later, Greater Milwaukee Committee President Joel Brennan also announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for governor. In addition, he served as the secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Administration during Governor Tony Evers’ first term. With Brennan now in the race, there are now 10 candidates running for the Democratic nomination for governor.

WiHPCA Supports Legislation Creating a Falls Prevention Awareness Grant Program

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 19:36:59 GMT

WiHPCA recently decided to support draft legislation, which has not yet been introduced (as this is written), that would create a grant program for falls prevention awareness. In particular, this bill would appropriate $450,000 in each of state fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to be awarded to the Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging (WIHA). WIHA is the only statewide organization that focuses solely on the issue of falls prevention. In addition to offering classes and workshops on falls prevention, WIHA also coordinates programs throughout Wisconsin to educate senior citizens and caregivers.

State DHS Announces Priorities Included in Application for Federal Rural Health Transformation Funding

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 19:36:30 GMT

On November 6, the state Department of Health Services (DHS) announced that it recently submitted its application to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for $1 billion in Rural Health Transformation Program funding. This program was created by the Budget Reconciliation Act that was signed into law by the President earlier this year and allows each state to apply for rural health funding.

According to its press release, DHS divided its funding application into the following three areas:

“Strengthen the rural health care workforce - $337 million. Recruiting and retaining an adequate health care workforce is a challenge in rural areas, making access to quality, timely care for rural residents difficult. This funding will provide grants for innovative workforce projects in rural communities, support career pathways for rural health care providers, and fund services provided by community health workers.

Drive rural technology and innovation - $329 million. Rural Wisconsin needs the technology to support and reach residents, such as closed-loop referral systems and telehealth capabilities. This funding will invest in upgrades to rural provider systems, digital infrastructure, and develop a digital rural health care collaborative.

Transform rural care through partnerships - $279 million. Rural Wisconsinites experience fragmented coordination across primary care, specialty care, behavioral health, chronic disease prevention, and community social supports. This funding will stand up a competitive grant program for rural regions to create coordinated systems of care where multi-sector partnerships show a clear path to sustainability.”

Further details are included in the DHS press release.

Recent Marquette University Poll Results

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 19:29:48 GMT

On October 29, 2025, Marquette University Law School Poll released its most recent poll, which surveyed 846 registered Wisconsin voters between October 15-22, 2025. This poll is the first Wisconsin state-specific Marquette poll since June 2025. This new poll covers political approval ratings, candidates for certain 2026 elections, as well as various policy areas.

The following October 2025 poll findings may be of interest:

Elected Officials

President Trump Job Approval

46% approve of the job President Trump (R) is doing.
53% disapprove.

Governor Tony Evers Job Approval

50% approve of the job Governor Tony Evers (D) is doing.
45% disapprove.
5% don’t know.

Wisconsin Legislature Job Approval

39% approve of the state legislature’s job performance.
50% disapprove.
11% don’t know.

Wisconsin Gubernatorial Candidates – 2026 August Primary Election

The following are the results for polling of Wisconsin Republican primary voters:

Congressman Tom Tiffany: 23%
Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann: 6%
Medical Service Technician Andy Manske: Less than 0.5%

NOTE: 70 percent of Republican primary voters indicated that they have not made up their minds on a preferred candidate for governor.

The following are the results for polling of Wisconsin Democratic primary voters:

State Rep. Francesca Hong (Madison): 6%
Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez: 4%
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley: 3%
State Sen. Kelda Roys (Madison): 3%
Former Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. CEO Missy Hughes: 2%
American Family Field Beer Vendor Ryan Strnad: Less than 0.5%
Former State Rep. Brett Hulsey (Madison Suburbs): 0.0%

NOTE: 81 percent of Democratic primary voters indicated that they have not made up their minds on a preferred candidate for governor.

General Issues

The most important issue among registered voters:

Inflation and the cost of living: 27%
Illegal immigration and border security: 16%
Health insurance: 14%
Jobs and the economy: 9%
Gun violence: 9%
Affordability of housing: 9%
Taxes: 6%
Abortion policy: 4%
Public schools: 4%
Crime in your community: 2%

State and Local Policy

Data Centers

Costs of large data centers are greater than the benefits they provide: 55%
Benefits of large data centers outweigh the costs: 44%

Paid Family Leave

Support requiring businesses to provide paid family leave for parents of newborns: 77%
Opposed to requiring businesses to provide paid family leave for parents of newborns: 22%

Handgun Concealed Carry

Support state law allowing residents to obtain a license to carry concealed handguns: 77%
Oppose this state law: 22%

Support state legislative proposals to allow concealed carry without a license: 20%
Oppose such proposals: 78%

Government Reopened - Telehealth Flexibilities Resumed

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 13:48:53 GMT

The House of Representatives passed the Senate Amendment to H.R. 5371, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026, sending the measure to the President. President Trump subsequently signed this bill into law, formally ending the 43-day government shutdown. The bill provides a CR through January 30, 2026 at FY 2025 funding levels and provides full-year FY 2026 funding for the Agriculture Department, the Food and Drug Administration, the Legislative Branch, military construction projects, and the Veterans Affairs Department.

Here are some highlights:

The legislation retroactively restores the COVID-19 era Medicare telehealth flexibilities through January 30, 2026, as if they had never lapsed. For home health agencies, this reinstates the waiver of originating site and geographic requirements under section 1834(m), allowing face-to-face encounters to occur broadly via telehealth. For hospice providers, the required encounter prior to a third or subsequent benefit period may again be completed via telehealth by a hospice physician or nurse practitioner. These flexibilities previously expired on September 30, 2025.
The legislation renews $2 million in funding for Medicare hospice surveys, originally included in the IMPACT Act of 2014, to ensure hospices are surveyed at least every 36 months.
The legislation waives the Statutory PAYGO requirement through 2026, zeroing out PAYGO scorecard, which included $3.4 trillion in deficit spending resulting from the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBA). Without this waiver, providers would have been subject to an additional sequestration cut of roughly 4% to Medicare payments.
The full-year appropriations for the Veterans Administration will provide more certainty regarding the ongoing stability of VA health services. Included in the CR through January 30, 2026, is the Department of Defense, which funds TriCare. During the shutdown, TriCare was unable to process and pay medical claims for services and this will allow reimbursement for services provided from October 1, 2025 through the end of the CR.

Additional details are published in the National Alliance for Care at Home Alliance Daily article.

Palliative Care Council Bill Update

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 16:01:31 GMT

Now that the state Assembly has overwhelmingly approved legislation creating a state palliative care council (Assembly Bill 23) and the state Senate Health Committee has unanimously approved the Senate version of this bill (Senate Bill 39), WiHPCA’s lobbyists continue to aggressively work to move this bill forward in the state Senate.

We need your volunteers’ help! Recently, you should have received a WiHPCA Action Alert email requesting that palliative care agency volunteers either email or call their respective state senators and ask them to request Senate leadership to schedule this legislation for a vote in the full Senate. If your agency’s volunteers have not already done so, please kindly remind them to contact their respective state Senator – based on the volunteer’s residence address – and make this request. If the volunteer is not sure who their state Senator is, they may go to the Legislature’s interactive map website to find out.

Please thank your volunteers for their advocacy!

Political Update - Governor's Race

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 16:01:12 GMT

There have been a number of updates related to the 2026 Wisconsin gubernatorial race since the prior edition of this newsletter.

With respect to Democratic candidates, Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, and former labor union official and American Family Field beer vendor Ryan Strnad were the first to announce their respective candidacies. Over the last month, state Senator Kelda Roys (Madison), state Representative Francesca Hong (Madison), former Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation CEO Missy Hughes, and former state Representative Brett Hulsey (Middleton) have all joined the 2026 gubernatorial race. On October 7, Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul announced that he will not run for governor but will run for re-election in his current role. For several months, media reports had considered him as a potential gubernatorial candidate. As this is written, former Lieutenant Governor and 2022 Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Mandela Barnes has indicated that he is seriously considering running for governor.

On the Republican side, Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann and U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany (Minocqua) have announced their candidacies. Over the last few weeks, former four-term Governor Tommy Thompson publicly stated his interest in running for governor in 2026. He also considered running for governor in 2022 but ultimately decided not to run that year. Also, Milwaukee-area businessman Bill Berrien announced his candidacy for governor in early July but ended his campaign on September 26.

DHS is Seeking Health Care Professionals to Join the Medicaid Advisory Committee – Apply by October 27

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 16:00:42 GMT

The state Department of Health Services (DHS) is seeking providers and professionals with experience with Wisconsin’s Medicaid program to apply to join the state’s Medicaid Advisory Committee. Joining this committee will give individuals an opportunity to give advice and guidance on Medicaid policies and services. In particular, DHS is seeking the following individuals to join this committee:

Primary care providers
Federally qualified health center staff
Hospital administrative staff
Professionals who help Medicaid members navigate enrollment, care, benefits, and payments (e.g., income maintenance workers, community health workers, benefits specialists, or navigators).

For more information or to apply, please click here. Applications are due by Monday, October 27, 2025.

State Government Ends Fiscal Year with Larger Than Expected Balance

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 16:00:16 GMT

On October 15, Governor Tony Evers (D) announced that the State of Wisconsin ended state fiscal year 2025 – which ended on June 30 – with a balance of $4.6 billion in the state’s general fund. This amount is $265 million higher than prior estimates. Also, it is notable that the state’s budget stabilization fund – also known as the “rainy day fund” – increased to approximately $2 billion at the end of FY2025. This is the rainy day fund’s largest balance in state history.

Legislative Alert: Federal Government Shutdown Begins October 1, 2025

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 12:58:41 GMT

Last night, the Senate concluded votes on both a House republican CR and a Democratic CR, with both votes failing. With no path forward, the federal government shut down at midnight last night. This means that, among other things, telehealth flexibilities that were set to expire on September 30 are no longer in effect. The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has also released a contingency plan outlining its operations during the government shutdown. More updates will be shared as available. Alliance members are able to view the Alliance Daily Article for more information about the impacts of a government shutdown.

Palliative Care Council Bill Update

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 15:37:01 GMT

WiHPCA has also crafted a coalition letter supporting this legislation that is addressed to all state Senate offices. This letter will have been sent by the time you read this.

We need your help! Recently, you should have received a WiHPCA Action Alert email requesting that executives and employees of WiHPCA palliative care agencies either email or call your respective state senator and ask him/her to request Senate leadership to schedule this legislation for a vote in the full Senate. If you have not already done so, please contact your state Senator – based on your residence address – and make this request. You may view this WiHPCA Action Alert here. Not sure who your state Senator is? Go to the Legislature’s interactive map website to find out.

Thank you for your advocacy!

Governor Evers Signs Executive Order Addressing Vaccine Access in Wisconsin

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 15:36:43 GMT

On September 15, Governor Tony Evers (D) signed an executive order directing state government agencies to make sure that Wisconsinites are able to easily access vaccines, particularly the COVID-19 vaccine. More specifically, the executive order directs the state Department of Health Services (DHS) to “work with the Wisconsin Pharmacy Examining Board, the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI), and any other relevant state agencies and offices to ensure vaccine access for Wisconsinites to the fullest extent of the law and available funding”. The order also requires DHS to issue a standing order to allow Wisconsinites to access the COVID-19 vaccine at pharmacies. Additionally, the executive order requires the OCI to direct health insurance companies to provide full insurance coverage – within existing regulatory authority – for this vaccine.

The governor’s full press release may be viewed here.

Assembly Speaker Announces Creation of Task Force Committees

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 15:34:48 GMT

On September 9, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) held a press conference to announce the creation of new Speaker Task Forces to address several policy areas. During prior legislative sessions, Speaker Vos has created such task forces, which hold public hearings and meetings to examine specific policy areas with the ultimate goal of drafting related legislation. He indicated that the Assembly will likely vote on such legislation in January and February 2026.

Speaker Vos created the following Speaker Task Forces:

Protecting Children

This task force will be chaired by Rep. Lindee Brill (R-Sheboygan Falls), who will focus on online safety for children.

Government Efficiency and Modernization

This task force will be chaired by Rep. Jim Piwowarczyk (R-Western Waukesha County). This task force will focus on:

Replacing outdated, redundant processes with modern tools.
Reducing administrative overhead through automation.
Integrating systems across agencies to avoid duplicate work.
Using data to predict demand and allocate resources more effectively.

Elder Services

This task force will be chaired by Rep. Patrick Snyder (R-Wausau), who will focus on helping seniors maintain their independence and social lives, while prioritizing physical and financial wellbeing.

Rulemaking

This task force will be chaired by Rep. Brent Jacobson (R-Mosinee), an attorney, who will focus on oversight of state government’s regulatory process.

Legislature Resumes Fall Session Period

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 15:34:19 GMT

Following Labor Day, the state Legislature resumed its Fall session work period. In addition to state Assembly and Senate committees holding public hearings on various pieces of legislation, both chambers are able to hold session days. These are days during which each respective chamber votes on legislation. Both chambers are able to hold session days in both October and November, with additional possible session days in 2026.

Governor Signs Bill Allowing Advanced Practice Nurse Prescribers to Pronounce Deaths

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 14:06:13 GMT

On August 8, Governor Tony Evers (D) signed Senate Bill 43. This legislation allows an advanced practice nurse prescriber who is directly involved with the care of a patient to pronounce the date, time, and place of a patient’s death in order to prepare a death record. Previously, only a physician naturopathic doctor, coroner, deputy coroner, medical examiner, deputy medical examiner, physician assistant, or hospice nurse had this authority.

WiHPCA formally supported this legislation. Senate Bill 43, which is now 2025 Wisconsin Act 19, became effective on August 10, 2025.

Governor Evers Not Running for Re-Election

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 14:05:41 GMT

On July 24, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers (D) announced that he will not run for a third term as governor in 2026. His video announcement, which includes a transcript, may be viewed here.

This will be the first time since 2010 that an incumbent Wisconsin governor has not run for re-election. Tony Evers was first elected as governor in 2018 when he defeated then-Governor Scott Walker (R). He was re-elected in 2022, when he defeated Republican businessman Tim Michels. Prior to his tenure as governor, he was elected three times – in 2009, 2013, and 2017 – to the statewide position of Superintendent of the Department of Public Instruction – the state K-12 education agency. Earlier in his career, he was a teacher, school principal, and school district superintendent.

The 2026 Democratic primary election for governor could be quite crowded. At this time, the following Democrats have announced their candidacy for governor: incumbent Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez and former labor union official and American Family Field beer vendor Ryan Strnad. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley has publicly stated that he will take steps toward a candidacy but has not yet done so. State Senator Kelda Roys (Madison) has also indicated that she will likely enter the race. Other possible candidates include Attorney General Josh Kaul, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, former Lieutenant Governor and 2022 U.S. Senate Candidate Mandela Barnes, State Senator Chris Larson (Milwaukee), Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson, and former Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler.

On the Republican side, Milwaukee-area businessman Bill Berrien and Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann announced their respective candidacies for governor previously. U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany (Minocqua), 2024 Republican U.S. Senate candidate Eric Hovde, 2022 gubernatorial candidate Tim Michels, and state Senators Patrick Testin (Stevens Point) and Mary Felzkowski (Tomahawk) have also been referenced in various media reports as possible gubernatorial candidates in 2026.

It's possible that more individuals may formally announce their candidacy for governor after Labor Day.

Impact of Federal Budget Bill on Medicaid Coverage in Wisconsin

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 14:05:06 GMT

Following the enactment of the federal budget reconciliation bill – otherwise known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) issued a report detailing their projections on how this new federal law will impact Wisconsinites who use programs that DHS administers. The following are highlights of the agency’s analysis:

Over the next 10 years, 276,175 Wisconsin residents will no longer receive health care insurance coverage provided under either the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or Medicaid.
The increased work requirements in this new law will likely result in 63,000 Wisconsin adults being at high risk of losing Medicaid coverage.
This new federal law will make it more difficult to qualify for FoodShare (previously known as food stamps) benefits, as this new law imposes new work requirements to individuals up to age 65 (previously the age limit was 54). The new law also no longer exempts parents of children aged 14-17 from work requirements under this program.

A more detailed analysis is available on the DHS website.

DSPS Publishes Updated Occupational Credentialing Fee Schedule

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 14:04:00 GMT

On August 11, the state Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) – the state’s occupational credentialing agency – announced that it had published an updated fee schedule for the various occupations that it regulates. DSPS reviews all occupational credentialing fees every two years and modifies the fee amount for a specific profession based on the cost of the agency’s work to license and regulate that profession. It’s important to note that DSPS is almost entirely funded by fee-based revenue, instead of tax revenue.

According to the agency, most impacted professions – including nurses – will see their credential renewal fees increase by less than $20. The full fee schedule – which addresses renewal fees – may be viewed at the DSPS website.

Response Requested from WiHPCA Member Agencies –Threats Against Hospice & Palliative Care Staff

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 14:03:31 GMT

Response Requested from WiHPCA Member Agencies –Threats Against Hospice & Palliative Care Staff

In March 2022, Governor Tony Evers signed legislation into law that makes it a felony crime to intentionally cause bodily harm or threaten to cause bodily harm to an individual who works in a health care facility, a family member of such an individual, a health care provider, or a family member of such an individual.

Unfortunately, WiHPCA has heard of incidents occurring in the state, and a need for advocacy to protect our workers. With this in mind, we request that WIHPCA member agencies complete a brief survey (link) to collect more information.

WiHPCA would greatly appreciate it if you could complete this brief survey by Monday, September 15. Please make sure that any data that you provide to WiHPCA is compliant with the federal HIPAA privacy law.

Unity Receives $30,000 Grant from Otto Bremer Trust to Expand Services

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 13:10:12 GMT

De Pere, WI – Unity is proud to announce the award of a $30,000 grant from the Otto Bremer Trust to support and expand specialized pediatric palliative and hospice care services for children and their families in Northeast Wisconsin. This vital funding will also enhance grief support programs tailored to children and teens impacted by a death.

“This generous investment from the Otto Bremer Trust enables us to provide compassionate, family-centered care during the most difficult of life circumstances,” says Alisa Gerke, Executive Director of Unity. “No child should face a serious illness alone, and no family should be left without support during grief. Thanks to this grant, Unity can serve more families with the expertise, tenderness, and commitment they deserve.”

Unity is the only local nonprofit in the region offering specialized pediatric palliative and hospice care across a 14-county service area. Unity’s care model offers concurrent care, allowing young patients to continue life-prolonging treatments while also receiving home-based visits from an interdisciplinary team including nurses, social workers, chaplains, and grief counselors, all specialty-trained in pediatric care. From 24-hour nurse and social worker access, to pain management, emotional support, and spiritual care, Unity meets the needs of the entire family.

Beyond direct medical care, this grant will also support:

Specialized pediatric training and resources for care teams
Therapeutic and comfort items for young patients
Legacy projects such as voice recordings and keepsake kits
Age-appropriate educational materials for families
Grief counseling and peer support groups for children and teens
School-based outreach and professional training for education

Unity’s grief services are delivered throughout the community and at the Unity Grief and Education Center, the region’s only standalone grief center. Licensed staff provide one-on-one counseling, grief groups, school programs, and family support. Knowing grief can deeply affect a child’s development, mental health, and academic performance, Unity’s grief services respond with skilled, age-appropriate care. In the past year, 32 children ages 4–18 received individual counseling at the Unity Grief and Education Center. Our licensed counselors create safe spaces with therapeutic tools and play-based activities, allowing children to process loss in a way that fits their developmental stage.

Unity’s Generations program supports the whole grieving family. Over the past year, 15 families with 22 children participated in sessions that begin with a shared meal and divide into peer-based groups. These gatherings help children and teens feel understood and less alone in their grief, while offering coping tools to both kids and caregivers.

Unity’s school grief program reduces access barriers and supports children in familiar environments. Last year, 185 students participated in grief groups across 12 schools, with an additional 522 students and staff supported through professional trainings, debriefings, and school-wide grief resources.

The Otto Bremer Trust, committed to strengthening communities throughout the region with a focus on children’s health and disability services, aligns closely with Unity’s goal to provide dignified, holistic care. Through the partnership, Unity will ensure more families are compassionately supported throughout a child’s serious illness.

About Unity

Unity is Northeast Wisconsin’s pioneering not-for-profit healthcare provider that offers a full complement of care solutions including nonmedical home care, palliative care, hospice care, and grief support. With a commitment to seamlessly adapt care to the everchanging needs of each patient and family, Unity works tirelessly to enhance quality of life through innovative services and unique programs ensuring the wishes and goals of patients and families are always met. As the only locally owned and operated advanced illness provider in the region, Unity partners with area skilled nursing facilities, assisted-living facilities, and pharmacies, ensuring seamless care in all settings. Unity is the sole organization offering inpatient hospice at seven area hospitals and is a collaboration between Emplify Health by Bellin, HSHS St. Mary's Hospital Medical Center, and HSHS St. Vincent Hospital. Established as the third hospice program in the nation, Unity launched Wisconsin’s first palliative care program in 2002, the area’s first hospice residence in 2007, the region’s only Grief and Education Center in 2021, and the area’s first pediatric hospice program in 2024. Learn more at https://unityhospice.org/.

WiHPCA Board of Directors Nominations Now Open!

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 13:37:02 GMT

Call for Nominations: WIHPCA Board of Directors

The Wisconsin Hospice & Palliative Care Association (WIHPCA) is seeking passionate and dedicated individuals to serve on its Board of Directors. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of hospice and palliative care in Wisconsin.

Now Accepting Nominations!

Do you or someone you know have a commitment to advancing quality end-of-life care? We encourage you to nominate yourself or a colleague to join a dynamic team of leaders committed to WIHPCA’s mission of advocacy, education, and support for hospice and palliative care providers across the state.

Board Members Help:

Guide the strategic direction of WIHPCA
Strengthen advocacy and policy initiatives
Promote best practices and professional development
Expand awareness and support for compassionate care

Eligibility:
Nominees must be affiliated with a WIHPCA member organization and demonstrate leadership, collaboration, and a passion for the field of hospice and palliative care.

How to Nominate:
Submit your nomination form and a brief candidate statement by Aug 29, 2025 here: WiHPCA Call for Board Nominations

We look forward to welcoming new leaders who are ready to make a meaningful impact in our community!

Questions?
Please contact the WiHPCA office at wihpca@badgerbay.co (not com) for more information.

Thank you for your continued commitment to compassionate care in Wisconsin.

—
WIHPCA Nominations Committee

FY2025-2027 State Budget Update

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 14:12:09 GMT

Early on July 1, Governor Tony Evers (D) announced an agreement on the state Fiscal Year 2025-2027 budget with legislative leadership. The budget bill compromise between Governor Evers and legislative leaders will boost funds for the Universities of Wisconsin, special education, and childcare providers in exchange for preserving approximately $1.4 billion in Republican tax cuts. The Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee approved this agreement on July 1 by a vote of 13-3. Subsequently, the state Senate passed the bill on July 2, and the state Assembly passed it in the early morning hours of July 3. Governor Evers also signed the bill on July 3.

The following are highlights of the $111.1 billion FY2025-2027 budget:

State Taxes

A reduction of the Wisconsin individual income tax by over $600 million annually.
Over 1.5 million of Wisconsin taxpayers will receive a tax cut, averaging $180.
82 percent of the tax cut will go to taxpayers with adjusted gross income below $200,000.

Reducing income taxes for many Wisconsin retirees.
Allowing those age 67 or older to exclude up to $24,000 (up to $48,000 for married-joint filers) of retirement income payments will reduce taxes on approximately 280,000 Wisconsin filers by an average of about $1,000 per filer.

Department of Public Instruction

A $1.4 billion increase in funding for public K-12 schools in Wisconsin.
This includes an increase in the special education reimbursement rate, to 42% in FY2025-2026 to 45% in FY2026-2027. According to Governor Evers, this is the highest reimbursement rate in three decades.

Department of Children and Families

The Fiscal Year 2025-2027 budget includes more than $361 million in economic support for Wisconsin’s child care industry, including:
$110 million in FY2025-2026 for direct payments to child care providers.

Department of Health Services

Medicaid Cost-to-Continue: The budget agreement also fully funds the state’s Medicaid program – this is known as “Medicaid cost-to-continue.” This funding incorporates enough funding to pay for the increased costs of providing services and also takes into account changing Medicaid enrollment projections.

In FY2025-2026, $1.529 billion is provided and in FY2026-2027, $2.279 billion is provided.

Hospital Assessment: At present, Wisconsin hospitals pay 1.8% of their net patient revenue to the state Department of Health Services (DHS) – this is known as the “hospital assessment.” This budget agreement increases this percentage to 6%.
30% of these funds will be held in the Medical Assistance Trust Fund, which helps pay for the state’s Medicaid program.
The rest of this funding will be used to make hospital provider payments, resulting in over $1.1 billion in funding to go to Wisconsin hospitals.

Home Health Skilled Nursing Medicaid Rate Increase: Provide $294,300 in FY2025-2026 and $588,600 in FY2026-2027 to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for home visits performed by LPNs/RNs employed by home health agencies, effective January 1, 2026.
Private Duty Nursing Medicaid Rate Increase: Provide $4.7 million in FY2025-2026 and $9.59 million in FY2026-2027 to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for private duty nursing services provided by RNs and LPNs (excluding PDN services provided by independent practice RNs and LPNs), effective January 1, 2026.
Personal Care Rate Medicaid Rate Increase: Provide $6.3 million in FY2025-2026 and $12.7 million in FY2026-2027.
WisCaregiver Careers: Provide $2 million in FY2025-2026 to increase funding for this program, which aims to increase the number of certified nurse aides (CNAs) and certified direct care professionals (CDCPs) in the state.
Free and Charitable Clinics: Increase funding for free and charitable clinics by $1.5 million between FY2025-2027.
Federally Qualified Health Centers: Provides $800,000 annually to increase grants to such centers.
· Health Care Provider Training Grants: Provide $1 million in FY2025-2026 to increase funding for the allied health professional education training program.
University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics: Increases the uncompensated care supplement by $10 million annually.
Adult Level One Trauma Hospitals: Provides $35 million in grants annually to support these hospitals.
Regional Referral Hospital Support Payment: Provides $15 million annually to a regional referral center providing tertiary-level care to residents of multiple counties.
Grants to Health Center “Look-Alikes”: Provides $200,000 annually to such health centers that are designated as federally qualified health center look-alikes.
These types of health centers are community-based health care facilities that meet federal health center program requirements, but do not receive health center program funding. These centers provide primary care in underserved areas.

State Mental Health Institutes: Provides $15.8 million in FY2025-26 to these institutes to address a projected deficit from fiscal year 2024-25 in the civil patient treatment program.

Higher Education Aids Board

Emergency Medical Services Training Costs: Provide $3.5 million in FY2026-2027 for Emergency Medical Services training reimbursements related to training and materials incurred in completing a course at a Wisconsin Technical College System institution.

Department of Safety and Professional Services

Occupational Credentialing Customer Service Call Center Staff: Extend five call center contract employees for three more years – until September 30, 2028. Provide $253,100 in FY2025-26 and $337,300 in FY2026-27 to support the positions.

Occupational Credentialing Board Support Staff: Provide $126,200 in FY2025-26 and $164,400 in FY2026-27 and one pharmacy practices consultant for inspections of primarily non-retail pharmacy locations.

Universities of Wisconsin (UW)

According to Governor Evers, this budget will include the largest increase in funding for the UW System in nearly two decades. In particular, it includes:

An increase of over $239 million in operational funding for the UW System, including:
$54 million to help retain and recruit faculty in high-demand fields.
Over $94 million to increase wages for faculty and staff.

Department of Workforce Development

Worker’s Compensation – Hospital Service Fee Schedule: Provide that a fee specified in a hospital service fee schedule, for the purpose of paying a worker’s compensation claim, be utilized only if: (a) the fee is for an item or service provided by an eligible hospital; (b) the fee is for an item or service for which the eligible hospital may receive hospital inpatient or outpatient reimbursement from the Medicaid program; and (c) the fee is paid within the applicable period (up to 90 days, with possible 30 day extensions).

DHS Releases Analysis on How Federal Budget Bill Impacts Medicaid

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 14:11:43 GMT

On July 15, DHS released their analysis showing how the recently enacted federal budget reconciliation bill will likely impact Wisconsinites who benefit from Medicaid (e.g., BadgerCare Plus) programs. Overall, DHS agrees with the estimate provided by the Congressional Joint Economic Committee that 276,175 individuals in our state will lose health care insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid over the next 10 years. More specifically, 63,000 Wisconsin adults without dependent children are estimated to be at high risk of losing Medicaid coverage due to the work requirements included in this new federal law.

For more details, please view the detailed analysis on the DHS website.

June 25 Marquette University Poll Results

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 14:08:44 GMT

On June 25, 2025, Marquette University Law School Poll released its most recent poll, which surveyed 873 registered Wisconsin voters between June 13-19, 2025. This poll is the first Wisconsin state-specific Marquette poll since the spring election. This new poll covers political approval ratings, budget issues, and education policy. The following poll findings may be of interest:

Elected Officials

President Trump Job Approval

47% approve of the job President Trump (R) is doing.
52% disapprove.
1% don’t know.

Governor Tony Evers Job Approval

48% approve of the job Governor Tony Evers (D) is doing.
46% disapprove.
5% don’t know.

Wisconsin Legislature Job Approval

41% approve of the state legislature’s job performance.
50% disapprove.
10% don’t know.

Wisconsin Supreme Court Job Approval

49% approve of the state supreme court’s job performance.
38% disapprove.
13% don’t know.

U.S. Senator Ron Johnson Favorability

40% have a favorable opinion of U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (R)
44% have an unfavorable opinion of him.

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Favorability

44% have a favorable opinion of U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D)
47% have an unfavorable opinion of her.

Wisconsin State Budget

State Tax Cut

When informed that state government has a roughly $4 billion surplus, registered voters are asked how much of that should go towards a tax cut.

27% feel that the entire surplus should be used for a tax cut.
9% feel that 75% of the surplus should be used for a tax cut.
29% feel that half of it should be used for a tax cut.
19% think that approximately 25% of it should be used for a tax cut.
16% feel that none of the surplus should be used for a tax cut.
1% don’t have a position.

State and Local Policy

Extending Medicaid Coverage to New Mothers One Year After Giving Birth

66% support this.
33% oppose this.

Childhood Vaccine Benefits and Risks

When asked whether the benefits or the risks are greater for children receiving the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, the survey found:

· 84% feel that the benefits outweigh the risks.
· 15% feel that the risks outweigh the benefits.

State Education

Satisfaction with Public Schools

63% are very satisfied or satisfied.
36% are very dissatisfied or dissatisfied.
1% don’t know or have mixed views.

Property Taxes vs. K-12 Funding

When asked whether reducing property taxes or increasing spending on K-12 spending on public schools is more important, the survey found the following:

57% prefer reducing property taxes.
43% prefer increasing spending on public schools.

DHS Releases Report Addressing Wisconsinites with Medicare and Medicaid Coverage

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 14:08:09 GMT

On June 30, the state Department of Health Services (DHS) released a report addressing Wisconsinites who receive both Medicaid and Medicare benefits – otherwise known as “dual eligibles.” This nine-page report includes various findings and recommendations. The full report may be viewed on the DHS website.

DHS Annual Fee Adjustment for Patient Health Care Records

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 14:07:42 GMT

Each July, the state Department of Health Services (DHS) is required by state law to adjust the maximum amounts that health care clinicians may charge patients for their medical records. This adjustment takes into account inflationary changes over the prior calendar year. This updated fee schedule may be viewed on the state legislature’s website.

Palliative Care Council Legislation Update

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 14:27:48 GMT

Following the overwhelming Assembly passage (96-1) of legislation creating a state palliative care council (Assembly Bill 23) on May 13, WiHPCA’s lobbyists continue to aggressively lobby the Legislature to move this bill through the legislative process.

As this legislation has passed the full Assembly, the lobbying focus is now on the state Senate – including meeting with various senators, as well as their staff members. There is also an effort to draft a coalition letter to all state Senators in support of this legislation, which will include various supportive stakeholders, including many in the health care field. Once the state budget process is completed later this summer, we intend to ask WiHPCA members to call and visit the offices of state senators to request their support for this legislation.

Further updates on this legislation will be included in future editions of this newsletter.

State Budget Update

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 14:27:11 GMT

The Legislature’s budget-writing Joint Committee on Finance has been holding meetings in May and June to approve state Fiscal Year 2025-2027 budgets for various state government agencies. Once the committee has done its work, their work will be consolidated into FY2025-2027 budget legislation, which the full Assembly and Senate will vote on. As the current fiscal year ends on June 30, the Legislature generally attempts to send a budget bill to the Governor for his consideration by the end of June. However, if there are delays with the legislative process or the Governor vetoes the budget legislation in full, state government will continue to operate on existing funding levels until the Governor signs a FY2025-2027 budget bill into law.

Projected Impact of Proposed Federal Budget Cuts on the Medicaid Program in Wisconsin

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 14:26:37 GMT

In late April, the Department of Health Services (DHS) issued a press release that analyzed the impact of potential federal Medicaid budget cuts on Wisconsin. This analysis is based on federal budget reconciliation legislation that the U.S. House of Representatives approved on May 22. The following elements of this legislation, which has not yet been approved by the U.S. Senate (as this is written), will likely be of interest to WiAHC:

· Per-Person Funding Limit– Currently, the federal government provides funding to states based on a percentage of Medicaid costs. This legislation proposes to instead provide a set amount of funding per Medicaid beneficiary. This could cost the State of Wisconsin up to $16.8 billion in federal funds over a decade.

· Administrative Costs – This funding pays for information technology and for staff to review Medicaid claims and pay health care providers, among other things. This could cost the State of Wisconsin up to $93 million each year.

· Work Requirement – Such a requirement would likely require able-bodied adults without children to provide proof that they are working in order to receive Medicaid benefits. DHS estimates that the agency would incur up to $6 million in administrative costs to comply with such a requirement. Any employment and training requirements that DHS may need to provide to help Medicaid beneficiaries meet these requirements could cost $60 million annually.

DHS Continues to Recommend the COVID-19 Vaccine

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 14:25:58 GMT

On June 4, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services issued a press release noting that the agency maintains their recommendation that pregnant women and everyone 6 months or older should obtain the COVID-19 vaccine in order to prevent serious illness and to stop the spread of COVID-19. The press release also referenced that this vaccine has previously gone through rigorous review processes on the federal level and that the recent change in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance on this vaccine was “not made based on new data, evidence, or scientific or medical studies.”

Further, this release notes that the Medicaid program in Wisconsin will continue to cover the existing COVID-19 vaccine for eligible Medicaid program participants.

Wisconsin Substance Use Prevention Conference to be Held on September 10-11

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 14:25:05 GMT

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has announced that they will hold the state’s only substance use prevention conference on September 10-11, 2025, at the Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells. There will also be a virtual option for those who are not able to attend in-person. According to the DHS website, the objectives of this event are to:

Enhance knowledge of substance use prevention initiatives and resources across Wisconsin
Strengthen collaboration and networking among substance use prevention professionals
Develop practical substance use prevention strategies

For more information and to register, please visit the DHS website. Please note that the registration deadline is August 15.

Palliative Care Council Bill Passes Assembly

Wed, 21 May 2025 19:24:21 GMT

On May 13, the state Assembly voted overwhelmingly – 96 to 1 – to approve Assembly Bill 23, a bill to create a state palliative care council. This follows the Assembly Health Committee’s 14-1 vote on March 13 to advance this bill to the full Assembly. WiHPCA has worked closely with the authors of this legislation – state Representative Patrick Snyder (R-Weston) and state Senator Jesse James (R-Thorp) – to both draft and advance this legislation.

This bill would establish a council of individuals with palliative care and other medical expertise to consult and advise the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) on this type of specialized medical care with the intent of increasing awareness and utilization of palliative care throughout Wisconsin. Also, this legislation would require DHS to create a statewide palliative care consumer and professional information and education program, as this type of specialized care is often misunderstood.

Now, Assembly Bill 23 has been referred to the state Senate. It’s also important to note that the Senate Health Committee voted unanimously – 5 to 0 – on March 14 to recommend approval of the Senate companion bill – Senate Bill 39 – to the full Senate for consideration.

WiHPCA’s government relations team continues to aggressively lobby the Legislature to continue to move this legislation through the legislative process.

Bill Allowing Advanced Practice Nurse Prescribers to Pronounce Deaths Passes Assembly

Wed, 21 May 2025 19:23:59 GMT

Also on May 13, the state Assembly approved Senate Bill 43 by voice vote. This bill would allow advanced practice nurse prescribers (APNPs) to pronounce the date, time, and place of a patient’s death with respect to completing the death record. However, the APNP would need to be directly involved with the care of the patient in order to prepare a death record for that individual. WiHPCA previously decided to support this legislation.

As this legislation passed the state Senate on March 18, the next step is to send the bill to the Governor for his consideration. Of course, further updates will be provided in this newsletter.

DHS Reports a Reduction in Tobacco and Vape Sales in 2024

Wed, 21 May 2025 19:23:39 GMT

According to a recent statewide survey, the state Department of Health Services (DHS) announced that there has been a drop in the percentage of tobacco and vaping products that were sold by tobacco and vape retailers to underage customers in 2024. Specifically, the percentage decreased from 13.6% in 2023 to 11.8% in 2024.

For more information, please visit the state DHS website.

Governor's Council on Mental Health Requests Feedback by June 30

Wed, 21 May 2025 19:22:32 GMT

In mid-May, the Governor’s Interagency Council on Mental Health announced that it is seeking public input to help craft a statewide action plan to address mental health challenges in our state. This plan will ultimately include recommendations regarding improving access to mental health care and expanding work on prevention. This survey may be accessed hereand will be available until June 30, 2025.

Wisconsin Department of Health Services Holds Opioids, Stimulants, and Trauma Summit in May

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 16:04:55 GMT

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) will hold its 2025 Opioids, Stimulants, and Trauma Summit from May 6-8, 2025, at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells. There will also be a virtual option. According to the DHS website, this “…is an annual event that highlights prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery strategies related to opioids, stimulants, and trauma. All people with an interest in building healthy communities are invited to attend.”

Please note that attendees must register by May 6, 2025. To register, and for more information, please visit the DHS website.

Governor Evers Signs Bill Extending Prescription Drug Monitoring Program

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 16:04:37 GMT

On March 28, Governor Tony Evers signed Senate Bill 68 into law, which extends the electronic Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (ePDMP). This program helps combat substance misuse. In particular, this law extends the requirement for prescribers to undertake an ePDMP review prior to providing a prescription to a patient until April 1, 2030. This new law is 2025 Wisconsin Act 5.

WiHPCA Supports Bill Allowing Advanced Practice Nurse Prescribers to Pronounce Deaths

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 16:04:16 GMT

Recently, WiHPCA decided to formally support legislation – Assembly Bill 44 and Senate Bill 43 – both of which would allow advanced practice nurse prescribers (APNPs) to pronounce the date, time, and place of a patient’s death with respect to completing the death record. However, the APNP would need to be directly involved with the care of the patient in order to prepare a death record for that individual.

The Senate Health Committee voted unanimously (5-0) in favor of advancing Senate Bill 43 to the full Senate on March 14. At this time, the Assembly Health Committee has not yet held a hearing on Assembly Bill 44.

Spring 2025 Wisconsin Statewide General Election Results – Highlights

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 16:01:49 GMT

Supreme Court Race

Dane County Judge Susan Crawford prevailed decisively over Waukesha County Judge and former Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel. With 99% of votes counted, the results for this non-partisan race are as follows:

Susan Crawford: 55.0%
Brad Schimel: 45.0%

Key Points in this Race

The statewide voter turnout in this particular race is around 50% of the state’s voting age population, which is a record. The previous record for statewide turnout during a spring state Supreme Court race was in 2023, when 39% of Wisconsin’s voting age residents turned out to vote.

Crawford’s win will maintain the 4-3 liberal majority on the court, which began after Justice Janet Protasiewicz won her state Supreme Court race in the spring of 2023. Crawford will begin her term on the court on August 1, 2025, and serves a 10-year term.

Over $104 million was estimated to be spent by both campaigns and allied groups in this race – which has turned out to be the most expensive state Supreme Court election in our nation’s history.
This race featured a high level of spending from very wealthy individuals in support of each candidate, including Elon Musk in support of Schimel and Democratic Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker in support of Crawford.
President Donald Trump endorsed Schimel in this race.
This race was generally viewed on the national level as a litmus test on Donald Trump’s second term as President.

State Superintendent of Schools Race

Incumbent Jill Underly prevailed over educational consultant Brittany Kinser in a race that did not get the same level of attention as the state Supreme Court race. With 99% of votes counted, the results for this non-partisan race are as follows:

Jill Underly: 52.9%
Brittany Kinser: 47.1%

Key Points in this Race

While this race is also technically non-partisan, the state Democratic party endorsed Underly, and the state Republican party endorsed Kinser. Both state party organizations contributed a significant amount of funding to each respective campaign.
Historically, the candidate with the endorsement of the state’s teachers’ union has won this race. In this race, the union endorsed Underly.
In this race, Underly faced some controversy when she changed the state’s K-12 testing standards. Kinser also faced controversy, as she let her state educator’s license lapse.

Statewide Constitutional Referendum

There was also one statewide referendum question on the April 1 ballot intended to amend the state constitution with respect to voter identification. The following language was included on the April 1 ballot:

“Shall section 1m of article III of the constitution be created to require that voters present valid photographic identification verifying their identity in order to vote in any election, subject to exceptions which may be established by law?"

With 99% of votes counted, the results for this referendum are as follows:

YES: 62.8%
NO: 37.2%

Key Points on this Referendum

Currently, state law requires voters to present photo identification when voting. However, Legislators who proposed this referendum championed this effort due to concerns that either the state Supreme Court could overturn this law or that it could be rescinded during a future legislative session with a Democratic majority.

Proponents of this constitutional amendment argue that voter identification should be required to increase confidence in elections and guard against fraud.

Opponents of this constitutional amendment argue that this will make it harder for Wisconsinites without photo identification to vote, including elderly individuals and those who are disabled.

Unity Hospice Announces Luminary Walk for May 9, 2025

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 16:30:24 GMT

De Pere, Wisconsin - On Friday, May 9, 2025, Unity, Northeast Wisconsin’s nonprofit leader in hospice care, palliative care, nonmedical home care, and grief support, will host its fourth annual Luminary Walk to raise funds for Unity Grief and Education Center, the region’s only freestanding Center designed to support individuals and families of all ages who have experienced a death.
The Luminary Walk will take place at Heritage Hill State Historical Park, 2640 S. Webster Avenue, Green Bay, WI. Registration starts at 7pm with many activities, program starts at 8:15 and the walk starts at 8:30. (920) 339-6700 or visit unityhospice.org/luminary-walk.

Palliative Care Council Bills Advance in the Legislature

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 15:45:39 GMT

On March 12, the Senate Committee on Health held a hearing on Senate Bill 39, a bill to create a Palliative Care Council. At this hearing, numerous individuals testified in support of this bill. In addition to state Senator Jesse James (R-Thorp) and state Representative Patrick Snyder (R-Wausau), who are the authors of this legislation, the following individuals – including WiHPCA member agency staff – testified in favor of the bill:

· Siera Williams, RN, Director of Hospice and Palliative Care, Tomah Health

· Michelle Theige, APNP, Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner, Tomah Health

· Kimberly Casper, FNP-C, Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner, Tomah Health

· Agron Ismaili, MD, Medical Director, VITAS Healthcare, Milwaukee

· Carrie Schepp, General Manager, VITAS Healthcare, Milwaukee

· Sara Sahli, Government Relations Director-Wisconsin, American Cancer Society

· Amanda Johnson, Physician Assistant (Palliative Care Specialist), on behalf of the Wisconsin Academy of Physician Assistants

· A number of letters of support were submitted from WiHPCA members, as well.

The testimony of WiHPCA members and other bill supporters was well received by committee members. In fact, no committee member – Republican or Democrat – made any remarks against this legislation.

The other following organizations have formally registered their support for this bill, but did not testify at the hearing:

· The ALS Association

· Alzheimer’s Association

· American Heart Association

· Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

· Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources

· National Association of Social Workers – Wisconsin Chapter

· Wisconsin Academy of Family Physicians

· Wisconsin Nurses Association

Very soon after the March 12 Senate committee hearing on this bill, two legislative committees voted to advance this legislation. On March 13, the Assembly Health Committee voted overwhelmingly to advance Assembly Bill 23, the Assembly version of the bill establishing a state palliative care council. The next day, the Senate Health Committee voted unanimously to approve the Senate companion bill – Senate Bill 39. Both bills will now be referred to the full Assembly and Senate, respectively, for future legislative action.

WiHPCA’s government relations team continues to aggressively lobby the Legislature to continue to move this legislation through the legislative process.

Governor Evers Submits Budget Request to Legislature

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 15:43:23 GMT

On February 18, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers (D) gave his biennial budget address to the Wisconsin Legislature. During that speech, he outlined the priorities that are included in his FY2025-2027 budget request submitted to the Legislature at that time.

The Governor and the Legislature will likely have considerable latitude in crafting a FY2025-2027 budget as the non-partisan Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau (LFB) recently projected the state will have a $4.3 billion surplus at the start of fiscal year 2025, which is $300 million more than what the Evers Administration projected in November 2024. In addition, LFB also projected that the state government will receive an additional $1.85 billion in tax revenue during FY2025-2027 (biennium).

It's also worth noting that the Governor’s budget request includes $2 billion in tax relief, including lowering property taxes, eliminating income taxes on tips, and eliminating sales taxes on “everyday expenses.”

This bill was immediately sent to the Wisconsin Legislature and referred to the budget-writing Joint Committee on Finance (JFC), which is controlled by Republicans and will very likely make major changes to it. The next step is for JFC to hold public, in-person hearings in locations across the state to hear from Wisconsinites regarding their FY2025-2027 budget priorities. These hearings generally occur in April. Following that, the committee amends and votes on various portions of the budget during the May – June timeframe and then sends the consolidated budget bill to the full Assembly and Senate for votes on final passage. The intention is for both chambers to pass the budget bill and send it to the Governor before the end of June, as the next fiscal year begins on July 1.

The following is a summary of Governor Evers’ FY2025-2027 budget priorities that will likely be of interest. For additional details, please review the Budget in Brief document.

DOING WHAT’S BEST FOR KIDS

Do what's best for kids while supporting our economy, enabling workers to stay in Wisconsin's workforce, keeping provider doors open and bolstering staff, and lowering every day, out-of-pocket costs for working families by making child care more affordable statewide through Child Care Counts. Expand access to quality, affordable child care for Wisconsin's working families and kids by continuing the successful Child Care Counts program, providing $480 million over the biennium to make Child Care Counts a permanent state program and provide the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families with associated administrative resources.

Provide $162,400 in fiscal year 2025-26 and more than $5.3 million in fiscal year 2026-27 and 2.5 additional full-time positions to establish an employer-sponsored child care grant program to support businesses that choose to invest in child care for their employees.

BUILDING A 21^ST-CENTURY ECONOMY & WORKFORCE

Propose nearly $2 billion in tax relief across the Governor's efforts to lower property taxes, exempt many everyday expenses from the sales tax, and cut income taxes for middle-class Wisconsinites.

Hold the line on property taxes and prevent increases in tax bills on the typical Wisconsin homeowner in both years of the biennium by providing nearly $1.1 billion in aid to local governments and direct property tax credits to taxpayers over the biennium. Additionally, increase property tax relief programs under the individual income tax by $237 million over the biennium for veterans, seniors, those with disabilities, and others struggling to afford the property taxes on their homes. In total, these initiatives will provide over $1.3 billion in property tax relief to Wisconsinites over the biennium.

Remove the income tax on cash tips. Exempt cash tips from the individual income tax beginning with tax year 2025. The fiscal impact of this provision is an estimated reduction in income tax revenue of $6.7 million in fiscal year 2025-26 and $6.9 million in fiscal year 2026-27.

Provide more than $3 million over the biennium to support the Qualified Treatment Trainee Grant program, which facilitates the licensure and certification of those in the process of obtaining or already with a graduate degree in psychology, counseling, marriage and family therapy, social work, nursing, or a closely related field, to help address a shortage in the behavioral health workforce.

Provide $4.3 million in fiscal year 2025-26 and $4.3 million in fiscal year 2026-27 to the WisCaregiver Career program, which addresses the shortage of certified nursing assistants in the state by supporting recruitment, training, and retention of individuals to care for nursing home residents across Wisconsin.

Provide $7.5 million in fiscal year 2025-26 to support employer-based workforce development solutions with Provider Innovation Grants to increase workforce recruitment and retention.

Provide $5 million over the biennium to fund healthcare provider training grants and make technical changes to existing grants.

Expand the nurse educators’ program at the Higher Educational Aids Board and provide $4 million over the biennium to help increase the state's nursing workforce. This program provides forgivable loans to nursing professors who stay in Wisconsin to teach the next generation of nurses. Under the expansion, loans would be available to both full-time and part-time faculty, and to educators in allied health, behavioral health, dental health, and nursing.

Create a pilot program in the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services to provide tuition reimbursement for former nurses who are not actively practicing but wish to participate in a nurse refresher course at a technical college. Provide $300,000 over the biennium to offset the costs of these courses.

Increase the state's healthcare workforce by providing the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development with more than $2.25 million in fiscal year 2025-26 on a one-time basis to support a healthcare on-the-job learning reimbursement pilot program, with the goal of reducing financial barriers related to training apprentices in healthcare pathways. Additionally, provide $1.5 million in ongoing funding to be utilized for on-the-job reimbursement grants in all workforce industries.

Provide $1 million over the biennium for a Wisconsin Fast Forward Health Care Industry Grant Program to support healthcare workforce development through apprenticeships, training programs, and innovative education models.

Ensure the effective and efficient processing of license applications within the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services by providing more than $1.7 million over the biennium and 10 additional full-time positions.

Improve Wisconsin's ability to compete for, recruit, and retain workers by requiring that all private and local employers offer eight weeks of paid family and medical leave income replacement benefits. Additionally, ensure compliance with this directive by providing one additional full-time position in fiscal year 2026-27 to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Equal Rights Division.

Strengthen the enforcement of employment discrimination law prohibitions by allowing the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, or an individual who is alleged or was found to have been discriminated against, including on the basis of equal pay for equal work, or subjected to unfair honesty or genetic testing, to bring an action in circuit court to recover compensatory and punitive damages caused by an act of discrimination, unfair honesty testing, or unfair genetic testing in addition to or in lieu of filing an administrative complaint.

Clarify that employment discrimination under the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act includes an employer asking about an applicant's conviction record before selecting them for an interview, with the intent to prevent qualified individuals from being unfairly screened out while still allowing employers to notify applicants of disqualifying convictions for certain positions.

Allow the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services to adjust credential renewal schedules to better align with industry needs.

SUPPORTING HEALTHIER WISCONSINITES

Expand Medicaid under the federal Affordable Care Act by covering all low-income Wisconsin residents who earn incomes between 0 percent and 138 percent of the federal poverty level. Medicaid Expansion will result in 95,800 low-income individuals becoming eligible for Medicaid, while saving $1.9 billion in state funding and drawing down an additional $2.5 billion in federal funding over the biennium.

ADDITIONAL KEY PRIORITIES

Allow the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services and affiliated credentialing boards to streamline their licensure investigations when the underlying conduct is related to a subset of minor arrests, convictions, or other offenses to more efficiently credential individuals without sacrificing applicant quality.

Marquette Law School Releases Poll on April 1 Supreme Court Election

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 15:42:05 GMT

The latest Marquette University Law School Poll surveyed 864 registered Wisconsin voters between February 19-26, 2025. The following are highlights:

Governor

49% of registered voters approve of the job Democratic Governor Tony Evers is doing, while 44% disapprove.
That’s a slight dip from a 53-46 split in October.

Legislature

38% approve of the job the Legislature is doing, while 49% disapprove; it was 33-55 in September.

Wisconsin Supreme Court – April Election

The poll found that 39% of the respondents had heard a lot about the Supreme Court race, while 42% said they had some familiarity with the race. Nearly one in five said they had not heard anything about the contest.

Waukesha County Judge Brad Schimel was viewed favorably by 29% of the registered voters and unfavorably by 32%. About two out of five said they had no opinion of him.

His opponent, Dane County Judge Susan Crawford, was given favorable ratings by 19% of the voters, compared to 23% who viewed her unfavorably. Nearly three out of five said they don't know enough about her.

46% approve of the job the state Supreme Court is doing, while 37% disapprove; it was 44-40 in September.

U.S. Senate

40% have a favorable impression of U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (R-Oshkosh), while 46% have a negative one.
46% have a favorable impression of U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-Madison), while 48% have a negative one.

State Rep. Patrick Snyder and State Sen. Jesse James Introduce Palliative Care Council Bill, at the request of WiHPCA

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 22:00:31 GMT

WiHPCA, working in conjunction with state Representative Patrick Snyder (R-Wausau) and state Senator Jesse James (R-Thorp), introduced legislation in the Assembly (Assembly Bill 23) and Senate (Senate Bill 39), respectively, which would create a state Palliative Care Council to advise the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and create a palliative care consumer and professional information and education program. Assembly Bill 23 has been referred to the Assembly Committee on Health, Aging and Long-Term Care and Senate Bill 39 has been referred to the Senate Committee on Health.

The primary intent of this legislation is to improve awareness of and access to palliative care, as there are not enough health care providers who specialize in palliative care in Wisconsin. Furthermore, there is a shortage of information on palliative care for practicing health care providers, patients, and their loved ones.

The proposed palliative care council would work with DHS on analyzing existing palliative care programs, as well as identifying ways in which health care providers could improve the quality of life for patients throughout our state. The council comprises 22 members representing diverse perspectives, including physicians, nurses, a spiritual care professional, palliative care patients or family members of such patients, a health insurance company representative with expertise in palliative care, and members of the Legislature. The council would meet at least twice per year in various locations across the state.

Similar legislation was introduced by Rep. Snyder and Sen. James during the 2023-2024 legislative session. The Assembly Committee on Health, Aging and Long-Term Care voted out this bill unanimously and the bill passed the full Assembly by voice vote. While a Senate committee held a hearing on this bill last session, unfortunately, it did not move any further in the legislative process, despite a strong lobbying effort by WiHPCA members and their government relations representatives.

WiHPCA’s government relations team has aggressively lobbied members of the Assembly Committee on Health, Aging and Long-Term Care and the Senate Committee on Health to schedule hearings on this legislation. As is discussed in the newsletter item below, the Assembly Committee on Health, Aging, and Long-Term Care held a hearing on this bill on February 12. In addition, they have lobbied Assembly and Senate leadership offices to move forward on these bills.

WiHPCA Members Testify at Assembly Health Committee Hearing on Palliative Care Council Bill

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 22:00:06 GMT

On February 12, the Assembly Committee on Health, Aging and Long-Term Care held a hearing on Assembly Bill 23, a bill to create a Palliative Care Council. At this hearing, numerous individuals testified in support of this bill. In addition to state Representative Patrick Snyder (R-Wausau) and state Senator Jesse James (R-Thorp), who are the authors of this legislation, the following individuals – including WiHPCA member agency staff – testified in favor of the bill:

· Siera Williams, RN, Director of Hospice and Palliative Care, Tomah Health

· Michelle Theige, APNP, Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner, Tomah Health

· Kimberly Casper, FNP-C, Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner, Tomah Health

· Agron Ismaili, MD, Medical Director, VITAS Healthcare, Milwaukee

· Carrie Schepp, General Manager, VITAS Healthcare, Milwaukee

· Sara Sahli, Government Relations Director-Wisconsin, American Cancer Society

· Kaylee Litchfield, RN, Palliative Care Nurse, UW Health

· A number of letters of support were submitted from WiHPCA members, as well.

The other following organizations have formally registered their support for this bill, but did not testify at the hearing:

· Alzheimer’s Association

· Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources (GWAAR)

· Mayo Clinic Health System

· Wisconsin Academy of Family Physicians

· Wisconsin Academy of Physician Assistants

· Wisconsin Medical Society

· Wisconsin Nurses Association

WiHPCA’s government relations team continues to aggressively lobby the Legislature to continue to move this bill through the legislative process.

State of Wisconsin Unveils Digital Occupational Credentials

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 21:59:32 GMT

In early February, the state Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) announced that it is the first multi-occupational licensing agency in the United States that now offers a digital occupational credential that may be downloaded to a smartphone. For more information, please go to the DSPS website to obtain download directions.

Registration Open for Several DHS 2025 Statewide Conferences

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 21:58:51 GMT

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has recently opened up registration for the following statewide events:

Wisconsin Harm Reduction Conference– This event will be held at the Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells on July 16-17, 2025. This conference will focus on reducing harms associated with drug use. More information about the conference can be found on the DHS website.
Opioids, Stimulants, and Trauma Summit– This summit will be held at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells on May 6-8, 2025. This annual summit will focus on prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery strategies related to opioids, stimulants, and trauma. More information is available on the DHS website.

2025-2026 State Legislative Session Begins

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 21:07:53 GMT

The State Assembly and State Senate convened on Monday, January 6 to kick off the 2025-2026 legislative session. In the Assembly, Republicans hold 54 seats and Democrats hold 45 seats. In the Senate, Republicans hold 18 seats and Democrats hold 15 seats.

State Assembly and Senate Leadership for the 2025-2026 Legislative Session

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 21:07:01 GMT

The following legislators will serve in leadership positions in both the Assembly and Senate during the 2025-2026 legislative session:

Senate Republicans

· Senate Majority Leader – Devin LeMahieu (R-Oostburg)
· Senate President – Mary Felzkowski (R-Tomahawk)
· Senate Assistant Majority Leader – Dan Feyen (R-Fond du Lac)
· Senate President Pro Tempore – Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point)
· Senate Republican Caucus Chair – Van Wanggaard (R-Racine)
· Senate Republican Caucus Vice-Chair Rachel Cabral-Guevara (R-Appleton)

Senate Democrats

· Senate Minority Leader – Dianne Hesselbein (D-Middleton)
· Senate Assistant Minority Leader – Jeff Smith (D-Eau Claire)
· Senate Minority Caucus Chair – Mark Spreitzer (D-Beloit)
· Senate Minority Vice Caucus Chair – Dora Drake (D-Milwaukee)

Assembly Republicans

· Assembly Speaker – Robin Vos (R-Rochester)
· Assembly Majority Leader – Tyler August (R-Walworth)
· Assembly Assistant Majority Leader – Scott Krug (R-Nekoosa)
· Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore – Kevin Peterson (R-Waupaca)
· Assembly Majority Caucus Chair – Rob Summerfield (R-Bloomer)
· Assembly Majority Caucus Vice Chair – Cindi Duchow (R-Delafield)
· Assembly Majority Caucus Secretary – Nancy VanderMeer (R-Tomah)
· Assembly Majority Caucus Sergeant at Arms – Treig Pronschinske (R-Mondovi)

Assembly Democrats

· Assembly Minority Leader – Greta Neubauer (D-Racine)
· Assembly Assistant Minority Leader – Kalan Haywood (D-Milwaukee)
· Assembly Minority Caucus Chair – Lisa Subeck (D-Madison)
· Assembly Minority Caucus Vice Chair – Clinton Anderson (D-Beloit)
· Assembly Minority Caucus Secretary – Mike Bare (D-Verona)
· Assembly Minority Caucus Sergeant at Arms – Jodi Emerson (D-Eau Claire)

Legislative Leaders Announce Committee Chairs

At the end of last year, Legislative Republicans announced the chairs of the various Assembly and Senate committees for the 2025-2026 legislative session. The following committee chairs may be of interest to WiHPCA members:

Assembly Committees

· Committee on Health, Aging and Long-Term Care

o Chair: Rep. Clint Moses (R-Menomonie)

· Committee on Insurance

o Chair: Rep. Barbara Dittrich (R-Oconomowoc)

· Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse Prevention

o Chair: Rep. Paul Tittl (R-Manitowoc)

· Committee on Regulatory Licensing Reform

o Chair: Rep. Shae Sortwell (R-Two Rivers)

· Committee on Science, Technology, and Artificial Intelligence

o Chair: Rep. Nate Gustafson (R-Fox Crossing)

Senate Committees

· Committee on Health

o Chair: Sen. Rachael Cabral-Guevara (R-Appleton)

· Committee on Insurance, Housing, Rural Issues & Forestry

o Chair: Sen. Romaine Quinn (R-Birchwood)

· Committee on Licensing, Regulatory Reform, State & Federal Affairs

o Chair: Sen. Chris Kapenga (R-Pewaukee)

· Committee on Mental Health, Substance Abuse Prevention, Children & Families

o Chair: Sen. Jesse James (R-Altoona)

Legislators Appointed to Assembly and Senate Health Committees

The following state legislators have been appointed to the Assembly and Senate Health Committees for the 2025-2026 legislative session:

Assembly Committee on Health, Aging & Long-Term Care

· Rep. Clint Moses (R-Menomonie), Chair

· Rep. Rob Brooks (R-Saukville), Vice Chair

· Rep. Barbara Dittrich (R-Oconomowoc)

· Rep. Rick Gundrum (R-Slinger)

· Rep. Joel Kitchens (R-Sturgeon Bay)

· Rep. Adam Neylon (R-Pewaukee)

· Rep. Patrick Snyder (R-Weston)

· Rep. Rob Summerfield (R-Bloomer)

· Rep. Nancy VanderMeer (R-Tomah)

· Rep. Chuck Wichgers (R-Muskego)

· Rep. Lisa Subeck (D-Madison), Ranking Democrat

· Rep. Sheila Stubbs (D-Madison)

· Rep. Robyn Vining (D-Wauwatosa)

· Rep. Tara Johnson (D-Town of Shelby)

· Rep. Renuka Mayadev (D-Madison)

Senate Committee on Health

· Sen. Rachael Cabral-Guevara (R-Appleton), Chair

· Sen. Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point), Vice Chair

· Sen. Jesse James (R-Thorp)

· Sen. Jeff Smith (D-Brunswick), Ranking Democratic Member

· Sen. Dora Drake (D-Milwaukee)

DHS Announces that Certified Direct Care Professional Program Now Available in Hmong

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 21:05:18 GMT

In January, the state Department of Health Services (DHS) announced that they now offer their certified direct care professional (CDCP) training program in the Hmong language, in addition to English and Spanish. CDCPs provide personal/supportive home care to senior citizens and disabled people.

Wisconsinites interested in receiving the CDCP certification may sign up to receive free training and then will need to pass an online test in order to be certified. Certified individuals who obtain employment with an eligible employer may earn up to $500 in combined hiring and retention bonuses.

More information may be found on the DHS website.

Happy Holidays from Hoven Consulting!

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 14:52:25 GMT

As we look back over the 2023-2024 state legislative session, we are grateful for the strong advocacy efforts of WiHPCA in Madison. With your help, WiHPCA worked on a number of policies that benefit hospice and palliative care agencies and the patients we serve:

Preventing Unnecessary Regulatory “Red Tape” for Hospice Agencies – WiHPCA successfully advocated to exempt hospices from a bill that required the reporting of deaths that occur within 24 hours of presentment or admittance at hospices and hospitals to medical examiners or coroners. As this legislation would have dramatically increased the number of deaths that hospices would need to report to medical examiners or coroners – especially since these deaths are expected – WiHPCA members and its government relations team aggressively advocated the legislature to amend this bill to exempt hospices. The version of this bill (Senate Bill 178), which is now law, includes such an exemption.
State Assembly Approval of a Bill Creating a Palliative Care Council – WiHPCA worked closely with state Representative Patrick Snyder (R-Wausau Area) and state Senator Jesse James (R-Eau Claire Area) to draft and introduce a bill to create a state Palliative Care Council. The intent behind this proposed council would be to increase awareness of palliative care, which is often misunderstood by the general public, as well as some health care providers. This legislation passed the Assembly Health Committee unanimously, passed the full Assembly by voice vote, and received a hearing in a Senate committee. However, despite a strong advocacy push by WiHPCA members and its government relations team, the full Senate did not vote on this legislation prior to the adjournment of the 2023-2024 legislative session.
Please note that WiHPCA is already working towards re-introducing this bill during the 2025-2026 legislative session.

We look forward to continuing our strong working relationship with WiHPCA as the 2025-2026 state legislative session begins.

From all of us at Hoven Consulting, we would like to wish all of you and your families a very happy and healthy holiday season!

State Credentialing Agency Streamlines Process for New Clinicians

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 14:52:02 GMT

In early December, the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) unveiled a new streamlined Medicaid process for new clinicians. In particular, the process captures data that medical professionals enter into the DSPS system when applying for an initial medical credential and automatically and securely imports that into the system that registers and validates new clinicians with the state’s Medicaid program. Prior to this process change, new clinicians would have to manually enter required information in order to register as a Medicaid provider – much of which is duplicative to what is manually entered when applying for an initial health care credential.

Legislative Leaders Announce New Members of the Budget-Writing Joint Finance Committee

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 14:50:37 GMT

On December 4, 2024, Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu (R-Oostburg) and Senate Democratic Leader Dianne Hesselbein (D-Middleton) announced the members of the powerful budget-writing Joint Committee on Finance for the 2025-2026 legislative session.

The following Republican senators will be members of this committee:

Senator Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green), Co-Chair
Senator Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point), Vice Chair
Senator Eric Wimberger (R-Green Bay)
Senator Julian Bradley (R-New Berlin)*
Senator Romaine Quinn (R-Cameron)*
Senator Rob Stafsholt (R-New Richmond)*

The following Democratic senators will be members of this committee:

Senator LaTonya Johnson (D-Milwaukee), Ranking Member
Senator Kelda Roys (D-Madison)

* Indicates new committee member.

On December 11, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) announced the following Republican representatives will take the following positions on this committee:

Representative Mark Born (R-Beaver Dam), Co-Chair
Representative Tony Kurtz (R-Wonewoc), Vice Chair

On December 18, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) announced the following Republican representative will join this committee:

Representative Karen Hurd (R-Withee)

NOTE: As of December 18, 2024, Assembly Republican and Democratic leaders have not yet announced their remaining members of the Joint Committee on Finance.

DHS Announces Dates for 2025 Wisconsin Harm Reduction Conference

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 14:50:18 GMT

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has announced that the agency will hold its second annual Wisconsin Harm Reduction Conference at the Chula Vista Resort in the Wisconsin Dells on July 16-17 of next year. Various health professionals are invited to attend, including local and tribal health department staff, first responders, AIDS/HIV care workers, among others. Those who are interested may also attend virtually.

For more information on this conference, please go to the DHS website.

DHS Launches Online System to Track Substance Use Overdoses

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 14:49:31 GMT

In recent weeks, DHS launched a new online system to help alert health professionals regarding overdoses in our state’s communities. The new system is called the Wisconsin Suspected Overdose Alerts for Rapid Response (WiSOARR). According to the DHS website, “Authorized access to WiSOARR is available to professionals at approved organizations providing services across the continuum of care in substance use, from primary prevention to treatment and harm reduction.”

If you would like to obtain access to WiSOARR for your organization, or would like more information about this system, please visit the DHS website.

Governor Evers Proclaims November Hospice and Palliative Care Month

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 18:08:38 GMT

Once again this year, Governor Evers has proclaimed November Hospice and Palliative Care month! Check out the Proclamation HERE.

WiHPCA Finalizes Policy Priorities for the 2025-2026 Legislative Session

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 16:39:08 GMT

WiHPCA’s Legislative Committee recently approved the association’s policy agenda for the 2025-2026 state legislative session. The priorities are as follows:

Promote public awareness and increase policy influence of palliative care, including the creation of a state palliative care advisory council. This will greatly help with educating the general public as to the strong value of palliative care and, ultimately, allow more Wisconsinites who need this type of specialized care to receive treatment.

Require all Wisconsin health plans who cover hospice services to pay hospices no less than published CMS hospice rates. This will help with employee recruitment and retention by ensuring that the hospice workforce receives a competitive wage.

Rep. Dave Maxy Stops by WiHPCA-WiAHC Joint Fall Conference

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 16:38:23 GMT

The WiHPCA-WiAHC Joint Fall Conference was a great event, one that provided hospice and home health care professionals with fantastic educational content and networking opportunities. Public policy and legislative issues were also a topic of discussion at the conference, which was sparked by State Representative Dave Maxey (R-New Berlin) who helped open the conference that was held near his district in Brookfield, WI. In addition to providing brief comments before the full conference, Rep. Maxey had a long discission with several members regarding the policies important to both WiHPCA and WiAHC. Our Government Affairs Team will certainly be working with Rep. Maxey during the 2025-26 legislative session.

November General Election Results - Highlights

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 16:37:26 GMT

The results of the November 5 general election once again show how Wisconsin is indeed a purple state. While Wisconsinites narrowly voted to elect former President Donald Trump, a Republican, to the Presidency, our state’s voters also re-elected Democrat Tammy Baldwin to the U.S. Senate. This is a situation that has not occurred in Wisconsin in over half a century.

In the State Assembly and Senate, the current Republican majorities lost a total of 14 seats – 10 in the Assembly and 4 in the Senate. It was expected that Republicans would lose seats in both chambers of the Legislature, but not enough to lose the majority – which is what happened. This was due to the fact that new legislative districts were put in place earlier this year.

For a full list of newly-elected state legislators, including photos and a very brief background on each individual, please visit the WisPolitics website.

The following are highlights from the two federal races of note – the race for President and for U.S. Senate:

President

In a race that many observers thought might take several days to finalize, former President Donald Trump prevailed in the nationwide electoral college count over incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris. The Wisconsin results are as follows:

Former President Donald Trump (R): 49.7%
Vice President Kamala Harris (D): 48.8%

U.S. Senate

For much of 2024, incumbent U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin held a 5-10% lead over challenger Eric Hovde in the election polls. As the November election got closer, the polls tightened considerably. The results are as follows:

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D): 49.4%
Eric Hovde (R): 48.5%

State Assembly

Currently, there is a 64-34 Republican majority in the state Assembly, with one vacant seat in a majority Democratic district in the city of Milwaukee. All 99 Assembly seats were up for election this year.

On Election Day, Republicans won 54 Assembly races, which gives them the majority for the 2025-2026 legislative session. Assembly Republicans now will have 10 fewer seats than they did during the 2023-2024 legislative session. Democrats won 45 Assembly races.

State Senate

At this time, Republicans have a supermajority in the state Senate, with 22 senators, while Democrats have 10 senators, with one vacant seat in a heavily Democratic district in the city of Milwaukee. Roughly half of the senate seats are up for election every two years. As such, 16 of the 33 Senate seats were up for election this year.

The final result in the Senate is that Senate Republicans lost 4 Senate seats, bringing their majority down from 22 seats to 18 seats for the 2025-2026 legislative session. Democrats will have 14 seats in the Senate.

The following incumbent senators lost their bid for re-election:

Senate District 8 – Northern Milwaukee Suburbs

Jodi Habush Sinykin (D): 50.8%
Sen. Duey Stroebel (R): 49.3%

Senate District 8 – Southcentral Wisconsin North of Madison (and a portion of Madison)

Sarah Keyeski (D): 51.1%
Sen. Joan Ballweg (R): 48.9%

State Legislative Leaders Elected

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 16:36:44 GMT

In early November, Republicans and Democrats started to vote internally on their respective leadership teams. The following are the newly selected leaders, as of November 14:

Senate Republicans

Senate Majority Leader – Devin LeMahieu (R-Oostburg)
Senate President – Mary Felzkowski (R-Tomahawk)
- She is new in this role.
Senate Assistant Majority Leader – Dan Feyen (R-Fond du Lac)
Senate President Pro Tempore – Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point)
Senate Republican Caucus Char – Van Wanggaard (R-Racine)
Senate Republican Caucus Vice-Chair Rachel Cabral-Guevara (R-Appleton)
- She is new to this role.

Senate Democrats

Senate Minority Leader – Dianne Hesselbein (D-Middleton)
Senate Assistant Minority Leader – Jeff Smith (D-Eau Claire)
Senate Minority Caucus Chair – Mark Spreitzer (D-Beloit)
- He is new in this role.
Senate Minority Vice Caucus Chair – Dora Drake (D-Milwaukee)
- She is new in this role.

Assembly Republicans

Assembly Speaker – Robin Vos (R-Rochester)
Assembly Majority Leader – Tyler August (R-Walworth)
Assembly Assistant Majority Leader – Scott Krug (R-Nekoosa)
- He is new in this role.
Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore – Kevin Peterson (R-Waupaca)
Assembly Majority Caucus Chair – Rob Summerfield (R-Bloomer)
Assembly Majority Caucus Vice Chair – Cindi Duchow (R-Delafield)
Assembly Majority Caucus Secretary – Nancy VanderMeer (R-Tomah)
Assembly Majority Caucus Sergeant at Arms – Treig Pronschinske (R-Mondovi)

Assembly Democrats

· Assembly Minority Leader – Rep. Greta Neubauer (D-Racine)

· Assembly Assistant Minority Leader – Rep. Kaylan Haywood (D-Milwaukee)

· Assembly Minority Caucus Chair – Lisa Subek (D-Madison)

· Assembly Minority Caucus Vice-Chair – Rep. Clinton Anderson (D-Beloit)

He is new in this role.

· Assembly Minority Caucus Secretary – Rep. Mike Bare (D-Verona)

· Assembly Minority Caucus Sergeant at Arms – Rep. Jodi Emerson (D-Eau Claire)

She is new in this role.

Hospice News Reel

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 16:35:17 GMT

WiHPCA is happy to remind members about and provide links to the latest legislative and regulatory articles and information on the hospice industry from Hospice News and other publications:

· House Passes Gerald’s Law to Establish Burial Benefits for Veterans in Hospice

Hospice News – By Jim Parker | Nov. 19, 2024

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed Gerald’s Law, which would close a hospice-related loophole in veterans’ benefits. When eligible veterans die, many of their families are entitled to a financial benefit from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to defray some of the costs of funerals and cremation or burial. However, when a veteran transitions from a VA facility to hospice, they lose access to that benefit. This is even the case when hospice care is provided by the VA itself. Read more...

· Medicare Made $190M in Improper Hospice Payments to Hospitals

Hospice News – By Jim Parker | Nov. 19, 2024

Medicare made an estimated $190 million in improper payments to acute-care hospitals for outpatient hospice services between 2017 and 2021. An audit by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (OIG) set out to determine whether Medicare payments to acute-care hospitals for outpatient services provided to hospice enrollees complied with Medicare requirements. OIG found that 70% of those payments were not compliant. Read more...

· Hospices Leaders: ‘Vigilant’ Compliance Pivotal in MAC Auditing Climate

Hospice News – By Holly Vossel| Nov. 18, 2024

The auditing environment has heated up in the hospice industry, with inconsistencies reportedly proliferating among the various types of regulatory enforcement activity — particularly those performed by Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs). The issue has some hospice providers delving deeper into a range of compliance strategies. Read more...

· CMS Ramps Up Efforts to Root Out ‘Door Knocker’ Hospice Schemes

Hospice News – By Holly Vossel| Nov. 15, 2024

The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently elaborated on its plans to expand public education campaigns designed to help protect hospice beneficiaries from fraudulent actors in the space. Program integrity concerns have heated up in the hospice industry. Swarms of new hospices have emerged in certain regions in recent years, with some unscrupulous operators receiving federal funding through illegitimate business practices. Read more...

Hospice News, which is part of the Aging Media Network, is a leading source for news and information covering the hospice industry.

WiHPCA Presents Champion of Hospice & Palliative Care Award to State Senator Jesse James

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 15:52:36 GMT

On October 18, WiHPCA Legislative Committee member Rick Risler, who serves as the executive director of St. Croix Hospice, presented a “Champion of Hospice and Palliative Care” award for the 2023-2024 legislative session to state Senator Jesse James (R-Eau Claire Area) in the St. Croix Hospice office in Eau Claire.

Earlier this year, WiHPCA also presented “Champions of Hospice and Palliative Care” awards for the 2023-2024 legislative session to Representative Patrick Snyder (R-Wausau Area) and Senator Kelda Roys (D-Madison). WiHPCA is honoring these legislators for their exceptional work to address the priorities of hospice and palliative care agencies and staff throughout the state.

New Marquette Poll Released on October 2

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 15:51:38 GMT

On October 2, 2024, Marquette Law School released a new statewide election poll, which was conducted between September 18-26. The following poll findings may be of interest.

Presidential Race

The following are the results for polling of registered Wisconsin voters:

Kamala Harris (D): 52%
Donald Trump (R): 48%

When factoring in various Presidential candidates from other political parties, the results are as follows for registered Wisconsin voters:

Kamala Harris (Democrat): 48%
Donald Trump (Republican): 44%
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. (Independent): 3% [Note: Kennedy has suspended his campaign but will remain on the ballot, according to a ruling by the Wisconsin Supreme Court.]
Chase Oliver (Libertarian Party): 1%
Jill Stein (Green Party): 1%
Randall Terry (Constitution Party): Less than 1%
Claudia De la Cruz (Party for Socialism and Liberation): 0%
Cornel West (Independent): 0%

U.S. Senate Race

The following are the results for registered Wisconsin voters:

Tammy Baldwin (D): 53%
Eric Hovde (R): 46%

Governor Tony Evers’ Job Performance

This poll asked registered voters if they approve or disapprove of the way that Democrat Tony Evers is handling his job as Governor. This poll found the following:

Approve: 48%
Disapprove: 46%
Don’t know: 5%

Direction of the State and Economic Conditions

Direction of the State

This poll asked registered voters whether things in Wisconsin are generally going in the right direction, or if things have gotten off on the wrong track. This poll found the following:

Right Direction: 44%
Wrong Track: 56%

Views of the National Economy

This poll asked registered voters how they would describe the national economy. This poll found the following:

Excellent: 5%
Good: 32%
Not so good: 30%
Poor: 33%

Polling on Various Issues – By Political Party

Republican Voters

This poll also asked Wisconsin registered voters which issue (out of the following eight issues) is the most important. This poll found that the following issues are the most important to Republican voters:

Economy: 53%
Immigration and border security: 31%
Medicare & Social Security: 5%
Abortion policy: 3%
Ensuring fair and accurate elections: 3%
Foreign relations: 2%
Health care: 1%
The war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza: 1%
Don’t know: 1%

Democratic Voters

Abortion policy: 31%
Economy: 19%
Medicare & Social Security: 13%
Health care: 13%
Ensuring fair and accurate elections: 11%
Foreign relations: 5%
The war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza: 2%
Immigration and border security: 1%
Don’t know: 5%

Governor Announces State Ends Fiscal Year with a $4.6 Billion Surplus

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 15:51:10 GMT

On October 15, Governor Tony Evers announced that the state government ended Fiscal Year 2024 with a positive balance of $4.6 billion. This amount is $821.3 million higher than projected. This balance will be used when the Legislature crafts the state’s Fiscal Year 2025-2027 budget next year.

Also, the state’s budget stabilization fund or “rainy day fund,” which is intended to be used to balance the state budget in a time of reduced tax revenue, is $1.9 billion. This fund balance is the highest in the state’s history.

Forward Analytics Report Released on Senior Care Challenges

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 15:50:44 GMT

Forward Analytics, a division of the Wisconsin Counties Association, released a report on September 29 entitled, “On the Brink: Probing the Coming Senior Care Challenges.” According to their website, “Forward Analytics is a Wisconsin-based research organization that provides state and local policymakers with nonpartisan analysis of issues affecting the state.”

With the expected significant growth of the senior citizen population in Wisconsin, the report finds that nearly 60,000 additional beds in nursing homes and assisted living facilities may be needed by 2040. In addition, the report notes that nearly 10,000 nurses, certified nursing assistants (CNAs), and home health/personal care aides will be needed in these types of facilities by 2030. The full report may be found on the Forward Analytics website.

DHS Mental Health & Substance Use Phone Line Announces New Hours of Operation

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 15:50:14 GMT

Recently, Wisconsin DHS announced that the UpliftWI phone line is now available to receive calls daily – including holidays – from 10:00AM to 10:00PM. It was previously available daily – including holidays – from 12:00PM to 12:00AM.

If you are not familiar with the UpliftWI phone line, DHS describes it as “…a nonemergency source of support for people experiencing increased stress or symptoms from mental health and substance use concerns.”

This phone line does not charge a fee to callers and operates as a confidential service. The UpliftWI line may be reached at 534-202-5438. For more information on this service, please visit Mental Health America of Wisconsin’s UpliftWI website.

Hospice News Reel

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 15:48:55 GMT

WiHPCA is happy to remind members about and provide links to the latest legislative and regulatory articles and information on the hospice industry from Hospice News and other publications:

· The Hospice CARE Act’s Potential to ‘Dramatically Reshape’ End-of-Life Care Delivery

Hospice News – By Holly Vossel| Oct. 15, 2024

Hospice providers and stakeholders are carefully examining the proposed changes included in the recently introduced Hospice Care Accountability, Reform, and Enforcement (Hospice CARE) Act as the bill begins its journey through the legislative process. Leading concerns in the industry include the bill’s suggested regulatory reforms to address program integrity in the hospice industry, along with potential changes to reimbursement, caregiver support and palliative care payment pathways. Read more...

· Hospice Fraud Casts Lengthening Shadow Over Future of Industry

Hospice News – By Holly Vossel| Oct. 11, 2024

Fraudulent operators in the hospice space have misspent millions of Medicare dollars in recent years. This problem has become so severe that it has become one of the defining issues facing the hospice industry, with providers and other industry stakeholders expressing concern about significant impacts to future payment, access, sustainability and utilization. This is the first of a two-part Hospice News series that examines the financial and operational pressures weighing on the minds of hospice providers amid instances of fraud, waste and abuse occurring in the industry. Read more...

· 2 Charged in $54 Million Hospice, Health Care Fraud Case

Hospice News – By Jim Parker| Oct. 10, 2024

Two individuals in California have been arrested for their roles in a $54 million scheme to defraud Medicare for hospice and diagnostic testing. One of the alleged perpetrators, Sophia Shaklian, has been charged with 16 counts of health care fraud and four for transactional money laundering. A second, Alex Alexsanian, is charged with one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments and three counts of concealment money laundering. Read more...

· Court Rules False Claims Act Provisions Unconstitutional, with Implications for Hospice Cases

Hospice News – By Jim Parker| Oct. 7, 2024

A federal judge has struck down the whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, with broad implications for hospice and other health care enforcement actions. The ruling centers on the law’s qui tam clauses, which the court found unconstitutional. In a qui tam action, a whistleblower, called a “relator” by the courts, files a False Claims Act suit on behalf of the government and possibly receives a portion of any funds recovered by the government via the lawsuit, typically ranging from 15% to 25%. Read more...

Hospice News, which is part of the Aging Media Network, is a leading source for news and information covering the hospice industry.

WiHPCA Presents Awards to Legislators

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 19:10:49 GMT

Earlier this year, WiHPCA announced that three state legislators were selected as “Champions of Hospice and Palliative Care” for the 2023-2024 legislative session: Rep. Patrick Snyder (R-Wausau Area), Sen. Kelda Roys (D-Madison), and Sen. Jesse James (R-Eau Claire Area). WiHPCA is honoring these legislators for their exceptional work to address the priorities of hospice and palliative care agencies and staff throughout the state.

In August, WiHPCA had the opportunity to personally present the “Champions of Hospice and Palliative Care” awards to Rep. Snyder and Sen. Roys. WiHPCA anticipates that this award will be presented to Sen. James in the coming weeks.

New Marquette Law School Poll Released

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 19:09:59 GMT

On September 11, 2024, Marquette Law School released a new statewide election poll, which was conducted between August 28 – September 5. The following poll findings may be of interest.

Presidential Race

The following are the results for polling of likely Wisconsin voters:

Kamala Harris (D): 52%
Donald Trump (R): 48%

U.S. Senate Race

The following are the results for likely Wisconsin voters:

Tammy Baldwin (D): 52%
Eric Hovde (R): 47%

Governor Tony Evers’ Job Performance

This poll asked registered voters if they approve or disapprove of the way that Democrat Tony Evers is handling his job as Governor. This poll found the following:

Approve: 51%
Disapprove: 44%
Don’t know: 5%

Direction of the State and Economic Conditions

Direction of the State

This poll asked registered voters whether things in Wisconsin are generally going in the right direction, or if things have gotten off on the wrong track. This poll found the following:

Right Direction: 46%
Wrong Track: 53%

Views of the National Economy

This poll asked registered voters how they would describe the national economy. This poll found the following:

Excellent: 3%
Good: 32%
Not so good: 35%
Poor: 30%

Polling on Various Issues – By Political Party

Republican Voters

Economy: 55%
Immigration and border security: 23%
Abortion policy: 6%
Ensuring fair and accurate elections: 5%
Foreign relations: 3%
Medicare & Social Security: 2%
Health care: 2%
The war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza: 1%
Don’t know: 1%

Democratic Voters

Abortion policy: 27%
Economy: 26%
Medicare & Social Security: 16%
Ensuring fair and accurate elections: 13%
Health care: 9%
The war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza: 3%
Foreign relations: 2%
Immigration and border security: 0%
Don’t know: 4%

November 2024 General Election – Wisconsin Legislature Races to Watch

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 19:09:04 GMT

State Assembly

Assembly District 21 – Southeast Milwaukee County

Rep. Jessie Rodriguez (R-Oak Creek) vs. David Marstellar (D-Milwaukee)
This is a 53% Democratic district.

Assembly District 26 – Sheboygan Area

Rep. Amy Binsfeld (R-Sheboygan) vs. Joe Sheehan (D-Sheboygan)
This is a 52% Democratic district.

Assembly District 30 – Twin Cities Suburbs (River Falls, Hudson)

Rep. Shannon Zimmerman (R-River Falls) vs. Alison Page (D-River Falls)
This is a 51% Republican district.

Assembly District 51 – Southwestern Wisconsin

Rep. Todd Novak (R-Dodgeville) vs. Elizabeth Grabe (D-Mount Horeb)
This is a 54% Democratic district.

Assembly District 61 – Southwest Milwaukee County

Rep. Bob Donovan (R-Greenfield) vs. LuAnn Bird (D-Hales Corners)
This is a 51% Democratic district.

Assembly District 85 – Wausau Area

Rep. Patrick Snyder (R-Schofield) vs. Yee Xiong (D-Weston)
This is a 51% Republican district.

Assembly District 88 – Eastern Green Bay Suburbs

Ben Franklin (R-De Pere) vs. Christy Welch (D-De Pere)
This is a 50.5% Republican district.

Assembly District 89 – Green Bay and Western Suburbs

Patrick Buckley (R-Green Bay) vs. Ryan Spaude (D-Green Bay)
This is a 51% Democratic district.

Assembly District 92 – Northwest Wisconsin, including Chippewa Falls

Rep. Clint Moses (R-Menomonie) vs. Joe Plouff (D-Menomonie)
This is a 52% Republican district.

Assembly District 94 – La Crosse Area

Ryan Huebsch (R-Onalaska) vs. Rep. Steve Doyle (D-Onalaska)
This is a 50% Democratic/50% Republican District

State Senate

Senate District 8 – Northern Milwaukee Suburbs

Sen. Duey Stroebel (R-Saukville) vs. Jodi Habush Sinykin (D-Whitefish Bay)
This is a 51% Republican district.

Senate District 14 – Southcentral Wisconsin, mostly north of Madison

Sen. Joan Ballweg (R-Markesan) vs. Sarah Keyeski (D-Lodi)
This is a 52% Democratic district.

Senate District 18 – Fox Valley (Oshkosh, Appleton)

Dr. Anthony Phillips (R-Appleton) vs. Kristin Alfheim (D-Appleton)
This is a 54% Democratic District

Senate District 30 – Green Bay and Suburbs

Jim Rafter (R-Allouez) vs. Jamie Wall (D-Green Bay)
This is a 52% Democratic district.

Senate District 32 – La Crosse Area

Stacey Klein (R-Trempealeau) vs. Sen. Brad Pfaff (D-Onalaska)
This is a 53% Democratic District

Hospice News Reel

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 19:06:52 GMT

WiHPCA is happy to remind members about and provide links to the latest legislative and regulatory articles and information on the hospice industry from Hospice News and other publications:

· CMS Issues Guidance for Hospices on HOPE Tool Implementation

Hospice News – By Jim Parker| Sept. 17, 2024

The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released its final guidance manual for implementing the Hospice Outcomes and Patient Evaluation (HOPE) tool. The tool is slated for an October 2025 implementation, according to the agency’s 2025 final hospice rule. The tool will replace the Hospice Item Set (HIS) quality reporting system. Read more...

· CMS to Expand ‘Enhanced Oversight’ to Combat Hospice Fraud in 4 States

Hospice News – By Jim Parker| Sept. 10, 2024

The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is expanding its enhanced oversight for new hospices in fraud-ridden states, including California, Nevada, Arizona and Texas. The agency in July 2023 first announced a “provisional period of enhanced oversight” for new hospices in those states. A key component of the enhanced oversight includes a medical review of claims before a Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) will pay them. Read more...

State Senator Kelda Roys Honored with the “Champion of Hospice and Palliative Care” Award

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 12:38:21 GMT

Today, the Wisconsin Hospice and Palliative Care Association (WiHPCA) announced that State Senator Kelda Roys (D-Madison) is a “Champion of Hospice and Palliative Care” for the 2023-2024 state legislative session. This designation highlights legislators who have shown exceptional support to address the priorities of hospice and palliative care agencies and staff throughout Wisconsin.

Senator Roys showed strong support for Senate Bill 703, a bill to establish a state Palliative Care Council, during a Senate committee hearing earlier this year, including refuting misinformation stated by representatives of other organizations who spoke at the hearing. This legislation would increase awareness of palliative care throughout the state and help Wisconsinites receive needed medical care for their symptoms, which would improve the quality of life for patients and their families.

“Our organization is grateful to Senator Roys for her strong support of this legislation during a Senate committee hearing earlier this year and, as such, has designated her as a Champion of Hospice and Palliative Care,” said Lynne Sexten, Chair of the WiHPCA Board of Directors.

Election Update: Aug. 13 Partisan Primary Races

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 18:55:59 GMT

Wisconsin held its partisan primaries yesterday (August 13) for state legislative and congressional races for the fall general election. Despite a significant number of primaries (primaries were held in roughly half of the 99 Assembly seats and 4 of the 16 Senate seats), there were very few surprises, with the only incumbents that lost their reelection bids were those who were paired against other incumbents due to redistricting. There was also a statewide referendum on two proposed constitutional amendments. Please find below key election result highlights:

CONGRESSIONAL RACES OF NOTE:

In the 8th Congressional District GOP primary, Trump-endorsed Tony Wied edged out state Senator Andre Jacque and former state Senator Roger Roth in this closely watched race. Wied will face Democrat Kristin Lyerly in November for the opportunity to fill the open seat vacated earlier this year by Congressman Mike Gallagher (R). Jacque will return to the State Senate, as his seat is not up in November.
In the 3rd Congressional District, former WEDC Board member Rebecca Cooke beat state Rep. Katrina Shankland in the Democratic primary. She will face Congressman Derrick Van Orden (R) in the November general election. The 3^rdCD is considered a swing seat, and Democrats have targeted it in their attempt to win back the House this fall.

OVERVIEW OF STATE LEGISLATIVE RACES:

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos easily won his primary challenge, which took place after two failed recall attempts against him earlier this year.
Freshman Republican State Rep. Nate Gustafson defeated Rep. Mike Schraa in the 55^thAssembly District. Schraa has served in the State Assembly for 12 years.
Republican State Rep. John Spiros won his three-way primary for the 86^thAD, which also included two-term incumbent State Representative Donna Rozar.
Freshman Republican State Rep. Elijah Behnke defeated freshman Rep. Peter Schmidt after moving into the 5^thAD to challenge him.
Dave Armstrong defeated Jimmy Swenson in the GOP primary for the 67th Assembly District, capturing nearly 78% of the vote.
Republican State Senator Dan Knodl defeated State Representative Janel Brandtjen in the Republican primary for the 24^thAssembly District. Sitting senators don’t typically run for the State Assembly. However, Knodl was redistricted into another Senator’s seat and decided to return to the State Assembly rather than run for the Senate. He served 15 years in the State Assembly prior to serving the last year in the State Senate.
Dan Feyen (R-Fond du Lac) easily defeated Tim Ramthun in the GOP primary for the 20th Senate District, capturing nearly 65% of the vote.
Democrat State Representative Melissa Ratcliffe won a three-way primary for the 16^thSenate District, defeating fellow State Representatives Jimmy Anderson and Samba Baldeh. Both Anderson and Baldeh had to forgo running for their Assembly seat to run for Senate, so neither will be returning to the State Assembly in January.

PRPOSED CONSTITITIONAL AMENDMENTS:

Wisconsin voters rejected both constitutional amendment questions on the ballot, which aimed to give the Legislature more control over spending federal funds.

CLICK HERE to review all election results.

WiHPCA Honors a Select Group of Legislators with Awards

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 20:11:20 GMT

On August 6, WiHPCA unveiled a list of state legislators selected as “Champions of Hospice and Palliative Care” and “Friends of Hospice and Palliative Care” for the 2023-2024 state legislative session. At the completion of each two-year legislative session, WiHPCA identifies an exclusive group of lawmakers for their exceptional work to address the priorities of hospice and palliative care agencies and staff throughout Wisconsin.

The 2023-2024 “Champion of Hospice and Palliative Care” recipients are:

--State Rep. Patrick Snyder (R-Schofield)

--State Sen. Jesse James (R-Altoona)

--State Sen. Kelda Roys (D-Madison)

The 2023-2024 “Friend of Hospice and Palliative Care” recipients are:

--State Sen. Rachael Cabral-Guevara (R-Appleton)

--State Rep. Jerry O’Connor (R-Fond du Lac)

--State Sen. Van Wanggaard (R-Racine)

--State Rep. David Armstrong (R-Rice Lake)

--State Sen. Mark Spreitzer (D-Beloit)

--State Rep. Jenna Jacobson (D-Oregon)

--State Rep. Clint Moses (R-Menomonie) -

-State Rep. Jeffrey Mursau (R-Crivitz)

--State Rep. Lisa Subeck (D-Madison)

--State Rep. Sylvia Ortiz-Velez (D-Milwaukee)

--State Rep. Rob Brooks (R-Saukville)

--State Rep. Christine Sinicki (D-Milwaukee)

--State Rep. Rick Gundrum (R-Slinger)

--State Rep. David Steffen (R-Green Bay)

--State Rep. Donna Rozar (R-Marshfield)

--State Rep. Sue Conley (D-Janesville)

--State Rep. Barbara Dittrich (R-Oconomowoc)

--State Rep. Jodi Emerson (D-Eau Claire)

Governor's Task Force on the Healthcare Workforce Finalizes Recommendations

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 20:09:05 GMT

On August 15, the Governor’s Task Force on the Healthcare Workforce held its final public meeting, during which it approved the following recommendations. These recommendations will be submitted to the Governor for potential inclusion in the Fiscal Year 2025-2027 budget request that he will submit to the Legislature in early 2025.

Education and Training

Support Faculty
- Expand existing incentive programs for nurse and allied health educators (e.g., loan repayment).
- Increase state support for higher education for the purpose of increasing educator compensation in order to make these positions more competitive.

Strengthen Clinical Training and Experience
- Continue the state-funded Qualified Treatment Trainee (QTT) grant program, which provides supervision for certain new mental health care professionals.
- Direct funding to state institutions of higher education to develop or strengthen clinical training partnerships with health care employers and professionals.
- Expand experiential learning tools (e.g., simulation labs).

Reduce Barriers to Training for Wisconsinites
- Continue sustainable funding for “wraparound services” for students in need (e.g., childcare, transportation).
- Continuation and expansion of the WisCaregiver Careers Program to train direct care professionals.
- Reduce cost of completing a Certificate of General Educational Development (GED) or a High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED)
- Increase training grants for allied health professionals and advanced practice clinicians.

Expand Apprenticeship Programs in Wisconsin
- Increased funding for state apprenticeship programs.

Expand Other Learning Opportunities
- Continue the Worker Advancement Initiative – a grant program that helps Wisconsinites enter and advance in the healthcare workforce.
- Strengthen “dual enrollment programs’ in secondary schools. These programs help students finish post-secondary coursework before graduation and earn certification and/or occupational licenses.

Recruitment and Retention

Increase Payer Support for Recruitment and Retention
- Expand Medicaid to increase funding for strategic healthcare workforce development.
- Increase Medicaid reimbursement rates to strengthen the workforce for Wisconsinites who are aging or disabled.
- Increase Medicaid reimbursement rates to strengthen the behavioral health workforce.

Recruit and Retain in Areas of Need
- Expand state incentives for health care professionals working in state-defined shortage areas.

Support Regional Innovation
- Support employer-based workforce development solutions with provider innovation grants.
- Support regional collaboration for workforce development through Workforce Innovation Grants.
- Provide resources to healthcare workers and connect them to healthcare benefit opportunities (for those who lack healthcare benefits).

Regulatory Policy

Support New or Expanded Pathways to Licensure
- Authorize Medicaid reimbursement for community-focused providers.
- Support licensure pathways for qualified foreign educated professionals.
- Ratify and enter into multi-state licensing compacts.
- Revise faculty educational requirements.

Strengthen State Capacity for Regulation
- Maintain licensing improvements and enhance licensing support for applicants, employers, educators, and other stakeholders.

Strengthen Workforce Monitoring and Support
- Increase licensee wellness programming to support retention.
- Analyze existing data and gather additional data on the health care workforce.

State Representative Patrick Snyder Honored with the “Champion of Hospice and Palliative Care” Award

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 20:04:13 GMT

Today, the Wisconsin Hospice and Palliative Care Association (WiHPCA) announced that State Representative Patrick Snyder (R-Schofield) is a “Champion of Hospice and Palliative Care” for the 2023-2024 state legislative session. This designation highlights legislators who have shown exceptional support to address the priorities of hospice and palliative care agencies and staff throughout Wisconsin.

Representative Snyder authored Assembly Bill 736 and was the lead co-sponsor of Senate Bill 703, both of which would establish a state Palliative Care Council. This legislation would increase awareness of palliative care throughout the state and help Wisconsinites receive needed medical care for their symptoms, which would improve the quality of life for patients and their families.

“Representative Snyder has been a strong advocate for the creation of a state Palliative Care Council for a number of years,” said Lynne Sexten, Chair of the WiHPCA Board of Directors. “Our organization is grateful for his support and partnership on this important issue and, as such, has designated him as a Champion of Hospice and Palliative Care,” concluded Sexten.

Sen. Andre Jacque Visits Unity Hospice in De Pere

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 17:07:14 GMT

Wisconsin Sen. Andre Jacque (R-De Pere) recently visited the Unity Hospice Jack and Engrid Meng Hospice Residence in De Pere, WI, to meet with staff, tour the facility and discuss the important role of hospice and palliative care in the community. Jacque’s’ visit was part of a larger effort by the Wisconsin Hospice and Palliative Care Association (WiHPCA) to connect hospice professionals with their local state legislators to discuss the benefits of hospice and palliative care services.

“I am grateful to Sen. Jacque for visiting Unity and touring the Meng Hospice Residence to gain deeper insights into the state of the healthcare landscape in Northeast Wisconsin,” said Alisa Gerke, Unity Hospice Executive Director. “It is crucial for legislators to understand the evolving health care needs of our communities, especially for vulnerable patients and families, as well as the regulatory burdens faced by nonprofit hospices. We welcome Sen. Jacque’s interest in ensuring nonprofit hospices remain a sustainable care option for all.”

During his visit to Unity Hospice, Sen. Jacque was able to learn more about the value of hospice and palliative care for local patients and their families. He was also able to discuss with Unity staff the regulatory challenges faced by hospices across the state and the need for forward thinking policies to improve the quality of life for Wisconsin patients facing life-ending or life-limiting illness.

“I greatly appreciated the invitation to visit Unity's main campus and the dialogue I had with staff about the challenges they face in providing compassionate care in a loving environment,” said Sen. Jacque.

Jacque, who was first elected to the Senate in 2018 after serving four terms in the state Assembly, currently represents the 1^st Senate District in northwest Wisconsin, which includes Door and Kewaunee Counties and portions of Manitowoc, Calumet and Brown Counties, including the City of De Pere.

Unity Hospice is a nonprofit partnership of Bellin Health, HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center, and HSHS St. Vincent Hospital. They are committed to providing holistic, highly specialized care and support for terminally ill patients and their families in northeastern Wisconsin.

Governor’s Task Force on Healthcare Workforce – Summary of June Meeting

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 17:06:23 GMT

On June 6, the Governor’s Task Force on the Healthcare Workforce held a public meeting on the campus of Marquette University’s School of Dentistry. The bulk of the livestreamed portion of the meeting was taken up by a panel discussion on education and training. The following individuals participated in this discussion:

Christina Patrin, Health Science Education Consultant, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI)
Danielle Cook, Education Director, Health Sciences, Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS)
- Note: She is a task force member.
Dr. Melissa Weege, Clinical Associate Professor, Radiation Therapy Program Director, UW-La Crosse
Rebecca Larson, Executive Vice President for External Relations, Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities

These panelists each gave some background information on their respective organizations, then discussed challenges, and possible solutions. Patrin noted that while 60 percent of school districts in the state have a direct patient care training pathway (program) embedded in their schools, she noted that it is difficult to start such pathways at high schools. Cook, Weege and Larson noted a number of similar challenges, including lack of classroom space, challenges in hiring faculty due to relatively low compensation levels, and continuing financial challenges for students.

Next, the panelists proposed various solutions, including the following:

Loan forgiveness for all health faculty, not just nursing faculty.
Need incentives to help hire part-time health faculty.
Need to do more to promote health care careers early on, even in elementary school.

The task force then moved on to the various breakout discussion groups and then adjournment, neither of which were covered in the livestream of this task force meeting.

It is also worth noting that in preparation for the June meeting, a document listing draft task force recommendations was prepared. The following is a high-level summary of these draft recommendations:

Education and Training

Faculty
- Expand existing incentive programs for nurse and allied health educators (e.g., loan repayment).
- Review compensation of UW and WTCS nursing faculty and develop a plan to make salaries competitive.

Strengthen Clinical Training and Experience
- Continue the state-funded Qualified Treatment Trainee (QTT) grant program, which provides supervision for certain new mental health care professionals.
- Develop a statewide registry of clinical experience sites.
- Expand experiential learning tools (e.g., simulation labs)

Reduce Barriers to Training
- Continue sustainable funding for “wraparound services” for students in need (e.g., childcare, transportation).
- Continuation and expansion of the WisCaregiver Careers Program.
- Strong state support for the UW System and WTCS.
- Reduce cost of completing a Certificate of General Educational Development (GED) or a High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED)

Expand Apprenticeship Programs in Wisconsin
- Leverage state-owned healthcare facilities for apprenticeship expansion.
- Increased funding for state registered apprenticeship programs

Expand Non-Apprenticeship Work-Based Learning Opportunities
- Continue the Worker Advancement Initiative – a grant program that helps Wisconsinites enter and advance in the healthcare workforce.

Other
- Strengthen licensure pathways for veterans and service members.
- Strengthen “dual enrollment programs’ in secondary schools. These programs help students finish post-secondary coursework before graduation and earn certification and/or occupational licenses.
- State support for the Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) program, which educates youth about healthcare careers.

Recruitment and Retention

Medicaid Strategies to Support Recruitment and Retention
- Expand Medicaid to increase funding for strategic healthcare workforce development.
- Increase Medicaid reimbursement rates to strengthen the workforce for aging Wisconsinites.
- Increase Medicaid reimbursement rates to strengthen the behavioral health workforce.

Recruiting and Retaining in Areas of Need
- Expand state loan repayment/forgiveness for health care professionals working in state-defined shortage areas.
- Increased funding to increase compensation for healthcare professionals at state-operated health facilities.

Supporting Innovation
- Support employer-based workforce development solutions with provider innovation grants.
- Support regional collaboration for workforce development through Workforce Innovation Grants.
- Provide resources to healthcare workers and connect them to healthcare benefit opportunities (for those who lack healthcare benefits).

Regulatory Policy

Support New or Expanded Pathways to Licensure
- Create new licensure pathways for healthcare support professionals, such as community health workers, birth doulas, etc.
- Support licensure pathways for qualified foreign educated professionals.
- Ratify and enter into multi-state licensing compacts.
- Explore alternative pathways for licensure qualification demonstration.

Strengthen State Capacity for Regulation
- Provide the state Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) with enough staff to expedite license processing.
- Enhance state Department of Health Services quality assurance staff capacity.

Healthcare Workforce Wellbeing and Monitoring
- Increase support for healthcare workforce wellness.
- Additional resources to analyze the healthcare workforce, including assessing the workforce, identifying shortages, and targeting and evaluating policy solutions.

In Case You Missed It: Take the WIHPCA Legislative Priorities Survey

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 17:05:33 GMT

Help shape WiHPCA’s Policy Agenda for the 2025-26 legislative session. The WiHPCA Legislative Priorities Survey provides a tremendous opportunity to offer your input on what policy issues are most important to you and your organization. The purpose of surveying the full WiHPCA membership is to help association leadership develop a policy agenda and determine what legislative and regulatory issues we should on focus during the 2025-2026 Wisconsin legislative session.

The survey takes only a few minutes to complete and will provide invaluable information used to help shape WiHPCA’s advocacy priorities moving forward. The survey results will be presented to the WiHPCA’s Legislative Committee and Board for further consideration. In addition to the member survey data, WiHPCA leadership will consider the following criteria when finalizing the association’s policy agenda and issue priorities: 1.) The benefit to WiHPCA members; 3.) The extent to which it will improve hospice and palliative care in Wisconsin; and 3.) The likelihood of legislative/regulatory success.

Once the WiHPCA Board finalizes the policy agenda and legislative priorities for 2025-2026, it will be presented to the full membership and used by the WiHPCA Government Affairs team to guide the association’s advocacy efforts over the next two years.

We value your input and encourage you to complete and submit the brief survey as soon as possible. Please CLICK HERE to take the survey.

Membership and Scope of the Legislative Council Study Committee on the Regulation of Artificial Intelligence in Wisconsin are Finalized

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 17:04:40 GMT

After the state legislative session concludes in even-numbered years, the Legislative Council – the legislature's in-house, non-partisan group of attorney advisors – organizes study committees that perform in-depth reviews of various state policy matters facing Wisconsin. Committees are comprised of both legislators and citizen members.

Study committees hold hearings, during which they hear public testimony – including from subject-matter experts – on state policies that may need to be fixed or updated. Once a committee has completed receiving public testimony, it generally drafts legislation for possible introduction and consideration by the legislature. Recently, the scope of the Study Committee on the Regulation of Artificial Intelligence in Wisconsin was announced:

“The Study Committee is directed to review current uses of artificial intelligence technology and make recommendations for legislation regarding the use and development of artificial intelligence technology. The committee may review the use of artificial intelligence in disinformation and artificial imagery and the feasibility of establishing a process to ensure continued state monitoring of high-risk use of artificial intelligence.”

State Senator Julian Bradley (R-Mukwonago), who will serve as chair, recently announced via press release the members of the committee. Rep. David Armstrong (R-Rice Lake) will serve as vice chair. Sen. Tim Carpenter (D-Milwaukee) and Rep. Clinton Anderson (D-Beloit) are the other legislator members. Of the eight Wisconsin citizen members, there is one representative from the health care field – Jay Hill, who serves as vice president of advanced technologies for GE HealthCare. The full committee membership list may be viewed on the Legislature’s website.

In his press release, Sen. Bradley also notes that this study committee “…will travel throughout the state to consider how the new technology will impact workforce, healthcare, law enforcement, government, and consumer protection.”

The committee’s first meeting was held at the Waukesha County Technical College in Pewaukee on Wednesday, July 24.

DHS Annual Adjustment to Patient Health Care Record Fees

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 17:01:49 GMT

Each year on July 1, DHS is required by state law to adjust the maximum fees (factoring in the change in the consumer price index) that health care clinicians may charge for patient medical records. The updated fee schedule may be viewed on the Legislature’s website.

2023-2024 Legislative Session Highlights

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 14:35:48 GMT

The 2023-2024 state legislative session, which began in January 2023, has ended. The State Assembly held its final floor date for the regular session on February 22, 2024, and the State Senate held its final regular session day on March 12, 2024. While the Senate reconvened on May 14, 2024, for a “Veto Review” session day, during which they voted to override the Governor’s vetoes of nine bills, it appears unlikely that the Assembly will also reconvene to vote to attempt to override these vetoes. Furthermore, it does not appear likely at this time that either chamber will reconvene before the November general election.

The following are highlights from the current biennial budget law, as well as other relevant legislation introduced during the 2023-2024 legislative session.

· 2023-2025 State Budget:

o Allied Health Professional Training: Provided $2,500,000 annually to expand allied health professional education and training grants. Expanded eligibility for the program to include registered nurses.

o Nurse Educators: Maintained $5 million in annual funding for this program.

o Occupational Credentialing

§ Software: $3.57 million for occupational credentialing software and related maintenance.

§ License Processing Staffing: 7 license processing contract workers (on a four-year employment contract).

§ Customer Service Call Center Staffing: 6 license processing-focused customer service call center contract workers (on a two-year employment contract).

· Other 2023-2024 Legislative Highlights

o Registered as “Other” – Enactment of Senate Bill 178: Under this bill, if an individual is required to report deaths under current law (including hospices in certain circumstances) and has knowledge of a death that has occurred within 24 after a patient has either presented at, or is admitted to, a hospital or other similar facility (including hospices), that individual must contact the appropriate medical examiner or coroner to determine if the death is reportable under current law. As this legislation would dramatically increase the number of deaths that hospices would need to report – especially since these deaths are expected – WiHPCA members and its government relations team aggressively advocated the legislature to provide an exemption for hospices. The version of this bill, which is now law, includes such an exemption.

o Support – Assembly Passage of Assembly Bill 736: Creates a state Palliative Care Council, which would be “housed” at the state Department of Health Services (DHS). The intent behind this proposed council would be to increase awareness of palliative care, which is often misunderstood by the general public, as well as some health care providers. This legislation passed the Assembly unanimously and received a hearing in a Senate committee. However, despite a strong advocacy push by WiHPCA members and its government relations team, the full Senate did not vote on this legislation prior to the adjournment of the 2023-2024 legislative session.

· Governor Signs Bill Creating New State Legislative District Maps

o On December 22, 2023, the State Supreme Court issued a ruling that Wisconsin’s state legislative district maps are unconstitutional and the maps for each such district must be redrawn before the 2024 elections. State Supreme Court justices voted 4-3 in favor of this ruling. The decision focused on specific state legislative districts that include non-contiguous portions of land, which the court found violated the state constitution. Specifically, the court ruled that the legislature must redraw the boundaries for each state Assembly and state Senate district in advance of the August 2024 primary election.

o In mid-February 2024, the Legislature passed a bill with a compromise version of state legislative district maps. On February 19, 2024, Governor Evers signed this legislation. As such, these new legislative district maps have taken effect for legislative candidates who are elected in November 2024. These new maps may be viewed on the Legislature’s website.

· Governor Creates Task Force on the Healthcare Workforce

On January 29, 2024, Governor Tony Evers signed an executive order creating the Governor’s Task Force on Healthcare Workforce. Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez, a registered nurse with a public health background, chairs this task force. State Department of Workforce Development Secretary Amy Pechacek and state Department of Health Services Secretary Kirsten Johnson serve as co-chairs.

In March 2024, representatives from WiAHC and the Wisconsin Hospice and Palliative Care Association (WiHPCA) participated in a joint meeting with the task force co-chair, Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez, to discuss health care workforce issues. Various issues were discussed, including reimbursement from insurers and public sector payers, medical personnel wage levels, and the potential to expand an existing effort to concurrently train high school students to be licensed practical nurses (LPNs), so that they are able to graduate from high school and immediately enter the workforce.

Please be assured that WiHPCA’s government relations representatives will continue to monitor the work of this task force. For more information about this task force, please visit the task force’s website.

We Need Your Input: Take the WIHPCA Legislative Priorities Survey

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 14:34:57 GMT

We value your input and encourage you to complete and submit the brief survey as soon as possible. Please CLICK HERE to take the survey.

Governor’s Task Force on Healthcare Workforce – Summary of May Meeting

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 14:33:58 GMT

This task force’s most recent meeting was held on May 9 at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse campus. The initial portion of the agenda was a panel discussion on recruitment and retention that featured the following panelists:

Dr. Hannah Maxey, Veritas Health Solutions (NOTE: She served as panel moderator.)
Dr. Tom Kernozek, Professor and Chair, Department of Health Professions, UW – La Crosse (Task Force Member)
Heather Schimmers, President, Gundersen Health System (Task Force Member)
Ann Zenk, Senior Vice President of Workforce and Clinical Practice, Wisconsin Hospital Association (WHA)

Zenk discussed the annual workforce report that WHA publishes. WHA is concerned about the “silver tsunami” – the increase of those Wisconsinites aging into retirement. She also discussed that in 2022, the nursing shortage hit Wisconsin hard, as nurses comprise over half of a hospital’s workforce. Kernozek discussed UW-La Crosse’s health education programs and how they partner with local school districts and health systems with a presence in the area. With respect to challenges, he discussed their faculty recruitment and retention issues. Schimmers discussed the hiring challenges that Gundersen faces and how they made changes to try to improve. She noted that there is high turnover within the first 1-2 years of joining the health care profession and that the industry is not preparing the workforce enough for the hardships they will face in the workplace.

The three panelists proposed a number of solutions: Medicaid reimbursement expansion, loosen restrictions on requirements for faculty, uniform licensing processes, tax incentives for nursing preceptors (mentors), loan repayment programs for faculty, among others.

The next portion of the meeting featured Dr. Maxey reviewing the themes discussed during the breakout sessions held during the task force’s April 4 meeting: education, incentives, funding, and apprenticeships. Please note that these issues were addressed in our summary of the task force’s April 4 meeting.

The final portion of the agenda featured breakout groups, which came up with numerous proposed solutions to workforce challenges. The groups came up with numerous suggestions, including encouraging worker usage of employee assistance programs, target funding based on geography and need, expanding Medicaid, invest in apprenticeship and related programs, marketing campaign to seek health care workers, removing the state “benefits cliff” for workers who are promoted, encouraging high school students to seek concurrent training for certain roles (LPNs, etc.), tax incentives for preceptors (mentors), among others.

The meeting closed with an announcement that the task force’s June meeting will review prior workforce improvement suggestions and transform them into draft task force recommendations that will be prioritized.

State Department of Health Services Expands Stroke Awareness Efforts

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 14:33:07 GMT

In recent weeks, DHS announced that they expanded their statewide efforts to improve stroke awareness. Wisconsin DHS has put in place the Wisconsin Coverdell Stroke Program in an effort to prevent strokes and improve stroke-related medical care. For more information about this program, please see the DHS website.

Dane County Judge Launches 2025 State Supreme Court Campaign

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 14:32:20 GMT

On June 10, Dane County Circuit Court Judge Susan Crawford announced her candidacy for the State Supreme Court seat that will be vacated next year by veteran Supreme Court Justice Ann Walsh Bradley, who is a member of the liberal court majority. Prior to serving on the Dane County Circuit Court, Judge Crawford worked as an assistant attorney general in the state Department of Justice. In addition, she served in the state Department of Corrections and the state Department of Natural Resources, as well as then-Governor Jim Doyle’s chief legal counsel. She also worked as an attorney in private practice.

As this is written, former Republican Attorney General Brad Schimel – who currently serves as a judge in Waukesha County – is the only other candidate who has announced a run for Justice Walsh Bradley’s seat on the State Supreme Court. If additional candidates enter the race, a primary election will be held on February 18, 2025. The general election will occur on April 1, 2025.

Register Today for the Next WiHPCA Quarterly Meeting with the Division of Quality Assurance

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 14:31:31 GMT

Don’t miss out on WiHPCA’s next quarterly meeting with the WI Department of Health Services’ Division of Quality Assurance (DQA), which is scheduled for Thursday, July 25, 2024, at 10:00 A.M. The meeting will be held virtually and is open to all WiHPCA members and hospice professionals across Wisconsin. CLICK HERE to register for the meeting.

The purpose of the DQA quarterly meetings is to create an opportunity for hospice and palliative care professionals to build and maintain a strong working relationship with a key state regulatory agency that oversees our industry. For members who have not had an opportunity to attend previous quarterly meetings, they provide members with valuable regulatory information and updates, as well as a unique chance to engage DQA staff, ask questions, and request guidance. If you would like to submit a question to DQA staff in advance, please CLICK HERE.

The Power of WiHPCA Advocacy: Sign-up to Host a Legislative Tour

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 14:24:10 GMT

The 2023-24 legislative has come to an end, and legislators have shifted their focus to the upcoming election season and the need to connect with voters. With that in mind, it is more important than ever for WiHPCA members to strengthen their relationships with their state lawmakers (and new legislative candidates) to educate them on the value of hospice and palliative care, the regulatory challenges we face, and the legislative solutions we need to increase access to care for patients and their families. Rember, decisions state legislators make in the Capitol can have a significant impact on the hospice industry, your organization, and your profession.

One of the best ways you as a WiHPCA member can engage your local legislators is to invite them to tour your facilities to illustrate firsthand the many benefits of hospice and palliative care. These visits provide a tremendous advocacy opportunity, which is why WiHPCA members across the state have already hosted numerous successful legislative tours. But we need to maintain the enthusiasm for this critical grassroots advocacy program, and WiHPCA is excited and ready to set-up additional tours today.

If you would like to host a legislative tour at your site, please contact the WiHPCA office at wihpca@badgerbay.co. We will work with you and your legislators to coordinate the meetings and will provide participating members with full support, including legislator bios, advocacy tips, issue briefings, and supporting documents.

2024 Election Outlook

Tue, 28 May 2024 20:12:01 GMT

Now that the Legislature has adjourned their legislative session, the 2024 election cycle is in full campaign mode. Wisconsin’s state legislative and congressional district maps were finalized earlier this spring, which will create several very competitive races for control of the Wisconsin legislature. This, coupled with Milwaukee hosting the Republican National Convention in July and Wisconsin’s status as a key battleground state in the Presidential election and control of the U.S. Senate, will make for a very interesting 2024 election year.

State Legislative Elections

Both houses of the Wisconsin Legislature currently have large Republican majorities (Assembly – 64-35; Senate 22 to 10 with 1 vacancy in a heavily Democratic district in Milwaukee). All 99 Assembly seats are up for election. In the Senate, 16 of 33 seats are up – eight of these seats feature GOP incumbents and four of them are open seats.

The current political wisdom is that Assembly Republicans are in position to maintain control following the 2024 election due to the number of Republican seats that are viewed as safe or strong for the GOP, in addition to the high number of GOP incumbents. However, due to 2024 redistricting, the number of highly competitive seats has increased under the new district maps. As such, it is possible that Assembly Republicans may lose a small number of seats, but not enough to lose the majority.

Likewise, it is expected Senate Republicans will also maintain control of that body in 2024. However, the GOP may also lose seats in this chamber due to the increase of competitive seats because of 2024 redistricting. To take control of this chamber, 13 Democratic candidates would have to win Senate seats in November, which is unlikely.

To read the more detailed memo regarding the 2024 election, please click here.

Upcoming WiHPCA Legislative Priority Survey

Tue, 28 May 2024 20:11:09 GMT

In the coming months, WiHPCA will send a legislative priority survey to all members. This will help WiHPCA leadership determine the policy priorities for the 2025-2026 state legislative session. Please consider completing the survey once you receive it. This will be a great opportunity to share your thoughts on the direction that WiHPCA should take with respect to advocacy.

Governor’s Task Force on the Healthcare Workforce Launches Website

Tue, 28 May 2024 20:10:12 GMT

In recent weeks, the Governor’s Task Force on the Healthcare Workforce launched its new website, which includes the following:

An overview of the mission of the task force.
A list of names and titles of the task force members.
Schedule of future task force public meetings.

Information related to prior meetings, including agendas and presentations.

DSPS Announces Initiative to Expedite Nursing Licensure for Recent Nursing School Graduates

Tue, 28 May 2024 20:09:35 GMT

In mid-May, the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) announced the Accelerate Wisconsin initiative. The intent behind this initiative is to streamline the occupational licensure process for recent nursing school graduates, so that they can begin practicing more quickly after graduation. Nursing students at participating schools will now be able to take the required NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) national nursing exam before they graduate. Once certification of a nurse’s graduation has been provided to DSPS, the nurse will receive their occupational license from DSPS within three business days. Furthermore, to assist employers with their hiring process, DSPS will provide nursing students who meet all criteria except graduation with a letter reflecting this.

The following nursing schools are participating in this program:

Alverno College
Carroll University
Carthage College
Chippewa Valley Technical College
Edgewood College
Gateway Technical College
Madison College
Marian University
Marquette University
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
University of Wisconsin-Madison
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Viterbo University

Governor Calls Two Special Elections

Tue, 28 May 2024 20:09:00 GMT

On May 14, Governor Evers called for special elections for the following positions:

4^th State Senate District

This heavily Democratic district in the City of Milwaukee is vacant as former State Senator Lena Taylor (D) was appointed to the Milwaukee County Circuit Court. This special primary election will occur, if needed, on July 2, 2024. The special general election will occur on July 30, 2024. It’s important to note that the winner of this special general election will hold this seat through the end of the term, which ends on January 5, 2025. The 4^th State Senate District will also be up for election during the normal August primary and November general elections this year. The winner of that general election will take office for a full four-year term on January 6, 2025 (state legislative inauguration day).

8^th Congressional District

This Republican-leaning district, which includes the Fox Valley and the Green Bay area, became vacant when former Congressman Mike Gallagher (R) resigned. The special primary election and special general election will occur on the same dates as the normal primary and general elections (August 13 and November 5 of this year) for this seat. Therefore, the winner of the special general election would take office immediately after the November 5 election and hold the seat until January 3, 2025 (Congressional inauguration day). The winner of the normal general election (also on November 5) will take office on January 3, 2025.

The Power of WiHPCA Advocacy: Sign-up to Host a Legislative Tour

Tue, 28 May 2024 20:08:09 GMT

Governor Takes Action on Various Bills of Interest to WiHPCA

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 14:24:18 GMT

Over the last few weeks, Governor Evers has taken action on numerous bills, including the following bills of interest to WiHPCA:

Signed - Senate Bill 178 – Creates a requirement, in certain circumstances, for physicians, authorities of various medical institutions, or other persons required to report deaths under current law to contact a medical examiner or coroner within 24 hours after an individual either has presented at or is admitted to a hospital or similar institution, whichever is earlier, to determine whether the medical examiner or coroner is required to investigate a death. Thanks to WiHPCA advocacy efforts, via an amendment we lobbied for, hospices were made exempt from the requirements of the new law. The Governor signed an amended bill on March 22.

Vetoed - Senate Bill 158 – Proposed creating a preliminary health care credential that is available to individuals who have completed the requirements for the corresponding permanent or training health care credential while they await a decision from the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) regarding their application for the permanent or training credential. The Governor vetoed this bill on March 29, issuing the following statement in his veto message:

“I am vetoing this bill because I object to potentially reducing patient protections from individuals who have a disqualifying criminal background by allowing unlicensed individuals to receive preliminary healthcare credentials based solely upon their own attestations and employer-conducted background checks. The department would have no way to discern the veracity of an employer-conducted background check and no ability to hold employers accountable for false or neglectful attestations.”

Governor’s Task Force on the Health Care Workforce Holds April Meeting

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 14:23:11 GMT

On April 4, the Governor’s Task Force on the Health Care Workforce held a public meeting in Madison. Lt. Governor Sara Rodriguez, a registered nurse, chairs this task force. The intent behind this task force is to craft health care workforce recommendations that may be included in the Governor’s FY2025-2027 budget request to the Legislature.

The meeting started out with a discussion of the results of a survey that was sent to all 24 task force members, all of whom completed the survey. The intent of this survey was to help determine the potential areas of focus for the task force.

With respect to specific profession areas, the survey found that the task force should focus on the following (in order of priority):

Behavioral Health
Nurses
Direct Care
Allied Health
Physicians
Oral Health
Emergency Medical Services
Other

With respect to health care sectors, the survey found that the focus should be on the following (in order of priority):

Behavioral Health
Long term care
Primary care
Emergency Medical Services
Oral Health
Other

With respect to health care workforce improvement strategies, the survey found that the focus should be on the following areas (while they are in order of importance, these were all ranked quite close to each other – therefore, the task force views these as effectively equal):

Recruitment and Retention
Education and Training
Regulatory Policy

Following this conversation, David Polk, who serves as the director of the Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards at the state Department of Workforce Development, discussed the various health care apprenticeships that are currently offered in the state. These apprenticeships include medical assistants, pharmacy technicians, and registered nurses. Immediately following that presentation, Bridgett Willey, the director of Allied Health Education and Career Pathways at UW Health, described their health care apprenticeship offerings.

Next, Jessica Smith, who serves as the director of the Center for Inclusive Transition, Education, and Employment at UW Whitewater (UWW), presented on the Qualified Treatment Trainee (QTT) grant program at UWW. A QTT is someone with a master’s degree in social work, counseling or marriage and family therapy, who wants to get a professional license for such counseling work. These individuals perform counseling work under the guidance of a clinical supervisor. This grant program is funded by the state Department of Health Services (DHS) and is administered by DHS, along with UWW. Right after this presentation, Jill Baures, Psy.D., who serves as the Clinical Training Director for Pauquette Center for Psychological Services in the Madison area, discussed her agency’s experience with the QTT program.

At the end of the meeting, the upcoming task force meeting schedule was discussed:

May 9 – UW La Crosse
- During this meeting, the task force will identify additional strategies and opportunities.
June 6 – UW Milwaukee
- During this meeting, they will start prioritizing all strategies and opportunities.
July 11 – UW Green Bay
- During this meeting, they will review a draft set of recommendations.
August 8 – Madison (Hill Farms State Office Building)

For further details about the task force’s April 4 meeting, you are welcome to review a more detailed summary.

State Department of Health Services Proposes Plan for Spending Opioid Settlement Funds

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 14:22:27 GMT

In early April, the state Department of Health Services (DHS) submitted a proposal to the Legislature’s budget-writing Joint Finance Committee requesting their approval for DHS’s plan for spending $36 million in settlement funds received from opioid litigation. In summary, DHS proposes to spend these funds for the following purposes:

Tribal Nations: $6 million
Community, Education, After-School Prevention: $5 million
Family Support/Resource Centers: $5 million
Peer Support in Opioid Treatment Programs: $5 million
Narcan: $3.5 million
Fentanyl Test Strips: $1 million
Capital Projects: $3 million
Room and Board: $2.5 million
EMS “Leave Behind” Programs: $1.5 million
Public Health Vending Machines: $1 million
Law Enforcement Grants: $1 million
Data Collection and Surveillance System Enhancements: $1.5 million

State Supreme Court Justice Ann Walsh Bradley Announces Retirement

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 14:21:32 GMT

On April 11, Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Ann Walsh Bradley announced that she would not run for re-election in 2025. She is currently a member of the liberal majority of the court. When she completes her term on July 31, 2025, she will have served 30 years as a justice on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Prior to her service on this court, she served 10 years as a circuit court judge in Marathon County.

The primary election to fill her seat on the court will be held on February 18, 2025, and the general election will occur on April 1, 2025. As this is written, former Republican Attorney General Brad Schimel – who currently serves as a judge in Waukesha County – is the only candidate who has announced a run for Justice Walsh Bradley’s seat on the State Supreme Court.

Palliative Care Council Bill Update

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 17:42:06 GMT

On February 20, the state Assembly approved Assembly Bill 736 – a bill creating a state Palliative Care Council – by voice vote. Prior to that, the Assembly Committee on Health, Aging and Long-Term Care voted unanimously (16-0) to recommend approval of this legislation. WiHPCA worked closely with the authors of this legislation, state Rep. Patrick Snyder (R-Wausau) and state Sen. Jesse James (R-Eau Claire Area), in the drafting of this bill. WiHPCA is grateful to Rep. Snyder and Sen. James for their tireless efforts on this legislation. In fact, you may watch a brief video (3 minutes, 40 seconds) of Rep. Snyder discussing this bill on the floor of the state Assembly.

The state Palliative Care Council created by this bill would advise the state Department of Health Services (DHS) and provide recurring reports to the Legislature. More specifically, the proposed palliative care council would work with DHS on analyzing existing palliative care programs, as well as identifying ways in which health care providers could improve the quality of life for patients throughout our state. This council would not only improve awareness of palliative care – a type of care that is often misunderstood – but will ultimately help with increasing access to this specialized type of care.

Once AB736 passed the Assembly, it was referred to the Senate. Specifically, it was referred to the Senate Committee on Government Operations. This committee held a hearing on the Senate companion version of this bill – Senate Bill 703 – on February 1. Unfortunately, however, this bill faced some political obstacles. Committee Chairman/Senator Duey Stroebel (R-Saukville) indicated after the February 1 hearing that he did not plan on voting this legislation out of his committee.

In response to this obstacle, WiHPCA’s government relations representatives aggressively lobbied Senate leadership to attempt to bring this bill to a vote before the full Senate. In support of that effort, WiHPCA sent out an Action Alert to all WiHPCA member agencies, as well as a separate Action Alert to all WiHPCA member agency volunteers, requesting individuals to contact their respective state senators to ask them to contact Senator Stroebel to vote the bill out of his committee. We greatly appreciate the efforts of WiHPCA member agency staff, as well as volunteers, in advocating for the Senate passage of this legislation! Unfortunately, however, this bill ultimately did not pass the state Senate before it adjourned for the 2023-2024 legislative session in mid-March.

In addition, we would like to share that Wisconsin Public Radio interviewed WiHPCA board chair Lynne Sexten – the President and CEO of Agrace Hospice and Palliative Care – regarding the palliative care council bill during the March 4 edition of WPR’s Morning Show. The audio of this interview may be heard here (you will need to scroll down the page slightly to find the “Listen” button for this topic).

WiHPCA Meets with Lt. Governor to Discuss Governor's Task Force on the Healthcare Workforce

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 17:41:11 GMT

On March 7, representatives from WiHPCA and the Wisconsin Association for Home Health Care (WiAHC) participated in a joint virtual meeting with Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez to discuss health care workforce issues. Lt. Gov. Rodriguez, a registered nurse, chairs the newly formed Governor’s Task Force on the Healthcare Workforce. Various issues were discussed, including reimbursement from insurers and public sector payers, medical personnel wage levels, and the potential to expand an existing effort to concurrently train high school students to be licensed practical nurses (LPNs), which would enable them to graduate from high school and immediately enter the workforce.

Future task force meetings will be held each month from April through August. The following is the schedule that is currently available:

Thursday, April 4th, 1-4pm, Madison (Hill Farms State Office Building – Room TBD)
Thursday, May 9th, 1-4pm, La Crosse (Location TBD)
Thursday, June 6th, 1-4pm, Milwaukee (Location TBD)
Thursday, July 11th, 1-4pm, Green Bay (Location TBD)
Thursday, August 8th, 1-4pm, Madison (Hill Farms State Office Building – Room TBD)

In addition, the task force will launch a website in the future. Once that occurs, that will be shared in a future edition of this newsletter.

Governor Signs Bill Finalizing State Legislative Districts

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 17:40:18 GMT

On December 22, 2023, the State Supreme Court issued a ruling that Wisconsin’s state legislative district maps are unconstitutional and the maps for each such district must be redrawn before the 2024 elections. State Supreme Court justices voted 4-3 in favor of this ruling. The decision focused on specific state legislative districts that include non-contiguous portions of land, which the court found violated the state constitution.

Specifically, the court ruled that the legislature must redraw the boundaries for each state Assembly and state Senate district in advance of the August 2024 primary election. If the Legislature and Governor Evers were not able to agree on legislation creating new district boundaries, the court noted that it would decide on the new boundaries. As a practical matter, the state Elections Commission noted that new district boundaries needed to be finalized by March 15, 2024.

In January, the parties to the case submitted various proposed state legislative district maps to the court and the court-appointed consultants reviewed these maps and provided their analysis to the court on February 1. However, in mid-February, the Legislature passed a bill with the version of state legislative district maps that Governor Evers previously submitted to the court. This legislation passed both chambers of the Legislature with mostly Republican votes and was sent to the Governor. On February 19, Governor Evers signed this legislation. As such, these new legislative district maps will take effect for legislative candidates who are elected in November 2024.

The new 2024 state Assembly and state Senate district maps may now be viewed on the Legislature’s interactive district map page.

In addition, the following related articles/links may be of interest:

DSPS Announces Updates to Credential Processing Dashboard

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 17:39:32 GMT

In February, the state Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) announced that it added additional information to its online credential processing dashboard. This updated website includes additional data points, including the median amount of time to receive an occupational credential in the health or business industries, or in the trades.

DHS Opens Registration for State Summit on Opioids, Stimulants, and Trauma

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 17:38:47 GMT

In early March, the state Department of Health Services (DHS) opened registration for their annual Opioids, Stimulants, and Trauma Summit. According to DHS, this summit “highlights prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery strategies related to opioids, stimulants, and trauma.” This event will be an in-person event (with a virtual option) held on May 7-9, 2024, at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells.

For more information, please visit the DHS website.

VBID Hospice Benefit Component Sunsetting End of 2024

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 17:38:01 GMT

From the Desk of the NHPCO – March 2024

The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) responded to today’s announcement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that as of December 31, 2024, the hospice benefit component of the Value-Based Insurance Design (VBID) Model will conclude. This model allowed participating Medicare Advantage Organizations (MAOs) to include the Medicare hospice benefit in their Medicare Advantage benefits package.

CMS cited feedback from providers, beneficiaries, and MAOs about their experience with VBID as the reason for discontinuing the hospice component of the model. CMS will no longer be accepting applications for the calendar year (CY) 2025 Request for Applications. This means hospice will no longer be a part of the VBID model beginning January 1, 2025. Hospice providers currently contracted with MAOs will continue with their contracts for CY 2024.

This outcome is a direct response which follows over five years of advocacy and engagement by NHPCO, including meetings and official filings with CMS’ VBID team in February 2024, August 2022, August 2021, and Spring 2020.

“This is a huge victory for patients’ access to quality care and for hospice providers who have continually identified challenges with this demonstration including concerns about VBID giving MAOs the ability to limit patient choices. NHPCO has advocated for years to end the VBID hospice carve-in and appreciate CMS making this important change,” said Ben Marcantonio, COO and Interim CEO of NHPCO. “We saw great success with concurrent care tested through the Medicare Care Choices Model (MCCM) and would encourage CMMI to consider these learnings as a potential path forward.”

CMS will continue the VBID model in 2025 without the hospice component with the goal of delivering equitable, quality, person-centered care to Medicare beneficiaries. NHPCO will continue to work closely with Congress and CMS to reduce barriers for Americans seeking access to hospice and ensuring quality end-of-life care.

Hospice News Reel

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 17:36:49 GMT

WiHPCA is happy to remind members about and provide links to the latest legislative and regulatory articles and information on the hospice industry from Hospice News and other publications:

· Congress Grills HHS on Hospice Program Integrity

Hospice News – By Jim Parker| March 21, 2024

Members of Congress are raising questions about the continued Medicare certification for new hospices in areas rife with fraud. U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra fielded questions in a House Ways & Means committee hearing on Capitol Hill on Wednesday. Rep. Michelle Steel (R-Calif.) and Rep. Beth Van Duyne (R-Texas) fired questions at the secretary about an apparent lack of progress on curbing certifications for bad actors. Read more...

· HHS Secretary Becerra: We’re with You on Telehealth Flexibilities

Hospice News – By Jim Parker| March 20, 2024

Telehealth flexibilities must become permanent U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra indicated in a congressional hearing today. At the end of this year, telehealth flexibilities implemented during the pandemic are slated to expire. In a hearing before the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee Becerra said that HHS was willing to make them permanent. However, he said this would require closer collaboration with state governments. Read more...

· State Palliative Care Councils May Be Proliferating

Hospice News – By Holly Vossel| March 20, 2024

Wisconsin is among the states that have recently taken steps to improve palliative care access and awareness. Wisconsin legislators recently introduced a bill that would establish a statewide Palliative Care Council. If passed, the bill would require the state’s Department of Health Services (DHS) to create a group of palliative clinical professionals, patients and family members to help address care delivery issues in the field. Read More…

· Hospices Stepping Up Performance on Visits-in-Last-Days-of-Life Measure

Hospice News – By Jim Parker| March 14, 2024

Hospices, in aggregate, are showing improvement on the quality measure for visits in the last days of life. The number of registered nurse and social worker visits during a patient’s final week is one of the seven quality measures that CMS uses to evaluate providers. In Calendar Year 2021, the share of hospice care days with nurse visits in the last seven days of life rose to 63%, up from 62% year over year, according to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). Read more…

Hospice News, which is part of the Aging Media Network, is a leading source for news and information covering the hospice industry.

WiHPCA Chair Featured on Public Radio

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 20:10:52 GMT

WiHPCA Board Chair, Lynne Sexten, was featured on Wisconsin Public Radio. She shared the importance of the Palliative Care Council with listeners. Listen to the full interview online!

https://www.wpr.org/shows/morning-show/palliative-care-legislation-guns-on-college-campuses-author-on-a-just-economy

Legislative Update: Assembly Approves Palliative Care Council Bill

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 15:48:36 GMT

On February 20, the full Assembly passed the Palliative Care Council Bill (AB 736) on a voice vote. While that is great news, significant challenges remain in the Senate.

On February 1, the Senate Committee on Government Operations held a hearing on Senate Bill 703, which would create a state Palliative Care Council to advise the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and provide recurring reports to the Legislature. In particular, the proposed palliative care council would work with DHS on analyzing existing palliative care programs, as well as identifying ways in which health care providers could improve the quality of life for patients throughout our state.

In addition to the authors of this legislation, Senator Jesse James (R-Eau Claire Area) and Representative Patrick Snyder (R-Wausau), the following individuals testified in favor of the bill at the February 1 Senate hearing:

Danielle DiGennaro, Director of Supportive Care, Agrace (WiHPCA Representative)
Najmus Liang, MD, Medical Director – Wisconsin, VITAS Healthcare (WiHPCA Representative)
Sara Sahli, Government Relations Director-Wisconsin, American Cancer Society
Carrie Schepp, General Manager – Wisconsin, VITAS Healthcare (WiHPCA Representative)

Several volunteers with the American Cancer Society’s Action Network also submitted written testimony in support of this legislation.

The WiHPCA Government Affairs Team is working with the chair of the Senate Government Operations Committee to pass the bill out of committee, but he has reservations with the legislation. WiHPCA will continue to keep members updated on the bill’s status.

WiHPCA and St. Croix Hospice Host Sen. Jesse James for Legislative Outreach Meeting

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 15:47:31 GMT

On February 19, WiHPCA member St. Croix Hospice hosted Wisconsin Senator Jesse James (R-Altoona) for a legislative visit at their Chippewa Falls office. The visit was held as part of WiHPCA’s Capitol Connection program, which aims to build relationships between members and their local state lawmakers.

During the meeting, St. Croix Hospice staff, led by Statewide Executive Director Rick Risler, had an opportunity to discuss with Sen. James the value of hospice and palliative care for Wisconsin patients and their families. It also provided a great opportunity to thank Sen. James for authoring WiHPCA’s Palliative Care Council Bill, which would help improve the quality of life for patients across Wisconsin facing life-limiting illness.

In addition, the discussion navigated to other legislative and regulatory challenges faced by the hospice industry, including the Medicaid nursing home room-and-board pass through issue that places administrative and financial burdens on hospices across the state. Sen. James was highly engaged in the conversation and interested in helping the hospice industry in Wisconsin knock down regulatory obstacles.

Sen. James currently represents the 23rd Senate District in northwest Wisconsin, which includes parts of Barron, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Marathon, and Wood counties. He is a lifelong resident of the Eau Claire Area and served in the U.S. Army for six years before attending Chippewa Valley Technical College, where he studied police science. Prior to being elected to the Wisconsin Legislature, Sen. James worked as a full-time police officer and was appointed as Police and Fire Chief of Altoona in 2013.

If you are interested in hosting your lawmaker as part of WiHPCA’s Capitol Connection program, please contact the WiHPCA office at wihpca@badgerbay.co.

State Legislative Redistricting Update

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 15:45:17 GMT

Specifically, the court ruled that the legislature must redraw the boundaries for each state Assembly and state Senate district in advance of the August 2024 primary election. If the legislature and Governor Evers are not able to agree on legislation creating new district boundaries, the court noted that it will decide on the new boundaries. As a practical matter, the state Elections Commission has noted that new district boundaries will need to be finalized by March 15, 2024.

In January, the parties to the case submitted various proposed state legislative district maps to the court and the court-appointed consultants reviewed these maps and provided their analysis to the court on February 1. However, in mid-February, the Legislature passed a bill with the version of state legislative district maps that Governor Evers previously submitted to the court. This legislation passed both chambers of the Legislature with mostly Republican votes and has been sent to Governor Evers, who signed the new maps into law on Feb. 19, 2024.

The new state legislative districts will take effect for legislative candidates who are elected in November 2024.

Governor Creates Task Force on Healthcare Workforce

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 15:43:19 GMT

In Governor Tony Evers’ State of the State address, which was delivered before the Legislature on January 15, he announced that he would be forming a Task Force on the Health Care Workforce. Soon thereafter, he signed an executive order formally creating this task force. According to the Governor’s press release, “The task force will be charged with studying the workforce challenges facing the state’s healthcare system, including recruitment and retention, identifying ways to improve patient care and alleviate the burdens on the healthcare workforce, exploring educational and training pathways to grow a sustainable healthcare workforce, and creating an action plan with solutions related to workforce development, industry innovation, education, and training for consideration in the governor’s 2025-27 biennial budget.”

In early February, Governor Evers announced the various members of the task force, which includes several nurses. Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez, who is also a registered nurse, will chair the task force and Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Secretary Amy Pechacek and Wisconsin Department of Health Services Secretary Kirsten Johnson will serve as co-chairs.

This task force will likely hold multiple public meetings in various locations in the state. That information will be shared in this newsletter, once it is available.

State Assembly Approves Palliative Care Council Bill

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 15:13:16 GMT

The state Assembly passed Assembly Bill 736 on February 20. The bill creates a state Palliative Care Council and has been one of WiHPCA’s top priorities in this legislative session. The bill passed the state Assembly by voice vote with several Representatives speaking in favor of the bill on the Assembly floor, including Rep. Shae Sortwell (R-Two Rivers), Rep. Donna Rozar (R-Marshfield) and the Assembly bill author, Rep. Patrick Snyder (R-Wausau Area). No one spoke in opposition to the bill on the Assembly floor today. The bill now heads to the state Senate.

Rainbow Community Care Featured on Public Television

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 14:57:07 GMT

Wisconsin’s Rainbow Community Care and Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid have collaborated on a television project designed to educate and inform audiences about the importance of hospice, palliative, and guided care.

The public television story will be distributed to 170+ affiliate stations across the country on February 26^th and they will have up to one year to broadcast it.

The 1-minute commercial is airing this month on CNN, CNN Headline News, MSNBC, CNBC, Fox News, Fox Business Network, TLC, Travel and Discovery in the Madison and Milwaukee television markets.

Committee Holds Hearing and Approves WiHPCA-Supported Bill Creating a Palliative Care Council

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 16:31:21 GMT

On January 17, the Assembly Committee on Health, Aging and Long-Term Care voted unanimously (16-0) to recommend approval of Assembly Bill 736, which would create a state Palliative Care Council to advise the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and provide recurring reports to the Legislature. State Representative Patrick Snyder (R-Wausau Area) and state Senator Jesse James (R-Eau Claire Area), working in conjunction with WiHPCA, introduced Assembly Bill 736, as well as Senate companion legislation (Senate Bill 703) in late 2023. Senate Bill 703 has been referred to the Senate Committee on Government Operations.

One week prior to the approval of this bill – on January 10 – the Assembly Committee on Health, Aging and Long-Term Care held a hearing on Assembly Bill 736. At this hearing, numerous individuals testified regarding this bill. In addition to state Representative Patrick Snyder (R-Wausau), who is the author of this legislation, the following individuals testified in favor of the bill:

Danielle DiGennaro, Director of Supportive Care, Agrace
Najmus Liang, MD, Medical Director – Wisconsin, VITAS Healthcare
Sara Sahli, Government Relations Director-Wisconsin, American Cancer Society
Chad Spitz, Son of a patient who received palliative care at VITAS Healthcare
A number of letters of support were submitted from physicians, APRNs and RNs.

The primary intent of this legislation is to improve awareness of and access to palliative care. That is because there are not enough health care providers who specialize in palliative care in Wisconsin. Furthermore, there is a shortage of information on palliative care for practicing health care providers, patients, and their loved ones.

The proposed palliative care council would work with DHS on analyzing existing palliative care programs, as well as identifying ways in which health care providers could improve the quality of life for patients throughout our state. The council would be comprised of 22 members representing diverse perspectives, including physicians, nurses, a spiritual care professional, palliative care patients or family members of such patients, a health insurance company representative with expertise in palliative care, and members of the Legislature. The council would meet at least twice per year in various locations across the state.

WiHPCA’s government affairs team continues to lobby the Legislature to continue to move this bill through the legislative process.

State Assembly Approves Bill Requiring Death Reporting Within 24 Hours of Presentment or Admittance; It Includes a WiHPCA-Requested Exemption for Hospice

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 16:30:38 GMT

On January 16, the state Assembly unanimously approved Senate Bill 178, which would require all individuals or organizations that are currently required to report certain deaths to medical examiners or coroners to also notify these officials of all persons who have died within 24 hours of admittance or presentment to a hospital or other facility – even deaths not currently included under existing reportable circumstances under existing state law. The state Senate unanimously approved this bill in November 2023.

WiHPCA members already report deaths under certain circumstances – typically following a significant fall – to the appropriate county coroners or medical examiners as is required by existing state law. However, WiHPCA is concerned that a requirement to notify the coroner or medical examiner regarding all deaths that occur within 24 hours of admittance or presentment would significantly increase the number of death notifications that would need to be submitted, particularly from hospices.

As such, WiHPCA’s Madison lobbyists successfully advocated for an amendment exempting hospice from the death reporting requirements in Senate Bill 178, as well as the Assembly companion bill – Assembly Bill 189.

Now that both the Assembly and Senate have approved this legislation – including an exemption for hospice – it will go to the Governor for his consideration.

Bills Supported by WiHPCA Advance in the Legislature

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 16:29:29 GMT

On January 16, the full Assembly approved several bills supported by WiHPCA that attempt to streamline the state occupational licensing process:

Assembly Bill 90: A bill allowing a third-party contractor to process occupational credentialing applications for occupational therapists and occupational therapist assistants. This will help expedite the processing of these applications, as many of them are stuck in a continuing backlog of credential processing at the state Department of Safety and Professional Services.

This bill passed the Assembly by voice vote on January 16 and now goes to the Senate for consideration.

Senate Bill 158: In order to help expedite the occupational credentialing process for new college graduates in the health care field, this bill would require the state Department of Safety and Professional Services to grant preliminary occupational credentials to those who have recently completed the requirements to obtain a health care credential, submitted a license application, and have been engaged by a health care employer.

This bill passed the Assembly by voice vote on January 16. Also, on June 14, 2023, the state Senate approved this bill on a party-line basis (22 in favor, 11 against).

As the Assembly also amended this bill on January 16, the bill goes back to the Senate for further consideration. This amendment would enter Wisconsin into the national Social Work Licensure Compact (allowing Wisconsin-licensed social workers to work in other states that have also approved this compact).

Gov. Evers Appoints State Senator Lena Taylor to Milwaukee County Circuit Court

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 16:28:33 GMT

On Friday, Jan. 26, Gov. Tony Evers appointed State Senator Lena Taylor (D-Milwaukee) to the Milwaukee County Circuit Court. Taylor immediately resigned from the Senate and will fill her new role starting on Jan. 30.

Taylor, 57, was first elected to the state Assembly in 2003 and has served in the Senate, representing the 4th Senate District, since 2005. Her departure from the Senate creates a vacancy, with Republicans now holding a 22-10 majority in the 33-seat legislative body. Evers said he will call a special election this spring to fill Taylor’s seat, which leans heavily Democratic.

State Supreme Court Rules State Legislative District Maps Are Unconstitutional

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 16:27:07 GMT

Specifically, the court ruled that the legislature must redraw the boundaries for each state Assembly and state Senate district in advance of the August 2024 primary election. If the legislature and Governor Evers are not able to agree on legislation creating new district boundaries, the court noted that it will decide on the new boundaries. As a practical matter, the state Elections Commission has stated that new district boundaries will need to be finalized by March 15, 2024.

After the December 22 decision, Legislative Republicans asked the State Supreme Court to reconsider its decision. The State Supreme Court rejected that request. Subsequently, the State Supreme Court requested that parties to the lawsuit submit new suggested district maps. Seven such maps were submitted to the court on January 13. At this point, two consultants hired by the court will review all these proposed new maps and submit their recommendations to the court by February 1. At that point, the court will select the new state legislative maps, unless the Governor signs a bill creating new maps.

In an unexpected twist, the GOP-controlled Senate and Assembly passed legislation the week of Jan. 22 to create new maps, giving little notice to legislative Democrats of Evers. Republican leadership said the new maps were very close to maps previously proposed by Evers with some small changes to ensure political fairness. Democrats blasted the maps and Evers indicated he would veto the legislation.

Assuming the State Supreme Court ultimately selects the new maps, it is possible that this case will be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Legislative Republicans Unveil Medical Marijuana Legislation

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 16:26:18 GMT

On January 8, state Assembly Republicans unveiled their draft bill permitting registered patients to access medical cannabis.

Under the legislation, all prescribers who have a bona-fide relationship with a patient would be able to certify if a patient has a qualifying condition (prescribers are not mandated to make certifications if they choose not to for whatever reason). Qualifying conditions include cancer, HIV or AIDS, seizures and epilepsy, post-traumatic stress disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, glaucoma, severe chronic pain (narrowly defined in the legislation), severe chronic nausea, severe muscle spasms, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, chronic motor or vocal tic disorder, Tourette syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and any terminal illness with a probable life expectancy of less than one year.

After receiving a certification, the patient would register with the newly created Office of Medical Cannabis Regulation (OMCR) within the Department of Health Services (DHS). The OMCR would issue patients and caregivers (up to 3 chosen by each patient) “registry identification cards”. These cards would allow the patient or caregiver to go to one of the five state government-operated medical cannabis dispensaries where a licensed pharmacist will consult on dosage and dispense medical cannabis to a patient or caregiver. The bill allows medical cannabis concentrates, oils, tinctures, edibles, pills, topical forms, gels, creams, vapors, patches, liquids, or forms administered by a nebulizer. The bill does not allow smokeable cannabis. All forms of cannabis would need to be dispensed in child/tamper proof containers.

As of the writing of this newsletter, this bill has not yet been introduced. However, it is likely that the full Assembly – and possibly the full Senate – will vote on this bill before the end of the 2023-2024 legislative session.

Gov. Evers Highlights Healthcare Workforce Challenges in State of the State Address

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 16:25:33 GMT

Delivering his sixth State of the State Address on Jan. 23, Gov. Tony Evers focused on what his team is messaging as the Administration’s achievements, saying that Wisconsin “has never been in a better fiscal position than we are today – better than last year, better than when I took office, and better than any year in Wisconsin’s 176 years of statehood.”

He also touched on the political battle occurring in the state as it relates to reproductive rights, as well as the state’s ongoing workforce shortage crisis. In fact, during his speech, Evers announced he will issue an executive order to establish the Governor’s Task Force on Healthcare Workforce.

According to the governor’s office, the task force will be charged with studying the workforce challenges facing the state’s healthcare system, including recruitment and retention, identifying ways to improve patient care and alleviate the burdens on the healthcare workforce. The task force will also explore educational and training pathways to grow a sustainable healthcare workforce, and to create an action plan with solutions related to workforce development, industry innovation, education, and training.

Task force members will include representatives from institutions of higher education, medical providers, individuals from various levels of government, and patient advocacy organizations.

DHS Recommends Blood Lead Tests for Children

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 16:24:57 GMT

In mid-January, the state Department of Health Services (DHS) announced their recommendation that young children living in Wisconsin should have their blood tested for lead. Specifically, DHS recommends that all children between the ages 1 and 2 should receive this test. Also, DHS recommends that any child between the ages of 3 and 5 who has not been tested, should be tested. Further, any child under the age of 6 who lives in the City of Milwaukee may need to be tested, according to the City of Milwaukee Health Department guidelines. For further information, please go to the DHS website.

DHS Extends Free COVID-19 Treatment Telehealth Service Through April 2024

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 16:24:11 GMT

In December 2023, the state Department of Health Services (DHS) announced that it would extend its free telehealth service to ensure rapid access to COVID-19 antiviral drugs through April 10, 2024. With this service in place, any Wisconsinite 18 years of age or older who tests positive for COVID-19 is able to receive a telehealth consultation with a health care professional seven days a week during the hours of 8:00AM – 8:00PM. If the patient is eligible for treatment, the patient will receive a prescription for a COVID-19 antiviral drug that may be filled at a pharmacy. If the patient does not have access to a pharmacy, the prescription drug will be shipped overnight to the patient. For more information, go to the DHS website.

Hospice PEPPER Distribution to Be Delayed Through Fall 2024

Fri, 19 Jan 2024 19:26:28 GMT

Hospice PEPPER Distribution to Be Delayed Through Fall 2024

In November, the CBRPEPPER website went down. In response, NHPCO reached out to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requesting an update and a timeframe for an expected fix. The website recently posted update indicating that there will be a temporary pause in distributing comparative billing reports (CBRs) and Program for Evaluating Payment Patterns Electronic Reports (PEPPERs) in effect through the fall of 2024. The website also indicates that CMS is working to improve the quality and accessibility of these reports and will be releasing a Request for Information (RFI) soon. NHPCO is reaching out to CMS for additional details and will share more information as the situation develops.

Legislation Creating a State Palliative Care Council Introduced, at the Request of WiHPCA

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 21:58:27 GMT

WiHPCA, working in conjunction with state Representative Patrick Snyder (R-Wausau Area) and state Senator Jesse James (R-Eau Claire Area), introduced legislation in the Assembly (Assembly Bill 736) and Senate (Senate Bill 703), respectively, which would create a state Palliative Care Council to advise the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and provide recurring reports to the Legislature. Assembly Bill 736 has been referred to the Assembly Committee on Health, Aging and Long-Term Care and Senate Bill 703 has been referred to the Senate Committee on Government Operations.

The proposed palliative care council would work with DHS on analyzing existing palliative care programs, as well as identifying ways in which health care providers could improve the quality of life for patients throughout our state. The council would be comprised of 22 members representing diverse perspectives, including physicians, nurses, a spiritual care professional, palliative care patients or family members of such patients, a health insurance company representative with expertise in palliative care, and members of the Legislature. The council would meet at least twice per year in various locations across the state.

WiHPCA’s government affairs team is aggressively lobbying members of the Assembly Committee on Health, Aging and Long-Term Care and the Senate Committee on Government Operations to schedule hearings on this legislation. In addition, they have lobbied Assembly and Senate leadership offices to move forward on these bills.

WiHPCA Meets with WI Congressman Glenn Grothman

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 21:57:50 GMT

As part of WiHPCA’s ongoing effort to boost our legislative advocacy efforts at both the state and federal levels, a group of WiHPCA members recently met with Wisconsin Congressman Glen Grothman (R – WI-6). The meeting provided a great opportunity to have a deep conversation with a key federal policymaker on the tremendous benefits and value of hospice and palliative care – for patients, families, and Wisconsin taxpayers.

WiHPCA members who attended the meeting included Aime Goldman from Agrace Hospice and Rick Rissler and his team from St. Croix Hospice: Daniel Gonzalez, Jennifer Dillman, and Kathleen Metty-Reinhard. They were wonderful ambassadors for Wisconsin’s hospice community and did an excellent job educating Congressman Grothman on a handful of important federal issues, including the VBID hospice carve-in and its impact on hospice providers and patients, and the hospice nursing home pass through and how it creates a financial and administrative burden for hospice providers. In fact, the Congressman said he would be willing to write a letter urging CMS to consider a waiver for Wisconsin on the pass-through issue.

Glenn Grothman is the Congressman for Wisconsin’s Sixth Congressional District. Grothman is currently serving his fifth term in Congress, having first been elected in 2014.

Senate Democrats Select New Leader

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 21:57:14 GMT

On November 30, Senator Melissa Agard (D-Madison) announced her candidacy for the position of Dane County Executive. As such, she immediately stepped down as Senate Democratic Leader. Very soon thereafter, Senate Democrats elected Senator Dianne Hesselbein – who represents a Senate district in the western Madison suburbs – to be the new Senate Democratic Leader. Senator Hesselbein assumed that position immediately after being elected.

Senate Democratic Committee Changes

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 21:56:39 GMT

Once Senator Hesselbein was elected as Senate Democratic Leader, she resigned from most of her committee positions – including her role as the top Democrat on the Senate Health Committee. Soon thereafter, she announced committee changes for Senate Democrats. Of interest to WiHPCA, Senator LaTonya Johnson of Milwaukee is the new top Democrat on the Senate Health Committee and Senator Tim Carpenter of Milwaukee is a new member of the Senate Committee on Mental Health, Substance Abuse Prevention, Children and Families. It’s notable that Senator LaTonya Johnson is also the top Democrat on the Senate Committee on Mental Health, Substance Abuse Prevention, Children and Families.

DHS Unveils Interactive Medicaid Renewal Data Dashboard

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 21:55:56 GMT

In early December, the state Department of Health Services announced that it updated its webpage addressing post-COVID-19 pandemic Medicaid renewal datato include an interactive dashboard. Specifically, this dashboard includes enrollment data for BadgerCare Plus, Medicaid and other programs that are funded by the state government. DHS will update this page on the third Thursday of each month – by 2:00pm.

Hospice News Reel

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 18:35:58 GMT

WiHPCA is happy to remind members about and provide links to the latest articles and information on the hospice and palliative care industry from Hospice News and other publications:

· Program Integrity, Health Equity, Workforce Pressures Top of Mind for Hospice Leaders in 2024

Hospice News – By Holly Vassel | Nov. 17, 2023

This year has brought both tumultuous challenges and evolving opportunities for hospices that will steer hospice leadership during 2024. Hospice News spoke with a group of industry leaders about the most impactful forces that will shape the space in the coming year. Some themes from last year have carried over as far as their biggest concerns, but some have adapted their plans to address them. Read More…

· Medicare Making Fewer Improper Payments to Hospices

Hospice News – By Jim Parker | Nov. 16, 2023

Medicare fee-for-service programs made $31.23 billion in improper payments during 2023, though a smaller proportion of those dollars went to hospices than in years prior. Hospices received nearly 5.4% of improper payments from Medicare in 2023, down from 12% in 2022, according to a new report from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). The leading cause of these payments were inaccurate or incomplete documentation. Read More…

· Hospice Industry Groups Lobbying Congress to Change CMS’ Special Focus Program

Hospice News – By Jim Parker | Nov. 10, 2023

The four largest hospice industry organizations are urging congressional lawmakers to mandate changes to the Special Focus Program (SFP) currently set to begin in 2024. The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) last week issued its 2024 home health payment rule, which contained several hospice provisions. Among them was the Jan. 1 implementation date for the SFP. Read More…

· CMS: Concurrent Hospice Care Improves Quality, Reduces Costs

Hospice News – By Jim Parker | Nov. 7, 2023

Allowing patients to receive concurrent hospice and curative care reduces health care costs and improves quality. The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released its fifth and final report on the Medicare Care Choices Model (MCCM), which studied the effects of allowing individuals to receive hospice care without foregoing other treatments. Read More…

· Transparency Essential to Hospice Compliance in 2024

Hospice News – By Holly Vassel | Nov. 2, 2023

Greater transparency in staff evaluation processes and increased education will be keys to navigating a range of hospice compliance challenges in a post-pandemic landscape. Since the COVID outbreak struck, hospices have contended with changes in regulatory requirements around telehealth utilization, emergency preparedness and infection control and prevention. Ramped up auditing activities and program integrity oversight have also occurred alongside the public health emergency’s end in May. Read More…

Hospice News, which is part of the Aging Media Network, is a leading source for news and information covering the hospice and palliative care industry.

WiHPCA Opposes New Legislation to Restrict Hospices from Holding Health Care Providers Accountable

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 18:34:34 GMT

WiHPCA opposes recently introduced legislation (Assembly 611) that would prohibit a health care entity, including hospices from taking action against individual health care providers that express professional opinions related to health or medical guidance that contradict the policies or orders of the health care entity.

In addition, the bill would prohibit state credentialing boards from acting against or denying or revoking a credential of a health care provider for expressing their medical opinions, regardless of the situation. Lastly, the provisions of the bill would not apply to faith-based health care entities have published religious, moral, or ethical policies or guidelines to the extent that an action taken by a health care provider violates the institution's religious, moral, or ethical policies or guidelines.

The bill has been referred to the Assembly Health, Aging and Long-Term Care Committee, but has yet to be scheduled for a public hearing. The WiHPCA Government Affairs Team will continue to lobby against AB 611 and keep members updated on the status of the proposal.

In Case You Missed It: Gov. Tony Evers Proclaims Nov. 2023 Hospice and Palliative Care Month in Wisconsin

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 18:33:13 GMT

Earlier this month, Gov. Tony Evers issued a proclamation declaring November 2023 as Hospice and Palliative Care Month in Wisconsin. The proclamation, which was requested by WiHPCA, outlines the value of hospice and palliative care in Wisconsin for patients in need of life-ending and life-limiting care. It also applauds the tremendous contributions of hospice and palliative care professionals across the state and the importance of the quality care and services they provide to patients and their families. CLICK HERE to read the full proclamation.

WiHPCA Government Affairs Report

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 18:32:18 GMT

By Hoven Consulting – WiHPCA’s lobbying firm

· Palliative Care Council Legislation to be Consider Under the Capitol Dome

State Representative Patrick Snyder (R-Schofield) and State Senator Jesse James (R-Altoona) have teamed up to introduce legislation (Senate Bill 703) that would create a state Palliative Care Council, which will help increase awareness of and need for palliative care in Wisconsin. WiHPCA worked closely with both legislators to craft this legislation, which our organization wholeheartedly supports.

Unfortunately, there are currently barriers in place with respect to palliative care in Wisconsin. For starters, there are simply not enough health care providers in our state who specialize in palliative care. Also, there is a shortage of information on palliative care for practicing health care providers, patients, and their loved ones.

Legislation to create a palliative care council would help improve these shortcomings. Under the bill, the council is charged with working with DHS on analyzing existing palliative care programs, as well as identifying ways in which health care providers could improve the quality of life for patients throughout our state. The council would be comprised of 22 members representing diverse perspectives, including physicians, nurses, a spiritual care professional, palliative care patients or family members of such patients, a health insurance company representative with expertise in palliative care, and a bipartisan group of legislators. The council would meet at least twice per year in various locations across the state.

Many other states have already taken the step of creating a palliative care advisory council or advisory group to increase awareness of access to this specialized type of care. In fact, 25 other states from coast to coast have formed such entities. Wisconsin would be well-served in joining these other states to help improve access to palliative care for those Wisconsinites who could benefit from it.

The WiHPCA Government Affairs Team will provide members with the latest development as the bill moves through the legislative process.

· State Senate Approves Bill Requiring Death Reporting Within 24 Hours of Presentment or Admittance – Including WiHPCA-Requested Exemption for Hospice

On November 7, the state Senate voted unanimously to approve Senate Bill 178, which would require all individuals or organizations that are currently required to report certain deaths to medical examiners or coroners to also notify these officials of all persons who have died within 24 hours of admittance or presentment to a hospital or other facility (including a hospice) – even deaths not currently included under existing reportable circumstances under existing state law.

The next step is for the full Assembly to vote on this amended legislation, now that the full Senate has approved it. WiHPCA’s Madison lobbyists will continue to advocate for the approval of this legislation.

Governor Recognizes November as National Hospice and Palliative Care Month

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 15:51:55 GMT

Governor Tony Evers recently declared November 2023 as Hospice and Palliative Care Month in Wisconsin. Check out the Proclamation HERE.

WiHPCA Government Affairs Report

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 14:13:38 GMT

By Hoven Consulting – WiHPCA’s lobbying firm

· Assembly and Senate Health Committees Approve 24 Hour Death Reporting Bill with WiHPCA Hospice Exemption Amendment

Over the last few weeks, both the Assembly and Senate Health Committees voted to recommend approval of legislation (Assembly Bill 189 and Senate Bill 178) that would require all individuals or organizations that are currently required to report certain deaths to medical examiners or coroners to also notify these officials of all persons who have died within 24 hours of admittance or presentment to a hospital or other facility (including a hospice) – even deaths not currently included under existing reportable circumstances under existing state law.

As such, WiHPCA’s Madison lobbyists advocated the Assembly and Senate Health Committees to amend both bills to exempt hospice. On October 10, the Assembly Health Committee voted unanimously to recommend approval of an amendment exempting hospice from the requirements of Assembly Bill 189, as well as the amended bill itself. On October 13, the Senate Health Committee also voted unanimously to recommend approval of an amendment to exempt hospice from Senate Bill 178, as well as the amended bill itself.

The next step is for the full Assembly and Senate to vote on this legislation. WiHPCA’s Madison lobbyists will continue to advocate for the approval of this legislation.

· DSPS Upgrades Prescription Drug Monitoring Program

On October 15, the state Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) unveiled an updated Wisconsin Enhanced Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (ePDMP) website. In its recent announcement, DSPS noted that the updated website incorporated feedback from stakeholders, including prescribers, health care systems, law enforcement and pharmacies. Specifically, DSPS highlighted the following improvements:

o Dispensing records will be processed as soon as they are submitted, and patient reports will be updated accordingly as close to real time as possible.

o Instances of patient records being falsely merged or separated will be significantly reduced. Falsely matched records will be addressed in a timely manner should they occur.

o Healthcare professional account users will be able to reconfigure their own patient report layout to prioritize information most useful to their clinical practices and treatment decisions.

· Legislative Committee Rejects Request for More DSPS Occupational Credential Staff

On September 26, the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee – the budget writing committee – rejected Governor Evers’ request to provide more funding for additional staff members at the state Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) to assist in processing occupational credential applications. The vote was along party lines – 10 against and 4 in support. In its request, DSPS noted that they needed more staff members to maintain or reduce processing time for occupational credentials.

During the Fiscal Year 2023-2025 budget process, the Legislature approved over 17 new positions for DSPS, as well as approximately $3.5 million for credentialing software.

· Senate Health Committee Recommends Approval of DHS Secretary Nominee

On September 27, the Senate Health Committee held a hearing on the nomination of Kirsten Johnson to be the Secretary of the state Department of Health Services (DHS). Prior to her nomination, Kirsten served as the head of the City of Milwaukee Health Department, as well as the Washington-Ozaukee Health Department. She also served as the president of the Wisconsin Public Health Association. On October 6, the Senate Health Committee voted 5-1 to recommend her confirmation to the full Senate. Senator Andre Jacque (R-DePere) voted no. The next and final step is for the full Senate to vote on her confirmation. This full Senate vote could occur by mid-November.

Senator Van Wanggaard Visits the Hospice Alliance Hospice House in Pleasant Prairie

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 14:12:44 GMT

The Wisconsin Hospice and Palliative Care Association (WiHPCA) continues to strengthen its grassroots advocacy outreach program. We are pleased to report that Wisconsin Sen. Van Wanggaard (R-Racine) recently visited the Hospice Alliance Hospice House in Pleasant Prairie, WI.

Wanggaard’s visit was part of WiHPCA’s Captiol Connection program aimed at connecting our members with their local state legislators to discuss the benefits of hospice and palliative care for patients and their families.

“I am grateful to Senator Wanggaard for taking the time to meet with us to learn more about hospice and palliative care and to tour our beautiful hospice house,” said Rita Hagen, Hospice Alliance Executive Director. “I also appreciated the opportunity to share with him the great work that we are doing to provide quality care to patients with serious illness in our community.”

While the tour of the Hospice House was limited to common spaces and did not interfere with patient privacy or safety, Wanggaard visited a vacant private hospice suite and met with Hospice Alliance staff to better understand how they provide compassionate end-of-life-care.

“I really enjoyed meeting with the Hospice Alliance to learn more about hospice and palliative care, which is frequently misunderstood by the public,” said Sen. Wanggaard. “There is immense value to these services, and I was happy to learn about the successes and challenges hospice and palliative care providers have in Wisconsin.”

Wanggaard, who was first elected to the Wisconsin Senate in 2010, represents the 21^st Senate District, which includes large portions of Racine and Kenosha Counties. He currently serves as the Senate Majority Caucus Chair and Chair of the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee.

Hospice Alliance is a non-profit, community-based provider of hospice and supportive care management, which was founded over 40 years ago by a group of hospice-care advocates determined to ensure that quality, end-of-life care and family support were available to residents of southeastern Wisconsin. Hospice Alliance is committed to supporting patients in living each day with dignity, comfort, and hope.

Gov. Tony Evers Proclaims Nov. 2023 Hospice and Palliative Care Month in Wisconsin

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 14:11:11 GMT

Governor Tony Evers recently unveiled a proclamation declaring November 2023 as Hospice and Palliative Care Month in Wisconsin. The proclamation, which was requested by WiHPCA, outlines the value of hospice and palliative care in Wisconsin for patients in need of life-ending and life-limiting care. It also applauds the tremendous contributions of hospice and palliative care professionals across the state and the importance of the quality care and services they provide to patients and their families. CLICK HERE to read the full proclamation.

Next month, WiHPCA will be issuing an Advocacy Action Alert membership-wide urging members to contact their local state lawmakers to introduce them to WiHPCA, educate them on the importance of hospice and palliative care, and to help celebrate Hospice and Palliative Care Month. Please watch your inbox for the Alert and take a few minutes to help advance WiHPCA’s advocacy efforts.

State of Wisconsin ends fiscal year with $7 billion surplus

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 14:10:11 GMT

Earlier this month, the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) announced the state closed the 2023 fiscal year, which ended June 30, with a surplus of slightly more than $7 billion. That is roughly 65% more than last year’s $4.3 billion balance. In addition, the state Budget Stabilization Fund, or “rainy day” fund continues to have a balance of $1.8 billion. CLICK HERE to review the full DOA Annual Fiscal Report.

Hospice News Reel

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 14:08:03 GMT

WiHPCA is happy to remind members about and provide links to the latest articles and information on the hospice and palliative care industry from Hospice News and other publications:

· 2 Under-the-Radar Reasons for Hospice Claims Denials

Hospice News – By Jim Parker | Oct. 19, 2023

A Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) can deny a hospice claim for a wide range of reasons, but two types of errors stand out that can lead to a rejection. A few causes of denials are widely known. They stem almost entirely from documentation errors or omissions such as a physician’s signature on the certification form or other indications that a patient may not be eligible for hospice or for a particular level of care, such as General Inpatient Care. Read More…

· New Hospice Executives Focused on Technology, Workforce Development

Hospice News – By Holly Vassel | Oct. 17, 2023

New hospice leaders have indicated that workforce development, efficient technologies and growth in home-based services represent key focus areas for providers during the next few years. Meanwhile, their biggest challenges include regulatory and reimbursement shifts. Hospice News recently sat down with two new hospice executives to discuss some of the biggest opportunities and concerns on the horizon in end-of-life and serious illness care. Read More…

· The First Year of Hospice VBID Is the Hardest for Payers and Providers

Hospice News – By Jim Parker | Oct. 13, 2023

Implementation of the Medicare Advantage hospice carve-in has been challenging for both payers and providers, though a recent analysis indicates that it may get easier over time. The U.S Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) commissioned the RAND Corp. to conduct the analysis of the program, formally called the hospice component of the value-based insurance design model (VBID). CMS launched the carve-in in 2021. The RAND analysis released this week covers the calendar year 2022. Read More…

· Hospice Leaders: Change Must Come to the Medicare Benefit

Hospice News – By Holly Vassel | Oct. 9, 2023

Calls have grown louder for an overhauled design of the Medicare Hospice Benefit, but the path towards change is riddled with contrasting views over regulation, policy and payment structures. Hospice providers are hitting financial and regulatory walls when it comes to sufficiently covering the spectrum of services necessary to care for patients and families, according to Marian Grant, senior regulatory advisor at the Coalition to Transform Advanced Care (C-TAC). Read More…

· Congress Members Call on CMS to Revise Proposed Hospice Special Focus Program

Hospice News – By Jim Parker | Oct. 4, 2023

Four members of Congress led by Reps. Beth Van Duyne (R-Texas) and Earl Blumenauer (D-Oregon) have called for changes to the forthcoming Special Focus Program (SFP) from the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) and Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) were also signatories on the letter to CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure and White House Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young. The four lawmakers contend that the SFP, as currently designed, would not adequately identify poor performing hospices in need of the program. Read More…

· Understanding CMS’ Civil Monetary Penalties for Hospices

Hospice News – By Jim Parker | Oct. 2, 2023

The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has been gradually implementing changes to the hospice survey process and enforcement remedies, including civil monetary penalties in some instances. Congress approved the survey changes and enforcement actions through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which incorporated language from the Helping Our Senior Population in Comfort Environments (HOSPICE) Act. CMS in 2022 began working the legislation’s provisions into its rulemaking. Read More…

Hospice News, which is part of the Aging Media Network, is a leading source for news and information covering the hospice and palliative care industry.

Hospice Alliance Hosts Senator Van Wanggaard

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 13:17:32 GMT

October 2, 2023

Hospice Alliance hosted State Senator Van Wanggaard at their facility.

Thank you to Rita Hagen, Executive Director and her team for hosting the tour and the discussion and providing an overview of hospice care in Wisconsin with the Senator. The discussion focused on the value and quality of hospice care in Wisconsin and shared feedback on regulatory challenges. If you would like to host a legislative visit, contact the WiHPCA office at wihpca@badgerbay.co.

WiHPCA Government Affairs Report

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 20:12:45 GMT

By Hoven Consulting – WiHPCA’s lobbying firm

Governor Evers/DSPS Unveils New Occupational License Processing Dashboard

On August 31, Governor Tony Evers and the state Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) unveiled a new online dashboard that provides high-level data on occupational license processing. In addition to showing the average number of days to process all new applications, all health applications, and all business applications, users may also look up application review times by profession.

DSPS Signs Data Sharing Agreement with Michigan to Expedite Occupational License Processing

On August 17, leadership from the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) and the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs announced an agreement to "speed up professional license approvals in both states." In particular, this agreement will allow for the automated, secure exchange of occupational license applicant data between both states, which will expedite processing for applicants.

Governor Evers Creates Task Force on Workforce and Artificial Intelligence

On August 23, Governor Tony Evers signed an executive order creating the Governor’s Task Force on Workforce and Artificial Intelligence. This task force will “produce an advisory action plan to identify the current state of generative artificial intelligence’s impact on Wisconsin’s labor market and develop informed predictions regarding its implication for the near term and future.” In addition, it will “recommend solutions related to workforce development and educational systems.”

This task force will be chaired by the state Department of Workforce Development Secretary Amy Pechacek and will include the Secretary of the state Department of Administration, the head of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, representatives from the University of Wisconsin System, the Wisconsin Technical College System, as well as other public and private sector representatives. The Governor’s executive order did not include a timeline for the work of this task force.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos Creates Artificial Intelligence Task Force

On August 31, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos announced the creation of several speaker’s task forces, including one focused on artificial intelligence. This task force, comprised entirely of Republican and Democratic state representatives, will hold public hearings at various locations across Wisconsin, starting in September. The task force aims to complete its work by the end of 2023 and recommend legislation for introduction during the 2024-2025 legislative session. This task force will be chaired by state Rep. Nate Gustafson (R-Neenah).

Legislature Adjourns Gov. Evers Special Session on Workforce Without Acting

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 20:11:31 GMT

On August 8, Governor Tony Evers called a special session of the Legislature, urging lawmakers to consider a $1 billion workforce development package the Governor said was needed to address the state’s workforce shortage crisis.

Republicans, who control both houses of the Legislature, convened the session as required by law, but quickly adjourned without acting. They called the special session a “political stunt” that was fiscally irresponsible and did not provide real solutions to Wisconsin’s workforce challenges.

The Governor’s proposed legislative package included $365 million to support childcare programs; the creation of a paid family and medical leave program that would cost $243 million; $66 million for the UW; $40 million for the state’s technical colleges; and nearly $60 million to help address the shortage of healthcare workers across the state. The funding to address the healthcare worker shortage included:

o $10 million for the state’s nurse educators program, which incentivizes nursing professors to remain in Wisconsin.

o $6 million for the WisCaregiver Careers program, which is intended to increase the number of certified nursing assistants employed at nursing homes.

o $17 million for healthcare opportunity grants, which will go to local workforce development boards to help individuals obtain employment in the healthcare field.

o $936,600 for the state Department of Workforce Development to work on healthcare apprenticeships.

o $22.5 million for healthcare innovation grants, which will help the healthcare industry recruit and retain employees.

o Over $1.2 million for graduate medical training support grants.

Assembly Republicans Pass Redistricting Reform Plan

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 20:09:53 GMT

The Republican-controlled state Assembly recently passed a redistricting reform plan to completely overhaul how legislative district maps are drawn in Wisconsin. Under the proposal, which is based on the model used in Iowa, a nonpartisan committee would draw the legislative maps. The maps drawn by committee would be subject to approval by the state Legislature.

Gov. Tony Evers roundly criticized the proposal, saying it was essentially election interference by the GOP and strongly inferred he would veto the measure if it made it to his desk. Assembly Republicans praised the legislation as not only the fairest approach to redistricting for citizens, but also a plan that would avoid costly political and legal battles.

Recent polling has shown that a large majority of Wisconsin residents would prefer legislative district maps be drawn by a nonpartisan commission rather than elected officials.

The proposal, which passed the Assembly on a largely partisan vote with one Democrat voting for the measure, is awaiting further action in the Senate.

State Assembly Passes $3 Billion Tax Cut

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 20:08:51 GMT

Earlier this month, the GOP-controlled state Assembly passed a nearly $3 billion state income tax cut proposal that would drop income tax rates from 5.3% to 4.4% for individual filers with incomes between $27,630 and $304,170 and deliver the same tax relief for married couples with incomes between $18,420 and $405,550. The legislation would also exclude the first $150,000 of a couple’s retirement income from state income taxes. The provision would apply to residents over the age of 67.

Gov. Tony Evers has promised to veto the legislation, saying it would jeopardize priorities such as public schools, child care, and public safety. On the flip side of the debate, Assembly Republicans said the measure, which passed on a partisan vote, will help fight inflation, encourage retires to stay in Wisconsin, and give a large portion of the state’s $4 billion surplus back to taxpayers.

The bill is currently under further consideration in the Senate.

Home Care Executive Appointed to State Board of Nursing

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 20:08:05 GMT

Jenny Malak, Vice President of Homecare Operations for Agrace, has been appointed by Governor Tony Evers to serve on the Wisconsin State Board of Nursing, which resides at the state Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). The Board is comprised of eight members who were appointed to four-year terms.

The State Board of Nursing oversees issues related to the protection of the public from illegal and unauthorized nursing practices. It also enforces standardized training and certifications for all nurse assistants, registered nurses, and advanced medical professionals in Wisconsin.

Malak, a registered nurse who is also certified in hospice and palliative nursing, currently oversees Agrace’s in-home hospice operations, its chronic specialty care program, and the Agrace Grief Support program. She also serves on several other local and national committees, including the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation’s (NPHI) chief clinical officer/chief operations officer forum, the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) quality and standards committee, the Wisconsin Organization of Nurse Leaders’ new membership committee, and the Wisconsin Nurses Association Workforce Advocacy Council.

REGISTER TODAY: Next WiHPCA Quarterly Meeting with the Division of Quality Assurance

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 20:06:40 GMT

*** Thursday, Oct 26th, 2023 ***

Don’t miss out on WiHPCA’s next quarterly meeting with the WI Department of Health Services’ Division of Quality Assurance (DQA), which is scheduled for Thursday, Oct 26, 2023, at 10:00 A.M. The meeting will be held virtually and is open to all WiHPCA members and hospice professionals across Wisconsin.

DQA MEETING DETAILS:

When: Thursday, Oct 26, 2023 – 10:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.
Where: Virtual meeting
CLICK HERE to register

WiHPCA Government Affairs Report

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 13:32:30 GMT

By Hoven Consulting – WiHPCA’s lobbying firm

WiHPCA Testifies at Assembly Health Committee on Death Reporting Legislation

On August 10, the state Assembly Committee on Health, Aging and Long-Term Care held a hearing on Assembly Bill 189 (AB189). This bill would require all individuals or organizations that are currently required to report certain deaths to medical examiners or coroners to also notify these officials of ALL persons who have died within 24 hours of admittance or presentment to a hospital or other facility – including a hospice – even deaths not currently included under existing reportable circumstances listed in state law. This bill would impact hospices, as a significant number of expected deaths occur within 24 hours of admission to hospice care.

If AB189 becomes law as introduced, it would not only dramatically increase the workload of hospice nurses and staff during a time when surviving family members may need their support, it would also increase the workload of county medical examiners and coroners to unnecessarily review expected deaths.

On behalf of WiHPCA, Jennifer Flugaur – who serves as the vice president of clinical excellence at Agrace – testified at the August 10 hearing to share these concerns on behalf of WiHPCA. In particular, she discussed WiHPCA’s request for an amendment to exempt hospice from this legislation since a substantial number of expected deaths occur within 24 hours of admission to hospice care.

Governor Requests Special Legislative Session to Provide Funding for the Healthcare Workforce Shortage

On August 8, Governor Tony Evers announced that he was calling the Legislature into session on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, to provide funding for several of his major budget priorities that were not included in the FY2023-2025 state budget, including over $300 million for childcare programs, the creation of a paid family and medical leave program, and almost $60 million to help address the shortage of healthcare workers. The funding to address the healthcare worker shortage includes:

$10 million for the nurse educators program, which incentivizes nursing professors to remain in Wisconsin.
$6 million for the WisCaregiver Careers program, which is intended to increase the number of certified nursing assistants employed at nursing homes.
$17 million for healthcare opportunity grants, which will go to local workforce development boards to assist individuals obtain employment in the healthcare field.
$936,600 for the state Department of Workforce Development to work on healthcare apprenticeships.
$22.5 million for healthcare innovation grants, which will help the healthcare industry recruit and retain employees.
Over $1.2 million for graduate medical training support grants.

However, very soon after this announcement, Republican legislative leaders stated that they opposed this special session. As such, they will very likely call the Legislature into session on September 20 and then quickly adjourn the session, as they have done in the past when Governor Evers has called for a special session.

State Rep. Deb Andraca Appointed to Legislature's Joint Finance Committee

On August 16, state Assembly Minority Leader Greta Neubauer (D-Racine) appointed Rep. Deb Andraca (D-Whitefish Bay) to serve on the Legislature’s budget-writing Joint Committee on Finance for the rest of the 2023-2024 legislative session. Rep. Andraca, who represents much of the north shore Milwaukee suburbs, will replace Rep. Evan Goyke (D-Milwaukee), who is departing the committee to focus on his campaign for the position of Milwaukee City Attorney.

DHS Announces Free Online Program to Train 10,000 Caregivers

On August 8, the state Department of Health Services (DHS) announced an initiative to train 10,000 Wisconsinites as certified direct care professionals (CDCP). These individuals provide personal/supportive home care to senior citizens and disabled people.

More information may be found on the DHS website.

DHS Creates Webpage Detailing Statewide BadgerCare Plus & Medicaid Enrollment Data

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government put in place a continuous coverage requirement for Medicaid enrollees. Now that the pandemic-related federal public health emergency has ended, those Wisconsinites who benefit from BadgerCare Plus and Medicaid and want to continue to participate in these programs will need to renew their enrollment. DHS has created a webpage that tracks this data, which will be updated on the third Thursday of each month.

DHS Launches "UpliftWI" Peer Support Phone Line

On July 31, the state Department of Health Services (DHS) unveiled “UpliftWI,” which is a new peer support phone line for individuals who are experiencing mental health and substance use challenges. This phone line may be reached at 534-202-5438, seven days a week between the hours of noon and midnight. There is no charge to use this service and those who call for assistance will not be required to disclose their name, address or other identifying information. DHS intends to expand the phone line’s hours of operation to 24 hours a day by the end of 2024. More information may be found at the UpliftWI website.

Bipartisan Sen. Jacque Bill would Help Control Costs of Prescription Medications

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 13:24:54 GMT

“All Copays Count” applies discounts and other assistance toward patients’ out-of-pocket costs

Guest Column by WI Senator André Jacque

Patients would receive protections from rising health care costs by ensuring that health plans count copay assistance toward a patient’s maximum out-of-pocket cost or annual deductible, under bipartisan “All Copays Count” legislation (Senate Bill 100) I introduced with several of my colleagues earlier this session.

Amid nationwide inflation, health plans have increasingly shifted costs to patients and created barriers between individuals and the medications on which they rely. For advocates of Wisconsin patients and the providers who care for them, this bill is a clear solution to help those individuals afford the critical medications their physicians prescribe to them to manage their health.

Copay assistance programs often act as a lifeline to help patients afford specialty medications they need to treat serious health conditions. Sixteen other states have already enacted such protections.

Just when patients think they’ve reached their out-of-pocket limit, insurers and benefit managers keep moving the goalposts, and folks wind up paying more. For someone suffering from a complex disease, the financial hit is especially hard, leaving them to choose between groceries, utilities and mortgage payments - and the prescription medications that keep their condition under control.

In 2020, the average deductible for single coverage was $1,364, which is a 364% increase from 2006. Over the past five years, the percentage of covered workers with a general annual deductible of $1,000 or more for single coverage has grown from 23% to 57%. Further, in 2020 more than one in four covered workers was enrolled in a plan with a deductible of $2,000 or more.

Many of these patients rely on copay coupons and vouchers to afford their prescribed treatments at the pharmacy counter. Insurers should not have the power to prevent that copay assistance from counting toward their out-of-pocket expense or deductible. If patients can’t afford their medications, they may choose to skip doses or stop treatment altogether, which can lead to increased costs in the overall healthcare system. And worse.

The All Copays Count legislation would ensure that the copay assistance programs patients use to afford their medications count toward their out-of-pocket costs. It would also close the loophole that allows insurers to define prescription drugs as non-essential and therefore not eligible to count toward their deductible. At the same time, under this initiative Wisconsin insurers would retain flexibility with their plans, while making sure patients can continue to afford the medications they need.

If you have cancer, epilepsy or any other serious health condition, the last thing you should have to worry about is whether you’ve met your deductible. “All Copays Count” is about giving patients peace of mind that they can pay for their prescriptions.

Senator André Jacque represents Northeast Wisconsin’s First Senate District, consisting of Door and Kewaunee Counties and portions of Brown, Calumet, Manitowoc, and Outagamie counties.

Protasiewicz Sworn in as New Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice; Swings Ideological Majority of the Court

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 13:24:02 GMT

Earlier this month, Janet Protasiewicz was sworn in as a new justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Protasiewicz, who has positioned herself as a judicial liberal, defeated former Justice Dan Kelly in the April 4 spring general election, replacing two-term Justice Patience Roggensack, who did not seek reelection.

More notably, Protasiewicz’s addition to the state’s high court shifted it from a majority conservative court to a majority liberal one. With the ideological swing to a 4-3 advantage in favor of liberals for at least the next two years, the court is expected to issue several high-profile judicial decisions that could impact the political landscape in Wisconsin.

Among the hot-button issues that may be determined by the court include voting and election rules, redrawing legislative district maps, the future of abortion and reproductive rights in Wisconsin, and overturning the law that eliminated bargaining rights for most state and local government employees.

Hospice Action Network: Congressional Bill Tracker

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 13:23:04 GMT

The Hospice Action Network, an affiliate of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), is charged with implementing NHPCO’s public policy agenda through direct lobbying, grassroots advocacy, and by empowering Hospice Advocates to share their hospice story with Congress. The Hospice Action Network’s mission is to advocate, with one voice, for policies that ensure the best care for patientsand families facing serious illness and the end of life.

Please CLICK HERE to review federal legislation the Hospice Action Network is lobbying on during the 118^th Congress (2023-24).

NHPCO/NAHC Boards Agree to Pursue Creation of a New, Combined Organization

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 13:21:34 GMT

The Boards of Directors of the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) and the National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) signed a non-binding Letter of Intent earlier this week to jointly explore the formation of a new as-of-yet unnamed organization that combines the strengths of NAHC and NHPCO, creating a better and more powerful advocate for the entire home care, hospice, palliative care, and serious illness community.

The purpose of combining the two leading organizations serving providers of care to America’s elderly, disabled, and dying is simple: to better serve you. Both Boards voted for this course of action following the recommendations of a Steering Committee composed of member and staff leaders from both organizations. The Steering Committee’s recommendations were informed by consultation with members of both organizations. The Committee has been working, with the support of association consulting firm McKinley Advisors, since the March 8, 2023 joint announcement (NAHC website, NHPCO website) that NHPCO and NAHC would explore opportunities for deeper collaboration.

“The collaborative process of the NHPCO and NAHC Boards over the last five months has brought the two organizations closer together,” said Kenneth Albert, R.N., Esq., NAHC Board Chair, and President and CEO of Androscoggin Home Healthcare + Hospice. “In addition to the Board-level discussions, our organizations have been collaborating on multiple advocacy efforts, as well as projects such as the Value of Hospice research. Through these efforts, it has become crystal clear that we can do more on behalf of our members by working together. If the current discussions do not lead to a new, combined organization, the outcome will nevertheless be closer working relationships on behalf of community-based and home care providers.”

“The American healthcare system is shifting, and home and community-based care options are increasing in a multitude of forms across the country,” said Melinda Gruber, PhD, MBA, CNA, NHPCO Board Chair, and President of Caring Circle/Vice President, South Region, Medical Group and Continued Care of Corewell Health. “With decades of experience in hospice and home care, NHPCO and NAHC members are the long-standing experts, and they are evolving to meet patient needs in a shifting environment. As we look ahead, we see an opportunity for the organizations representing those providers to evolve. In this time of change, we are acting with intention and care to continue meeting the needs of providers, patients, families, and communities well into the future.”

To facilitate an effective process, both Boards have decided to suspend elections for new Directors this year.

We know our members may have many questions about this process and how a new combined organization will affect them. NAHC and NHPCO will be updating and consulting our members throughout this process to address your questions and concerns as quickly as possible.

Many details are still being determined and in the coming months, the NAHC and NHPCO Boards of Directors will work together, in consultation with member volunteers from both organizations, to determine how a consolidated organization could represent the best interests of the combined memberships. The organizations expect this process to take six to ten months, but getting it done right will be more important than getting it done quickly. McKinley will continue to support the process as an independent, third-party advisor.

In the meantime, you may be assured that staff of both organizations will continue to work as hard as possible to serve your needs, advocate for your interests, and strengthen the entire hospice, home care, and home health community.

Hospice News Reel – What’s Happening in Washington, D.C.

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 13:20:15 GMT

WiHPCA is happy to remind members about and provide links to the latest articles and information from Hospice News and other publications:

· How Emerging Hospice Regulations Could Impact Providers

By Holly Vossel | Aug. 24, 2023

Increased hospice oversight aimed at curbing fraud in the industry could come with a mixed bag of financial and operational impacts for providers. The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has honed in on hospice program integrity, rolling out a swath of new measures to reduce fraud, waste and abuse in the space. During the past two years, CMS has introduced new regulations, updated survey process, increased auditing activity and enhanced reviews of providers’ claims, patient eligibility and quality data. Read more…

· CMS: Nearly 400 Hospices Considered for ‘Administrative Action’ as Program Integrity Efforts Heat Up

By Jim Parker | Aug. 22, 2023

The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is considering administrative action against 400 hospices, which could include revocation of their Medicare certification. The agency has been mobilizing against hospice fraud this year. In addition to new regulations and updated survey processes, CMS has been conducting unannounced onsite visits. To date, CMS personnel have appeared at 7,000 locations, with plans to visit every hospice site in the country. Read more…

· Continuity of Palliative Care Often Disrupted at Hospital Discharge

By Jim Parker | Aug. 22, 2023

Patients who receive palliative care in a hospital often have trouble finding a provider to continue those services after they return home. The number of hospitals that offer palliative care has grown exponentially during the past two decades. As of 2020, more than 83% of U.S. hospitals with 50 or more beds had a palliative program, up from 25% in 2000, according to the Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC). Read more…

· Hospice Advocacy Groups Call on CMS to Delay, Revise Special Focus Program

By Jim Parker | Aug. 21, 2023

A coalition of industry groups has spoken out about the design of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) forthcoming Special Focus Program (SFP) for hospices. CMS initially pitched the idea in 2022 but instead convened a Technical Expert Panel (TEP) to further guide development. The TEP completed its work late last year, and now, per the 2024 proposed home health rule, the agency wants to move ahead with it next year. Read more…

· CMS Proposed 2024 Physician Fee Schedule Introduces New Supports for Family Caregivers, Social Determinants

By Jim Parker | Aug. 18, 2023

The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed new pathways to support family caregivers for patients with serious illnesses. The agency’s 2024 physician fee schedule proposed rule contains a number of provisions related to caregiver assistance, health equity, interdisciplinary care and social determinants of health. Read more…

· What Hospices Can Learn from Home Health Agencies on New Program Integrity Rules

By Jim Parker | Aug. 8, 2023

Hospices seeking to gauge the potential impact of new regulatory actions in the space can look to their counterparts in the home health field. The steps that the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has put forth to strengthen hospice program integrity mirror rules implemented in years past for home health providers, including medical review processes and rules for when a provider can sell their business. Read more…

Hospice News, which is part of the Aging Media Network, is a leading source for news and information covering the hospice industry.

Don’t Miss Out: Register Today for the WiHPCA 2023 Annual Conference

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 12:48:56 GMT

The WiHIPCA 2023 Annual Conference features a combination of dynamic keynote presentations and impactful breakout sessions of interest to all hospice and palliative care professionals. Invited speakers include leading subject experts from Wisconsin and across the country. The conference will be held Sept. 26 at the Glacier Canyon Lodge at the Wilderness Report in the Wisconsin Dells. REGISTER TODAY!

WiHPCA Government Affairs Report

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 12:47:23 GMT

By Hoven Consulting – WiHPCA’s lobbying firm

Fiscal Year 2023-2025 Finalized State Budget Highlights

The following are highlights of the finalized Fiscal Year 2023-2025 state budget, which was signed into law by Governor Tony Evers on July 5, 2023.

Department of Health Services (DHS) – The approved DHS budget increased spending by $3.1 billion overall over the biennium.

Medicaid/Medical Assistance

Nursing Home Support Services: Provide $73,200,000 in FY2023-24 and $73,200,000 in FY2024-25 to increase the support services portion of Medical Assistance program reimbursement for nursing homes. Require DHS to establish and implement a priced rate for nursing home support services based on median facility costs, plus 25 percent.

Nursing Home Ventilator Dependent Rate: Provide $5,000,000 in FY2023-24 and $5,000,000 in FY2024-25 to increase the all-encompassing ventilator-dependent resident reimbursement rate for nursing home care. Require DHS to increase the reimbursement rate under the Medical Assistance program for an authorized facility treating a resident of the facility who has received prior authorization for ventilator-dependent care reimbursed under the all-encompassing ventilator dependent resident reimbursement rate by $200 per patient day.

Elder and Disability Services

Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs): Provide $2,513,700 in FY2023-24 and $5,027,400 in FY2024-25 in funding increases.

Complex Patient Pilot Program: Provide $5,000,000 in FY2023-24 on a one-time basis to help facilitate the transfer of complex patients from acute care settings, such as hospitals, to post-acute care facilities, such as nursing homes.

Public Health

Allied Health Professional Training: Provide $2,500,000 annually to expand allied health professional education and training grants. Expand eligibility for the program to include registered nurses.

Behavioral Health

Telemedicine Crisis Response Pilot Program: Provide $2,000,000 in FY2023-24 for a telemedicine crisis response pilot program.

Department of Safety and Professional Services

Occupational Credentialing

Software: $3.57 million for occupational credentialing software and related maintenance.

License Processing Staffing: 7 license processing contract workers (on a four-year employment contract).

Customer Service Call Center Staffing: 6 license processing-focused customer service call center contract workers (on a two-year employment contract).

Prescription Drug Monitoring

$1.1 million for software improvements, electronic health records integration, and licensing costs for the state’s electronic Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (ePDMP).

WiHPCA Requests Hospice or Palliative Care Provider to be Appointed to DHS Complex Patient Program Advisory Group

On July 17, WiHPCA leadership sent a letter to Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) Secretary-designee Kirsten Johnson requesting that a hospice or palliative care provider be appointed to the advisory group for the new complex patient pilot program. This pilot program, which was funded at $5 million in the recently enacted FY2023-2025 state budget, is focused on successfully transferring patients with complex medical needs from acute care facilities to post-acute care facilities. WiHPCA made this request as hospice and palliative care providers have extensive experience providing post-acute care in community settings, are well acquainted with the nuances associated with caring for those with complex medical needs and are also well-versed in the financial and administrative elements of myriad government programs.

Improved Finances for State Medicaid Fund

DHS has projected that the state Medicaid fund ended state fiscal year 2023 with a $875.5 million surplus compared to the FY2021-2023 budgeted amount. In addition, the surplus is $79.1 million more than what DHS projected this past spring. This surplus was due to a number of factors, including lower costs for prescription drugs and long-term health care. Once the surplus amount is finalized and confirmed at the end of July 2023, surplus funds will be transferred to the state’s general fund.

DHS Annual Adjustment to Patient Health Care Record Fees

Each year on July 1, DHS is required by state law to adjust the maximum fees (factoring in the change in the consumer price index) that health care providers may charge for patient medical records. The updated fee schedule may be viewed on the Legislature’s website.

Legislative Public Hearing Scheduled on Death Reporting Legislation

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 12:46:23 GMT

On Aug. 10, the Assembly Health, Aging and Long-Term Care Committee will hold a public hearing on Assembly Bill 189, legislation that would create new requirements regarding the reporting of deaths to a medical examiner or coroner. More specifically, the bill would require a person that is currently obligated to report deaths and has knowledge of a death that occurred within 24 hours after an individual has been admitted to a hospital or similar institution to contact the medical examiner or coroner to determine whether the death is reportable under current state law.

WiHPCA is seeking an amendment to the bill to exempt hospice agencies from the legislation’s requirement to notify a medical examiner or coroner of deaths that occur within 24 hours. The bill as written would create additional stress and an administrative burden on hospice staff, as there are numerous (and expected) deaths that occur at hospice facilities within 24 hours of admittance. According to one mid-size agency located in southern Wisconsin, they have between 15 to 20 death a month that would require them to contact the coroner or medical examiner under the bill’s provisions.

The WiHPCA Government Affairs Team is currently working with lawmakers on the amendment described above. In addition, WiHPCA will be testifying at the hearing and will be asking select members to contact their legislators on the amendment.

WiHPCA Meets with DHS Office of Inspector General on Hospice Fraud Occurring in Other States

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 12:43:22 GMT

Earlier this month, WiHPCA leaders met with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services’ Office of Inspector General (OIG) to discuss the growing – and highly concerning – trend of hospice fraud in other states and how Wisconsin can avoid similar fraud.

WiHPCA Board members Lynne Sexten (Chair) and Karen Carrig met with Inspector General Anthony Baize and his team to pass along critical information on new types of hospice fraud that has been seen across the country – starting in California a few years ago and spreading to Nevada, Texas, and Arizona, among a handful of other states. They also shared critical data and a sampling of national articles regarding hospice fraud that the OIG can use to help prevent similar fraud in Wisconsin.

The OIG appreciated the information and said they found the meeting highly valuable. They also expressed a desire to continue an open line of communication with WiHPCA and our members to help tackle potential hospice fraud.

Republican Melotik Wins Special Election in Wisconsin’s 24th Assembly District

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 12:40:43 GMT

Republican Paul Melotik (R-Grafton) defeated Democrat Bob Tatterson (D-Mequon) in a special election held on July 18 to fill the vacant 24th Assembly District –which includes portions of Ozaukee, Washington, and Waukesha Counties.

Melotik won the historically Republican-leaning district with 53.7% of the vote, compared to Tatterson’s 46.3% vote total. The Melotik victory gives the GOP a 64-35 majority in the 99-member Assembly.

Melotik, an accountant, small business owner, and former local official who has served on the Ozaukee County Board and Town of Grafton Board, will replace Dan Knodl (R-Germantown) in the Assembly. Knodl was elected to the state Senate (8th Senate District) in an April 4 special election.

NHPCO Welcomes Congressional Reintroduction of the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 12:39:49 GMT

From the Desk of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization(NHPCO)

The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) and its advocacy affiliate, the Hospice Action Network (HAN) are pleased to support the reintroduction of the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act (PCHETA) in the U.S. Senate. This bipartisan legislation (S. 2243) would meet the growing demand for serious-illness care by investing in training, education, and research for the palliative care and hospice workforce.

The bill has been introduced by Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV). This bill is also co-sponsored by Senators Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Jack Reed (D-RI), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Boozman (R-AR), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and Angus King (I-ME).

“Having served as my grandmother’s primary caregiver, I know the difference quality palliative and hospice care can make for a loved one who is battling a serious illness,” said Senator Baldwin. “Our bipartisan Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act will make an overdue investment in education and research to ensure doctors, nurses, and health care professionals have the tools they need as they work tirelessly to keep patients with serious or life-threatening illnesses comfortable and safe. This legislation will help more Americans get the training they need to provide palliative care, help strengthen our health care workforce, and also ensure those with serious illness get the care they deserve.”

“The need for high quality palliative and hospice care services—which are vital for patients and their families—continues to grow, making passage of our bill needed now more than ever,” said Senator Capito. “As a caregiver for parents that suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, I saw firsthand just how valuable these services can be. In order to preserve access to this care, our bill would strengthen training and education opportunities for individuals working in these fields. I look forward to working with Senator Baldwin and my colleagues in the Senate to pass this legislation.”

Palliative and hospice care focus on improving patients’ quality of life and relieving suffering from serious illnesses and pain management. Findings from a recent study on the Value of Hospice Care, by NORC at the University of Chicago, show that at any length of stay, palliative and hospice care benefits patients, family members, and caregivers, including enhanced quality of life, increased satisfaction, reduced physical and emotional distress, improved pain control.

“Every American facing a serious or life-limiting illness deserves access to quality hospice and palliative care. We desperately need to train more professionals in the field of palliative medicine. Without efforts to address the existing workforce shortage, there will be only one palliative physician for every 26,000 seriously ill patients by 2030,” said COO and interim CEO of National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, Ben Marcantonio. “Thank you to Senators Baldwin and Capito for your leadership in reintroducing the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act.”

PCHETA is a critical next step in training and education to address the healthcare workforce crisis as the American population continues to age.

Hospice Action Network: Congressional Bill Tracker

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 12:36:33 GMT

Please CLICK HERE to review federal legislation the Hospice Action Network is lobbying on during the 118^th Congress (2023-24).

Fiscal Year 2023-2025 Biennial Budget Highlights

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 14:05:39 GMT

Department of Health Services

The budget bill signed into law by the Governor increased DHS spending by $3.1 billion overall over Fiscal Year 2023-2025.

Good news – The approved budget includes $2.5 million to expand allied health professional education and training grants. It also expanded eligibility to registered nurses.

Medicaid/Medical Assistance

o Nursing Home Support Services: Provide $73,200,000 in FY2023-24 and $73,200,000 in FY2024-25 to increase the support services portion of Medical Assistance program reimbursement for nursing homes. Require DHS to establish and implement a priced rate for nursing home support services based on median facility costs, plus 25 percent.
o Nursing Home Ventilator Dependent Rate: Provide $5,000,000 in FY2023-24 and $5,000,000 in FY2024-25 to increase the all-encompassing ventilator-dependent resident reimbursement rate for nursing home care. Require DHS to increase the reimbursement rate under the Medical Assistance program for an authorized facility treating a resident of the facility who has received prior authorization for ventilator-dependent care reimbursed under the all-encompassing ventilator dependent resident reimbursement rate by $200 per patient day.

Elder and Disability Services

o Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs): Provide $2,513,700 in FY2023-24 and $5,027,400 in FY2024-25 in funding increases.
o Complex Patient Pilot Program: Provide $5,000,000 in FY2023-24 on a one-time basis to help facilitate the transfer of complex patients from acute care settings, such as hospitals, to post-acute care facilities, such as nursing homes.

Public Health

o Allied Health Professional Training: Provide $2,500,000 annually to expand allied health professional education and training grants. Expand eligibility for the program to include registered nurses.
· Behavioral Health
o Telemedicine Crisis Response Pilot Program: Provide $2,000,000 in FY2023-24 for a telemedicine crisis response pilot program.

Department of Safety and Professional Services

Occupational Credentialing
- Software: $3.57 million for occupational credentialing software and related maintenance.
- License Processing Staffing: 7 license processing contract workers (on a four-year employment contract).
- Customer Service Call Center Staffing: 6 license processing-focused customer service call center contract workers (on a two-year employment contract).

Prescription Drug Monitoring

o $1.1 million for software improvements, electronic health records integration, and licensing costs for the state’s electronic Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (ePDMP).

DHS Launches Independent Living Supports Pilot Program

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 13:17:09 GMT

New effort explores ways to support Wisconsinites living at home longer, for better health outcomes

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announces the launch of the Independent Living Supports Pilot program, which will provide eligible Wisconsinites with critical resources allowing them to continue to live independently in their homes rather than entering a Medicaid long-term care program. Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the pilot will take place in select areas of the state. Those who enroll will have access to program benefits for up to 12 months.

"We’ve designed the Independent Living Supports Pilot program to offer short-term, flexible services and supports for older adults and people with disabilities," said DHS Secretary-designee Kirsten Johnson. "Helping people access services sooner can help maintain their health and living situation for a longer period of time, which not only improves health outcomes, but is also cost effective."

The pilot will provide invaluable insights into how people seek information about services and supports, as well as help identify potential barriers in accessing these services.

To be eligible, participants must:

· Be a Wisconsin resident and a U.S. citizen or eligible immigrant.

· Live in a pilot service area.

· Be over age 18.

· Not be currently enrolled in Medicaid long-term care programs or living in a licensed or certified residential or long-term care facility.

· Earn less than 300% of the federal poverty level with no deductible or consideration of spousal income.

· Have at least one eligible functional need.

· Have a qualifying diagnosis (may be a long-term disability) if under age 55.

"The Independent Living Supports Pilot aims to empower Wisconsin residents to maintain their independence within their communities," said Medicaid Director Jamie Kuhn. "By offering targeted support to people who might otherwise enter long-term care, this initiative is a cost-effective strategy that delays the need for that care and also provides valuable insights to inform future policy decisions related to independent living supports."

The pilot will offer up to $7,200 in one-time, periodic or continuing services based on the needs of participants. Possible supports reflect the broad range of what people might need, including:

· Specialized medical equipment and assistive technology

· Home and vehicle modifications

· Personal care, care management, or supportive home care

· Personal emergency response systems

· Internet/Wi-Fi services

· Financial management and legal assistance, and more

Aging and disability resource centers (ADRCs) in the following counties applied and were selected to operate the pilot program in their areas:

· Adams, Green Lake, and Waushara Counties

· Dane County

· Dunn County

· Sauk County

Each ADRC will find eligible participants in their area, help them enroll in the pilot, and coordinate one-time and ongoing services. The ADRCs will also help participants transition to other services when the pilot ends.

"We are excited about the potential impact of this pilot program on the lives of Wisconsin residents and look forward to sharing updates and results as the program progresses," said Johnson.

For more information, visit the Independent Living Supports Pilot Program page on the DHS website.

DHS Seeks Input on Family Care and Family Care Partnership Programs for Waiver Renewal

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 13:15:50 GMT

People who receive services and others who are interested can share ideas about how to improve programs for the next five years

From now until August 1, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is seeking input about how we can make the Family Care and Family Care Partnership programs the best they can be. DHS will use the input to make proposed changes to the Family Care and Family Care Partnership waivers.

Family Care and Family Care Partnership are Medicaid long-term care programs for older adults and adults with disabilities. The goal is to get members the services they need to live in a home setting when possible. Together, the programs serve about 57,000 people across Wisconsin.

“Family Care is such an important, innovative program for people who have disabilities, are older, or have a chronic illness,” said DHS Secretary-designee Kirsten Johnson. “This is an opportunity to get direct feedback from the people who are served by Family Care on how it can be even better.”

Renewing the Family Care and Family Care Partnership waivers is required by the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) every five years. A waiver is a request made to the federal government to design flexible, innovative Medicaid programs like Family Care. With the waivers, DHS can fund services and supports to help program members stay in their homes and communities.

DHS must submit the proposed waiver application to CMS by September 2024 and, after CMS approval, the changes will be in effect January 2025. Feedback from the following groups is essential to ensure proposed changes are equitable and support member choice, self-determination, and access to high-quality services:

· Family Care and Family Care Partnership members

· Families and caregivers

· Providers

· Managed care organizations

· Advocates

Not every aspect of the Family Care and Family Care Partnership programs can change with the waiver renewal.

Changes DHS can make, include:

· Which services are covered

· What is included with covered services

· Qualifications required by providers

Changes DHS can't make, include:

· Provider rates (how much providers are paid)

· Updates that are not allowed by state or federal law

DHS is collecting written input in an online survey, available in English, Hmong, and Spanish. It takes 10 minutes to complete. For those who prefer verbal communication, DHS will be hosting online public input sessions in July.

For more information about the waiver renewal, the survey, and timeline, visit the Family Care and Family Care Partnership Waiver Renewal webpage.

WiHPCA Government Affairs Report

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 15:01:29 GMT

By Hoven Consulting – WiHPCA’s lobbying firm

Fiscal Year 2023-2025 State Budget Update – Department of Health Services

On June 15, the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee (JFC) approved Fiscal Year 2023-2025 funding levels for the Department of Health Services (DHS). The approved DHS budget increased spending by $3.1 billion overall over the biennium.

Good news – JFC agreed to include $2.5 million to expand allied health professional education and training grants. It also expanded eligibility to registered nurses.

The following are highlights of the DHS budget, as approved by JFC:

Medicaid/Medical Assistance

Nursing Home Support Services: Provide $73,200,000 in FY2023-24 and $73,200,000 in FY2024-25 to increase the support services portion of Medical Assistance program reimbursement for nursing homes. Require DHS to establish and implement a priced rate for nursing home support services based on median facility costs, plus 25 percent.
Nursing Home Ventilator Dependent Rate: Provide $5,000,000 in FY2023-24 and $5,000,000 in FY2024-25 to increase the all-encompassing ventilator-dependent resident reimbursement rate for nursing home care. Require DHS to increase the reimbursement rate under the Medical Assistance program for an authorized facility treating a resident of the facility who has received prior authorization for ventilator-dependent care reimbursed under the all-encompassing ventilator dependent resident reimbursement rate by $200 per patient day.
DHS and Managed Care Organization Reporting Requirements: Require DHS to include information regarding (a) executive leadership salaries and (b) amounts retrieved by the state under the contractual risk corridors, in the publicly available financial summaries for Family Care, Family Care Partnership, and PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) managed care organization. Require DHS and Family Care, Family Care Partnership, and PACE managed care organization (MCO) to track and annually report to JFC total authorized and total provided care plan hours by service category and MCO.

Elder and Disability Services

Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs): Provide $2,513,700 in FY2023-24 and $5,027,400 in FY2024-25 in funding increases.
Complex Patient Pilot Program: Provide $5,000,000 in FY2023-24 on a one-time basis to help facilitate the transfer of complex patients from acute care settings, such as hospitals, to post-acute care facilities, such as nursing homes. This pilot program appears to be focused on the relationship between hospitals and nursing home facilities.

Public Health

Allied Health Professional Training: Provide $2,500,000 annually to expand allied health professional education and training grants. Expand eligibility for the program to include registered nurses.

Behavioral Health

Telemedicine Crisis Response Pilot Program: Provide $2,000,000 in FY2023-24 for a telemedicine crisis response pilot program.

The DHS budget was adopted by the committee on a party line vote of 11-4. While these items will be included in the Legislature's budget proposal, they will only be enacted if the budget bill is passed by both the Assembly and Senate and the bill is signed by Governor Evers.

Fiscal Year 2023-2025 State Budget Update – Department of Safety and Professional Services (Occupational Credentialing)

On June 8, the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee (JFC) held a committee meeting and approved the Fiscal Year 2023-2025 budget for the state Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). This agency is responsible for occupational credential processing, the state’s electronic Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, as well as other matters. In recent years, DSPS has struggled with processing a backlog of applications for new and renewed occupational credentials.

During this meeting, committee Republicans proposed funding the following:

$3.57 million for occupational credentialing software and related maintenance.
7 license processing contract workers (on a four-year employment contract).
6 license processing-focused customer service call center contract workers (on a two-year employment contract).
$1.1 million for software improvements, electronic health records integration, and licensing costs for the state’s electronic Prescription Drug Monitoring Program.

The committee approved this funding package and did not approve an alternate funding package advanced by committee Democrats.

During this committee meeting, committee Democrats criticized GOP JFC members for not including funding for more credential processing staff, bearing in mind the ongoing credential processing backlog at DSPS. JFC Republicans responded by noting that the agency will improve its output with fewer employees due to the increased use of technology.

The DSPS budget was also adopted by the committee on a party line vote of 11-4. While these items will be included in the Legislature's budget proposal, they will only be enacted if the budget bill is passed by both the Assembly and Senate and the bill is signed by Governor Evers.

Changes to Local Health Officer Authority

On June 14, both the Assembly and Senate approved legislation that increases the amount of tax revenue the state government shares with counties and municipalities. This legislation reflected a compromise between Assembly Republicans, Senate Republicans and Governor Tony Evers. This legislation was sent to the Governor on June 15, and he signed it into law on June 20. This new law also limits the authority of local health officers to close businesses due to the spread of communicable diseases. Prior to the shared revenue legislation, there were no such limitations on local health officers in state law. In particular, the new law makes the following changes:

A local health officer may close a business “to control an outbreak or epidemic of communicable disease” for up to 30 days.
After the initial 30-day closure mandated by a local health officer, the governing body (e.g., county board, common council) in that jurisdiction may vote to approve one 30-day extension. The local governing body will only need to approve the second 30-day closure by a simple majority vote – no supermajority vote will be required.
The following language was also included: “A mandate to close more than one business as provided under this subsection may not distinguish between essential and nonessential businesses.”

Rainbow Hospice Hosts State Rep. Scott Johnson as Part of WiHPCA Legislative Outreach Program

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 15:00:47 GMT

Rainbow Hospice Care recently opened their doors to State Rep. Scott Johnson (R-Jefferson), providing the first-term Wisconsin legislator with a tour of their state-of-the-art inpatient center in Johnson Creek, WI.

Founded in 1990 by a dedicated group of volunteers, Rainbow Hospice Care is one of the state’s few remaining local, independent non-profit programs and remains committed to giving back to the communities it serves.

Led by WiHPCA board member and Rainbow Hospice President and CEO Karen Carrig, the Rainbow Hospice team spent well over an hour with Rep. Johnson discussing the value of hospice and palliative care in communities across Wisconsin, the mission of WiHPCA, and the regulatory and legislative challenges faced by the hospice industry. In addition, Rep. Johnson was able to see firsthand the tremendous care provided at Rainbow Hospice’s inpatient center.

WiHPCA thanks Karen and her dedicated team for hosting Rep. Johnson and participating in WiHPCA’s

legislative advocacy outreach program. Our advocacy efforts aim to connect members with their local state legislators and members of Congress to advocate for programs and polices that improve the delivery of hospice and palliative care, support hospice care professionals, and enhance services provided to patients and their families.

For more information on local legislator visits to your agency, please contact wihpca@badgerbay.co.

WiHPCA; NAHC Send Comments to CMS on 2024 Hospice Wage Index and Payment Rate Proposed Rule

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 14:59:46 GMT

Last month, WiHPCA joined hospice stakeholders across the country in singing-on to a National Association for Home Care and Hospice (NAHC) letter to provide input to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on the agency’s proposed 2024 Hospice Wage Index and Payment Rate Update rule.

While the proposed rule contains numerous items of interest and concern to the hospice community, which are laid out in the NAHC letter, WiHPCA is specifically concerned about the rule’s proposed 2024 Hospice Payment Update Percentage. The rule’s 2.8% increase includes a market-basket percentage increase of 3% and a 0.2 percentage point productivity adjustment. While WiHPCA members appreciate any increase, the 2.8% update fails to keep pace with the rising costs that are being absorbed by hospice providers in Wisconsin and across the country.

Please CLICK HERE to read the NAHC/WiHPCA letter to CMS.

Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act (PCHETA) to be Reintroduced in Congress; WiHPCA Signs-On to NAHC Support Letter

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 14:58:49 GMT

WiHPCA recently signed-on to a national stakeholder letter urging members of Congress to support the most recent version of the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act (PCHETA). The letter was spearheaded by the National Association for Home Care and Hospice (NAHC)

The 2023-24 version of PCHETA, which will be introduced in the Senate by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Shelley Moore-Capito (R-WV), would make major investments to increase and bolster the hospice and palliative care interdisciplinary workforce and promote awareness of the benefits of palliative care among patients and providers.

Please CLICK HERE to read the PCHETA support letter.

Hospice News Reel – What’s Happening in Washington, D.C.

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 14:57:37 GMT

WiHPCA is happy to remind members about and provide links to the latest articles and information from Hospice News and other publications:

· U.S. Senators Reintroduce Telehealth Bill, Would Make Permanent Hospice Recertification Waiver

By Jim Parker | June 21, 2023

U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and 59 bipartisan co-sponsors have reintroduced legislation that would expand Medicare coverage of telehealth and make permanent flexibilities implemented during the COVID-19 public health emergency. If enacted, the Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act would remove all geographic restrictions on telehealth services and expand originating sites to include the home, among others. It would also permit health centers, rural health clinics and eligible health care professionals to provide telehealth services. Read more…

· OIG Launches Audit of Inappropriate General Inpatient Hospice Billing

By Holly Vossel | June 21, 2023

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) recently announced plans to launch a new audit that will focus on general inpatient hospice services. Longer general inpatient hospice stays and high-cost issues are reasons for the audit, dubbed the “Audit of Selected, High-Risk Medicare Hospice General Inpatient Services,” according to OIG. The regulatory watchdog’s nationwide audit will concentrate on Medicare claims for hospice enrollees transferred to general inpatient care (GIP) settings following an acute hospitalization. Read more…

· Hospices Seek Congressional Action on Staffing Constraints

By Jim Parker | June 21, 2023

Years after it was first introduced, hospice leaders are calling on Congress to move forward legislation that would bolster their dwindling workforce. The most significant bill in recent years is the Palliative Care and Hospice Education Training Act (PCHETA), which has come before Congress time and again but has not yet been passed. The bill’s most recent go around was last May, reintroduced by Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.). Read more…

· Hospices, Lawmakers Target Medication Cost Reductions

By Jim Parker | June 14, 2023

Medication costs are among hospice providers’ biggest expenses, and some are asking policymakers to take action on prices. High prices on drugs, as well as shortages, are problems that permeate the entire health care system. While recent industry-wide data are scarce on drug costs for hospice patients, providers often identify these as their second-highest expense, behind wages, salaries and employee benefits. Read more…

· US Justice Department’s Spotlight on Hospice Sends ‘Powerful Message’ to Fraudulent Operators

By Holly Vossel | June 13, 2023

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is prioritizing hospice as the agency cracks down on health care fraud. Increased reimbursement oversight could be on the horizon, lending to a potential rise in whistleblower cases. DOJ counts hospice claims among the root causes of rising Medicare costs in recent years, according to Lisa Miller, deputy assistant attorney general overseeing the department’s Crime Fraud Section. Read more…

· Solutions That Make Sense: Why Hospice Benefit Reform Needs to Incorporate Concurrent Care

By Jim Parker | June 9, 2023

Increasingly, both policymakers and providers are seeing potential opportunities to reform the Medicare Hospice Benefit, including the prospect of concurrent care. Driving these conversations is the need to lighten the nation’s heavy health care spend, which in 2021 reached $4.3 trillion, according to the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Read more…

· New Senate Bill Would Create CMMI Palliative Care Demo

By Jim Parker | June 8, 2023

Four U.S. senators have introduced a bipartisan bill that would direct the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) to develop a palliative care-specific payment model demonstration. The bill’s sponsors include Sens. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), John Barrasso (R-Wy.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.). The four legislators in 2019 co-founded the Senate’s bipartisan Comprehensive Care Caucus to focus on legislation and policy to raise awareness of and improve access to palliative care. Read more…

Hospice News, which is part of the Aging Media Network, is a leading source for news and information covering the hospice industry.

Hospice Action Network: Congressional Bill Tracker

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 14:56:57 GMT

Please CLICK HERE to review federal legislation the Hospice Action Network is lobbying on during the 118^th Congress (2023-24).

WiHPCA Government Affairs Report

Fri, 26 May 2023 15:55:00 GMT

By Hoven Consulting – WiHPCA’s lobbying firm

Update on the FY2023-2025 State Budget

On May 2, the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance voted to remove over 500 budget items included in Governor Evers’ Fiscal Year 2023-2025 budget request from further consideration by the committee. However, it is important to note that even though certain budget items from the Governor’s budget request remain in the budget bill after this vote, a majority of committee members will still need to vote separately to approve including those budget items in the committee’s version of the budget bill. Those votes will occur at committee meetings on various dates in the future, as the committee considers different state agency budgets. In addition, the Joint Committee on Finance is able to offer their own budget amendments to different state agencies.

However, on May 2, the Joint Committee on Finance did not vote to remove funding for the following budget items that may be of interest to WiHPCA:

Nurse Educators –An annual increase of $5 million over the existing $5 million in annual funding.
Health Care Provider Innovation Grants – $22.5 million in grants to health care and long-term care providers to implement best practices and innovative solutions to increase worker recruitment and retention.
Personal Protective Equipment Stockpile – $17.2 million for DHS to maintain a PPE stockpile.

On May 23, the Joint Committee on Finance voted on the budget for the Higher Educational Aids Board (HEAB), which includes funding for the nurse educators program. While an amendment was offered to increase the nurse educators program by $5 million per year – for a total of $10 million per year –that amendment unfortunately failed. It's important to note that demand for nurse educator program funds has been less than anticipated. That could be the reason why this amendment failed. However, the committee did not modify the existing annual $5 million for this program. In addition, HEAB anticipates that there will be unspent funds – at least $1.5 million – from Fiscal Year 2022-2023 that will be carried over to FY2023-2024. Therefore, if Governor Evers signs the budget bill, the nurse educator program will be funded at least at a $6.5 million level in FY2023-2024.

WiHPCA Supports Draft Bill Allowing Universal Occupational Licensure Recognition

WiHPCA recently decided to support a draft bill that would allow the state Department of Safety and Professional Services or the relevant state credentialing board to grant a reciprocal occupational credential to an individual who has the same credential in another state. In order to qualify, the applicant could not be under investigation in the other state in which he/she is credentialed and could not have any limitations or restrictions on the credential in that state. Once an out-of-state credentialed individual applies for a Wisconsin credential, a provisional credential is granted immediately and the applicant would be able to practice in Wisconsin immediately, subject to the ultimate decision on whether to grant or deny the reciprocal credential. WiHPCA’s Madison lobbyists expect that this bill will be formally introduced in the coming weeks.

Federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Ends

On May 11, 2023, the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency ended. With the end of this emergency, there are changes in the response to COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines will continue to be provided free of charge to individuals until the government supply is depleted. The state-funded Say Yes! COVID Test program will continue to provide free at-home antigen tests through May 2023, as supplies allow. Eventually, however, all tests (antigen or PCR) will no longer be provided free of charge – individuals may have purchases reimbursed by insurance plans or may need to purchase them out-of-pocket. COVID-19 antiviral treatments, such as Paxlovid, will continue to be free to patients until the federal stockpile has been depleted. In addition, DHS will continue to operate its free-of-charge COVID-19 treatment telehealth service through December 31, 2023.

Governor Calls Special State Assembly Election

On May 5, Governor Tony Evers called a special general election for the 24th Assembly District on July 18, 2023. If a special primary election is needed, it will occur on June 20, 2023. This vacancy was created by the election of then-state Representative Dan Knodl (R-Germantown) to the 8th Senate District, which was previously held by longtime state Senator Alberta Darling (R-River Hills). The 24th Assembly District includes portions of Waukesha and Ozaukee Counties, including the communities of Germantown, Menomonee Falls, and Grafton.

Guest Column: The Workforce Shortage is Compounding Healthcare Issues in Wisconsin

Fri, 26 May 2023 15:54:02 GMT

By WI Senator Rachael Cabral-Guevara (R-Appleton)

As a healthcare provider myself, I’ve seen firsthand the dramatic changes the industry has gone through in the last two decades. Digitization, growth in specialty care, and diversification of service models have all helped advance how providers deliver care to patients.

Then a pandemic hit. This dramatically increased burnout, wore on the mental health of staff, and others simply left because of overburdensome restrictions. As a result, the entire healthcare system is still reeling from historic drops in staffing levels, with the pipeline of students entering the profession not keeping up with demand.

Hospitals are now relying on traveling nurses, who can come at a cost almost three times as much as nursing staff. Nursing homes, who were struggling to recruit before the pandemic, are now closing entire wings of their facilities. Meanwhile, the shortage of providers in rural areas remains an issue and the pace of attracting professionals to Wisconsin has been slow.

What can be done? As chair of the Senate Committee on Health this session, I’ve made it my mission to address these workforce issues head-on. There is no “silver bullet” solution–both investment and regulatory reform is necessary to improve Wisconsin’s nation-leading healthcare system.

I’m focused on three specific areas to achieve this:

· Boosting the attractiveness of healthcare professions to students. By highlighting healthcare professions and the rewarding nature of care, we can and should do a better job encouraging internships and other work-based learning programs for students to be exposed to healthcare. We also have opportunities to offer some loan forgiveness for our highest-need professions, reducing the financial burden on those who wish to pursue a career in the field.

· Streamlining the school-to-work pipeline. I’ve proposed letting students who have completed their education and training to enter the workforce without waiting on a bureaucratic process that–in some cases–can last months. This would keep students here after college, allow them to enter the workforce immediately, and so long as their employer consents, start treating patients.

· Allowing healthcare professionals to practice at the full extent of their scope. This includes our nurses, who are now operating in an environment that hinders their ability to practice independently. By unleashing this group of healthcare professionals, we can help solve two issues: attract more nurses to Wisconsin (which is desperately needed) and expand the pool of providers able to set up shop in areas that need it most.

Though we can and should do more than this, we need to start somewhere. This is our opportunity to break down barriers, build a robust patient-focused system, and deliver more accessible care to Wisconsinites.

Let’s keep moving forward!

Sen. Rachael Cabral-Guevara (R-Appleton) served one term in the state assembly and currently represents the 19^th Senate District in the Wisconsin State Senate. She serves as chair for the Senate Committee on Health and Vice Chair for the Senate Committee on Mental Health, Substance Abuse Prevention, Children, and Families.

Hospice News Reel

Fri, 26 May 2023 15:52:46 GMT

WiHPCA is happy to remind members about and provide links to the latest articles and information from Hospice News and other publications:

· Key Trends to Watch: Health Systems Moving into Hospice, Home-Based Care

By Jim Parker | May 19, 2023

As more care moves into the home setting, more hospitals and health systems are throwing their hats into the ring. Coupled with the entry of more payers into the space, the influx of health systems into home health, hospice and community-based palliative care stands to change the competitive dynamics in markets nationwide. Read more…

· Palliative Care Providers Walk a Reimbursement Tightrope

By Holly Vossel | May 19, 2023

Though revenue streams for palliative care are often shallow, these services can generate sustainable growth for providers who can play their cards right with payers. Providers walk a tightrope when it comes to ensuring that their palliative care services are financially sustainable, according to Lynn Spragens, founder and partner of Spragens & Gualtieri-Reed, a North Carolina-based health care consulting company. Read more…

· Post-PHE Hospice Regulation: Preparing for the Reinstated Volunteer Requirement

By Holly Vossel | May 17, 2023

The return of volunteer requirements is among the regulatory changes being implemented with the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency. The U.S. Centers for Medicaid & Medicaid Services (CMS) in 2020 issued a number of flexibilities intended to ease burdens on health care providers during the pandemic. This included the temporary lifting of the requirement that volunteers provide at least 5% of hospice patient care hours. CMS will reinstate the rule as of Jan. 1, 2024. Read more…

· Post-PHE Hospice Regulation: How Telehealth Rules Will Change

By Holly Vossel | May 9, 2023

The future of telehealth in hospice care delivery is among the questions swirling around the expiration of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) on May 11. Certain telehealth flexibilities temporarily implemented during the PHE are sticking around until the end of 2024, while others are rolling away as it expires. Though initially the telehealth waivers weren’t intended to be permanent, they will likely have long-term impacts in hospice. Read more…

· Post-PHE Hospice Regulation: How CMS Could Unbend Infection Control Rules

By Holly Vossel | May 5, 2023

Hospices are wading through uncertain regulatory waters when it comes to infection control and prevention measures tied to the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) on May 11. Some infection prevention requirements instituted during the pandemic are expiring, whereas others could have a lasting impact on hospices’ health and safety policy. Read more…

Hospice News, which is part of the Aging Media Network, is a leading source for news and information covering the hospice industry.

National Association for Home Care and Hospice Unveils Legislative and Regulator Priorities

Fri, 26 May 2023 15:51:41 GMT

Recognizing potential big changes on the legislative and regulatory front this year in Washington, D.C., the National Association for Home Care and Hospice (NAHC) has once again planned ahead with strategies to protect the continued viability of home care and hospice across the country.

In fact, NAHC recently posted its finalized 2023 Regulatory and Legislative Blueprints, which entail a comprehensive review of all NAHC policy positions on matters impacting the home care and hospice community.

In addition, the NAHC Board of Directors has identified a list of specific legislative and regulatory priorities for 2023. These priorities, selected from the larger Blueprints, address issues related to workforce, home health, hospice, home care, and innovation. The priorities highlight the areas needed for Congressional and regulatory action to support and expand care in the home. The proposed priorities aim to improve access to high-quality care, reduce costs, and address workforce shortages to better meet the needs of patients and their families.

The full Legislative and Regulatory Priority Reports are linked below for your review:

· NAHC 2023 Legislative Priorities

· NAHC 2023 Regulatory Priorities

WiHPCA Government Affairs Report

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 15:00:24 GMT

By Hoven Consulting – WiHPCA’s lobbying firm

WiHPCA Supports Bill Allowing New Health Care Professionals to Receive Preliminary Occupational Credentials

At its March meeting, the WiHPCA Legislative Committee agreed to support legislation to help previously unlicensed individuals in the health care field – particularly new graduates – to start work right away by requiring the state Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) to grant these individuals preliminary occupational credentials. In order to qualify for such a preliminary credential, the applicant will need to have recently completed the requirements to obtain such a credential, submit a credential application and be engaged by an employer in the health care field. The applicant and the employer will need to inform DSPS that the applicant meets all relevant credentialing requirements. The preliminary credential will take effect when the employer submits this attestation to DSPS and will expire when the individual’s application for a permanent or training credential is granted or denied.

The Assembly Committee on Regulatory Licensing Reform held a hearing on this bill on April 12. WiHPCA’s Madison lobbyists will continue to monitor this legislation during the 2023-2024 legislative session.

Temporary Health Care “Act 10” Occupational Licenses Will Continue to Be Available

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Tony Evers signed into law legislation that became 2021 Wisconsin Act 10. This legislation allowed health care professionals who are licensed in good standing in other states to work in Wisconsin immediately, without obtaining a permanent occupational credential. This was to ensure that Wisconsin had enough health care professionals to treat Wisconsinites during the pandemic. These temporary licenses are known as “Act 10 licenses.”

This state law was tied to the end of the pandemic-related Presidential Emergency Declaration. On April 10, 2023, President Biden signed federal legislation that ended this emergency declaration. According to state law, the “Act 10 licenses” expire 30 days after the Presidential Emergency Declaration ends – which is May 10, 2023 – unless the license holder applies for a permanent license by that date. If a license holder applies for a permanent license by that date, that individual will still be allowed to practice in Wisconsin.

In addition, there is a provision in 2021 Wisconsin Act 10 that could benefit out-of-state health care professionals who seek Wisconsin licensure after May 10, 2023, and wish to practice immediately in the state. If an individual’s out-of-state license is in good standing, that professional could apply simultaneously in Wisconsin for an “Act 10 license” and a permanent license and would be able to practice immediately in Wisconsin.

For more information on “Act 10 licenses,” please go to the state Department of Safety and Professional Services’ FAQ page.

WiHPCA Legislative Committee Report

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 14:59:59 GMT

The WiHPCA Legislative Committee is charged with developing the association’s legislative priorities and providing direction and support on public policy that impacts hospice and palliative care in Wisconsin. The committee, which meets once a month, also evaluates legislative and regulatory issues of importance as they arise and leads WiHPCA’s lobbying and grassroots advocacy efforts.

As mentioned above in the Government Affairs Report provided by Hoven Consulting (WiHPCA’s lobbying firm), the committee recently voted to support Assembly Bill 144, legislation to address the state’s health care workforce challenges by expediting occupational licensing for Wisconsin health care professionals. In addition, the WiHPCA Legislative Committee recently approved a member-driven grassroots advocacy campaign to encourage the WI Legislature to provide $10 million in additional funding to boost the state’s Nurse Educators program.

The Wisconsin Nurse Educators program was established two years ago to support nursing education and increase the number of nurses in Wisconsin by providing grants to nurses enrolled full-time in doctor of nursing or mater of nursing programs. Grant recipients must commit to teaching at an approved Wisconsin nursing school for at least three years post-graduation. Providing additional funding for this program is more important than ever, as nursing education programs across the state are struggling to turn out enough graduates to meet the growing demand for nurses in Wisconsin.

Please be on the lookout for a WiHPCA Advocacy Action Alert asking you to contact your state lawmakers and urge them to support $10 million in funding for the Wisconsin Nurse Educators program as part of the state budget bill.

WiHPCA Legislative Outreach: Rep. Ellen Schutt Visits Agrace Hospice in Janesville

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 14:59:27 GMT

WiHPCA’s grassroots advocacy program is critical to the success of the association’s overall government affairs program. It allows our members to have a voice and influence in shaping public policy that impacts hospice and palliative care in Wisocnisn.

With that in mind, we are pleased to report about WiHPCA’s latest legislative advocacy outreach effort. WiHPCA Board Chair Lynne Sexten recently hosted state lawmaker Rep. Ellen Schutt (R-Clinton) at Agrace Hospice in Janesville to discuss WiHPCA and the importance of hospice and palliative care to Wisconsin patients and their families. The meeting, which also included WiHPCA Advocacy Director Michael Welsh, provided a great opportunity to educate a key state policymaker about hospice and the challenges the industry faces daily. Rep. Schutt did have a basic understanding of hospice, given she had a grandmother who received hospice care, but the meeting allowed us to provide detailed information about hospice and dig into WiHPCA policy priorities.

Lynne did a great job briefing Rep. Schutt on the value of hospice and palliative care, as wells as WiHPCA’s state legislative priorities, which focused primarily on the industry’s workforce challenges. WiHPCA would like to thank Lynne for making time to host the meeting. As usual, she did a wonderful job leading the discussion. She also provided Rep. Schutt with a great tour of the Agrace facility.

As mentioned above, grassroots advocacy is the most powerful tool WiHPCA has at its disposal to shape public policy – and building relationships with lawmakers is the most important aspect of grassroots advocacy. The meeting with Rep. Schutt was just the latest endeavor in WiHPCA’s objective to connect members with their local legislators. WiHPCA encourages all members to participate in this critical grassroots advocacy program. If you or your organization is interested in hosting a state lawmaker, please contact the WiHPCA office at wihpca@badgerbay.co.

CMS Releases 2024 Hospice Payment Rate Proposed Rule

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 14:59:02 GMT

Late last month, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2024 Hospice Payment Rate Proposed Rule, which would update Medicare hospice payments, the aggregate hospice cap, and other hospice regulations.

Under the proposed rule, the hospice payment update percentage would be 2.8%, which is an increase of roughly $720 million in payments from 2023. This is a result of the 3% market basket percentage increase reduced by a 0.2 percentage point productivity adjustment.

The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) issued a statement in response to the proposed rule, which offered both their concerns and potential opportunities stemming from the proposed rule:

Concern:

The 2.8% proposed rate increase for hospices is not enough to support the care hospices provide. Hospices are dealing with inflation rates that are at least twice that high, compounded by historical and ongoing workforce challenges. In 2024, pre-determined sequestration cuts will further reduce hospice reimbursement to a de facto increase of about 1%. Americans are increasingly choosing hospice for end-of-life care. Intentionally underfunding that care should be a non-starter.

Opportunities:

CMS is using the proposed rule to advance hospice program integrity measures, curb fraudulent and abusive practices within the system, advance health equity, and increase hospice utilization. These efforts are in line with NHPCO’s ongoing work, including 34 program integrity recommendations made in January. NHPCO will work with the hospice community and CMS to help shape the following efforts:

The proposed rule would require physicians to be enrolled in Medicare to certify and recertify patients for hospice care. If designed and implemented properly, NHPCO believes this measure may help identify physicians who are engaging (or potentially engaging) in fraudulent or abusive behavior, presenting a risk of harm to Medicare beneficiaries or are otherwise unqualified to certify or recertify beneficiaries for hospice.

In this proposed rule, CMS announced it is soliciting feedback from providers via two Requests for Information (RFIs) – one on health equity in hospice and the other on hospice utilization, non-hospice spending, ownership, and hospice election. NHPCO welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback and is soliciting detailed comments from providers for both RFIs. CMS will have significant on-the-ground experiences from providers to inform these important issues around access, equity, and the integrity of the Medicare hospice benefit.

Public comments on the 2024 Hospice Payment Rate Proposed Rule will be accepted through May 30, 2023. WiHPCA will work with NHPCO and our other national stakeholders to submit public comments that reflect the thoughts and concerns of WiHPCA members and the greater hospice community across Wisconsin and throughout the country.

Hospice News Reel

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 14:58:18 GMT

WiHPCA is happy to remind members about and provide links to the latest articles and information from Hospice News and other publications:

· Citing Competition and Consumer-Protection Concerns, CMS Makes Hospice-Ownership Data Publicly Available

By Robert Holly | April 20, 2023

In what the agency is calling an effort to promote industry competition and protect consumers, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is making hospice-ownership data publicly available. HHS is also releasing ownership data for all Medicare-certified home health agencies, the department specified in a Thursday announcement. Federal health care officials had already implemented a similar measure for the nation’s skilled nursing facilities (SNFs).

· How Hospice Labor Pressures Can Impact Regulatory Compliance

By Holly Vossel | April 20, 2023

Industry-wide staffing woes are bleeding into hospices’ compliance programs.

Many hospices are struggling not only operationally, but also financially to comply with regulations, according to Norbert Hudak, partner at in90Group, a Los Angeles-based business marketing and strategy development company. Read more…

· NHPCO: Proposed 2.8% Hospice Payment Hike Insufficient

By Jim Parker | April 18, 2023

The 2.8% base payment rate increase recently proposed by the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is insufficient to support hospice patients’ care needs, a major industry group said. CMS earlier this month released its 2024 hospice proposed rule, which included the 2.8% increase — an estimated total of $720 million. If finalized as written, the rule would also raise the aggregate payment cap to $33,396.55, up from $32,486.92 this year. Read more…

· Younger Generations of Hospice Workers Value Career Paths, Work-Life Balance

By Holly Vossel | April 17, 2023

Hospices that are shaping their recruitment and retention strategies around work-life balance and career development have a fighting chance against competitors for sparse clinical staffing resources. As workforce shortages mount throughout the health care system, competition in the labor market has intensified. Hospices are increasingly competing with other health care providers for clinical staff as more reach retirement age without enough younger workers stepping in to fill the gap. Some also leave the field due to burnout, or because they found higher compensation or a better career path elsewhere. Read more…

· CMS Working on Health Equity-Focused Hospice Quality Measures

By Jim Parker | April 14, 2023

The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is moving towards the development of health equity quality measures for hospices. Last year, the agency convened a technical expert panel (TEP) to study the issue, according to language in its 2024 proposed hospice rule. Among the questions the panel has considered is the addition of new measures to the Hospice Quality Reporting Program (HQRP). Read more…

· Palliative Care the Next Generation: How the Service May Grow and Evolve

By Holly Vossel | April 20, 2023

Based on current trends, risk-based payment systems will likely shape the future of palliative care. The palliative care market is projected to swell during the next decade. However, no standardized definition exists for “palliative care.” Providers use a range of approaches to providing the service, from consults with advance care planning to short-term transitional care or longer-term symptom management for the chronically ill. Read more…

Hospice News, which is part of the Aging Media Network, is a leading source for news and information covering the hospice industry.

April 2023 DQA Meeting Report

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 16:42:57 GMT

The most recent WiHPCA sponsored quarterly meeting with the Division of Quality Assurance was held April 12. The meeting provided valuable information for our members and the opportunity to engage with state regulators. During the meeting, DQA provided an overview of the following CMS documents, which are linked below for your review:

Revisions to Hospice-Appendix M of the State Operations Manual and the Hospice Basic Surveyor Training: QSO-23-08-HOSPICE.pdf
Hospice: CMS Flexibilities to Fight COVID-19: Hospice- CMS Flexibilities to Fight COVID-19.pdf

More information is available on the WiHPCA website including registration for future quarterly calls.

WiHPCA Government Affairs Report

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 18:19:00 GMT

By Hoven Consulting – WiHPCA’s lobbying firm

WiHPCA Supports Draft Occupational Credentialing Reciprocity Bill

At its March meeting, the WiHPCA Legislative Committee agreed to support legislation to establish reciprocal occupational credentialing in Wisconsin, so that people who have occupational licenses in other states are able to more easily practice their profession in Wisconsin. In addition, this would likely improve the continuing occupational credentialing processing backlog at the state Department of Safety and Professional Services.

Governor Evers Appoints New Secretary of State

Effective on Friday, March 17, longtime Wisconsin Secretary of State Doug La Follette resigned his position. He had held that position for more than 40 years and was re-elected to a four-year term in November 2022. Also, on Friday, March 17, Governor Evers appointed former State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski as the new Secretary of State. Godlewski will serve out the remainder of La Follette’s term, which will end in January 2027.

Senate Committee Advances Medical Examining Board Nominees

Earlier this month, the Senate Health Committee voted unanimously to advance the nominations of Gregory Schmeling, MD, of Brookfield, and Michael Parish, MD, of Wauwatosa, to serve on the Medical Examining Board (MEB), which has the authority to issue occupational licenses to physicians, as well as generally regulate this profession. Doctor Schmeling’s nomination lasts until July 2025 and Doctor Parish’s nomination lasts until July 2023. The next and final step is for the full Senate to vote on approving their nominations.

State Senate Confirms State Insurance Commissioner

On March 22, the state Senate voted unanimously to confirm Nathan Houdek as the state Insurance Commissioner. Prior to Governor Evers nominating him to this position, he served as the Deputy Insurance Commissioner and then interim Insurance Commissioner, upon the retirement of Insurance Commissioner Mark Afable in December 2021.

State Budget Public Hearings Scheduled for April

Earlier this month, the State Legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance – the committee that writes the state budget – announced that it will hold four public hearings throughout the state to give Wisconsin residents the opportunity to testify on issues related to the Fiscal Year 2023-2025 state budget. The Joint Committee on Finance’s public hearing schedule is as follows:

For more information about these hearings, click on one of the links above.

State Capitol Spotlight: Assembly Health Committee Chair Shares his Policy Goals for Legislative Session

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 18:18:04 GMT

Earlier this month, the WiHPCA had the opportunity to ask State Representative Clint Moses (R-Menomonie), Chair of the Assembly Health, Aging and Long-Term Care Committee, what his health care-related policy goals are for the 2023-24 legislative session. Here is what he had to say:

“My health priorities this session is to address the healthcare workforce shortage and to help make healthcare more affordable and accessible for Wisconsin citizens. Throughout Wisconsin, the health care workforce shortage has reduced accessibility to quality care. We have seen reduced service options and closures of clinics. In many cases, people are driving over an hour plus for a routine checkup. This creates a challenging situation for patients, especially for our aging population who face increasingly difficult decisions when it comes to their healthcare. I have been spending time learning about regulations surrounding Senior Care, IRIS, Nursing Homes, and Hospitals services across the state. I have also been on numerous tours in health care facilities and have met with many health care providers. I look forward to working with all the stakeholders to make Wisconsin a healthy state for all ages.”

Representative Clint Moses (R-Menomonie) represents the 29^th Assembly District in northwestern Wisconsin, which includes portions of Dunn and St. Croix Counties. He was first elected to the Assembly in 2020 and was reelected in 2022. He currently serves at the Chair of the Assembly Health, Aging and Long-Term Care Committee. Rep. Moses, who resides in Menomonie with his wife and four daughters, is a chiropractor by trade. He operates Red Cedar Chiropractic with his wife, Dr. Nora Moses, and has been caring for residents of Dunn County for 20 years. He is a member of the Chiropractic Society of Wisconsin, Community Foundation of Dunn County, lifetime alumni member of Northwestern Health Sciences University, and has served on the Colfax Health & Rehabilitation Board.

Wisconsin Spring Election to Be Held on April 4; Don’t Forget to Cast Your Ballot

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 18:17:15 GMT

To ensure the voice of citizens is heard across state government, it is critical for Wisconsin residents to understand our electoral process, and even more important for them to cast their vote on election day. And a big election is right around the corner… Wisconsin’s 2023 Spring Election will take place on Tuesday, April 4, and voters will head to the polls to cast their ballots in the WI Supreme Court Race, which could decide the ideological direction of the court for years to come.

In the Feb. 21 Spring primary, Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Janet Protasiewicz and former Supreme Court Justice Daniel Kelly captured the most votes in the four-way race and will face-off in the April 4 general election. Protasiewicz took 46% of total votes cast, with Kelly coming in a distant second, capturing 24% of the votes. Again, the winner of the general election will decide the ideological direction of the 7-seat high court, which is currently controlled 4-3 by conservative-leaning justices.

In addition, for those of you who live in the 8th Senate District (in southeastern Wisconsin), there is a special election to replace Sen. Alberta Darling (R) who retired from the Wi Senate late last year. Republican State Representative Dan Knodl is running against Democrat environmental attorney Jodi Habush Sinykin.

For more information about the April 4 Spring Election, including your polling place and which candidates and referendum questions will be on your ballot, simply CLICK HERE.

From the Desk of the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation: Federal Legislative and Regulatory Update

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 18:16:06 GMT

WiHPCA works closely with our national partners, including the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI), on federal government affairs issues important to our members. Here is the latest federal government affairs news from NPHI:

NPHI Submits Information to Senate HELP Committee in Response to Healthcare Workforce Crisis RFI

Earlier this month, NPHI responded to the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee Request for Information (RFI) regarding the healthcare workforce crisis. NPHI's response detailed the current status of the end-of-life care workforce, highlighted existing legislation that would address various components of the issue, and proposed additional policy ideas for lawmakers to consider. Specifically, NPHI proposed that the committee consider:

Revising hospice regulations that prescribe specific disciplines and outcomes;
Enabling broader use of professionals at lower certification levels;
Reducing required activities that consume professional staff time with little benefit to patients;
Allowing for the broader use of telehealth in hospice; and
Providing funding for interoperability of health IT and data exchange

NPHI looks forward to working with the Senate HELP Committee and other Congressional stakeholders to advance practical, bipartisan solutions to address the ongoing workforce challenges impacting healthcare providers. NPHI's full response to the Committee can be found here.

NPHI and National Hospice Organizations Request Clarification from CMS Regarding Use of Telehealth to Deliver RHC Following the Termination of the COVID-19 PHE

On Monday, NPHI, joined by LeadingAge, NHPCO, and NAHC, sent a joint letter to CMS requesting clarification on how routine home care (RHC) delivered via telehealth services would be adjudicated following the end of the COVID-19 PHE on May 11, 2023.

During the PHE, CMS affirmed that hospice providers were allowed to provide services to a Medicare patient receiving routine home care through telecommunications. Included in this interim change were details of how hospices were to document the use of these telecommunication services (e.g., they had to be included in the plan of care, tied to patient-specific needs, etc.)

In February, CMS COVID-19 flexibility guidance for hospices declared that “This interim regulatory change (providing hospice routine home care through telehealth) will expire at the end of the PHE.” Hospice providers now face confusion regarding what tools they’re allowed to use to supplement in-person care as they have for years.

As such, the letter requests that CMS clarify the ways that hospices can continue to use communication options to supplement in-person care as they did prior to the PHE.

Value-Based Insurance Design (VBID) Model

The CMS Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) recently announced that the Value-Based Insurance Design (VBID) Model will be extended through calendar year 2030. Additionally, CMMI plans to introduce changes intended to more fully address the health-related social needs of patients, advance health equity, and improve care coordination for patients with serious illness.

Whether this extension will include the Hospice Benefit Component (MA Carve-in) element of the original model or not remains to be seen. NPHI expects to receive additional information from CMMI and will share those developments as soon as possible.

For more information on the current model design, please see CMMI's overview CY24 RFA fact sheet or contact the model team at VBID@cms.hhs.gov.

Hospice News: Hospice Saves Medicare Upwards of $3.5B Annually, with Longer Stays Especially Valuable

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 18:15:17 GMT

By Jim Parker | Hospice News | March 22, 2023

Despite years of scrutiny over the duration of hospice care, new data show that longer stays reduce health care costs in the last year of life by as much as 11%.

All told, hospice care — regardless of length of stay — saves Medicare approximately $3.5 billion for patients in their last year of life, a 3.1% reduction. But those with stays of six months or more yielded the highest percentage of savings.

A trio of organizations published these findings Wednesday in a joint report, including the National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), the National Association for Home Care and Hospice (NAHC), and NORC at the University of Chicago. Read more…

Be an Effective Advocate for Home Health Care: Sign-up TODAY for WiHPCA’s Outreach Program

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 18:14:14 GMT

Grassroots advocacy is the most powerful tool WiHPCA has at its disposal to shape public policy – and building relationships with lawmakers is the most important aspect of grassroots advocacy. In effort to capitalize on our greatest advocacy resource – our membership – WiHPCA has established our Coffee Conversations with Legislators advocacy program.

The initiative is designed to help connect members with their local legislators. Under the program, the WiHPCA Government Affairs Team will set-up in-district meetings between WiHPCA members and state lawmakers who represent them in the Legislature. These meetings, which can be located at your facility, or a local coffee shop provide a tremendous opportunity for WiHPCA members to build or strengthen their relationships with local legislators and to educate them on hospice and palliative care policy issues important to you and the patients and families you serve.

Again, WiHPCA encourages all members to participate in this critical grassroots advocacy program. If you’re interested in participating, please contact the WiHPCA office at wihpca@badgerbay.co.

WiHPCA Government Affairs Report

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 15:05:11 GMT

By Hoven Consulting – WiHPCA’s lobbying firm

Governor Evers Submits FY2023-2025 Budget Request to Legislature

On Wednesday, February 15, Governor Tony Evers unveiled his budget bill proposal for the Fiscal Year 2023-2025 budget biennium. The budget bill outlines how the State of Wisconsin will administer tax dollars, program revenue, and federal aid dollars over the next two years. In total, the budget aims to spend $103.8 billion ($52.1 billion in FY2023-2024 and $51.7 billion in FY2024-2025) on state government programs. For fiscal year 2023-2024, that's a $7.9 billion increase (17.9 percent) over the budget proposed by Evers in 2021.

The most significant increase in state tax dollar spending is in the following state agencies/areas:

LARGEST BIENNIAL GPR (General Purpose Revenue) INCREASES OVER 2021-2023 FUNDING LEVELS

· Department of Public Instruction: $2.809 billion

· Shared Revenue and Tax Relief: $1.099 billion

· Department of Administration: $1.019 billion

· Public Service Commission: $755 million

· Department of Health Services: $716 million

· Department of Children and Families: $512 million

· Department of Workforce Development: $265 million

· All Other Changes: $1.656 billion

· TOTAL: $8.831 billion

The bill has now been sent to the Wisconsin legislature where it will be reviewed by the Joint Committee on Finance (JFC). The committee will review and amend the budget bill after having several public hearings across the state at which citizens may testify. After JFC has passed the bill, it will then be sent to the State Assembly and Senate for passage, likely in June.

It's important to note that Republican legislative leaders have stated publicly that they do not support the Governor's budget proposal. Republicans control both houses of the legislature and major changes to the proposal are expected.

WiHPCA Sends Legislative Priorities Letter to All Legislators

On February 2, WiHPCA’s lobbyists sent an introductory letter to all Wisconsin state legislators. In the letter, we provided background information on the difference between hospice care and palliative care. In addition, we shared WiHPCA’s legislative agenda for the 2023-2024 legislative session. WiHPCA provided legislators with a “legislative leave-behind” document that includes background information on WiHPCA, as well as our legislative agenda.

Former Milwaukee Health Commissioner Kirsten Johnson Appointed DHS Secretary

On February 6, Governor Tony Evers announced that he is appointing Kirsten Johnson as the new state Department of Health Services (DHS) Secretary. Until recently, she served as the City of Milwaukee Health Commissioner. She has over two decades of experience in the public health sphere, including as the head of the Washington-Ozaukee Public Health Department, an advisor for former Congressman Ron Kind, and a program manager at the Healthy Wisconsin Leadership Institute at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Kirsten will start work on February 27, 2023. She replaces DHS Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake, who resigned in early January 2023.

DHS Releases State Health Improvement Plan

On February 2, DHS released its 2023-2027 State Health Improvement Plan. Under state law, DHS is required to craft a public health agenda for the state at least once per decade – this plan meets that requirement. Further, this plan helps maintain DHS as an accredited state health department, per the requirements of the Public Health Accreditation Board.

In summary, the report recommends the following three “foundational shifts” in how Wisconsin addresses public health:

· Institutional and systemic fairness

· Representation and access to decision-making

· Community-centered resources and services

Also, it highlights the following priority areas – areas that are critical to ensuring the wellness of Wisconsinites:

· Social and community conditions

· Physical, mental, and systemic safety

· Person and community centered health care

· Social connectedness and belonging

· Mental and emotional health and well-being

The full report may be viewed on the DHS website.

Evers Budget Proposal Includes Healthcare Workforce Initiatives; Medicaid Expansion

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 15:04:13 GMT

As mentioned above, Gov. Evers recently introduced his 2023-25 budget proposal – the state’s two-year spending plan – before a Joint Session of the Wisconsin Legislature. Although the Republican-controlled Legislature is expected to scrap most of the Evers budget and craft their own version by working off current spending levels, it is likely the Legislature will adopt some of the governor’s proposals.

According to Evers, his budget includes proposals that would increase access to affordable healthcare coverage, improve the quality of healthcare services in the state, and expand the scope of benefits available through Medicaid. Please find below a brief overview of items included in governor’s budget proposal that may be of interest to WiHPCA members:

Expand Medicaid eligibility for parents and adults from 100% of the federal poverty line ($27,750 annually in 2022 for a family of four) to 138% of the federal poverty line ($38,300 annually in 2022 for a family of four). According to the Evers Administration, this expansion would result in 89,700 low-income individuals becoming eligible for Medicaid, of which approximately 30,300 are uninsured. Under this proposal, the state would realize a savings of over $1.6 billion and draw down an additional $2.2 billion in federal funding over the two-year budget cycle. Republicans who control the Legislature are firmly opposed to this proposal.

Provide $200 million in additional funding for Wisconsin Innovation Grants, a current program previously funded with federal dollars to design and implement plans to address workforce challenges. This proposal includes a $100 million allocation to specifically focus on fortifying the state’s healthcare workforce by providing grants to healthcare employers and related organizations.

Provide $22.5 million to establish an ongoing Innovation Grant program for healthcare employers to engage in improved recruitment and retention of long-term care providers.

Provide $10 million to expand the state’s nurse educators program.

Provide $5 million GPR in additional funding for the Worker Advancement Initiative to support efforts by technical colleges and nursing schools to reduce barriers to graduation and assist students in becoming career ready.

Provide $8 million for continuation of the WisCaregiver Careers program, which aims to address the shortage of certified nursing assistants in the state by supporting recruitment, training and retention of individuals to care for nursing home residents across Wisconsin.

Provide over $900,000 to the Department of Workforce Development to support healthcare profession apprenticeship curriculum development and to advance new collaborations related to healthcare workforce.

Provide nearly $4 million and increased staffing to the Department of Safety and Professional Services to streamline the state’s credentialling process for licensed professionals and provide more efficient processing of license applications.

The WiHPCA Government Affairs Team will continue to analyze the recently introduced budget bill and keep the membership updated throughout the budget process.

Gov. Evers Appoints New Department of Health Services Secretary

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 15:01:17 GMT

Earlier this month, Gov. Tony Evers announced his appointment of Kirsten Johnson as the next secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS). Johnson, who begins her new role on Feb. 27, will replace former Secretary Karen Timberlake’s who left the state agency at the end of 2022.

According to a press release issued by the governor’s office, Johnson has over 20 years of experience as a public health leader in local, state, national, and international organizations. Most recently, she served as the health commissioner for the city of Milwaukee following her appointment in January 2021. Prior to serving the city of Milwaukee, Johnson led the Washington-Ozaukee Public Health Department for more than a decade as the director and health officer. Johnson also served as a health policy fellow and advisor for U.S. Congressman Ron Kind and helped develop policy for the House Committee on Ways and Means.

“Over the past 20 years of my career in public health, I have worked to address the challenges and health disparities facing Wisconsin’s rural, urban, and suburban communities alike—disparities that were laid bare by the pandemic,” said Johnson. “I am excited and honored to join Gov. Evers’ administration to lead DHS, where I look forward to using my expertise and knowledge to continue this important work.”

Johnson has her master’s degree in public health from Tulane University of Public Health and Tropical Medicine and holds certifications as a public health professional and certified education specialist.

Wisconsin Spring Election Update

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 14:59:30 GMT

In the closely watched Feb. 21 primary for the Wisconsin Supreme Court – which centered on the issue of abortion after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022 – liberal-leaning Milwaukee County Judge Janet Protasiewicz and conservative former Supreme Court Justice Daniel Kelly captured the most votes in the four-way race and will face-off in the April 4 general election. Protasiewicz took 46% of total votes cast, with Kelly coming in a distant second, capturing 24% of the votes. The winner of the general election will decide the ideological direction of the 7-seat high court, which is currently controlled 4-3 by conservative-leaning justices.

The other high-profile primary race saw Republican state Rep. Dan Knodl (R-Germantown) defeat fellow state Rep. Janel Brandtjen in the GOP primary for the 8th WI Senate District. Knodl will face Democrat Jodi Habush Sinykin in the April 4 spring election for the chance to replace former Republican Sen. Alberta Darling, who left office in Dec. 2022 after holding the senate seat for three decades. If Knodl ultimately wins the seat, Republicans will hold a veto-proof majority in the senate.

Be an Effective Advocate for Hospice and Palliative Care: Sign-up TODAY for WiHPCA’s Legislative Outreach Program

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 17:39:05 GMT

Grassroots advocacy is the most powerful tool WiHPCA has at its disposal to shape public policy – and building relationships with lawmakers is the most important aspect of advocacy. In effort to capitalize on our greatest advocacy resource – our membership – WiHPCA has unveiled our Coffee Conversations with Legislators advocacy program.

The initiative is designed o help connect members with their local legislators. Under the program, the WiHPCA Government Affairs Team will set-up in-district meetings between WiHPCA members and state lawmakers who represent them in the Legislature. These meetings, which can be located at your facility, or a local coffee shop provide a tremendous opportunity for WiHPCA members to build or strengthen their relationships with local legislators and to educate them on hospice and palliative care and on policy issues important to hospice professionals and their patients.

WiHPCA encourages all members to participate in this critical grassroots advocacy program. If you’re interested in participating in the program, contact the WiHPCA office at wihpca@badgerbay.co .

Political News and Notes

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 17:38:20 GMT

· Legislative Session

Both the State Senate and the State Assembly were on the floor this month, but only dealt with limited calendars. Both houses adopted an amendment to the constitution relating to bail imposed on defendants awaiting trial, as well as a resolution to create an advisory referendum to be held at the April non-partisan election on the issue of whether individuals receiving public assistance should be subject to a work requirement. The proposed constitutional amendment will also go before voters (to approve or deny) in April.

· Protasiewicz with Early Supreme Court Fundraising Lead

The first campaign finance reports for WI Supreme Court candidates were due earlier this month, and Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Janet Protasiewicz reported raising $756,000 in the last 6 months of last year, more than doubling her next closest competitors. Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge Jennifer Dorow raised $306,000, former Supreme Court Justice Dan Kelly raised $312,000 and Dane County Circuit Court Judge Everett Mitchell raised $115,000. The four face off in a primary in February, with the top two vote getters moving on to the April General Election. While the Supreme Court is nonpartisan, its members do loosely line up along ideological lines, with Conservatives holding a 4-3 advantage. For Conservatives to maintain their majority, either Dorow or Kelly would need to win the April Election.

· Legislative Republicans circulate Tax Proposals

Legislative Republicans have proposed two bills early this session focusing on tax cuts, fulfilling campaign promises from last fall. Earlier this month, Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu circulated a bill that would phase in a flat tax over the next four years. The State currently has four income tax brackets, and if this bill were to pass, everyone in Wisconsin would be paying a rate of 3.25%, down from 7.65%, which is what taxpayers in the upper bracket are currently paying. Governor Evers has said he does not support this proposal, although he is likely to introduce his own income tax relief proposal in his budget bill.

Republicans have also re-introduced legislation to eliminate the personal property tax in Wisconsin. While Evers vetoed a bill to repeal the personal property tax last session, Republicans hope a compromise on the issue can be reached this session.

Regulatory Wrap-Up: Overview of Jan. 12 WiHPCA Quarterly DQA Meeting

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 14:21:13 GMT

Earlier this month, on Jan.12, WiHPCA held its latest quarterly meeting with the WI Department of Health Services’ Division of Quality Assurance (DQA), providing our members an opportunity to engage with agency staff and learn about DQA regulatory activity during the fourth quarter of 2022.

If you have not had an opportunity to attend one of our past DQA meetings, we would encourage you to attend the next meeting in April and help the hospice industry build and maintain a strong working relationship with DQA staff. The meetings also provide WiHPCA members with valuable regulatory information and updates, as well as a unique chance to ask questions and request guidance from the agency.

For members who were not able to attend the Jan. 12 meeting, please find below a high-level overview of DQA’s quarterly report for fourth quarter 2022:

Hospice Surveys

Total Surveys: 9
Recertification Surveys: 1
Complaint Surveys: 8

Complaints Overview:

Complaints investigated: 8

Unique allegations: 11
Substantiated complaints related to:
·         Quality of care and treatment
·         Nursing services
·         Patient rights
Citations Overview
o   No health citations were written in fourth quarter 2022
o   Life safety code violations included:
K281 – Exit lights not working
K354 – Insufficient sprinkler outage plan
K712 – Fire drill timing deficiencies
Other Key Information
o   DQA is currently up-to-date on recertification and complaint surveys.
o   DQA provided an overview of their efforts to review the Hospice-Nursing Home Interface document for possible revisions. DQA asked for feedback from call participants and announced there would be more opportunities for input on possible revisions.
o   There were 2 new hospice applications during fourth quarter 2022.

For more data and information, please CLICK HEREto visit the DHS Hospice Statistics webpage.

Hospice News Reel

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 14:20:30 GMT

WiHPCA is happy to remind members about and provide links to the latest articles and information from Hospice News and other publications:

· Hospice Advocacy Groups Call on CMS, Congress to Strengthen Program Integrity Oversight

By Holly Vossel | January 19, 2022

Four national hospice and senior care industry groups have called on Congress and the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to make regulatory and legislative changes to instill stronger program integrity safeguards. The organizations penned a joint letter to CMS in November urging for increased oversight to help curb hospice frauds, including the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC), National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI) and LeadingAge. Read more…

· NHPCO: Language, Mistrust, Lack of Diverse Staff Come Between Hospices and Underserved Populations

By Holly Vossel | January 17, 2023

Language barriers, mistrust of the health care system and a lack of diverse staff are the most common obstacles between hospice care and underserved communities, research from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) recently found. Read more…

· VA Study Finds 95% Increase in Palliative Care Utilization When Patients Have Access to Social Workers

By Jim Parker | January 16, 2023

Patients are more likely to receive palliative care if they can access social workers through their primary care providers, Veterans Health Administration (VA) research has found. Researchers analyzed records for 43,200 veterans with prior hospitalization who had received primary care at a VA site between October 2016 and September 2019. They found a 95% increase in hospice or palliative utilization among veterans served by VA providers participating in the agency’s Social Work Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT). The average age among the veterans was about 65. Read more…

· GAO: CMS Should Update Rules for Hospices Reporting Abuse or Neglect

By Jim Parker | January 11, 2023

Hospices should be required to report all instances of abuse and neglect, even if the perpetrator was not an employee, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has recommended.

The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requires operators to report incidents of patient abuse and neglect that involve their staff. If the agency follows the GAO’s recommendation, they would also have to notify survey agencies when others, like family members or caregivers, become abusive or neglectful. This would bring the hospice rules in line with those used in long term care. Read more…

· FTC Proposes Rule that Would Ban Employee Noncompete Clauses

Associated Press – Alexandra Olson and Michelle Chapman| January 6, 2023

The Federal Trade Commission proposed a rule Thursday that would ban U.S. employers from imposing noncompete clauses on workers, a sweeping measure that could make it easier for people to switch jobs and deepen competition for labor across a wide range of industries. The proposed rule would prevent employers from imposing contract clauses that prohibit their employees from joining a competitor, typically for a period of time, after they leave the company. Read more…

· New York Governor Vetoes Bill to Limit For-Profit Hospices

By Jim Parker | January 3, 2023

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) has vetoed legislation that would have effectively banned new, for-profit hospices in the state. The New York State Assembly passed the bill in June and submitted it to the governor’s office in mid-December. It would have prohibited the establishment of for-profit hospices in New York state and forbid current for-profit operators from increasing capacity. Read more…

Hospice News, which is part of the Aging Media Network, is a leading source for news and information covering the hospice industry.

National Hospice Leaders Urge CMS and Congress to Advance Program Integrity in Hospice Care through Effective Oversight

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 14:19:50 GMT

Concerned by Growth of Unscrupulous Operators, Organizations Outline Areas of Focus, Key Steps

The four national hospice provider organizations: LeadingAge, the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC), the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), and the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI), provided the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and key Congressional stakeholders with recommended legislative and regulatory changes to strengthen hospice program integrity.

The recent entry of large numbers of newly created hospice organizations in several states has heightened long-standing concerns among hospice leaders about the adequacy of Medicare certification, accreditation, and enforcement processes. Today, the four national hospice organizations are joining forces to urge Congress and CMS to act expeditiously to ensure that only well-qualified advanced illness care providers are permitted to care for and support beneficiaries and their families at the end of life.

These recommendations are the culmination of a year-long effort by each of these organizations to assess various options for improving program integrity in hospice care. The 34 recommendations are grouped into 11 core issue areas; five key points are listed below:

· Limit enrollment of new providers with a targeted moratorium on new hospices: Use existing CMS moratorium authority to limit enrollment of new hospice providers in counties with troubling rates of explosive licensure and Medicare certification growth.

· Enforce against non-operational hospices by revoking Medicare enrollment and increasing site visits: Investigate Medicare provider numbers that show aberrant gaps in Medicare billing. Revoking enrollment of non-operational hospices prevents them from being sold to inexperienced providers for a profit.

· Develop hospice “red flag” criteria: Identify Medicare certification application “triggers” related to specific areas of concern that would prompt CMS to investigate an applicant before certification could be approved. Red flags should include:

o Co-location of multiple hospices at single address

o A single hospice administrator overseeing multiple hospices

o A patient care manager or other hospice leadership staff serving multiple hospices

o A hospice company that appears to be hidden behind a shell company

· Require surveyors to confirm ability of hospices to provide all four levels of care: Surveyors must ensure hospices have the ability to provide all four levels of care, including General Inpatient Care (GIP) and respite contracts, as well as provision for continuous home care (CHC) and afterhours care.

· Add hospice administrator and patient care manager qualifications to Medicare hospice Conditions of Participation (CoPs): Add education and/or qualifications to the hospice CoPs for these key personnel, including minimum years of experience or a combination of education and experience.

“Good hospice care, because of its holistic, patient-and family-centered compassionate approach to the dying, is a godsend. Bad care and true fraud in this valuable benefit are intolerable. It’s time to take action. America’s population is aging, and high-quality services are needed now more than ever before. Reform must promote high-quality care, including the right services in the right quantity, and eliminate opportunity for misdeeds. Our goal in collaborating with other hospice provider groups, with Congress, and with CMS, is to ensure necessary change. Yet it is only part of the solution; our work will not be complete until we address the desperate need for a system of long-term services and supports that is responsive to how older adults live and die now,” said Katie Smith Sloan, president and CEO, LeadingAge, the association of nonprofit providers of aging services, including hospice.

“NAHC believes strongly that improved hospice program integrity will benefit patients, families, providers, and the Medicare program, and that it is an essential element in ensuring quality of care. Historically NAHC has strongly supported meaningful solutions to problems as they have arisen within hospice and other programs. The series of recommendations that we are putting forth in conjunction with other national hospice organizations clearly communicate our continued commitment to designing and supporting effective regulations, processes, and operational standards in hospice. We look forward to working with Congress and the Administration to move these recommendations forward,” stated NAHC President William A. Dombi.

“Ensuring program integrity is essential to enabling good hospice care. That's why NHPCO has worked for more than 40 years to engage government officials and other partners to shape policy that supports effective oversight of hospices. These recommendations are the latest such effort and are especially topical given the alarming recent growth of Medicare certified hospices in California, Arizona, Nevada, and Texas which are fraudulent actors. NHPCO and national partner organizations must be proactive in our response and intolerance toward deceptive hospice care that does not live up to the standards of high-quality care we expect from members of our community,” said NHPCO COO and interim CEO, Ben Marcantonio.

“End-of-life care providers have an obligation to support and care for patients and their loved ones with dignity and respect at this most vulnerable time in their lives. Providers who manipulate the Medicare benefit solely to profit at the expense of their patients have no place in the hospice program,” said NPHI CEO Tom Koutsoumpas. “To curb the entry of bad actors into hospice, NPHI is pleased to put forth, in conjunction with our national partners, robust program integrity reform recommendations. We look forward to working with our partner organizations, Congress, and CMS to advance meaningful change that will better protect those receiving hospice care at the end-of-life.”

These four national hospice organizations will continue to work together and with other partners to drive solutions to stop the growth of fraudulent hospices and strengthen the hospice Medicare certification and the survey process.

DHS Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake Leaves Evers Administration

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 15:59:20 GMT

On January 2, 2023, Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake resigned her position. She was appointed to this position after the 2021 resignation of then-DHS Secretary-designee Andrea Palm, who resigned her position to join the Biden Administration in Washington, DC. Karen Timberlake also served as the DHS Deputy Secretary and Secretary under former Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle’s (D) administration in the mid-to-late 2000s.

Governor Evers has publicly stated that he will announce a new DHS Secretary-designee in the coming weeks. As such, DHS Deputy Secretary Deb Standridge is the most senior official at this state agency at this time. Once the Governor announces a new DHS Secretary-designee, we will share that in a future newsletter.

DHS Seeks Applicants for Two Long-Term Care Advisory Councils

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 15:58:51 GMT

On January 17, 2023, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced that it is looking for qualified applicants for two advisory councils addressing long-term care matters – the Long-Term Care Advisory Council (LTCAC) and the IRIS Advisory Committee (IAC). This could be a great opportunity to have a WiHPCA member on one or both councils, particularly the LTCAC. Applications are due to DHS by Friday, February 3, 2023.

According to the DHS website, LTCAC “Members give advice and make recommendations to the DHS Secretary about long-term care policy, programs, and services.” For more information about the council or to apply, go to the LTCAC page on the DHS website.

The DHS website states that “The IAC advises DHS about the IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct) program. IRIS is a self-directed program for adults with disabilities and elderly people. IAC members have knowledge, experience, expertise, and community relationships relevant to this area. They give ideas, opinions, or facts to improve the IRIS program.” For more information about the IRIS Advisory Committee, go to the IAC page on the DHS website. If you are interested in applying, go to the DHS website.

2023-2024 Legislative Session Convenes

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 15:57:33 GMT

On January 3, statewide constitutional officers – including governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state and treasurer – and newly-elected state legislators were sworn in. In addition, the 2023-2024 session of the Wisconsin State Legislature began. Republicans will continue to have majorities in both the Assembly and Senate.

In December, Assembly and Senate leadership announced the members of the various legislative committees. The following is a list of the legislators who are now members of the health-focused committees for the 2023-2024 legislative session:

Assembly Health, Aging and Long-Term Care Committee

Rep. Clint Moses (R-Menomonie), Chair
Rep. Donna Rozar (R-Marshfield), Vice-Chair
Rep. Rob Brooks (R-Saukville)
Rep. Barbara Dittrich (R-Oconomowoc)
Rep. Rick Gundrum (R-Slinger)
Rep. Gae Magnafici (R-Dresser)
Rep. Dave Murphy (R-Greenville)
Rep. Angie Sapik (R-Lake Nebagamon)
Rep. Ellen Schutt (R-Clinton)
Rep. Rob Summerfield (R-Bloomer)
Rep. Nancy VanderMeer (R-Tomah)
Rep. Lisa Subeck (D-Madison), Ranking Democratic Member
Rep. Daniel Riemer (D-Milwaukee)
Rep. Jimmy Anderson (D-Fitchburg)
Rep. Robyn Vining (D-Wauwatosa)
Rep. Dora Drake (D-Milwaukee)

Senate Committee on Health

Sen. Rachael Cabral-Guevara (R-Appleton), Chair
Sen. Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point), Vice Chair
Sen. Mary Felzkowski (R-Tomahawk)
Sen. André Jacque (R-DePere)
Sen. Dianne Hesselbein (D-Middleton), Ranking Democratic Member
Sen. Tim Carpenter (D-Milwaukee)

Congress Releases Consolidated Appropriates Act

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 14:15:22 GMT

(Alexandria, VA) Congress has released the text of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, an omnibus funding package that will fund the government through Fiscal Year 2023. As NHPCO advised its members in a Member Alert this morning, the legislation contains measures that will affect hospices positively and negatively. We expect the legislation to pass and be signed into law later this week.

Key developments in this legislation include the following.

Telehealth extension: The legislation extends hospice telehealth flexibilities through the end of 2024, which were initially enacted as part of the CARES Act in 2020. This allows hospice patients and providers to continue to use telehealth for low touch, face-to-face visits prior to recertification for the hospice benefit. Patients will also be able to continue to participate in telehealth visits from home. 
Continued slowdown of hospice caps: The legislation extends the cap calculation methodology implemented by the Improving Medicare Post-Acute Care Transformation (IMPACT) Act of 2014. For years that measure has slowed the growth of the hospice aggregate cap, reducing the total amount a hospice can be reimbursed for care provided to patients, as compared to the rates set prior to the IMPACT Act. The FY23 omnibus extends that IMPACT Act aggregate cap methodology by another year to 2032, meaning that for the next decade many hospices will have to do more with less to continue providing patient care.
Cap cut avoided: Beyond extension of the IMPACT Act methodology, there was some consideration to MedPAC’s recommendation to outright decrease the hospice aggregate cap by 20 percent. That cut was averted, protecting hospice patients and providers.
Expanded definition of the IDT: The legislation will allow hospices, starting in 2024, to use marriage and family therapists (MFTs) and mental health counselors (MHCs) as part of the hospice interdisciplinary team. There is no requirement for hospices to use MFTs or MHCs and a social worker is still required if needed under a patient’s plan of care.
Focus on Grief and Bereavement: Noting that more Americans are experiencing grief due to COVID-19 losses, the bill designates $1,000,000 for assessing the feasibility of developing consensus-based quality standards for high-quality bereavement and grief care. It also directs the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) to collaborate with other health officials to evaluate and report on the scope of need for high-quality bereavement and grief services, including a focus on the role of hospices in community services.

“This package is a mixed bag for hospices. On the one hand, NHPCO members have been actively advocating for telehealth extension, against a 20 percent cap cut, and for national approaches to supporting grief and bereavement services. Those provisions are wins for patients, families, and communities across the country, as is the inclusion of marriage and family therapists and mental health counselors as part of the hospice interdisciplinary team,” said NHPCO COO and interim CEO, Ben Marcantonio “Thank you to everyone who has reached out to their elected officials on these issues. On the other hand, Congress has extended the slowdown of the growth of the hospice aggregate cap, even though the evidence shows that the seven percent reductions already implemented through the IMPACT Act have limited access to hospice care among patients with Alzheimer disease and other dementias.”

Marcantonio continued, “Avoiding an across-the-board cap cut, while facing continued slowdown of cap growth is like two steps forward, one step back. Forty years after the creation of the Medicare Hospice Benefit, in bleak economic times, Congress has decided to put to the next ten years of hospice care at risk by continuing to recklessly use hospice as an ATM.”

Senator Baldwin, Colleagues Pass Resolution to Designate November 2022 as ‘‘National Hospice and Palliative Care Month”

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 15:03:33 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) joined her fellow co-chairs and co-founders of the Senate Comprehensive Care Caucus, Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), John Barrasso (R-WY), and Deb Fischer (R-NE), in passing a bipartisan resolution recognizing November 2022 as National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, observed in November, honors the work and dedication of long-term and palliative care providers and volunteers, and the critical services they provide to families and their loved ones facing serious illnesses. This resolution is endorsed by the Coalition to Transform Advanced Care (C-TAC) and the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO).

“Serving as my grandmother’s primary caregiver as she grew older, I know the world of difference it makes in someone’s life to have compassionate palliative care,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m proud to have passed this bipartisan resolution to recognize the importance of palliative and hospice care, and look forward to continuing our work to improve the quality of life for the millions of Americans facing serious illnesses.”

“I am proud to have passed this resolution to designate November as National Hospice and Palliative Care Month,” said Senator Rosen. “As someone who took care of my parents and in-laws when they aged, I know just how critical access to quality long-term care and supportive services is. This resolution will recognize all the ways in which hospice and palliative care providers improve the quality of life of so many patients and their caregivers.”

“I have experienced hospice care as both a doctor and family member,” said Senator Barrasso. “Hospice lets patients enjoy the highest quality of life when they need it most. Our bipartisan resolution recognizes all of the dedicated hospice providers in Wyoming and across the country.”

“By marking November as National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, we can raise awareness about the benefits this type of care can provide,” said Senator Fischer. “Through our bipartisan work in the Comprehensive Care Caucus, we’ll continue to promote access to quality health care.”

“It means a great deal to our providers to have this congressional honor from the Senate,” said NHPCO COO and Interim CEO, Ben Marcantonio. “This year marks the fortieth anniversary of the first Proclamation recognizing November as National Hospice Month. Hospice and palliative care providers work tirelessly to meet patients and their families where they are with compassionate care that places the individual at the heart of their own healthcare decisions. We thank Senators Rosen, Barrasso, Baldwin, and Fischer for continuing this important tradition of honoring and supporting the hospice and palliative care community. ”

“Once again, Senators Rosen, Barrasso, Baldwin, and Fischer should be commended for drawing attention to serious illness and the tremendous value of palliative care and hospice services for millions of individuals and their families across the nation,” said Jon Broyles, CEO of the Coalition to Transform Advanced Care. “Thank you for the introduction and passage of this bill to designate November as National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. We believe in access to high-quality, equitable serious illness care that reflects individual care preferences. This should cover needed palliative care and community-based services and supports, and hospice care. For C-TAC, educational efforts to share information on the value and need for palliative care and hospice and the staff and volunteers that provide this essential care is a year-round effort, and we are so pleased to have these issues highlighted each November by our friends in the U.S. Senate.”

Senator Baldwin has been committed to improving the quality of life for palliative care patients and their families. Senator Baldwin leads the bipartisan Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act with her colleague Senator Capito (R-WV) and in 2021, she introduced the bipartisan Expanding Access to Palliative Care Act with Senators Barrasso, Fischer, and Rosen. The legislation would allow palliative care to be covered concurrently with curative treatment for illness under Medicare.

An online version of this release is available here.

Be an Effective Advocate for Hospice and Palliative Care: Sign-up TODAY for WiHPCA’s Legislative Key Contact Program; Legislative Outreach Program

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 14:14:50 GMT

WiHPCA Legislative Outreach Program

The initiative is designed to help connect members with their local legislators. Under the program, the WiHPCA Government Affairs Team will set-up in-district meetings between WiHPCA members and state lawmakers who represent them in the Legislature. These meetings, which can be located at your facility, or a local coffee shop provide a tremendous opportunity for WiHPCA members to build or strengthen their relationships with local legislators and to educate them on hospice and palliative care and on policy issues important to hospice professionals and their patients.

WiHPCA encourages all members to participate in this critical grassroots advocacy program. If you’re interested in participating in the program, contact the WiHPCA office at wihpca@badgerbay.co if you’re interested in participating.

WiHPCA Legislative Key Contact Program

If you were not yet aware, we would like to remined you about WiHPCA’s Legislative Key Contact Program, which can be a highly effective grassroots advocacy tool to help build and nurture strong on-going relationships between WiHPCA members and lawmakers in Wisconsin. Ultimately, the program can help us help shape new policies important to our members.

The program is now live on the WiHPCA website and members can easily and quickly sign-up as a Key Contact. With the campaign season winding down, and the 2023-24 legislative session right around the corner, it’s more important than ever for WiHPCA to have a robust Key Contact Program. It is essential to raising our profile in the State Capitol and beyond.

As a Key Contact, you can help influence the legislative process by cultivating relationships with elected officials. By taking advantage of existing relationships and making new contact with members of the Wisconsin Legislature (as well as the Wisconsin Congressional Delegation), you can help us educate lawmakers on industry issues and influence legislation.

But the program will not succeed without strong member participation, so please take a few moments to read more about it – and learn how simple it is to “enlist” and participate as a Key Contact. The time commitment is minimal and your responsibility as a key contact depends on your level of comfort and willingness to engage.

Remember, lawmakers are often eager to hear input from their constituents, and as an expert in the home health care field, you can make a real difference in the policy process as a Key Contact. CLICK HERE to sign-up by filling out and submitting a brief online survey.

SAVE THE DATE: Next WiHPCA Quarterly DQA Meeting Scheduled for January 12, 2023

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 14:14:01 GMT

Don’t miss out on WiHPCA’s next quarterly meeting with the WI Department of Health Services’ Division of Quality Assurance (DQA), which is scheduled for Thursday, January 12, 2023, at 10:00 A.M. The meeting will be held virtually and is open to all WiHPCA members and hospice professionals across Wisconsin. Registration will open soon on the WiHPCA Events page.

The purpose of the DQA quarterly meetings is to create an opportunity for hospice and palliative care professionals to build and maintain a strong working relationship with a key state regulatory agency that can impact our industry. For members who have not had an opportunity to attend previous quarterly meetings, they provide members with valuable regulatory information and updates, as well as a unique chance to engage DQA staff, asks questions, and request guidance. Here are the meeting details:

Date: Thursday, January 12, 2023
Time: 10:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.
Location: Virtual meeting

In the meantime, you can CLICK HEREto visit the DHS Hospice Statistics webpage, which includes vital hospice regulatory data for the calendar year through 2021.

Hospice News Reel

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 14:12:55 GMT

WiHPCA is happy to remind members about and provide links to the latest articles and information from Hospice News and other publications:

· 22 States Petition CMS to End COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate

By Jim Parker | November 17, 2022

Attorneys General from 22 states have petitioned the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to eliminate the COVID-19 vaccine requirement for health care workers. CMS instituted the mandate last December, requiring that all health care personnel that enter a care setting or come into contact with patients, families or caregivers be vaccinated for COVID-19.

· OIG Rolls Out Provider Relief Fund Audits for Hospices

By Holly Vossel | November 12, 2022

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) recently began to probe hospices in its initial phase of Provider Relief Fund (PRF) audits. More than two years after the CARES Act established the $175 billion PRF, federal regulators are moving forward on audits that closely examine the ways that providers spent these dollars.

· Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Break Down Advance Care Planning Barriers

By Holly Vossel | November 11, 2022

U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Mark Warner (D-Va.) recently introduced legislation aimed at improving access to advance care planning services among patients with serious illness. The Improving Access to Advance Care Planning Act would expand utilization of these services by removing Medicare payment barriers faced by both providers and patients. Read more…

· Meticulous Documentation a Hospice’s Best Defense in HIS Audit Appeals

By Holly Vossel | November 9, 2022

Hospices that are meticulous and vigilant with documentation see the best results when appealing payment cuts associated with Hospice Item Set (HIS) audits. The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) developed HIS as a tool to gauge a patient’s overall care experience. The agency requires hospices to submit HIS data for each patient served. Those who do not report those data risk a payment cut of 2% across the board. Read more…

Hospice News, which is part of the Aging Media Network, is a leading source for news and information covering the hospice industry.

WiHPCA Meets with Members of Congress to Discuss Key Federal Regulatory and Legislative Issues

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 14:11:42 GMT

Meetings with U.S. Representatives Bryan Steil and Scott Fitzgerald Part of WiHPCA Effort to Meet with the Entire Wisconsin Congressional Delegation

In August, WiHPCA leadership met with staff from U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin’s office to thank her for her efforts on the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act – which aims to strengthen the hospice and palliative care workforce – and to discuss several other federal regulatory and federal issues important to the industry. In addition, WiHPCA presented Senator Balwin with the association’s “Champion of Hospice and Palliative Care” legislative award.

But our federal grassroots advocacy efforts did not end with the Baldwin meeting. WiHPCA’s goal is to meet with all members of Congress from Wisconsin, and we moved closer to that objective earlier this month. Our leadership team, which included WiHPCA President Lynne Sexten and board members Karen Carrig, Rita Hagen, and Carrie Schepp, met with U.S. Representatives Bryan Steil (R – WI-1) and Scott Fitzgerald (R – WI-5).

The meetings with Steil and Fitzgerald focused on educating the lawmakers and their staff members on the importance of hospice and palliative are, as well as discussing WiHPCA’s most pressing federal issues. Those issues included concerns with the CMS Value-Based Insurance Design (VBID) “Hospice Carve-In” pilot program, the administrative and financial burden of the nursing home room and board Medicaid pass-through billing requirement, and the need for expanded hospice telehealth flexibility.

The WiHPCA Government Affairs Team is in the process of scheduling meetings with the rest of the Wisconsin congressional delegation, and we aim to complete all the meetings by the end of the first quarter 2023.

As you know, WiHPCA and our national partners are advocating on behalf of hospice palliative care every day, but nothing has an impact on elected officials like hearing from their constituents, so please consider participating in these important meetings. If you are interested, please contact the WiHPCA office at wihpca@badgerbay.co.

DHS Creates Free COVID-19 Telehealth Service

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 14:10:40 GMT

On November 2, the state Department of Health Services launched a free telehealth service to ensure rapid access to COVID-19 antiviral drugs. With this service in place, any Wisconsinite 18 years of age or older who tests positive for COVID-19 is able to receive a telehealth consultation with a health care professional within 30 minutes, seven days a week during the hours of 8:00AM – 8:00PM. If the patient is eligible for treatment, the patient will receive a prescription for a COVID-19 antiviral drug that may be filled at a pharmacy. If the patient does not have access to a pharmacy, the prescription drug will be shipped overnight to the patient. More information may be found on the DHS website.

DHS Unveils New Influenza Vaccine Dashboard

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 14:10:07 GMT

On October 20, the state Department of Health Services (DHS) unveiled a flu vaccine online “dashboard”. In addition to providing data on a statewide basis, the dashboard breaks down data by county, age, race, gender and ethnicity. Also, it shows seasonal trends over the last few years. This dashboard may be accessed on the DHS website.

WiHPCA Government Affairs Report

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 14:07:42 GMT

By Hoven Consulting – WiHPCA’s lobbying firm

· November General Election Results – State Legislature

o State Assembly: In the 2023-2024 legislative session, Republicans will have 64 members and the Democrats will have 35 members. Republicans gained a net of four Assembly seats. One of these Assembly seats is located in the western Milwaukee suburbs, two are located in far northwest Wisconsin, and the other is a district that is between Milwaukee and Madison and also includes the southcentral Wisconsin city of Milton.

o State Senate: During the next legislative session, Republicans will have 22 members and the Democrats will have 11 members. Senate Republicans gained one Senate seat that was held by Democrats. This seat is located in far northwest Wisconsin and includes the community of Superior.

· Assembly and Senate Elect Leadership

On November 10, both the Senate and Assembly Republican caucuses met to elect their respective leadership teams for the 2023-2024 legislative session.

Senate Republicans re-elected their current senior leadership team:

o Senate President – Chris Kapenga (Delafield)

o Senate President Pro-Tempore – Patrick Testin (Stevens Point)

o Majority Leader – Devin LeMahieu (Oostburg)

o Assistant Majority Leader – Dan Feyen (Fond du Lac)

The Assembly Republican caucus elected several members to new senior leadership roles. The new senior leadership members are:

o Assembly Speaker – Robin Vos (Rochester)

o Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore – Kevin Petersen (Waupaca)

o Majority Leader – Tyler August (Lake Geneva)

o Assistant Majority Leader – Jon Plumer (Lodi)

During the week of November 14, both the Assembly and Senate Democratic caucuses elected their respective leadership teams for the 2023-2024 legislative session. Senate Democrats also elected new members to their leadership team. Their new senior leadership team is:

o Minority Leader – Melissa Agard (Madison)

o Assistant Minority Leader – Jeff Smith (Brunswick)

Assembly Democrats re-elected the following members to their current leadership roles:

o Minority Leader – Greta Neubauer (Racine)

o Assistant Minority Leader – Kalan Haywood (Milwaukee)

· Occupational License Study Committee Update

On Tuesday, November 15, the Legislative Council Study Committee on Occupational Licenses held its November public meeting. Included in the agenda for this hearing was testimony from a number of individuals, including representatives from the state Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) – which processes most occupational credentials in the state – as well as discussion on several draft bills intended to improve the ongoing occupational credential processing backlog. Most of the testimony from the DSPS representatives focused on this backlog.

During the hearing, DSPS representatives repeatedly underscored their need for more staff – particularly call center staff and occupational credential processing staff. They also discussed the need to offer higher salaries in order to attract and retain employees. Committee chair/Senator Rob Stafsholt (R-New Richmond) indicated that he is open to possibly providing more funding in the 2023-2024 state budget to DSPS to hire more staff. However, he underscored the committee’s prior request for more data on the processing backlog, which would help him justify that funding request. DSPS representatives stated a few times during the hearing that they would need to re-task credential processing employees to gather that data, which would likely increase the backlog. Chair Stafsholt stated that he realized that but obtaining that data would be critical to help to possibly secure additional staff funding for the agency. Committee Vice Chair/Representative Shae Sortwell (R-Two Rivers) also appeared to be open to providing funding for additional agency staff but also agreed that DSPS needed to provide them with more data on the backlog first.

DSPS representatives appeared to be supportive of committee draft legislation increasing credential renewal periods from two years to four years, as well as legislation that removes the requirement for the agency to review certain types of minor criminal offenses. However, they also noted that several of the committee’s other draft bills would require additional staffing to accomplish.

After hearing all of the testimony, the committee was scheduled to have a discussion among themselves regarding their various draft bills addressing this processing backlog. However, as the DSPS testimony and questioning ran much longer than anticipated, the committee agreed to adjourn and postpone discussion on these draft bills to their next public meeting, which is scheduled for December 13.

NOTE: If your hospice/palliative care agency has employees who are experiencing delays in receiving their occupational licenses, please contact WiHPCA’s government affairs professionals – either Nathan Butzlaff at (608) 310-8833 or nathan@hovenconsulting.com or Tim Hoven at (414) 305-2011 or tim@hovenconsulting.com.

· Uniform Death Reporting Standards Study Committee Update

The Legislative Council Study Committee on Uniform Death Reporting Standards held a meeting on October 17 in Madison. Senator Joan Ballweg (R-Markesan) and Representative Jesse James (R-Altoona) serve as chair and vice chair, respectively, and heard various presentations, which are summarized below.

Representatives from the state Department of Health Services (DHS) were the first to present at this hearing. They discussed the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) and the State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System (SUDORS). In response to questions from committee members, DHS representatives noted: (1) DHS requests NVDRS data from all counties, and most participate, though such participation is not required and (2) a significant majority of physicians continue to use a “fax attestation form” when certifying the cause and manner of natural deaths, rather than submitting that information as an electronic user of the State Vital Records Information System (SVRIS).

The second presentation featured representatives from the state Department of Justice. Much of this presentation covered the types of death investigation training offered in Wisconsin. In particular, they discussed: (1) the death investigation training provided at police academies, (2) an annual 80-hour course for death investigators organized by DOJ and (3) an annual four-day death investigation symposium organized by the Wisconsin Association of Homicide Investigators.

Following the presentations, committee members discussed various issues. Committee members expressed interest/support for the following:

o Expanding the death record to include different data points, including noting whether substance abuse contributed to the death.

o Requiring physicians to receive training on how to properly certify cause and manner of death, including training how to address the types of death that must be reported to coroners or medical examiners.

o Requiring all those who certify deaths (e.g., physicians) to submit the medical certification electronically using the State Vital Records Information System (SVRIS).

o Creating a state statute governing fatality review teams in a manner codifying current practice (allowing counties to decide which types of teams, if any, are created).

Federal Government Extends COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 14:16:58 GMT

Last week, US Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra announced the renewal of the public health emergency (PHE) due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The PHE was originally declared on January 31, 2020 and has been renewed continuously since then. Renewal of the PHE keeps a number of important waivers and flexibilities active. The current PHE declaration will last 90 days from its effective date of October 13, 2022.

Be an Effective Advocate for Hospice and Palliative Care: Sign-up TODAY for WiHPCA’s Legislative Key Contact Program; Legislative Outreach Program

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 19:23:20 GMT

WiHPCA Legislative Key Contact Program

WiHPCA Legislative Outreach Program

The initiative is designed to help connect members with their local legislators. Under the program, the WiHPCA Government Affairs Team will set-up in-district meetings between WiHPCA members and state lawmakers who represent them in the Legislature. These meetings, which can be located at your facility, or a local coffee shop provide a tremendous opportunity for WiHPCA members to build or strengthen their relationships with local legislators and to educate them on hospice and palliative care and on policy issues important to hospice professionals and their patients.

WiHPCA encourages all members to participate in this critical grassroots advocacy program. Please click here for more information on the program. If you’re interested in participating in the program, contact the WiHPCA office at wihpca@badgerbay.co if you’re interested in participating.

Regulatory Wrap-Up: Overview of Oct. 6 WiHPCA Quarterly DQA Meeting Scheduled

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 19:22:36 GMT

Earlier this month, WiHPCA held its third quarter meeting with the WI Department of Health Services’ Division of Quality Assurance (DQA). We are pleased to report there was record high turnout for the meeting, which was held virtually on Oct. 6.

The purpose of the DQA quarterly meetings are to create an opportunity for WiHPCA members and other hospice and palliative care professionals in Wisconsin to build and maintain a strong working relationship with a key state regulatory agency that can impact our industry. The meetings continue to provide our members with valuable regulatory information and updates, as well as a unique chance to engage DQA staff, asks questions, and request guidance.

For members who were not able to attend the oct. 6 meeting, please find below a high-level overview of the DQA’s quarterly report:

Hospice Surveys
Total Surveys: 9
Recertification Surveys: 5
Complaint Surveys: 4
Complaints Overview: Six complaints received
Four complaints investigated
Seven unique allegations
Four complaints substantiated related to:
Patient abuse
Nursing service
Quality Care
Misappropriation of property
Top Deficiencies
Content of plan of care
Fire protection
Notice of rights and responsibilities
Care planning coordination
Executive responsibilities
Prevention / infection control
Governing body and administrator
Professional management responsibility
Physical environment of services
Hospice plan of care

DQA also provided a link to a summary of recent changes to Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

For more information, please CLICK HEREto visit the DHS Hospice Statistics webpage.

Help Advance Key Palliative Care and Hospice Legislation in Congress

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 19:21:49 GMT

As a hospice professional and member of WiHPCA, your role in advocacy – both in the halls of Congress and at the State Capitol – is essential to our success in shaping public policies that affect hospice and palliative care. No one is better positioned than you and your colleagues to educate legislators and regulators on issues important to WiHPCA.

Thankfully, being an effective advocate can be quick and easy with the support of WiHPCA and our national partners. When it comes to advocating on federal issues, theNational Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s Hospice Action Network (HAN) enables you to contact your Members of Congress on issues of importance to the hospice community. And it only takes a few moments of your time!

Please take advantage of the HAN Legislative Action Center to urge Congress to support the following key federal legislative proposals currently being considered in Washington:

· The Palliative Care & Hospice Education and Training Act (PCHETA) – This proposal is the most important hospice and palliative care workforce investment legislation currently being considered in Congress. Among other things, PCHETA would increase the number of permanent faculty in palliative care at accredited medical, nursing, and social work schools, and other programs; promote education, research, and training in palliative care and hospice care delivery, and bolster the development of careers in academic palliative and hospice medicine.

If you haven’t already, please act on PCHETA today! Simply CLICK HERE to contact your Members of Congress and urge them to support this important legislation through the Hospice Action Network’s Legislative Action Center.

· Expanding Access to Palliative Care Act – This bipartisan proposal would direct the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) to create a Community-Based Palliative Care model demonstration, which would test the impact of offering palliative care concurrently with cure-focused treatment.

If you haven’t already, please act on the Expanding Access to Palliative Care Act today! Simply CLICK HERE to contact your Members of Congress and urge them to support this important legislation through the Hospice Action Network’s Legislative Action Center.

Hospice News Reel

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 19:21:01 GMT

WiHPCA is happy to remind members about and provide links to the latest articles and information from Hospice News and other publications:

· Focus Group Study: 30% Believe Hospice Intentionally Hastens Death

By Holly Vossel | October 21, 2022

About 30% of participants in a recent study said they believe that “hospice intentionally hastens death and the dying process.” The data appeared in a recently developed evidence-based serious illness messaging toolkit from the MessageLab Serious Illness Messaging Project. The toolkit identifies new approaches for hospice and palliative care providers to break down barriers of public misperception and apprehension of their services. Read more…

· Hospice Workers ‘Crave’ Safety, Connection, Efficiency

By Jim Parker | October 3, 2022

As the hospice labor pool continues to dwindle, employers are seeking to understand what their workers need to continue on in the field. Researchers from Transcend Strategy Group have developed a stratified “hierarchy of needs” for hospice workers, based on data showing what those employees value most. Transcend found that the top priorities for hospice staff include financial security, safe working conditions, being empowered to focus on what matters, a sense of belonging, purpose and passion, and fulfillment in their work. Read more…

· Palliative Care Needs a Defined Scope to Expand Access, Reimbursement

By Holly Vossel | October 20, 2022

A primary barrier for patient and family access to palliative care is a lack of standardized definition and payment mechanism. Without an established palliative care benefit or universally recognized definition in place, care delivery models, patient experiences and reimbursement of palliative care services vary widely across the nation. Read more…

· How the US Will Revamp Family Caregiver Support

By Jim Parker | October 7, 2022

Without family caregivers, many hospice patients would be unable to receive care in their homes. To help keep patients at home — the lowest-cost setting of care — the federal government recently unveiled a National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers, which has more than two decade’s worth of advocacy behind it. Read more…

· CMMI Working on Payment Models That Include Palliative Care

By Jim Parker | October 3, 2022

The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) is developing new reimbursement pathways for palliative care. As part of that process, CMMI is applying elements of its Medicare Care Choices Model (MCCM) demonstration, which ended Dec. 31, 2021, according to a new CMMI white paper. MCCM was designed to test the impact of concurrent hospice and curative care. Read more…

Hospice News, which is part of the Aging Media Network, is a leading source for news and information covering the hospice industry.

In Case You Missed It: WiHPCA Unveils 2023-24 Policy Agenda

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 19:19:59 GMT

Earlier this year, you had an opportunity to respond to WiHPCA’s Legislative and Regulatory Priorities survey, allowing you to provide your input on what policy issues are most important to you, your organization, and the Wisconsin hospice and palliative care industry. The purpose of surveying the membership was to collect valuable data to help association leadership develop the WiHPCA policy agenda and determine what legislative and regulatory issues the organization should make a priority in 2023-2024.

Together, with your feedback as the foundation of the decision-making process, the WiHPCA Legislative Committee and Board considered the following criteria when finalizing the association’s policy agenda and issue priorities: 1.) The benefit to WiHPCA members; 3.) The extent to which it will improve hospice and palliative care in Wisconsin; and 3.) The likelihood of legislative/regulatory success.

With that in mind, WiHPCA is pleased to present members with our 2023-24 Policy Agenda, which will be used to guide the association’s advocacy efforts over the next two years.

The WiHPCA Policy Agenda provides a broad policy vision for advancing hospice and palliative care in Wisconsin and identifies the following specific legislative and regulatory goals for 2023-24:

Educate the Wisconsin congressional delegation and state lawmakers on the potential negative impact the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation VBID “Hospice Carve-In” pilot program could have on the long-term viability of hospice care in Wisconsin.

Educate key state policymakers – including federal and state lawmakers and the WI Department of Health Services – on the inequity of the nursing home room and board Medicaid pass-through billing requirement imposed on hospice care. The ultimate goal is to eliminate or reduce the negative impact of the current policy.

Promote public awareness and increase policy influence of palliative care, such as the creation of state palliative care advisory council.

Thank you to all WiHPCA members who reponed to the Legislative and Regulatory Priorities survey. Your feedback was invaluable to our policy agenda development process

WiHPCA Government Affairs Report

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 19:15:54 GMT

By Hoven Consulting – WiHPCA’s lobbying firm

New Marquette Law School Poll Released on October 12

On October 12, Marquette Law School released a new statewide election poll, which was conducted between October 3-9. The following poll findings may be of interest:

Gubernatorial Race

This poll asked likely Wisconsin voters about their preferred candidate for this year’s governor’s race. The poll found the following:

· Governor Tony Evers (Democrat): 47%

· Tim Michels (Republicans): 46%

· Joan Beglinger (Independent): 4%

o NOTE: Joan Beglinger ended her gubernatorial campaign in early September and endorsed Republican candidate Tim Michels. However, her name will remain on the November general election ballot.

The October poll also asked respondents if they approved or disapproved of how Governor Evers is handling his job. The poll found the following:

Governor Tony Evers

· Job Approval: 46%

· Job Disapproval: 48%

· No Opinion: 5%

U.S. Senate Race

This poll asked likely Wisconsin voters about their preferred candidate for this year’s U.S. Senate race. The poll found the following:

· Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes (Democrat): 46%

· U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (Republican): 52%

The poll also asked respondents if they have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes and U.S. Senator Ron Johnson. The poll found the following:

Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes (Democrat)

· Favorable: 39%

· Unfavorable: 40%

· Haven’t heard enough: 15%

· Don’t know: 6%

U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (Republican)

· Favorable: 41%

· Unfavorable: 45%

· Haven’t heard enough: 9%

· Don’t know: 4%

· WiHPCA Presents Legislative Awards

Under WiHPCA’s legislative awards program, state and/or federal legislators who demonstrate support for policies that advance hospice and palliative care in Wisconsin and are aligned with WiHPCA’s mission are eligible to receive one of WiHPCA’s legislative awards. WiHPCA has the following two award categories: 1) Champion of Hospice and Palliative Care and 2) Friend of Hospice and Palliative Care. The awards are given out every two years, following the end of each legislative session.

The selection process for WiHPCA’s legislative awards is based on several factors, including bills authored and co-sponsored, responsiveness to WiHPCA issues, voting record on legislation important to WiHPCA, and legislative leadership and key committee positions.

Award Selection Process

Lawmakers who display exceptional support of WiHPCA and hospice and palliative care in Wisconsin are eligible for recognition as a Champion of Hospice and Palliative Care. Lawmakers who display general support of WiHPCA and hospice and palliative care in Wisconsin are eligible for recognition as a Friend of Hospice and Palliative Care.

WiHPCA has unveiled a list of lawmakers the organization is honoring for their work during 2021-2022.

The following lawmaker has been recognized as a Champion of Hospice and Palliative Care:

· U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (Wisconsin)

WiHPCA has recognized the following lawmakers as Friends of Hospice and Palliative Care:

· State Rep. Rick Gundrum (Slinger)

· State Rep. Donna Rozar (Marshfield)

· Legislative Council Study Committee on Occupational Licenses - Update

This study committee’s most recent meeting occurred on Wednesday, October 12. During the meeting, committee members expressed frustration with the state Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) for their ongoing occupational license processing delays, as well as the limited amount of information the agency has provided to the study committee. As such, there was discussion of potentially moving the responsibility of processing certain licenses to other state agencies (e.g., moving health care-related licenses to the state Department of Health Services).

Other committee members stated their support to provide authority to DSPS to use more of their fee revenue to hire additional employees to assist with processing delays. Interestingly, Committee Chair/Senator Rob Stafsholt noted that he does not oppose providing DSPS with the authority to hire more staff. However, he would like the agency to provide the legislature with data to justify that. Also, Chair Stafsholt and Vice Chair/Rep. Shae Sortwell noted their support for universal licensure recognition.

A list of committee members, the full meeting agenda, as well as written presentations may be viewed on the legislature’s website. This committee’s next public meeting will occur on Tuesday, November 15 in Madison.

Be an Effective Advocate for Home Health Care: Sign-up TODAY for WiHPCA’s Legislative Key Contact Program; Legislative Outreach Program

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 19:35:25 GMT

WiHPCA Legislative Key Contact Program

WiAHC Legislative Outreach Program

The initiative is designed to help connect members with their local legislators. Under the program, the WiHPCA Government Affairs Team will set-up in-district meetings between WiHPCA members and state lawmakers who represent them in the Legislature. These meetings, which can be located at your facility, or a local coffee shop provide a tremendous opportunity for WiHPCA members to build or strengthen their relationships with local legislators and to educate them on hospice and palliative care and on policy issues important to hospice professionals and their patients.

DON’T FORGET TO REGISTER: WiHPCA Quarterly DQA Meeting to be Held on Oct. 6

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 19:34:47 GMT

Don’t miss out on WiHPCA’s next quarterly meeting with the WI Department of Health Services’ Division of Quality Assurance (DQA), which is scheduled for Thursday October 6, at 10:00 A.M. The meeting will be held virtually and is open to all WiHPCA members and hospice professionals across Wisconsin. Registration is now open – simply CLICK HERE to register.

The purpose of the DQA quarterly meetings is to create an opportunity for hospice and palliative care professionals to build and maintain a strong working relationship with a key state regulatory agency that can impact our industry. For members who have not had an opportunity to attend previous quarterly meetings, they provide members with valuable regulatory information and updates, as well as a unique chance to engage DQA staff, asks questions, and request guidance. Here are the meeting details:

Date: Thursday, October 6, 2022
Time: 10:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.
Location: Virtual meeting

If you have questions that you would like to be answered during the meeting, please submit them in advance HERE.

Also, you can CLICK HERE to visit the DHS Hospice Statistics webpage, which includes vital hospice regulatory data for the calendar year through 2021.

In Case You Missed It: Help Advance the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act (PCHETA) in Congress

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 19:34:22 GMT

As was reported in past issues of the WiHPCA Advocacy Newsletter, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) have reintroduced the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act (PCHETA), a bipartisan bill to grow, improve and sustain the palliative and hospice care workforce to keep pace with patients’ needs and to help improve the well-being of Americans with life-threatening illnesses and their families (a one pager on the bill is available here).

More importantly, you can help advance this important federal legislation through the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s Hospice Action Network.

As palliative care needs increased, the number of professionals and providers needed to fulfill patient needs has not kept pace. Senators Baldwin and Capito’s PCHETA will help build a health care workforce more closely aligned with the nation’s evolving health care needs and improve care and quality of life for millions of Americans facing serious illness by focusing on three key areas:

· Workforce Training: Ensure we have education centers, curricula, and teachers to expand interdisciplinary training in palliative and hospice care and establish programs to attract and retain providers.

· Education and Awareness: Share resources and information to ensure that patients, families and health professionals are informed about the benefits of palliative care and the services that are available to support patients with serious or life-threatening illness.

· Enhanced Research: Direct NIH to use existing authorities and funds to expand palliative care research to advance clinical practice and improve care delivery for patients with serious or life-threatening illness.

If you haven’t already, please take action on PCHETA today! Simple CLICK HERE to contact your Members of Congress and urge them to support this important legislation through the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s Hospice Action Network.

Hospice News Reel

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 19:33:32 GMT

WiHPCA is happy to remind members about and provide links to the latest articles and information from Hospice News and other publications:

· More Medical Schools Investing in Palliative Care Education

By Holly Vossel | September 21, 2022

Palliative care education programs are gaining speed regionally, leading some to hope for a “domino effect” that would spur further growth. Without widespread change, demand for palliative care in the United States is projected to outstrip the supply of the clinicians trained to provide it during the next decade. A key barrier to building that workforce is that most clinicians receive little to no exposure to those types of care during their training. Read more…

· US Senate Takes Up Supporting Our Seniors Act

By Jim Parker | September 20, 2022

U.S. Sens. Jacky Rosen (D-N.V.) and John Boozman (R-Ark.) have introduced a bill that would establish a national committee to study long-term care in the United States. While private residences are the most frequently occurring location of care for hospice patients, long-term care facilities come in second, followed by assisted living facilities, according to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). Patients in nursing homes on average were in hospice for 109 days of care in 2019, compared to 95 days among those receiving services in a private residence and 161 days in assisted living. Read more…

· Congress Takes Up Bill to Expand Advance Care Planning

By Jim Parker | September 16, 2022

U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner (D-Va.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) have introduced a bill designed to foster greater access to advance care planning (ACP) among Medicare beneficiaries. If enacted, the Improving Access to Advance Care Planning Act would permit social workers to conduct ACP services, remove co-pays and patient fees, and promote provider education about associated billing codes. The bill also contains provisions to improve reporting on barriers to ACP utilization. Read more…

· How an Advance Care Planning Bill Could Impact Hospices and Medicare

By Jim Parker | September 19, 2022

Recent federal advance care planning legislation could boost utilization and provide more insights into goal-concordant care at the end of life, though the bill may face opposition due to potential costs. Last week U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner (D-Va.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) introduced the Improving Access to Advance Care Planning Act to the Senate designed to promote greater access to those services among Medicare beneficiaries. Similar legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.)

Hospice News, which is part of the Aging Media Network, is a leading source for news and information covering the hospice industry.

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Receives WiHPCA’s Legislative Award

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 19:31:43 GMT

The Wisconsin Hospice and Palliative Care Association recently presented U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin) with the organization’s 2022 “Champion of Hospice and Palliative Care” legislative award for her leadership in Congress on policies to strengthen the delivery of critical hospice and palliative care in Wisconsin and across the country. The award was presented to Sen. Balwin’s staff at the Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg, WI.

“Senator Balwin has long been front and center on policy issues impacting hospice and palliative care, and we are thrilled to present her with our legislative award. It is certainly well-deserved,” said Lynne Sexten, WiHPCA Board Chair and President & CEO of Agrace Hospice. “As someone who was a primary caregiver to an elderly relative, Senator Baldwin knows firsthand the challenges and needs of our industry, and we certainly appreciate her work on behalf of the patients and families we serve.”

The “Champion of Hospice and Palliative Care” award is presented every two years to Wisconsin policymakers who exemplify WiHPCA’s mission of ensuring optimal outcomes and growing access to care for individuals facing life-limiting illness. Sen. Baldwin is the single recipient of the award in 2022. Lawmakers who receive the award must have exhibited an exceptional commitment to supporting hospice and palliative care based on several factors, including voting record, sponsorship of legislation, and responsiveness to critical issues important to the industry.

Senator Baldwin has long advocated in the halls of Congress for hospice and palliative care patients and their families and has been a strong supporter of hospice and palliative care providers. Most recently, Baldwin authored the bipartisan Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act to strengthen the hospice and palliative care workforce to meet growing demand for care for Americans facing life-threatening illnesses.

“There is a significant need to grow our nation’s hospice and palliative care workforce, so it is important for WiHPCA to recognize Senator Baldwin for her leadership on the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act,” concluded Sexten.

Following the award presentation, WiHPCA Board members Lynne Sexton, Karen Carrig, and Carrie Schepp, along with the WiHPCA Government Affairs Team, met with key members of Sen. Baldwin’s staff to discuss the association most pressing federal issues. The issues discussed included our concerns with the CMS Value-Based Insurance Design (VBID) “Hospice Carve-In” pilot program, the administrative and financial burden of the nursing home room and board Medicaid pass-through billing requirement imposed on hospice care, and the need for expanded hospice telehealth flexibility.

WiHPCA Government Affairs Report

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 19:13:04 GMT

By Hoven Consulting – WiHPCA’s lobbying firm

New Marquette Law School Poll Released on September 14

On September 14, Marquette Law School released a new statewide political poll. Please fond below an overview of the poll’s key findings:

Gubernatorial Race – The poll, which was conducted from September 6-11 asked Wisconsin voters their preference for governor:

Governor Tony Evers (Democrat): 47%
Tim Michels (Republicans): 44%
Joan Beglinger (Independent): 5%

NOTE: Joan Beglinger ended her gubernatorial campaign on September 6, 2022 and endorsed Republican candidate Tim Michels. However, her name will remain on the November general election ballot.

The September poll also asked respondents if they approved or disapproved of how Governor Evers is handling his job. The poll found the following:

Approval: 44%
Disapproval: 47%
No opinion: 8%

U.S. Senate Race – The poll asked Wisconsin voters about their preferred candidate for this year’s U.S. Senate race. The poll found the following:
- Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes (Democrat): 48%
- U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (Republican): 49%

The poll also asked respondents if they have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes and U.S. Senator Ron Johnson. The poll found the following:

Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes (Democrat):
- Favorable: 33%
- Unfavorable: 32%
- Haven’t heard enough: 25%
- Don’t know: 9%

U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (Republican):
- Favorable: 39%
- Unfavorable: 47%
- Haven’t heard enough: 11%
- Don’t know: 3%

Legislative Council Study Committee on Uniform Death Reporting Standards - Update

The Legislative Council Study Committee on Uniform Death Reporting Standards held its second meeting on Wednesday, August 17 at the Capitol building in Madison. Senator Joan Ballweg (R-Markesan) and Representative Jesse James (R-Altoona) serve as Senate and Assembly co-chairs, respectively, and heard from various presenters, which are summarized below.

The committee heard from the Dane County chief medical examiner, who discussed staffing concerns, particularly the shortage of coroners and medical examiners in Wisconsin. She also mentioned the challenge of having high caseloads.

Then, representatives from the Wisconsin Funeral Directors Association and the Funeral Service & Cremation Alliance of Wisconsin made a joint presentation to the committee. Both presenters discussed their involvement in completing death records. In particular, they described that they receive information about the cause of death from physicians or – in certain cases – medical examiners or coroners. They noted several problems: (1) experiencing delays in receiving cause of death information from physicians, even though they are required to provide this information within five days and (2) difficulty in reading the information provided by physicians, as this is often sent via fax.

Representatives from the National Center for Fatality Review & Prevention showed committee members their case reporting system, a web-based standardized case report tool that is available to all states. It allows local and state government users to enter data and create standardized reports with respect to fetal, infant and child death data. Some committee members expressed concern that people outside of local and state government who are working on these issues are not able to access this website (or “dashboard”). National Center staff responded that this dashboard is new, as it was rolled out during the COVID-19 pandemic. Co-Chair Ballweg asked if they could provide dashboard access to local/non-profit partners who work on these issues.

The presenter from the Colorado Department of Public Health discussed her agency’s work on developing a child suicide death reporting form. In particular, she discussed how they offered “mini-grants” to coroner/medical examiner offices in the state to assist them with the processing of these forms.

Michael Staley, of the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, discussed how collecting suicide data is easier in Utah since they have a very centralized system. Specifically, any death in Utah under the purview of a medical examiner gets reported to a central office in Salt Lake City. In Utah, his agency also has the authority to request nearly any kind of state and local record related to death. In addition, he discussed the interview his agency performs with the next of kin in the case of suicide deaths – he referred to such an interview as a “psychological autopsy.” Generally, they try to perform such interviews about two weeks after a death but definitely no longer than 12 months after a death.

After the presenters were finished, committee members discussed several issues. The discussion focused on fatality-related data – standardization of data, the confidentiality of data and format of data submitted to government agencies. In particular, it was mentioned that in the case of other states, counties share fatality data when states have laws in place that explicitly allow for that. There have been unsuccessful attempts to move such legislation in Wisconsin in previous years. The data format discussion focused on how smaller entities – including hospices, funeral homes, hospitals, and law enforcement agencies – still fill out forms by hand and fax forms, instead of sending such data to county public health departments in an electronic format. It was noted that this is a big problem.

A list of committee members, the full meeting agenda, as well as written presentations may be viewed on the legislature’s website.

This study committee’s next meeting was initially scheduled to occur on October 4. However, Co-Chair Ballweg mentioned during the meeting that she is going to try to reschedule that meeting date. Once it is scheduled, the next meeting date will be posted on the committee’s page on the legislature’s website. Once again, the full meeting will likely be streamed live on www.wiseye.org.

Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee Approves Modified Spending Plan for Opioid Settlement Funds

On Thursday, September 8, 2022, the legislature’s Joint Finance Committee (JFC) on Thursday voted 16-0 to modify a plan to spend $31 million in funds from an opioid lawsuit settlement. DHS initially submitted a spending proposal to JFC in July 2022, but an anonymous JFC member objected, resulting in the September 8 committee meeting and vote.

The committee’s changes to the DHS plan include:

Providing $3 million for law enforcement agencies, with $1 million reserved for those in counties or municipalities with 70,000 or fewer people.
Adding $1 million more to the plan for medication-assisted treatment, bring the total to $2 million.
Providing $1 million to expand the state's “hub and spoke” pilot model for Medicaid recipients with substance use disorders and other medical conditions that pose barriers to their recovery.
Providing $750,000 for prevention efforts by the Boys & Girls Club of Wisconsin.
Reducing the plan’s $11 million for capital projects to $10 million, requiring DHS to support a capital project expanding beds for inpatient treatment of pregnant and postpartum women like the expansion of Meta House in Milwaukee, and mandating the state agency to distribute at least 30 percent of the remaining funds for projects in counties with fewer than 500,000 residents.
Cutting $2 million from the plan to pilot family support centers that would have helped family members and friends of people who are actively using drugs, have experienced an overdose or died from an overdose.
Reducing the plan’s amount for school-based substance use prevention curriculums and programs from $2 million to $250,000.
Cutting $1 million from the plan for local public health departments and community organizations to address the root causes behind substance use.
Requiring DHS to report to the committee by the end of the year and on a quarterly basis on their progress in awarding funds and how much recipients have spent.

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Receives WiHPCA’s Champion of Hospice and Palliative Care Legislative Award

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 20:55:46 GMT

(L to R: Carrie Schepp, Vitas Healthcare; Justin Williams, Southcentral Regional Representative for U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin; Karen Carrig, Rainbow Hospice Care; and Lynn Sexton, Agrace Hospice)

Kimberly, WI – The Wisconsin Hospice and Palliative Care Association (WiHPCA) recently presented U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin) with the organization’s 2022 “Champion of Hospice and Palliative Care” legislative award for her leadership in Congress on policies to strengthen the delivery of critical hospice and palliative care in Wisconsin and across the country. The award was presented to Sen. Balwin’s staff at the Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg, WI.

The Wisconsin Hospice and Palliative Care Association (WiHPCA), a statewide membership-based association, is the only organization representing hospice and palliative care providers in Wisconsin. WiHPCA was established to offer resources and support for provider members, promote public awareness, and improve the delivery of hospice and palliative care throughout the state.

Help Advocate for Home Health Care: Sign-up for WiHPCA’s Coffee Conversations with Legislators Program

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 20:41:25 GMT

The initiative is designed to help connect members with their local legislators. Under the program, the WiHPCA Government Affairs Team will set-up in-district meetings between WiHPCA members and state lawmakers who represent them in the Legislature. These meetings, which can be located at your facility, or a local coffee shop provide a tremendous opportunity for WiHPCA members to build or strengthen their relationships with local legislators and to educate them on hospice and palliative care and on policy issues important to hospice professionals and their patients.

SAVE THE DATE: Next WiHPCA Quarterly DQA Meeting Scheduled for Oct. 6

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 20:40:47 GMT

Mark your calendars… WiHPCA’s next quarterly meeting with the WI Department of Health Services’ Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) is scheduled for Thursday October 6, at 10:00 A.M. The meeting will be held virtually and is open to all WiHPCA members and hospice professionals across Wisconsin. Registration will open soon.

The purpose of the DQA quarterly meetings is to create an opportunity for hospice and palliative care professionals to build and maintain a strong working relationship with a key state regulatory agency that can impact our industry. For members who have not had an opportunity to attend previous quarterly meetings, they provide members with valuable regulatory information and updates, as well as a unique chance to engage DQA staff, asks questions, and request guidance. Here are the meeting details:

Date: Thursday, October 6, 2022
Time: 10:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.
Location: Virtual meeting

Again, registration will open soon. In the meantime, CLICK HERE to visit the DHS Hospice Statistics webpage, which includes vital hospice regulatory data for the calendar year through 2021.

Lastly, at the June 28 DQA-WiHPCA quarterly meeting, the regulatory agency invited WiPHCA to review the state’s hospice interface document, the findings of which will be used to update the document. If you are interested in assisting with this important project and use your experience and expertise to review the hospice interface document, please contact the WiHPCA office at wihpca@badgerbay.co.

Help Advance the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act (PCHETA) in Congress

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 20:39:58 GMT

More importantly, you can help advance this important federal legislation through the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s Hospice Action Network.

Hospice News Reel

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 20:38:46 GMT

WiHPCA is happy to remind members about and provide links to the latest articles and information from Hospice News and other publications:

· Congress Mulls Bills to Investigate Travel Nurse Agency Business Practices

By Jim Parker | August 19, 2022

Many hospices have relied heavily on travel nurse agencies to reinforce their clinical teams during the pandemic. Now, a pair of bills currently before Congress would require a federal study of those agencies’ impact on health care. The Travel Nursing Agency Transparency Study Act would instruct the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study the ways contract nursing companies have done business during the past two years, including accusations of price gouging. Read more…

· CMS: Hospice Recertification Via Telehealth Ends with COVID PHE

By Jim Parker | August 18, 2022

The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has reiterated that the agency will not allow hospices to use telehealth to recertify patients after the COVID-19 public health emergency expires. CMS published a blog and a series of fact sheets today that the agency described as a “roadmap” for health care providers to navigate the regulatory changes that will come when the PHE ends. This includes the fate of 1135 waivers that established temporary regulatory flexibility to help providers roll with the pandemic’s punches. Read more…

· Editorial: Fixing the Flaws in Palliative Care Laws

By Jim Parker | August 18, 2022

State laws passed during the last 10 years to promote palliative care have had little impact to date, according to sources interviewed by Hospice News. But that doesn’t mean we should throw the proverbial baby out with the bathwater. As they battle persistent misconceptions about their work, hospice and palliative providers must take every opportunity to make themselves heard, with every ounce of support they can get from lawmakers and others who are in a position to move policy forward. This is essential to their organizational growth and to getting suffering patients the care they need. Read more…

· From Sea to Shining Sea: State Palliative Care Laws Yield Mixed Results

By Jim Parker | August 17, 2022

Stretching back more than a decade, a rising number of states have passed laws designed to raise awareness of hospice and palliative care, but to date, few if any have achieved measurable results. The reasons for this run the gamut. During the past two years, for instance, state governments and health care organizations have been almost unavoidably focused on the COVID-pandemic. Read more…

· Medicare Claims for Unrelated Services Put Hospices at Risk

By Holly Vossel | August 17, 2022

Medicare claims for unrelated services creates serious financial and legal risks for hospice providers — even if they are not the ones who sent the bill. During recent years, payouts for non-hospice services provided to Medicare beneficiaries have tipped into the billions. Investigators have urged regulators to ramp up oversight of potentially inappropriate billing practices. The vast majority of the time, the hospice is not the organization billing for services outside of the benefit, but these practices and the regulatory response impacts them nevertheless. Read more…

Hospice News, which is part of the Aging Media Network, is a leading source for news and information covering the hospice industry.

WiHPCA Government Affairs Report

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 20:22:33 GMT

By Hoven Consulting – WiHPCA’s lobbying firm

Legislative Council Study Committee on Occupational Licenses - Update

The Legislative Council Study Committee on Occupational Licenses held its first hearing on August 2, 2022, at the Capitol building in Madison. The committee first received an overview from the Legislative Council Staff, then a briefing from the Legislative Fiscal Bureau, a briefing from the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), and finally by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).

Many of the questions for NCSL centered on the licensing process, interstate compacts, universal licensing, and reciprocal licensing. Questions for DSPS centered on staffing, the time required for licensure, issues with applications, legal reviews (crimes and ordinance violations) and additional barriers to timely and efficient license.

Following the testimony, study committee members discussed the following items:

Duplication of background checks on applicants (credentials and hiring company)
Insurance requirements for practice
Number of applications being processed and approved (DSPS Stats)
Reciprocal license, universal license and compacts

This committee’s next meeting will occur on September 27, 2022, in Madison. For more information about this committee, please visit the committee’s website.

August 9 Primary Election Update

The following is a summary of the results of the August 9 primary election:

As expected, Democratic Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes won his primary and will face incumbent Republican U.S. Senator Ron Johnson in November.
In the most contested race for the U.S. House of Representatives in Wisconsin, incumbent Democratic State Senator Brad Pfaff won the Democratic primary and will face Republican Derrick Van Orden in western Wisconsin’s Third Congressional District. Retiring U.S. Rep. Ron Kind (D) currently represents this district.

By a margin of 5 percent, Tim Michels prevailed in the Republican gubernatorial primary over former Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch and will face incumbent Democratic Governor Tony Evers in November.

In the race for Lieutenant Governor, State Rep. Sarah Rodriguez of Brookfield won the Democratic primary and State Senator Roger Roth of Appleton prevailed in a crowded Republican primary.
In the State Assembly, all incumbent Republicans facing primary challengers won their respective races, including Assembly Speaker Robin Vos of Rochester, who faced Adam Steen. Adam had received the endorsement of former President Donald Trump in the closing weeks of the primary campaign over concerns related to the 2020 election.
In the State Senate, incumbent Republican Senator – and Senate Majority Leader – Devin LeMahieu of the Sheboygan area prevailed against two opponents. Also, incumbent Republican Senator Van Wanggaard of Racine won his race against a primary opponent.

· New Marquette Law School Poll Released on August 17

On August 17, Marquette Law School released a new statewide political poll. The following poll findings may be of interest.

Gubernatorial Race

This poll, which was conducted from August 10-15 – after the August 9 primary election – asked Wisconsin voters their preference for governor:

Governor Tony Evers (Democrat): 45%
Tim Michels (Republicans): 43%
Joan Beglinger (Independent): 7%

The August poll also asked respondents if they approved or disapproved of how Governor Evers is handling his job. His approval rating was 47%, his disapproval rating is 45%, and 8% did not have an opinion.

U.S. Senate Race

This poll asked Wisconsin voters about their preferred candidate for this year’s U.S. Senate race. The poll found the following:

Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes (Democrat): 51%
U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (Republican): 44%

The poll also asked respondents if they have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes and U.S. Senator Ron Johnson. The poll found the following:

Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes (Democrat)
- Favorable: 37%
- Unfavorable: 22%
- Haven’t heard enough: 30%
- Don’t know: 11%

U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (Republican)
- Favorable: 38%
- Unfavorable: 47%
- Haven’t heard enough: 9%
- Don’t know: 6%

Issue Polling

The August poll also asked questions regarding various issues. One of the questions asked whether the state is headed in the right direction or not. The poll found the following:

Right direction: 35%
Wrong track: 56%
Don’t know: 9%

This poll also asked how Wisconsinites felt about certain topics. Allowed responses: very concerned, somewhat concerned, not too concerned, and don’t know.

Inflation: 94% were either very concerned or somewhat concerned
Crime: 88% were either very concerned or somewhat concerned
Public Schools: 88% were either very concerned or somewhat concerned
Gun Violence: 87% were either very concerned or somewhat concerned
Taxes: 85% were either very concerned or somewhat concerned
Abortion Policy: 80% were either very concerned or somewhat concerned
Climate Change: 69% were either very concerned or somewhat concerned
Illegal Immigration: 68% were either very concerned or somewhat concerned
Coronavirus: 55% were either very concerned or somewhat concerned

Help Advocate for Home Health Care: Sign-up for WiHPCA’s Coffee Conversations with Legislators Program

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 18:41:10 GMT

The initiative is designed to help connect members with their local legislators. Under the program, the WiHPCA Government Affairs Team will set-up in-district meetings between WiHPCA members and state lawmakers who represent them in the Legislature. These meetings, which can be located at your facility, or a local coffee shop provide a tremendous opportunity for WiHPCA members to build or strengthen their relationships with local legislators and to educate them on hospice and palliative care and on policy issues important to hospice professionals and their patients.

Regulatory Update: WiHPCA’s Third Quarter Meeting with the Division of Quality Assurance

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 18:40:27 GMT

A year and a half after initiating our quarterly meetings with the Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, on June 28, we finally held our first in-person meeting. To be more accurate, it was a hybrid meeting with a handful of WiHPCA members attending in-person at the DHS hosted meeting, with the rest of the participants joining virtually. Regardless, it was great to be in the same room with DQA staff, as it led to a much more productive conversation.

As usual, DQA provided participants with a review and discussion of numerous key issues, including survey deficiencies, complaint topics, and the number of new hospice applications. During the 2^nd quarter of the year (March to May), DQA reported the agency conducted 19 hospice surveys and six recertifications surveys. They also fielded 15 complaint intakes, of which eight were investigated, and four were substantiated. As a result, there were three immediate concerns stemming from the substantiated complaints. They fell in the following categories: 1.) Patient Rights; 2.) Nursing Services; and 3.) Quality of Care and Treatment

The next quarterly meeting is scheduled for September. Stay tuned for more details and the opportunity to register. We certainly encourage participation from all WiHPCA members, as these meetings continue to provide invaluable information, regulatory guidance, and best practices insights from DQA.

In the meantime, CLICK HERE to visit the DHS Hospice Statistics webpage, which includes vital data for the calendar year through 2021.

Hospice News Reel

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 18:39:04 GMT

WiHPCA is happy to remind members about and provide links to the latest articles and information from Hospice News and other publications:

· Hospices Could Face Legal Risks When COVID PHE Ends

By Holly Vossel | July 21, 2022

The recently extended COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) will not last forever. When it does expire, hospices need to be aware of potential legal risks. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) once again extended the COVID-19 PHE until Oct. 6. While the agency has the option to keep extending the emergency, hospices may start seeing additional scrutiny, particularly in regards to telehealth utilization and the Provider Relief Fund (PRF). Read more…

· NAHC’s Dombi: ‘Workforce Shortage Affects All of Society’

By Holly Vossel | July 25, 2022

The home-based care workforce shortage has social and economic ripple effects, according to Bill Dombi, president of the National Association of Home Care & Hospice (NAHC). Demand is outstripping supply for home-based care, said Dombi at the NAHC Financial Management Conference in Las Vegas. Home-based care providers are rejecting upwards of roughly 30% of referrals because providers lack the clinicians to sustain the volume, he said. Read more…

· Sequestration’s Return Creating a ‘Tsunami of Pain Points’ for Hospices

By Holly Vossel | July 15, 2022

The return of sequestration is adding to the financial storms brewing in hospice, as providers contend with rising costs of delivering patient care, inflation and lackluster reimbursement. Providers are increasingly concerned about their ability to sustain their businesses through choppy waters, calling on regulators to step up support. Read more…

· Why Some Referred Patients Never Make It to Hospice

By Jim Parker | July 8, 2022

Hospice referrals appear to be going up. But many patients who get the referral never receive the care due to low health literacy and social determinant of health factors. Among patients who received inpatient discharge instructions indicating hospice, nearly 1 in 10 did not enroll within 30 days of leaving the hospital, according to recent research from Trella Health. The company used data from the last quarter of 2020 and the third of 2021. Read more…

Hospice News, which is part of the Aging Media Network, is a leading source for news and information covering the hospice industry.

WiHPCA Legislative & Regulatory Quick Notes

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 18:36:32 GMT

The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) and Hospice Action Network (HAN) recently sent a letter to Congress, joined by organizations representing a broad coalition of the hospice and palliative care community, to request protection of access to high-quality hospice care for Medicare beneficiaries. The letter asks congressional leaders to call on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to make changes to the proposed payment rate increase for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23). A more sufficient rate would reflect the unprecedented demands and costs that hospice providers and programs are facing across the country. CLICK HERE to read the full letter.
Earlier this month, the Biden Administration and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced it has extended the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) through October 13, 2022. The PHE provides special access to health insurance and offers key flexibilities on telehealth and reporting deadlines. The Biden Administration has long agreed to give 60 days’ notice warning if the PHE will not be extended again.

Last month, the Advancing Telehealth Beyond COVID-19 Act of 2021 was introduced in Congress to extend key telehealth waivers introduced during the pandemic. The legislation includes some of the most significant waivers introduced by the CMS since the COVID-19 pandemic began, including the elimination on geographical restrictions on Medicare coverage for telehealth services. It would also specifically extend hospice telehealth flexibilities – the option to hold face-to-face visits prior to recertification for the hospice benefit via telehealth, and for hospice patients to attend telehealth visits from home – through the end of 2024. CLICK HERE to contact your Members of Congress through the Hospice Action Network and urge them to support the Advancing Telehealth Beyond COVID-19 Act of 2021.
At the June 28 DQA-WiHPCA quarterly meeting (see more information below), the regulatory agency invited WiPHCA to review the state’s hospice interface document, the findings of which will be used to update the document. If you are interested in assisting with this important project and use your experience and expertise to review the hospice interface document, please contact the WiHPCA office at wihpca@badgerbay.co.

WiHPCA Government Affairs Report

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 18:34:54 GMT

By Hoven Consulting – WiHPCA’s lobbying firm

Uniform Death Reporting Standards Study Committee – First Meeting

The Legislative Council’s Study Committee on Uniform Death Reporting Standards held its first public hearing in Madison on Monday, July 18 at 10:00AM. The meeting features presentations by the state Department of Health Services, including from the State Registrar at the State Vital Records Office, a representative from a mental health organization and a children’s health organization, as well as the Chief Medical Examiner of Fond du Lac County. A list of committee members, the full meeting agenda, as well as written presentations may be viewed on the legislature’s website.

DHS Announces Annual Adjustment of Health Care Provider Fees for Patient Health Care Records

Effective on the first day of each July, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services publishes an updated schedule of the maximum fees that health care providers may charge for producing patient medical records. These fees are based on the consumer price indices for the prior two calendar years. The fees vary based on the number of pages and the type of file provided (e.g., paper documents, microfiche, x-rays, etc.). This fee schedule may be viewed on the Legislature’s website.

DSPS Secretary Dawn Crim Leaving Evers Administration

Earlier in July, Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) Secretary Dawn Crim announced that she will be leaving the Evers Administration on August 1, 2022. The State Medical Examining Board and the State Board of Nursing are housed within DSPS, which also processes nearly all occupational license applications in Wisconsin, including licenses for physicians, nurses and other health care professionals. Earlier this year, DSPS implemented an online platform for health care occupational license applications. The agency will transition the remaining occupational licenses that they handle to their online platform in the future.

Governor Evers has announced that DSPS Assistant Deputy Secretary Dan Hereth will be the DSPS Secretary-designee upon Secretary Crim’s departure.

State Supreme Court Decision on Local Health Officer Authority

On July 8, the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that local health officials have the statutory power to issue public health orders without first getting permission from elected officials in their respective jurisdictions. This case started out as a challenge from Dane County businesses against the authority of Public Health of Madison and Dane County (PHM&DC) related to COVID-19 emergency orders that PHM&DC Director Janel Heinrich issued. These plaintiffs contended that the only way that these emergency orders could be enforced would be for the Dane County board to vote to approve them. The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled – with a 4-3 vote – that existing state statute includes the authority for local health officers to issue such emergency orders without the approval of elected officials in their respective jurisdiction. The full decision may be viewed here.

Governor Announces Over $5 Million in Healthcare Workforce Grants

On June 23, Governor Evers announced the award of more than $5 million in Workforce Innovation Grant Program funds to assist with healthcare workforce challenges in Wisconsin. Specifically, up to $4.9 million will be awarded to the Wisconsin Community Action Program Association (WISCAP), which is the statewide organization that represents 16 community action non-profit organizations throughout our state. These organizations focus on assisting low-income households. With these funds, WISCAP will assist in paying for low-income individuals to receive training and education to become healthcare workers. Up to $376,000 will go to the University of Wisconsin at Green Bay to assist in expanding the nursing faculty in order to train up to 152 nursing students.

Help Advocate for Hospice Care: Sign-up for WiHPCA’s Coffee Conversations with Legislators Program

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 17:41:15 GMT

The initiative is designed to help connect members with their local legislators. Under the program, the WiHPCA Government Affairs Team will set-up in-district meetings between WiHPCA members and state lawmakers who represent them in the Legislature. These meetings, which can be located at your facility, or a local coffee shop provide a tremendous opportunity for WiHPCA members to build or strengthen their relationships with local legislators and to educate them on hospice and palliative care and on policy issues important to hospice professionals and their patients.

Hospice News Reel

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 17:39:50 GMT

WiHPCA is happy to remind members about and provide links to the latest articles and information from Hospice News, the National Association for Home Care and Hospice, and other publications:

· New Research Proposes ‘Sustainable’ Palliative Care Payment Model

By Holly Vossel | June 24, 2022

A group of researchers have modified a proposed reimbursement system for palliative care that they say would improve access for patients and make the service more lucrative for providers. The American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM) in 2017 proposed that the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ (HHS) consider the Patient and Caregiver Support for Serious Illness (PACSSI) model.

· MedPAC: Streamline Alternative Payment Models

By Jim Parker | June 22, 2022

As hospices explore greater participation in alternative payment models, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) is urging Congress to reduce and restructure those programs. Hospice providers have been eying APMs emerging for the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (CMMI). These models represent an entry point to value-based reimbursement, as well as a means to support additional business lines such as palliative care, PACE and other services. Read more…

· US Senators Call on CMS to Boost Palliative Care Resources

By Jim Parker | June 21, 2022

A bipartisan group of nine U.S. Senators have written to U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, calling for a payment model demonstration designed to support greater access to palliative care. The lawmakers urged the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) to develop a dedicated community-based palliative care benefit, which has been a longstanding goal for providers and industry advocacy groups. Read more…

· Care Coordination Key to Hospices’ Success in Value-Based Care

By Jim Parker | June 17, 2022

As more health care reimbursement migrates towards value-based payment models, providers will need to master the art of care coordination. Seriously ill patients can easily fall through the cracks in a fragmented health care system, leading to poorer outcomes and costly hospital stays and emergency department visits. Closing these gaps is a rising priority in payment model demonstrations by the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (CMMI). Read more…

· Staff Poaching on Rise Amid Hospice Labor Shortage

By Holly Vossel | June 14, 2022

As hospices continue to duke it out in the labor market, more providers are contending with competitors poaching their employees. A number of hospice leaders have told Hospice News that poaching is becoming a greater source of tension in the industry’s recruitment and retention ground war. This often comes with promises of higher wages, more extensive benefit packages or sign-on bonuses. Read more…

· Quality Measures: Will the CMS Hospice Care Index Actually Work?

By Jim Parker | June 1, 2022

The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) designed the Hospice Care Index (HCI) to paint a picture of care processes that occur between a patient’s admission and discharge, but as currently designed it may not be an effective measure of quality. Payers and referral partners are paying closer attention to hospices’ performance on publicly reported quality measures, which as of Fiscal Year 2022 includes the HCI. Each provider receives a single numerical score ranging from zero to 10, based on a set of quality indicators. Read more…

Hospice News, which is part of the Aging Media Network, is a leading source for news and information covering the hospice industry. National Association for Home Care and Hospiceis the largest professional association representing the interests of chronically ill, disabled, and dying Americans of all ages and the caregivers who provide them with in-home health and hospice services.

Latest Marquette University Law Poll Shows Tight Races at the Top of the Ticket

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 17:33:03 GMT

The latest Marquette University Law Poll, which was released on June 22, shows that Wisconsin’s top political races – for governor and the U.S. Senate – are extremely close less than a month and a half from the primary and a little more than four months from the November general election.

In the Republican primary for governor, which will be held on Aug. 9, former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch is in a dead heat with construction magnate Tim Michels. The poll results showed 27 percent of Republican respondents favored Michels, while 26 percent backed Kleefisch. Other GOP candidates did not break the 10 percent mark.

GOP Governor Primary:

Michels – 27%
Kleefisch – 26%
Businessman Kevin Nicholson – 10%
State. Rep Tim Ramthun – 3%
Other or Undecided – 34%

The poll also showed that all GOP candidates trailed incumbent Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers (D) in projected head-to-head general election matchups:

Evers: 47% — Kleefisch: 43%
Evers: 48% — Michels: 41%
Evers: 48% — Nicholson: 40%
Evers: 51% — Ramthun: 34%

In the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, the winner of which will face incumbent U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (R), current Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes led the pack with 25 percent support from Democratic poll respondents. Milwaukee Bucks executive Alex Lasry came in at 21percent, while Wisconsin State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski received 9 percent support.

Barnes – 25%
Lasry – 21%
Godlewski – 9%
Outagamie County Exec Tom Nelson – 7%
Other or Undecided – 38%

In addition, the poll also showed Barnes, Godlewski, and Nelson all leading Sen. Johnson in potential general election matchups:

Barnes: 46% — Johnson: 44%
Godlewski: 45% — Johnson: 43%
Nelson: 44% — Johnson: 43%
Johnson: 45% — Lasry: 42%

WiHPCA Legislative & Regulatory Quick Notes

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 17:29:54 GMT

The National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI) recently sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) urging Congress to take immediate action to prevent the one percent Medicare payment cut set to go into effect on July 1, 2022. With hospices already facing potentially devastating financial pressures, the NPHI request stresses the negative consequences of the cut and strongly encourages Congress to avert the reduction before it’s too late. NPHI was joined by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), National Association for Home Care and Hospice (NAHC), and LeadingAge in sharing these sentiments with Congressional leaders. The full letter can be found here.
U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) have reintroduced the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act (PCHETA), a bipartisan bill to grow, improve and sustain the palliative and hospice care workforce to keep pace with patients’ needs and to help improve the well-being of Americans with life-threatening illnesses and their families. A one pager on the bill is available here. Full text of the legislation is available here. WiHPCA members can help advance this important legislation by contacting their members of Congress and urging them to support the proposal through the NHPCO’s Hospice Action Network. The network is completely automated. You simply need to enter your name, address, and limited contact information and the Network takes care of the rest.
Earlier this month, NPHI released their submitted comments to CMS regarding the FY23 Hospice Payment Rate Update proposed rule [fact sheet, full rule]. NPHI's full comment letter can be found here. The final rule including responses from CMS to comments and questions raised by stakeholders is expected to be released later this summer.

In Case You Missed It: WiHPCA Unveils 2023-24 Policy Agenda

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 17:23:56 GMT

With that in mind, WiHPCA is pleased to present members with our 2023-24 Policy Agenda, which will be used to guide the association’s advocacy efforts over the next two years.

The WiHPCA Policy Agenda provides a broad policy vision for advancing hospice and palliative care in Wisconsin and identifies the following specific legislative and regulatory goals for 2023-24:

Educate the Wisconsin congressional delegation and state lawmakers on the potential negative impact the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation VBID “Hospice Carve-In” pilot program could have on the long-term viability of hospice care in Wisconsin.

Educate key state policymakers – including federal and state lawmakers and the WI Department of Health Services – on the inequity of the nursing home room and board Medicaid pass-through billing requirement imposed on hospice care. The ultimate goal is to eliminate or reduce the negative impact of the current policy.

Promote public awareness and increase policy influence of palliative care, such as the creation of state palliative care advisory council.

Thank you to all WiHPCA members who responded to the Legislative and Regulatory Priorities survey. Your feedback was invaluable to our policy agenda development process.

WiHPCA Government Affairs Report

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 17:20:49 GMT

By Hoven Consulting – WiHPCA’s lobbying firm

Legislative Council Study Committee Members Announced

As mentioned in a prior WiHPCA monthly newsletter, the legislature organizes study committees in even-numbered years to hold public hearings and perform in-depth reviews of various state policy matters facing Wisconsin. Legislators and members of the public are members of these committees. Once these committees complete their series of public hearings in late 2022 or early 2023, they will draft legislation to address these policy areas and submit them to the legislature for possible consideration.

Two of these committees will likely be of interest to WiHPCA members: the Study Committee on Occupational Licenses and the Study Committee on Uniform Death Reporting Standards. In early June, the legislature selected members of both committees. The Occupational Licenses committee includes two members from the health care field – a senior vice president from the Wisconsin Hospital Association and the director of business development from a rural community clinic. The Uniform Death Reporting Standards committee includes two medical examiners and a public health nurse.

These committees will likely hold their first meeting later this summer. The committees will hold public, in-person meetings in Madison once per month until they have completed their work. It is likely that these committee meetings will be streamed live on Wisconsin Eye. Of course, the WiHPCA government affairs team will monitor the work of these committees.

DHS Announces Grant Program Promoting Health Equity in COVID-19 Vaccinations

In May, the state Department of Health Services announced their “Moving Forward Together Grant Program”. This program is intended to improve equity with respect to COVID-19 vaccination in Wisconsin. Various community organizations are eligible to apply for grant awards, which are capped at $400,000 per grant, to improve COVID-19 vaccination rates in Wisconsin, particularly in underserved communities. DHS will accept grant applications on a rolling basis until funding is no longer available. However, it is important to note that grant expense reimbursement will occur through November 30, 2022. More information is available at: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/moving-forward-together-grant.htm

DSPS Eliminates Fees to Increase Participation in the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program

In early June, the state Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) announced that the agency is no longer charging fees to integrate the Enhanced Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (ePDMP) into electronic health record systems managed by health systems and other health care entities. The intent is to simplify access for health care organizations, as well as increase wider participation within the health care community. To apply for a no-monthly fee ePDMP integration or for more information, go to the ePDMP website.

Spotlight--2022 State Legislative Campaign – 19^th State Senate District

Starting in this month’s Madison Update, we will highlight one notable race for a particular state legislative district. This month, we will highlight the 19^th Senate District, a Fox Valley district that includes the communities of Appleton, Menasha and Neenah.

The 19^th Senate District is represented by Roger Roth (R-Appleton), who is currently running for the Republican nomination for Lieutenant Governor. With Senators Roth’s departure, the district could be competitive, as Senator Roth was re-elected to this position in 2018 with a margin of 6.5 percent over his Democratic opponent. However, the August 9 Republican primary will likely determine who will be the next Senator for the 19^th Senate District due to the Republican lean of this district. The following is a brief overview of the two Republican candidates seeking the nomination for the 19^th Senate District, as well as the one Democratic candidate.

The candidates for the 19^th Senate District are Republicans Rachael Cabral-Guevara and Andrew Thomsen, as well as Democrat Kristin Alfheim.

Rachael Cabral-Guevara is currently an incumbent State Representative, representing Neenah and portions of Menasha and Appleton in the 55th Assembly District. She is a member of the Assembly Health Committee, in addition to working as a nurse practitioner. Rep. Cabral-Guevara also operates the Nurse Practitioner Health Services, LLC clinic in Appleton. Her healthcare platform includes medical transparency and accountability, fighting medical fraud and supporting mental health treatment/rehabilitation programs.

Andrew Thomsen is a recently retired sales professional and small business owner with experience in the pulp and paper industry. If elected, he intends to be a full-time legislator. He is running on a platform that includes a number of issues, including health care policy. According to his website, he notes the following related views:
- “Healthcare must be patient centered.”
- “Healthcare must adhere to free market principles in order to provide improved service at a reduced cost.”
- “Increased resources and funding for mental health research and treatment.”
Kristin Alfheim is a member of the City of Appleton’s Common Council and has served on the city’s Taskforce on Resiliency, Climate Mitigation and Adaptation. She is currently a Retirement Income Certified Professional and has worked in the financial services and insurance industry for over 20 years. In addition, she served as the president of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors in 2019, as well as on the organization’s board of directors. Her campaign website addresses her view on a number of policy areas, including health care. In particular, her website states the following: “We need to reduce the administrative burdens on doctors and nurses so they can spend more time helping their patients. Kristin also believes alternative medicine options may provide affordable, non-addictive solutions to add to our traditional protocols.”

Save the Date! WiHPCA Annual Conference - September 26-27

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 14:24:48 GMT

Save the date for the WiHPCA 2022 Annual Conference - Facing the Future - Together on September 26-27, 2022 at The Wilderness Resort in Wisconsin Dells, WI. Topics include: Comprehensive, Strategic and Sustainable Hospice Grief Support; The Macy Catheter: An In-depth Introduction to How it is Used and Why it is Becoming an Emerging Standard of Care; Unconventional Growth Strategies for Today’s Hospice Landscape; and Providing Culturally Sensitive Care at End of Life. Registration will be opening later this month!

Webinar on August 10 - Death: The Doula Way

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 14:19:40 GMT

Join Patty Burgess, CEOLS, APCE, President of Possibility, Teaching Transitions - Doing Death Differently for a discussion about the origins of the EOL doula movement, the current model of care and how some hospices are integrating EOL doulas.

While spending every day from diagnosis to death with a dear friend, Patty was introduced to the beauty and benefits of hospice. After becoming a hospice volunteer, volunteer trainer and community educator for hospices agencies in Atlanta and Philadelphia, she started an end-of-life training company.

Her company Teaching Transitions - Doing Death Differently, trains hospice volunteers, staff, and caregivers across the county, ranging from small to large multi-site hospice organizations. Doing Death Differently, a sister site trains end-of-life doulas, or “death doulas” - a new, emerging non-medical profession supporting those facing the end of life (EOL) and their loved ones.

Patty was one of seven (7) original founders of NEDA, the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance in 2018, a membership organization supporting end-of-life doulas. What began as an idea, now supports over 1000 members. She was also chosen as one of the founding members of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s (NHPCO) End-of-Life Doula Council, which was also created in 2018. Its development was in response to hospice agencies' growing curiosity, concern, and interest in this developing field. The mission of the EOL Doula Council is to offer education and resources about end-of-life doulas to the NHPCO membership and the general public.

Patty co-founded Your Voice Directives, a training organization using an innovative, video advance care planning tool that focuses on patient safety and honoring wishes at the end of life.

She is a well-known national trainer, speaker and educator in end-of-life matters. Her company has trained over 10,000 volunteers, staff, and end-of-life doulas with her Medicare-compliant online hospice volunteer training program, and her Certified End-of-Life Specialist (CEOLS) training.

Learn more here.

Upcoming Quarterly Meeting with the Division of Quality Assurance

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 14:17:58 GMT

WiHPCA understands the need to maintain a strong working relationship with key regulatory agencies that oversee the hospice and palliative care industry in Wisconsin. As such, we meet quarterly with the Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, giving WiHPCA members a tremendous opportunity to engage DQA staff, receive key regulatory updates from the agency, and ask questions about current regulations and requirements.

Learn more here.

Help Advocate for Home Health Care: Sign-up for WiHPCA’s Coffee Conversations with Legislators Program

Thu, 26 May 2022 18:26:36 GMT

Grassroots advocacy is the most powerful tool WiHPCA has at its disposal to shape public policy and building relationships with lawmakers is the most important aspect of advocacy. In effort to capitalize on our greatest advocacy resource – our membership – WiHPCA has unveiled our Coffee Conversations with Legislators advocacy program.

The initiative is designed to help connect members with their local legislators. Under the program, the WiHPCA Government Affairs Team will set-up in-district meetings between WiHPCA members and state lawmakers who represent them in the Legislature. These meetings, which can be located at your facility, or a local coffee shop provide a tremendous opportunity for WiHPCA members to build or strengthen their relationships with local legislators and to educate them on hospice and palliative care and on policy issues important to hospice professionals and their patients.

Obviously, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic can make it difficult for some in-person meetings, but depending on your comfort level with meeting face-to-face, WiHPCA would encourage you to participate in this critical grassroots advocacy program.

Please click here for more information on the program. Please contact the WiHPCA office at wihpca@badgerbay.co if you’re interested in participating.

Register Today for WiHPCA’s Upcoming Quarterly Meeting with the Division of Quality Assurance – June 28, 2022

Thu, 26 May 2022 18:25:57 GMT

WiHPCA’s next DQA quarterly meeting will be held virtually on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM.

For members who have not had an opportunity to attend previous quarterly meetings, the purpose of the meetings are to review and discuss survey deficiencies, examine avenues for improvement, and maintain a strong, ongoing dialogue between our members and DQA. You can even submit questions in advance that will be answered by DQA staff at the meeting.

CLICK HERE to submit a question.

We hope to see you on Jun 28!

REGISTER TODAY

Hospice News Reel

Thu, 26 May 2022 18:25:29 GMT

WiHPCA is happy to remind members about and provide links to the latest articles and information from Hospice News and the National Association for Home Care and Hospice:

· New Legislation Provides Reimbursement Boost to Community-Based Pediatric Palliative Care

By Holly Vossel | May 23, 2022

There’s growing momentum behind the movement to finance serious illness care for children.

The Illinois General Assembly recently passed a bill that requires private insurers and Medicaid plans in the state to include a community-based pediatric palliative and hospice benefit. Creating new revenue opportunities to sustain palliative care at a state level could open doors to crafting an established national benefit. Read more…

· Contract Nurse Utilization Normalizing, But Hospice Staffing Situation Remains Dire

By Jim Parker | May 23, 2022

With hospice providers reporting fewer staff in quarantine, many hope to reduce their utilization of temp nursing services — as well as the higher labor costs that come with them. But the reality won’t be that simple. Indicators suggest that demand for temp nurses is dipping slightly, and rates may be starting to fall. However, providers shouldn’t necessarily expect a return to pre-2020 conditions. Read more…

· Senate Again Takes Up Hospice, Palliative Staffing Bill

By Jim Parker | May 20, 2022

Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) have reintroduced the Palliative Care and Hospice Education Training Act (PCHETA), designed to bolster the field’s shrinking workforce with federal support. If enacted, PCHETA would support hospice and palliative care training programs for physicians, nurses, pharmacists, social workers and chaplains. The bill would also expand continuing education and career development programs and incentives in these fields. Read more…

· Medication Shortages Imperil Hospice Access, Quality

By Jim Parker | May 19, 2022

Hospice providers and patients are having difficulty procuring medications due to nationwide drug shortages, threatening quality of care and patients’ access to hospice. These include essential drugs for pain and symptom management. Read more…

· Hospice Leaders ‘Shocked’ by Lackluster Proposed Payment Rule Amid Inflation, Wage Hikes

By Jim Parker | May 18, 2022

The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently proposed a 2.7% pay increase for hospice care for Fiscal Year 2023. However, that amount may be a drop in the bucket as COVID-19 headwinds rage, inflation surges and employee wages climb. Beyond the rising costs, Medicare is phasing in the return of payment sequestration, which was temporarily suspended during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Effective April 1, CMS began a 1% withholding. Read more…

Baldwin, Capito Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Palliative and Hospice Care

Thu, 26 May 2022 18:24:24 GMT

U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) recently reintroduced the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act (PCHETA), a bipartisan bill to grow, improve and sustain the palliative and hospice care workforce to keep pace with patients’ needs and to help improve the well-being of Americans with life-threatening illnesses and their families.

“Having served as my grandmother’s primary caregiver as she grew older, this issue is near and dear to me, and I want to make a difference for families like mine experiencing serious health concerns,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m proud to work on this bipartisan bill that will grow and sustain our palliative and hospice care workforce and in turn, improve the quality of life for the growing number of patients with serious or life-threatening illnesses.”

“Access to high quality palliative and hospice care services is vital for patients and their families,” Senator Capito said. “As a caregiver for parents living with Alzheimer’s disease, I saw firsthand just how valuable these services are. In order to preserve access to this care, our bill would strengthen training and education opportunities for individuals working in these fields. I look forward to working with Senator Baldwin and my colleagues in the Senate to pass this legislation.”

Palliative and hospice care focus on relieving patients’ suffering from serious illnesses and working to improve their quality of life. The work is done through an interprofessional team of doctors, nurses, social workers, physician assistants, and other specialists focusing on the patients’ needs and ensuring families a voice in achieving their treatment goals. Medical research shows that palliative and hospice care have been associated with enhanced quality of life for patients, reduced hospital expenditures and lengths of stay, and longer patient survival time.

PCHETA is supported by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization Hospice Action Network, the Association of the United States, Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association, the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, and many others. A letter in support of PCHETA from more than 50 organizations can be found here.

A one pager on the bill is available here. Full text of the legislation is available here.

Take action on PCHETA… CLICK HERE to contact your Members of Congress and urge them to support this important legislation through the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s Hospice Action Network. The network is completely automated. You simply need to enter your name, address, and limited contact information and the Network takes care of the rest.

Thanks For Your Input: WiHPCA Unveils 2023-24 Policy Agenda

Thu, 26 May 2022 18:24:01 GMT

With that in mind, WiHPCA is pleased to present members with our 2023-24 Policy Agenda, which will be used to guide the association’s advocacy efforts over the next two years.

The WiHPCA Policy Agenda provides a broad policy vision for advancing hospice and palliative care in Wisconsin and identifies the following specific legislative and regulatory goals for 2023-24:

Educate the Wisconsin congressional delegation and state lawmakers on the potential negative impact the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation VBID “Hospice Carve-In” pilot program could have on the long-term viability of hospice care in Wisconsin.

Educate key state policymakers – including federal and state lawmakers and the WI Department of Health Services – on the inequity of the nursing home room and board Medicaid pass-through billing requirement imposed on hospice care. The ultimate goal is to eliminate or reduce the negative impact of the current policy.

Promote public awareness and increase policy influence of palliative care, such as the creation of state palliative care advisory council.

Thank you to all WiHPCA members who responded to the Legislative and Regulatory Priorities survey. Your feedback was invaluable to our policy agenda development process.

WiHPCA Government Affairs Report

Thu, 26 May 2022 18:23:08 GMT

By Hoven Consulting – WiHPCA’s lobbying firm

New Occupational Credentialing Application Website Unveiled

On Monday, May 16, the state Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) unveiled its new online occupational credentialing portal – which is called “LicensE”. This will replace their paper-based occupational credentialing application process. At this time, most initial occupational credential applications in the health care field – including physicians, physician assistants, licensed practical nurses and registered nurses – will now need to be submitted via this portal. The list of initial license applications that transitioned to LicensE on May 16 may be viewed here. License renewals and other initial credential applications will move to the LicensE portal at a later time.

New Marquette Law School Poll Released

On April 27, Marquette Law School released a new poll that surveyed Wisconsinites on their opinions of various national and statewide elected officials, as well as candidates for statewide office.

U.S. Senate Election – Democratic Primary

With respect to those voters who intend to vote in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senator Ron Johnson’s seat, Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes was the leading candidate with 19 percent, Alex Lasry followed with 16 percent, State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski polled at seven percent, while Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson followed with five percent. The other candidates received one percent or less, while 48 percent of Democratic primary voters have not decided whom they will support.

Gubernatorial Election – Republican Primary

In this poll, former Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch led her primary rivals with 32 percent of Republicans selecting her, former U.S. Senate candidate Kevin Nicholson polled at 10 percent and four percent selected State Representative Tim Ramthun. However, 46 percent of these voters responded that they did not know whom they will support in the Republican primary. This poll did not ask about recently announced Republican gubernatorial candidate Tim Michels, as this poll was conducted between April 19-24 – before he entered the race.

Current Elected Officials – Approval/Favorability Ratings

At this time, Governor Tony Evers leads in popularity among elected statewide officials with 49 percent approving and 43 disapproving. President Biden has a 43 percent approval rating and a 53 percent disapproval rating. With respect to Wisconsin’s two U.S. Senators, 43 percent of poll respondents have a favorable view of Senator Tammy Baldwin and 36 percent have an unfavorable view, while 36 percent of poll respondents have a favorable view of Senator Ron Johnson and 46 have an unfavorable view of him.

State Legislature Approval Rating

In addition, the poll asked about views of the state legislature. Poll respondents gave the state legislature a 38 percent approval rating and a 47 percent disapproval rating.

2022 Hospice and Palliative Care Workforce Survey

Wed, 04 May 2022 19:22:01 GMT

Workforce issues have been identified has one of the major concerns for hospice providers across the country.

So that we are able to paint a clear picture of the challenges hospice providers are facing the NHPCO Workforce Workgroup in collaboration with Hospice Analytics has developed a short survey.

Each hospice can complete the survey by June 30, 2022.

Help Advocate for Home Health Care: Sign-up for WiHPCA’s Coffee Conversations with Legislators Program

Fri, 29 Apr 2022 16:07:42 GMT

The initiative is designed to help connect members with their local legislators. Under the program, the WiHPCA Government Affairs Team will set-up in-district meetings between WiHPCA members and state lawmakers who represent them in the Legislature. These meetings, which can be located at your facility, or a local coffee shop provides a tremendous opportunity for WiHPCA members to build or strengthen their relationships with local legislators and to educate them on home health care and on policy issues important to home health care professionals and their patients.

Obviously, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic can make it difficult for some in-person meetings, but as cases continue to decline and depending on your comfort level with meeting face-to-face, WiHPCA would encourage you to participate in this critical grassroots advocacy program.

Please click here for more information on the program. Please contact the WiHPCA office at wihpca@badgerbay.co if you’re interested in participating.

Hospice News Reel

Fri, 29 Apr 2022 16:03:43 GMT

WiHPCA is happy to remind members about and provide links to the latest articles and information from Hospice News and the National Association for Home Care and Hospice:

· SCAN Health Plan CEO Sachin Jain: Don’t Lose Sight of Patients in the Quest for Value

By Jim Parker | April 25, 2022

For better or worse, value-based care may be the most influential concept in 21st Century health care. And with the advent of new payment models, hospices are no longer on the outside of those programs looking in. Read more…

· Bipartisan Push in Congress to Make Medicare Enrollment Easier

National Association for Home Care and Hospice | April 25, 2022

Legislation has recently been introduced that would work to improve the Medicare enrollment process for individuals nearing Medicare eligibility, aged 60-64. Longtime home care champions Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Todd Young (R-IN) are leading the charge for the Beneficiary Enrollment Notification and Eligibility Simplification 2.0 (BENES 2.0) Act, (S. 2675). BENES 2.0 continues the theme of the original BENES Act, many provisions of which became law in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, in supporting individuals in their Medicare enrollment process. Read more…

· Rural Hospices, Patients Encounter Higher Needs, Fewer Options

By Jim Parker | April 11, 2022

Hospices that serve rural communities encounter unique challenges to bring care to a geographically dispersed population while contending with a smaller labor pool and higher costs for clinician travel. Read more…

Hospices Seek Engagement With Policymakers on Payment, Regulation

By Jim Parker | April 8, 2022

In an evolving payment and regulatory environment, hospices would benefit from stepping up their engagement with federal, state and local agencies and legislators. Read more…

· CMS Proposes 2.7% Hospice Payment Raise for 2023

By Jim Parker | March 30, 2022

The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on Wednesday released the 2023 proposed payment rule for hospice providers, including a 2.7% per diem rate increase. The rule also contains a model for phasing in changes to the way CMS will use the wage index to inform payment rates in future years. Read more…

Political Quick Notes

Fri, 29 Apr 2022 16:03:18 GMT

2021-22 Legislative Session Recap: During the session that ended last month, 2,305 bills were introduced, 393 were passed by the Legislature, and 267 were signed into law by Gov. Evers. The governor also issued 126 vetoes, which sets the new record for most vetoes by a Wisconsin governor in a single session.

Wisconsin businessman Tim Michels recently announced his candidacy for Wisconsin governor, joining a crowded Republican primary for the state’s top elected position. Michels, who ran unsuccessfully for U.S. Senate in 2004, will face former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch, businessman Kevin Nicholson, and current state Rep. Timothy Ramthun in the Aug. 9 primary.

Earlier this month, the Wisconsin Supreme Court adopted state legislative maps proposed by Republican legislative leaders, which was a reversal of the court’s earlier decision to accept maps submitted by Gov. Tony Evers. The reversal, which is likely to be the final decision on the state’s legislative maps for the next decade, came after the U.S. Supreme Court ordered Wisconsin’s high court to reconsider their earlier ruling.

The exodus of current state lawmakers from the WI Legislature continues, as Sen. Dale Kooyenga announced this week he will not seek reelection. Please find below a list of state legislators who won’t be seeking reelection this fall:

Wisconsin Senate:
- Kathy Bernier (R-Chippewa Falls) – Retiring
- Janet Bewley (D-Mason) – Retiring
- Sen. Dale Kooyenga (R-Brookfield)
- Jon Erpenbach (D-West Point) – Retiring
- Jerry Petrowski (R-Marathon) – Retiring
- Janis Ringhand (D-Evansville) – Retiring
- Roger Roth (R-Appleton) – Running for Lt. Governor

Wisconsin Assembly:

David Bowen (D-Milwaukee) – Running for Lt. Governor
Rachel Cabral-Guevara (R-Appleton) – Running for state Senate
Gary Hebl (D-Sun Prairie) – Retiring
Dianne Hesselbein (D-Middleton) – Running for state Senate
Gordon Hintz (D-Oshkosh) – Retiring
Cody Horlacher (R-Mukwonago) – Running for Circuit Court Judge
Jesse James (R-Altoona) – Running for state Senate
Samantha Kerkman (R-Salem Lakes) – Elected as Kenosha County Executive
Mike Kuglitsch(R-New Berlin) – Retiring
Amy Loudenbeck(R-Clinton) – Running for WI Secretary of State
Beth Meyers (D-Bayfield) – Retiring
Nick Milroy (D-South Range) – Retiring
Sondy Pope (D-Mt. Horeb) – Retiring
Tim Ramthun (R-Campbellsport) – Running for Governor
Sara Rodriguez (D-Brookfield) – Running for Lt. Governor
Joe Sanfelippo (R-New Berlin) – Retiring
Ken Skowronski (R-Franklin) – Retiring
Mark Spreitzer (D-Beloit) – Running for state Senate
Jim Steineke (R-Kaukauna) – Retiring
Gary Tauchen (R-Bonduel) – Retiring
Jeremy Thiesfeldt (R-Fond du Lac) – Retiring
Tyler Vorpagel (R-Pymouth) – Retiring

The Results Are In: WiHPCA Member Survey Identifies Top Legislative and Regulatory Priorities

Fri, 29 Apr 2022 16:01:46 GMT

The 2021-22 Wisconsin legislative session has officially come to a close and Congress will soon wind down to focus on the upcoming mid-term elections, but that is no reason for the WiHCPA Advocacy Program to sit back and relax. It’s just the opposite, as there is no time like the present to plan for future advocacy efforts that will advance hospice and palliative care in Wisconsin.

And the WiHPCA Government Affairs Team is doing just that… Working with the association’s legislative committee, we are currently developing WiHPCA’s 2023-24 Policy Agenda, which will identify our legislative and regulatory prioritiest.

Last month, to gain valuable feedback from members, WiHPCA sent out a membership-wide state/federal policy priorities survey, which gave members a tremendous opportunity to provide their input on what issues are most important to them. Please find below the top three policy issues identified by survey respondents:

Educate the Wisconsin congressional delegation (and state lawmakers) on the potential negative impact and risk to hospice care associated with CMS’ Medicare Advantage VBID “Hospice Carve-In” demonstration.
Eliminate the nursing home room and board Medicaid pass-through billing requirement imposed on hospice care.
Promote public awareness and increase policy influence of palliative care, such as the creation of a state palliative care advisory council.

WiHPCA leadership will use the member feedback gathered via the survey to help finalize the association’s top policy priorities and guide our government affairs efforts over the next two years. WiHPCA’s final Policy Agenda will be unveiled and distributed to members soon.

Thank you to all WiHCA members who responded to the survey. Your feedback is invaluable in the advancement of the association’s advocacy program.

WiHPCA Government Affairs Report

Fri, 29 Apr 2022 15:45:44 GMT

By Hoven Consulting – WiHPCA’s lobbying firm

Governor Signs Bill Protecting Health Care Workers

In April, Governor Evers signed a number of bills that passed both chambers of the legislature earlier this year, including the following bill supported by WiHPCA:

SIGNED - Assembly Bill 960 – This bill makes it a felony to threaten or physically attack a health care provider, a staff member of a health care facility or a family member of either, if the threat or attack is related to an official act of the provider or is related to an incident at the health care facility. As WiHPCA supports this legislation, it joined various health care organizations and sent a joint memo to the Legislature supporting this bill earlier this year.

Proposed Legislative Study Committees Announced

After the legislative session concludes in even-numbered years, the Legislative Council - the legislature's in-house, non-partisan group of attorney advisors - organizes study committees that perform in-depth reviews of various state policy matters facing Wisconsin. Committees are comprised of both legislators and citizen members.

Study committees hold hearings, during which they hear public testimony – including from subject-matter experts – on state policies that may need to be fixed or updated. Once a committee has completed receiving public testimony, it generally drafts legislation for possible introduction and consideration by the legislature. In mid-April, the list of study committees was finalized. The following proposed study committees may be of interest to WiHPCA:

·        Study Committee on Occupational Licenses

o   Sen. Rob Stafsholt (R-New Richmond) will be the Chair and Rep. Shae Sortwell (R-Two Rivers) will be the Vice Chair.

·        Study Committee on Uniform Death Reporting Standards

o   Sen. Joan Ballweg (R-Markesan) will be the Chair and Rep. Jesse James (R-Altoona) will be the Vice Chair.

Once the scope of these committees is established, we will share that with WiHPCA members who may wish to consider serving on one of these committees.

Upcoming Blackout Period for Initial Occupational Credential Applications

The state Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) will temporarily stop accepting initial applications for 72 types of occupational credentials starting at 12:00PM on Friday, April 29, and ending at 11:59PM on Sunday, May 15. The list of such credentials may be viewed on the DSPS website and mostly includes professionals in the health care field, including physicians, physician assistants, licensed practical nurses and registered nurses.

This temporary blackout period will be put in place to allow DSPS to implement its new online occupational credentialing portal, which will replace its current paper application process. This new portal will be unveiled on Monday, May 16.

Improving Health Care Access and Combatting the Opioid Crisis

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 13:36:06 GMT

By State Senator Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point)

As chair of the Senate Committee on Health, I’ve had the opportunity to work with my colleagues and stakeholders to advance several bills that improve access to quality health care in Wisconsin. One way to increase access is to address workforce needs; that’s why Rep. Rachel Cabral-Guevara (Appleton) and I authored legislation that eliminates barriers limiting the practice of Advance Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). By empowering professionals to utilize the full extent of their skillset and training, we free them to provide additional help to more people. We advanced this bill through the committee, it passed both houses of the legislature, and now needs only the Governor’s signature to become law.

The committee also advanced legislation that I authored with Rep. Todd Novak (Dodgeville) that improves access by investing in community health centers. There are seventeen community health centers with nearly 200 satellite sites operating in every corner of the state and serving over 300,000 Wisconsinites. The legislation we passed through the committee served as a catalyst to help secure increased funding for these centers in the 2021-23 state budget.

The pandemic revealed obstacles standing between patients and care that we needed to remove. Last session, the legislature allowed hospitals to seek Medicare reimbursement for numerous medical services provided in a home setting. This session, the committee moved forward legislation authored by Sen. Dale Kooyenga (Brookfield) and Rep. Amy Loudenbeck (Clinton) to make that change permanent. The bill was enacted this week.

In addition to improving access to quality care, the Senate Committee on Health also continued to combat the state’s opioid crisis. Until now, Wisconsin has had several state agencies collecting data on opioid and methamphetamine use, but no central location where it can be stored and analyzed. I authored a bill with Rep. Jon Plumer (Lodi) that will ensure this data will be gathered in a central location so that the state can get a more comprehensive picture of the problem and new ways to fight it. Rep. Plumer and I also wrote legislation that determines how money from the settlement of the multi-district opioid litigation is distributed throughout the state, ensuring that the majority of the settlement go to local governments to bolster their efforts to battle against these drugs. Both of these bills started the legislative process in the Senate Health Committee and have now become law.

We’ve made progress, but the work is not done yet. I enjoy working with health care leaders across the state to enhance health outcomes in Wisconsin.

Senator Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point) serves as Chairman of the Senate Health Committee. He represents the 24^th Senate District, which includes Portage County and portions of Wood, Monroe, and Jackson counties. The district also includes the cites of Stevens Point, Wisconsin Rapids, Tomah, and Sparta. He is currently running for Wisconsin Lt. Governor.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of this organization.

Help Advocate for Home Health Care: Sign-up for WiHPCA’s Coffee Conversations with Legislators Program

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 13:30:08 GMT

The initiative is designed to help connect members with their local legislators. Under the program, the WiHPCA Government Affairs Team will set-up in-district meetings between WiHPCA members and state lawmakers who represent them in the Legislature. These meetings, which can be located at your facility, or a local coffee shop provides a tremendous opportunity for WiHPCA members to build or strengthen their relationships with local legislators and to educate them on home health care and on policy issues important to home health care professionals and their patients.

Please click here for more information on the program.

Regulatory Update: WiHPCA’s Third Quarter Meeting with the Division of Quality Assurance

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 13:28:16 GMT

We are pleased to report WiHPCA continues to maintain and strengthen our relationship with the Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. On March 10, we held our latest quarterly meeting with the regulatory agency. As has been the case at past meetings, DQA provided participants with a review and discussion of numerous key issues, including survey deficiencies, complaint topics, and the number of new hospice applications.

DQA staff also provided an comprehensive briefing on the COVID-19 vaccine survey requirements, as surveyors will be reviewing COVID vaccination policies and employee tracking on every survey to ensure that all health care facility staff are at 100% vaccination rate or have approved exemptions or delays. Survey protocols were discussed, as were the following documents related to the health care staff COVID-19 vaccination requirements:

QSO Memo 22-07-ALL

https://www.cms.gov/files/document/qso-22-07-all.pdf

Attachment C - Hospice

https://www.cms.gov/files/document/qso-22-07-all-attachment-c-hospice.pdf

CDC - Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/infection-control-recommendations.html

Please see below a brief overview of what DQA reported on as it concerns surveys performed and complaint survey topics:

Number of surveys performed in the last quarter:
- Number of complaint surveys – 4
- Number of recertification surveys – 2
- Number of follow-up surveys – 1

Complaint surveys topics – Top concern areas:
- Patient Rights
- Quality of Care and Treatment
- Admission/Transfer/Discharge Rights
- DNR Status Failure

The next quarterly meeting is scheduled for June. Stay tuned for more details and the opportunity to register. We certainly encourage participation from all WiHPCA members, as the meeting provides invaluable information and regulatory guidance from DQA.

Hospice News Reel

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 13:27:02 GMT

Hospice News, which is part of the Aging Media Network, is a leading source for news and information covering the hospice industry. WiHPCA is happy to remind members about and provide links to the latest articles and information from Hospice News:

· Competitive Labor Market Lights a Fire Under Hospice Employers

By Jim Parker | March 18, 2022

Hospice providers now compete for new hires as fiercely as they do for market share.

And with that competition heating up this year, the largest home health and hospice companies are streamlining their recruitment and onboarding processes to enable more clinicians to hit the ground running. Read more…

· MedPAC: Cut Hospice Payment Cap by 20%, Report Telehealth on Claims

By Jim Parker | March 15, 2022

Repeating similar calls in prior years, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) has recommended to Congress that Medicare hospice payment rates remain at current levels next year. The commission also called on the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to apply the wage index to the hospice aggregate cap, followed by a 20% cut. Read more…

· Providers Seek Palliative Care Quality Measures to Demonstrate Value

By Holly Vossel| March 18, 2022

The lack of standardized quality measures for palliative care complicates efforts to expand access to those services. This means community-based palliative care providers have limited ways to benchmark their performance and further demonstrate their value. Read more…

· The Devil in Details of Hospice Strategic Collaboratives

By Holly Vossel| March 21, 2022

Nonprofit hospices are increasingly banding together in varying types of collaboratives to create workforce, operational and cost-effective synergies. As this trend picks up steam, hospices will need to fine-tune the details of these affiliations and choose partners carefully. Read more…

WiHPCA Federal Regulatory News and Notes

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 13:15:01 GMT

President Joe Biden recently signed into law a $1.5 trillion omnibus spending bill that funds the federal government through the end of September 2022. Among the bill’s numerous provisions is an extension of the use of telehealth services to recertify patient eligibility for hospice. Please find below an overview of the bill’s telehealth provision provided by the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI):

An extension of the CARES Act provision allowing the use of telehealth services in place of the face-to-face encounter required to recertify patient eligibility for hospice.
The telehealth extension is to last for 151 days following the end of the current COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE). The extension is expected to last through the end of the year.
The full text of the omnibus package can be found here, and the specific provision referenced above can be found on page 1908.

The federal omnibus spending bill referenced above did not include a provision to extend the moratorium on Medicare sequestration that is set to expire on March 31, 2022. As a result, a 1% reimbursement cut will phase back in on April 1, 2022, and a second 1% cut totaling 2% will phase back in on July 1, 2022.

Earlier this month, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) released their March 2022 Report to Congress. Please find below an overview of the report provided by NPHI:

Chapter 11 of the report focuses exclusively on hospice services and offers two unanimous recommendations from the Commission to Congress and HHS.
First, the Commission recommends that for fiscal year 2023, the Congress should eliminate the update to the 2022 Medicare base payment rates for hospice and wage adjust and reduce the hospice aggregate cap by 20 percent.
Second, the Commission recommends that the Secretary should require that hospices report telehealth services on Medicare claims.

WiHPCA Government Affairs Report

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 13:11:01 GMT

By Hoven Consulting – WiHPCA’s lobbying firm

WiHPCA Legislative and Regulatory Priorities Survey

Earlier in March, the WiHPCA Government Affairs Team sent out a legislative and regulatory priorities survey to all WiHPCA members via email. The intent of this survey is to find out what hospice and palliative care government policy topics are a priority to you and your organization. WiHPCA leadership will use this data to craft our legislative and regulatory agenda for 2023-2024. Once this agenda is prepared, WiHPCA will provide it to all members and will be used as our framework as the association advocates on hospice and palliative care policy before the legislature and state government agencies. If you have completed this survey, thank you for doing so.

Bill Protecting Health Care Providers and Staff Advances

On February 23, the full Assembly unanimously passed Assembly Bill 960, which makes it a felony to threaten or physically attack a health care provider, a staff member of a health care facility or a family member of either, if the threat or attack is related to an official act of the provider or is related to an occurrence at the health care facility. Both the Assembly and Senate have passed this bill. It will now go to the Governor for his consideration.

WiHPCA supports this bill. As such, it joined various health care organizations and sent a joint memo to the State Assembly requesting that they support this bill.

Recent Marquette University Poll

On March 2, Marquette Law School released a new poll that surveyed Wisconsin voters on their opinions of various national and statewide elected officials, as well as candidates for statewide office.

U.S. Senate Election

With respect to those voters who intend to vote in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senator Ron Johnson’s seat, Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes was the leading candidate with 23 percent, and Alex Lasry followed with 13 percent. The other candidates only received support in the single digits, while 48 percent of Democratic primary voters have not decided whom they will support.

Gubernatorial Election

In this poll, Republican gubernatorial candidate Rebecca Kleefisch led her primary rivals with 30 percent of Republicans and Republican-leaning voters selecting her, eight percent selecting former U.S. Senate candidate Kevin Nicholson and five percent selecting State Representative Tim Ramthun. However, 54 percent of these voters responded that they did not know whom they will support in the Republican primary.

At this time, Governor Tony Evers leads in popularity among elected statewide officials with 50 percent approving and 41 disapproving. President Biden has a 43 percent approval rating and a 52 percent disapproval rating. With respect to Wisconsin’s two U.S. Senators, Senator Tammy Baldwin has a 42 percent approval rating and a 36 percent disapproval rating, while Senator Ron Johnson has a 33 percent approval rating and a 45 percent disapproval rating.

State Supreme Court Ruling on Redistricting

At the beginning of each decade, each state redraws state legislative and congressional district lines based on data from the most recent federal census. After the Governor vetoed the legislature’s proposed legislative and congressional district maps last year, this dispute ended up in the courts. On March 3, 2022, the Wisconsin Supreme Court decided that Governor Evers’ updated state legislative and congressional maps will be used as they make fewer changes to district boundaries than the Legislature’s proposed maps.

On Monday, March 7, the Legislature appealed this ruling directly to the U.S. Supreme Court. And just this week, the nation’s highest court threw out the state legislative maps drawn Governor Evers and adopted by the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The U.S. Supreme Court said the state court’s approval of Evers’ maps was flawed, as it did not adequately consider whether certain newly crafted Assembly Districts in Milwaukee complied with the federal Voting Rights Act. The maps were sent back to the Wisconsin Supreme Court for further consideration.

Politicians on the Move - Update

On February 24, State Rep. Mike Kuglitsch (R-New Berlin) announced that he will not run for re-election in 2022. He was first elected to the Assembly in 2010. He serves as the Chair of the Assembly Energy and Utilities Committee and also serves on the following Assembly committees: Environment; Government Accountability and Oversight; and State Affairs.

On March 3, State Rep. Gordon Hintz announced that he will not run for re-election this year. He used to serve as Assembly Minority Leader and was first elected to the Assembly in 2006.

State Sen. Roger Roth (R-Appleton) has announced that he is running for lieutenant governor. He has served in the Senate since 2015 and also served in the Assembly in 2007-2008. He chairs the Senate Committee on Universities and Technical Colleges and is vice chair of the Committee on Utilities, Technology and Telecommunications.

State Rep. Rachael Cabral-Guevara (R-Appleton) announced on March 17 that she is running for Senator Roth’s seat. She is a nurse and was elected to the Assembly in 2020. She is the vice chair of the Assembly Mental Health Committee and is a member of the following Assembly committees: Health, Colleges and Universities, Public Benefit Reform, and Regulatory Licensing Reform.

State Sen. Dale Kooyenga (R-Brookfield) announced on March 8 that he will not run for State Senate this year since this year’s redistricting process relocated his home from his current district to a different Senate district that is not up for election until 2024. [Note: The redistricting is based on a March Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling. However, it is worth noting that this ruling is being appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, which has not yet decided whether to take this case.] He was first elected to the Senate in 2018 and served in the Assembly from 2011 through 2018. He is currently the chair of the Senate Committee on Financial Institutions and Revenue.

State Sen. Janis Ringhand (D-Evansville) announced on March 9 that she will not run for re-election this year. She was first elected to the Senate in 2014 and served in the Assembly in 2011 through 2012. She serves as the Assistant Minority Leader and serves on the following Senate committees: Economic and Workforce Development; Financial Institutions and Revenue; and Insurance, Licensing and Forestry.

State Rep. Mark Spreitzer (D-Beloit) subsequently announced that he will run for Sen. Ringhand’s seat. He has served in the Assembly since 2015. He currently serves as the Assembly Minority Caucus Chair and is a member of the following Assembly committees: Agriculture, Campaigns and Elections, Local Government, and Sporting Heritage.

State Rep. Timothy Ramthun (R-Campbellsport) has announced that he will run for Governor this year. He has served in the Assembly since 2019. He is the Vice Chair of the Children and Families Committee and is a member of the following Assembly committees: Constitution and Ethics, Education, Judiciary, Transportation, and Ways and Means.

State Sen. Jerry Petrowski (R-Marathon) has announced that he will not run for re-election in 2022. He was first elected to the Senate in 2012 and served in the Assembly from 1999 to 2012. He serves as the chair of the Senate Committee on Transportation and Local Government, is vice chair of the Committee on Sporting Heritage, Small Business and Rural Issues and is a member of the Committee on Agriculture and Tourism.

State Sen. Brad Pfaff (D-Onalaska) has announced that he is running for Congressman Ron Kind’s (D) seat in 2022. He was first elected to the Senate in 2020 and currently serves on the following Senate committees: Utilities, Technology and Telecommunications; Universities and Technical Colleges; Transportation and Local Government; Economic and Workforce Development; and Agriculture and Tourism. [Note: If he does not win his congressional race, he will still remain a member of the State Senate as his current term does not run out until 2024.]

State Sen. Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point) has announced that he is running for Lieutenant Governor. He currently serves in Senate leadership as the President Pro Tempore. He was first elected to the Senate in 2016 and was re-elected in 2020. He currently is chair of the Senate Health Committee, is vice chair of the Economic and Workforce Development Committee and is also a member of the Senate Agriculture and Tourism Committee. [Note: If he does not win his race for lieutenant governor, he will still remain a member of the State Senate as his current Senate term does not run out until 2024.]

Help Advocate for Home Health Care: Sign-up for WiHPCA’s Coffee Conversations with Legislators Program

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 21:16:00 GMT

The initiative is designed to help connect members with their local legislators. Under the program, the WiHPCA Government Affairs Team will set-up in-district meetings between WiHPCA members and state lawmakers who represent them in the Legislature. These meetings, which can be located at your facility, or a local coffee shop provides a tremendous opportunity for WiHPCA members to build or strengthen their relationships with local legislators and to educate them on home health care and on policy issues important to home health care professionals and their patients.

Obviously, the surge in COVID-19 cases currently makes it difficult for some in-person meetings, but as cases subside and depending on your comfort level with meeting face-to-face, WiHPCA would encourage you to participate in this critical grassroots advocacy program.

Please click here for more information on the program.

Register Today for the WiHPCA Legislative and Advocacy Update: February 16, 2022

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 21:09:58 GMT

Stay informed… Stay Involved…

Register today for WiHPCA’s virtual Legislative and Advocacy Update event, which will be held on February 16, 2022, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

As you know, WiHPCA provides comprehensive, bipartisan government relations services, representing the legislative and regulatory interests of our members. More specifically, WiHPCA’s direct lobbying and grassroots advocacy efforts aim to successfully pursue policies and programs that provide members with the necessary tools to promote your profession, better serve your patients and their families, and advance the hospice and palliative care industry as a whole.

By participating in the Legislative and Advocacy Update event, you will learn about the latest political and policy developments in the State Capitol, receive updates on key legislation of interest, and learn how you can be an effective advocate for WiHPCA and hospice and palliative care in Wisconsin.

Take Action Today: Urge Your Members of Congress to Support Legislation to Strengthen the Hospice and Palliative Care Workforce

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 21:09:00 GMT

The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) is currently endorsing two important pieces of federal legislation to help address workforce challenges facing the palliative care industry – and WiHPCA members. As such, NHPCO is encouraging our members – as well as your colleagues across the country – to contact your Members of Congress and urge them to support these two proposals:

The Provider Training in Palliative Care Act
This bipartisan bill (S. 2890) will leverage programs of the National Health Service Corps (NHSC), which provides tuition assistance and loan repayment options to medical students in exchange for them providing primary care services in underserved communities, in order to expand the number of doctors and nurses knowledgeable in palliative care. The bill will allow individuals enrolled in NHSC’s Scholarship Program or Loan Repayment Program to defer their obligated service in order to receive training in palliative care for up to a year, thus building a cadre of healthcare providers with a both palliative care and community service experience.

The Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act
This bipartisan bill (H.R. 2255 and S. 1024) will help address a shortage of doctors and nurses in the United States, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill will “recapture” unused work visas, enabling up to 25,000 nurses and up to 15,000 doctors to apply for visas. Congress annually authorizes thousands of visas for USCIS to admit foreign nationals to work in the United States and eventually pursue citizenship. Each year, unused visas are wasted, and since 1992 there have been more than 200,000 such wasted visas. Under this legislation, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) could repurpose a fraction of those unused visas for nurses and doctors.

It only takes a few minutes to contact your Members of Congress on these two bills through the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s Hospice Action Network. The network is completely automated. You simply need to enter your name, address, and limited contact information and the Network takes care of the rest. CLICK HERE to be an advocate for strengthening the palliative care workforce.

WiHPCA Federal Regulatory News and Notes

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 21:08:07 GMT

Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts ActOn December 10, President Biden signed the Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act (S. 610) into law, addressing multiple policies expected to drastically cut physician Medicare reimbursement in 2022. More specifically, the act does the following:
- Provides a 3 percent increase to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) conversion factor in 2022, which provides relief from the scheduled expiration of a 3.75 percent increase passed as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021.
- Extends the suspension of the automatic 2 percent cut to Medicare reimbursement, known as the sequester, until March 31, 2022.
- Delays an additional 4 percent cut stemming from the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 (PAYGO) until at least 2023.

Supreme Court Blocks Biden’s COVID Vaccine Mandate Rule for Large Businesses; Upholds Health Worker Requirement
As has been widely reported, the U.S. Supreme Court recently handed down a split decision on two Biden administration COVID-19 vaccine requirement workplace rules: 1.) An OSHA rule requiring businesses with at least 100 employees to compel their workers to get vaccinated or wear masks and test negative at least once per week; and 2.) The CMS rule mandating most health care workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The High Court struck down the OSHA Rule on a 6-3 decision, but it upheld the CMS mandate on a 5-4 decision.

WiHPCA Government Affairs Report

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 21:00:53 GMT

By Hoven Consulting – WiHPCA’s lobbying firm

All Health Plans to Cover Cost of At-Home COVID-19 Tests
On January 13, Governor Evers and Insurance Commissioner Nathan Houdek announced that all health insurance plans will be required to cover the cost of at-home rapid, diagnostic COVID-19 tests, starting on January 15, 2022. This is required by the federal government. These tests may be free or reimbursable to patients, depending upon arrangements health plans and insurance companies make with retailers/pharmacies. Health plans and insurance companies will be required to cover up to eight such diagnostic tests per person, per month.

State Improves Prescription Drug Monitoring Program
In December, the state Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) announced that the U.S. Department of Justice awarded $1,648,000 to the Wisconsin Enhanced Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (ePDMP). These dollars will be used to help connect the ePDMP with existing electronic medical records systems in Wisconsin. DSPS intends to focus these efforts on medical providers in rural and underserved regions in our state.
Medicaid Program Surplus Projected
On December 30, 2021, the Department of Health Services informed the legislature that it projects that the state will have a $184.9 million surplus in the Medicaid program by the end of the 2021-2023 state budget. The state budget expires at the end of state fiscal year 2023, which ends on June 30, 2023. This increase is largely due to the extension of the federal COVID-19 public health emergency and the additional 6.2 percent Medicaid match rate, which is provided by the federal government while the emergency declaration is in place.
Politicians on the Move
- On January 10, State Representative Gordon Hintz (D-Oshkosh) stepped down as Assembly Minority Leader. He was first elected to the Assembly in 2006 and was elected as Assembly Minority Leader in 2017. On January 10, State Representative Greta Neubauer (D-Racine) assumed the role of Assembly Minority Leader. Rep. Kalan Haywood (D-Milwaukee) was elected to serve as the next Assistant Minority Leader and will take over from State Rep. Dianne Hesselbein (D-Middleton), who will run for the seat of State Senator Jon Erpenbach (D-West Point), who is retiring this year.
- State Representative Beth Meyers (D-Bayfield) recently announced that she will not run for re-election in 2022. She was first elected in 2014. She is a member of the Assembly Democratic leadership team as the Minority Caucus Secretary and is also a member of the Aging and Long-Term Care Committee. On January 10, new Assembly Minority Leader Greta Neubauer appointed Rep. Meyers to a seat on the Joint Finance Committee for the rest of the 2021-2022 legislative session.
- State Representative Jim Steineke(R-Kaukauna), the current Assembly Majority Leader, recently announced he will not seek re-election in 2022. Steinke was first elected in 2010, and quickly rose through the ranks of the Assembly GOP leadership. He has served as Majority Leader since 2015.
- State Senator Kathy Bernier (R-Chippewa Falls) announced on January 7 that she will not run for re-election this year. She was elected to the Senate in 2018 and previously served in the Assembly from 2011-2018. She currently chairs the Senate Committee on Elections, Election Process Reform and Ethics and serves on the Joint Finance Committee.

WiHPCA Government Affairs Report: Permanent Medicaid Telehealth Rules to Roll Out Next Year

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 19:57:27 GMT

By Hoven Consulting – WiHPCA’s Government Affairs Firm

The state’s Medicaid program will carry forward many of the temporary telehealth provisions it put in place at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in a permanent policy that will take effect January 1, 2021.

“What you see right now is in many cases the same rule that you’re going to see in the future, with I think some improvements actually,” Medicaid Director Jim Jones said at a Wisconsin Health News virtual panel in September.

Jones said improvements include paying originating sites, like a pharmacy or medical office, to provide a place for Medicaid members to receive telehealth. They’re also looking at expanding tele-dentistry and doctor-to-doctor teleconsultation.

Other changes like covering asynchronous telehealth, where patients, for instance, send a photo to their provider, are still being developed.

A state law enacted in November 2019 requires that the Department of Health Services to treat telehealth the same as in-person care and mandates that Medicaid reimburse the same telehealth services that Medicare covers. The Department of Health Services initially anticipated taking six to nine months to roll out the law.

But when the pandemic struck in March 2020, DHS “ripped the Band-Aid off” and moved quickly to set up a temporary policy to ensure members could still get access to services, Jones said. They've spent the time since working on a permanent rule.

Rep. Amy Loudenbeck, R-Clinton, who wrote the law, said it helped plant “the seed of what telehealth could be,” particularly in how it could boost access to mental healthcare.

“This test period that we’re in has been really helpful and will inform rule-making,” she said.

She’s now working on legislation that would apply the Medicaid definition for telehealth to the state occupational licensing law.

Jim Castellano, telehealth and virtual care manager at Marshfield Clinic Health System, said state and federal flexibilities boosted their ability to provide telehealth.

“In some ways, I think this was a unique opportunity for everybody to just really get down and dirty with the technology and see what it’s capable of,” said Dr. John Schneider, chief medical officer at the Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division.

He said telehealth has helped them reach more people, including easing the pivot from at-home visits to telecalls. He said there could be challenges with reimbursement in the future.

John Nygren, Wisconsin Association of Health Plans executive director, said their members have embraced the use of telehealth, calling it the “one of the best things” that has come out of the pandemic.

Long Term Care Advisory Council Openings for 2022

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 19:57:08 GMT

The Long Term Care Advisory Council (LTCAC) is tasked with providing advice to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), as outlined in the council charter. DHS aims to have a diverse council, consisting of individuals from rural and urban areas, varied ethnicities, and different experiences with the various long term care programs in Wisconsin. Members of the LTCAC are appointed by DHS Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake. LTCAC members serve three-year terms that begin in January and run through the end of December.

At the end of 2021, there will be one seat up for renewal and we are also looking to fill the current vacancies. Current membership and vacancies are listed on the LTCAC webpage. The Department is specifically looking for individuals that represent either consumer or advocate groups.

Individuals interested in being considered for LTCAC membership should send a letter of interest describing a little bit about themselves, their background, and why they are interested in serving on the council. It is encouraged that applicants include information in their letter of interest describing how they will provide diversity to the council. Letters can be emailed to Suzanne Ziehr.

To ensure consideration for membership beginning 2022, please submit a letter of interest by October 15, 2021.

Help Advocate for Hospice Care: Sign-up for WiHPCA’s Coffee Conversations with Legislators Program

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 19:56:53 GMT

The initiative is designed to help connect members with their local legislators. Under the program, the WiHPCA Government Affairs Team will set-up in-district meetings between WiHPCA members and state lawmakers who represent them in the Legislature. These meetings, which can be located at your facility, or a local coffee shop provides a tremendous opportunity for WiHPCA members to build or strengthen their relationships with local legislators and to educate them on issues important to hospice and palliative care professionals and their patients.

Please click here for more information on the program.

Gov. Evers Announces $58.4 Million Investment in Local COVID-19 Pandemic Response and Recovery

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 19:56:32 GMT

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) earlier this month announced $58.4 million in funding for local and tribal health departments to continue their work responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and build a strong recovery. The funding comes from the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Funding and Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund established by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and adds to the $106.5 million the Evers Administration has already allocated to local and tribal health departments for COVID-19 response activities in 2021.

“We’ve worked hard this past year to put our state in the best position to recover from this pandemic, and this funding will help support our local partners in this effort to help build a robust and equitable state and ensure our continued economic recovery,” said Gov. Evers.

The funding will provide resources to meet the public health needs that continue to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, or to address those needs that have been exacerbated by the pandemic and the associated economic downturn. Potential uses for the funding include: measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 such as testing, contact tracing, and vaccination programs; staffing for public health and safety; enhancing public health programs through improvements like technology infrastructure or data analysis; addressing disparities in health outcomes, including services that connect residents with resources; and supporting healthy living environments and healthy childhood environments.

“As vital partners in our COVID-19 response, local and tribal health departments have gone above and beyond, and this funding from ARPA will help them continue to respond to the pandemic while also improving systems and building capacity in their communities,” said DHS Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake. “Activities and resources like the ones funded by this investment are the building blocks of Wisconsin’s recovery, and we look forward to continuing to partner with our local and tribal health departments in this effort.”

The $58.4 million in ARPA funding is applicable to expenses that local and tribal health departments incurred from March 3, 2021 through December 31, 2024, and has been allocated to departments based on a formula that includes a base amount of funding with additional funding based on population size.

Deb Standridge Begins as New WI Department of Health Services Deputy Secretary

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 19:56:17 GMT

Earlier this month, former DHS Deputy Secretary Julie Willems Van Dijk, who was a highly visible part of the Evers’ Administration’s COVID-19 response efforts, announced her retirement. Van Dijk, whose last day in her role at DHS was Sept. 10, was replaced by Deb Standridge as the new DHS Deputy Secretary.

“Having spent 40 years dedicated to public good and the health and safety of folks in this state, Julie is the embodiment of public service. It has been a privilege to work alongside her on a near-daily basis over the past year and a half. I want to thank Julie for her career in public service and her family for their many years of support as well. Julie will be greatly missed, and I wish her all of the best in her retirement,” said Gov. Tony Evers.

Standridge previously served as executive director of the state’s alternate care facility at State Fair Park. She has spent her career working in healthcare systems, most recently serving as Regional President of the North Region of Ascension Wisconsin. Her professional focus has been on the strategic direction and operational management of hospitals in a diversity of communities, including her work at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare’s North Market. She has also served on the Board of Directors for the Wisconsin Hospital Association.

“I want to thank Governor Evers and Secretary-designee Timberlake for this opportunity to serve our state. I know we have both challenges and opportunities ahead of us, and I am ready to get to work serving the people of Wisconsin in this new role,” said Deb Standridge. “I would also like to add my gratitude to the outgoing deputy secretary. Having worked closely with Julie when I ran the Alternate Care Facility, I’ve seen her dedication in action.”

Regulatory Update: WiHPCA’s Third Quarter Meeting with the Division of Quality Assurance

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 19:55:49 GMT

We’re pleased to report WiHPCA’s continues to maintain and strengthen our relationship with the Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. On Sept. 9, we held out third quarterly meeting with the regulatory agency. As has been the case at past meetings, DQA provided participants with a review and discussion regarding survey deficiencies, complaint topics, and the continued infection control guidance at nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

Please see below a brief overview of what DQA reported on as it concerns surveys performed and survey topics:

Number of surveys performed (June 1, 2021-August 31, 2021)
- Number of complaint surveys – 8
- Number of recertification surveys performed – 3

Complaint surveys topics – Top 5 concern areas:
- Patient Rights
- Quality of Care and Treatment
- Nursing Services
- Patient Assessment
- Admission/Transfer/Discharge Rights

The next quarterly meeting is tentatively scheduled for December but may be pushed back to January due to the holidays. Stay tuned for more details and the opportunity to register. We certainly encourage participation from all WiHPCA members, as the meeting provides invaluable information and regulatory guidance from DQA.

Help Advocate for Hospice: Sign-up for WiHPCA’s Coffee Conversations with Legislators Program

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 15:47:22 GMT

Grassroots advocacy is the most powerful tool WiHPCA has at its disposal to shape public policy, and building relationships with lawmakers is the most important aspect of advocacy. In effort to capitalize on our greatest advocacy resource – our membership – WiHPCA has unveiled our Coffee Conversations with Legislators advocacy program.

The initiative is designed to help connect members with their local legislators. Under the program, the WiHPCA Government Affairs Team will set-up in-district meetings between WiHPCA members and state lawmakers who represent them in the Legislature. These meetings, which can be located at your facility or a local coffee shop provides a tremendous opportunity for WiHPCA members to build or strengthen their relationships with local legislators and to educate them on issues important to hospice and palliative care professionals and their patients.

Please click here for more information on the program.

REGISTER TODAY for the Sept. 9 Division of Quality Assurance Quarterly Meeting

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 15:46:43 GMT

WiHPCA is committed to finding ways to strengthen the relationship between hospice and palliative care professionals and key government policymakers that impact our industry through regulation or legislation. Engaging with lawmakers and regulatory organizations and sharing your professional expertise with them can have a significant influence on the development of polices that impact hospice and palliative care in Wisconsin.

In addition to WiHPCA’s grassroots advocacy efforts in the State Capitol, at the beginning of 2021, we implemented a regulatory outreach program that provides members an exciting opportunity to consistently engage with the Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

The next virtual quarterly meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 9 at 10:30 a.m. We would encourage you to REGISTER TODAY.

For members who have not had an opportunity to attend the first two quarterly meetings this year, the purpose of the meetings are to review and discuss survey deficiencies, examine avenues for improvement, and maintain a strong, ongoing dialogue between our members and DQA.

We hope to see you on Sept. 9!

Gov. Evers, DHS Announce Wisconsin Vaccinators Have Administered Six Million Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 15:45:55 GMT

Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced today that six million doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in the state of Wisconsin. Over half of all Wisconsinites have already completed their COVID-19 vaccine series.

“Wisconsin’s vaccine providers have worked tirelessly to get shots in arms,” said Gov. Evers. “This is a tremendous milestone, and we couldn’t have gotten here without the hard work and dedication of everyone involved. Whether you’re administering shots, scheduling appointments, answering phones, or sanitizing workstations, thank you. I encourage every eligible Wisconsinite who has not done so already to roll up their sleeves and get vaccinated to help protect themselves and their loved ones.”

Since Wisconsin began administering COVID-19 vaccine in mid-December of last year, over 3.1 million Wisconsinites have received at least one dose. The state continues to make deliberate choices to reduce barriers to accessing the COVID-19 vaccine and provide much-needed relief to communities that have withstood the worst of the pandemic. Since the start of the COVID-19 Vaccination Program in Wisconsin and thanks to countless partners, the state has launched a number of successful vaccine initiatives. Through the Vaccine Equity and Outreach grant program, DHS has helped support 100 organizations to serve as trusted vaccine messengers, increase vaccine confidence, and promote vaccine equity in racially and geographically diverse communities across Wisconsin.

Earlier this month, over 600 people got their COVID-19 vaccine at the Wisconsin State Fair, and in the process, a voucher for a free cream puff. Wisconsin also recently announced its $100 COVID-19 Vaccine Reward Program, which offers a $100 Visa gift card to anyone who receives their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine between August 20 and September 6.

Data continues to show that COVID-19 vaccines do their job by preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. In July, people who were not fully vaccinated were nearly three times more likely to test positive for COVID-19, and 3.7 times more likely to be hospitalized for COVID-19-related illnesses. The COVID-19 vaccines remain one of the best ways to protect yourself, your family, and your community from COVID-19 and the highly infectious Delta variant.

“It is important that we continue to vaccinate everyone who is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, especially as cases continue to rise, driven by the Delta variant,” said DHS Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake. “Layering protection by getting vaccinated and wearing masks in schools and in public, indoor settings is critical to stopping the spread of the Delta variant.”

National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI) Submits Comments on CY22 Home Health proposed rule

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 15:45:12 GMT

The National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI) recently submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the hospice portions of the CY22 Home Health proposed rule. The proposed rule includes several provisions related to hospice accreditation organizations and enforcement remedies. Please find below a summary of NPHI's comments to CMS:

NPHI is broadly supportive of the provisions laid out in the proposed rule and share many of CMS’s concerns regarding hospice quality of care. They believe that these new enforcement remedies, if appropriately targeted and effectively operationalized to focus on hospice bad actors, will result in an improved standard of hospice care across the industry and will allow for a more effective use of CMS’s limited resources.

NPHI supports the use of a Technical Expert Panel (TEP) to determine the parameters for public reporting of survey data in a manner that is easily understood and of value to the public.

NPHI supports the creation of a Special Focus Program (SFP) for those hospices found to be potentially placing patients at risk for poor care and encourage the use of a TEP to ensure that the SFP incorporates all the unique aspects of hospice care delivery in its creation and implementation.

NPHI strongly supports efforts to ensure the consistency of survey results among State Agencies (SAs), and Accrediting Organizations (AOs), and encourage the use of surveyor staff with hospice industry experience and the requisite understanding of the core services to be delivered.

For additional information on the proposed rule, please contact the WiHPCA office at wihpca@badgerbay.co.

Policymaker Spotlight: An Interview with State Representative Nancy VanderMeer

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 15:44:45 GMT

First elected to the state Assembly in 2014, Representative Nancy VanderMeer (R-Tomah) represents the 70^th Assembly District, which includes portions of Monroe, Jackson, Wood, and Portage Counties. The district also includes the cities of Tomah and Sparta.

Before running for office, Rep VanderMeer owned an auto dealership, and her family continues to operate a dairy farm. In her many volunteer roles, Nancy has served on the Tomah Memorial Hospital board of directors and is a former president of the American Business Women’s Association. In addition to drawing on her experience as a small businessowner to champion pro-growth policies for rural Wisconsin, she has also focused on legislation to boost Wisconsin’s healthcare workforce.

She currently chairs the Assembly Rural Development Committee and serves on the Assembly Health Committee.

Rep. VanderMeer took a few minutes to talk with us about a handful of topical health care-related issues and what the Legislature may focus on during the remainder of the 2021-22 legislative session:

Question:

As a member of the Assembly Health Committee and a legislator who has worked on numerous health care-related polices, including Interstate Medical Licensure Compacts, what do you believe are the biggest health care-related challenges currently facing the state? What policy solutions do you believe are needed to address those challenges? Are you currently working on any health care-related legislation?

Rep. VanderMeer:

I think that there are always things that can be improved, and the mark of any successful organization is constantly trying to identify areas of strength and weakness – and adjusting accordingly to better serve the individuals and stakeholders they work with.

One thing that can get overlooked in the minutia of things is that here in Wisconsin, we’re consistently ranked high and commended for the quality of care that providers deliver. There are a variety of metrics one can utilize in that regard. For example, toward the end of 2018, the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) issued a State Snapshots ranking naming Wisconsin fourth in the nation for highest overall health care quality among all 50 states and first in the Midwest. I believe that part of my role as a legislator on the health committee especially, is to do what I can to help ensure health care providers, both specialty and primary care, have the tools they need to provide quality care to patients, and that whenever possible, state government is working with providers and not standing in their way. Trying to limit bureaucratic hurdles is an example of that and deciding how to allocate limited taxpayer resources is another.

One of the reasons I’ve been so pleased with the work that went into both the initial Interstate Medical Licensure Compact in 2015 and the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact in 2019, is that I believe that those compacts are examples of the Legislature responding to defined needs brought forth by health care providers – and ultimately allowing our state to participate in those compacts that provide direct benefits to patients and providers. It will probably come as no surprise that I’m currently working with the Wisconsin Occupational Therapy Association on an Occupational Therapy Compact with Senator Ballweg of Markesan. I’m also looking at some licensing efficiency reforms for Speech Language Pathologists with Senator Kooyenga of Brookfield. I believe the compact model, if done correctly, has been proven successful in improving access to quality care. Another important benefit of the compacts is that they can be especially beneficial for military families and their spouses relocating to our state. That’s something that’s particularly important me in part because my district includes Fort McCoy and borders Volk Field in Monroe County. I was pleased to author and pass legislation last session that creates a licensure reciprocity process for military spouses.

Question:

Given your past policy work on workforce and rural development issues, you are certainly familiar with the growing health care workforce shortage in Wisconsin and the stress it is putting on the delivery of patient care. Aside from your extensive work on health care licensure compact legislation, are there any potential programs or policies you are considering or willing to support that you believe would help address our health care workforce shortage?

Rep. VanderMeer:

During the 2017-2018 Legislative Session, the Rural Development Committee was able to include a grant program in the state budget that allocated $500,000 annually for training and retaining allied health professionals and $500,000 annually for training and retaining advance practice clinicians. I think that’s a decent model to look at. I recently was able to participate in an update call on that program with a health care provider, and they were very pleased with what they’ve been able to do with the resources provided under the program. That said, I might think about the overarching issues a bit differently than some of my colleagues, in part because of what you shared above pertaining to my background, my close ties to the military community, and my experience as a board member of a rural, critical care access hospital.

Unfortunately, I don’t believe there is a silver bullet. However, I think we can make significant strides if stakeholders continue to think about things more comprehensively. For example, when the military makes decisions on whether to create, maintain, grow, shrink, or eliminate installations, they consider a variety of factors that affect their operations and personnel in a local community and geographic region, and how those factors support their overall mission. What are those factors? Those are things like the quality of workforce opportunities and educational opportunities for families - both at the K-12 and higher ed level. Additional considerations, for example, could include quality broadband access and housing available for the civilian workforce. Anyone who has followed the Assembly Committee on Rural Development since I took over as chairperson in the 2017-2018 session, knows that we’ve proactively tried to bring together stakeholders to look at some of these key issue areas. I’m always interested to learn about and would consider new ideas to address the workforce shortage, especially as it pertains to the health care workforce.

Question:

What key health care-related initiatives, if any do you believe the Assembly Republican majority will make a priority during the remainder of the current legislative session?

Rep. VanderMeer:

That is a great question, and if anyone has any specific ideas, I encourage them to contact my office. With that said, given the nature of the legislative process, I’ve learned not to over-speculate on what might move forward, or make it across the legislative “finish line” outside of what I’m directly working on. I can share that I’m cautiously optimistic about the prospects of some of the proposals I’ve authored and mentioned previously on the Assembly side of things this session. Outside of that, I can share that there’s generally broad agreement in both houses as it pertains to professional licensing reform. With that in mind, I think most of the significant policy items that we’ll see this session were already enacted via the state budget bill. There were numerous items in the budget that reflect the priorities of the Assembly Republican Caucus and aim to increase access to care, provide additional support for of our most vulnerable citizens, and limit bureaucratic hurdles for patients and providers. Things like adequately and continually funding Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) Payments for rural, critical care providers was a significant achievement in this session’s budget.

Question:

Different approaches and new innovations in health care can lead to higher quality, greater convenience, and lower costs across the health care system. Examples include price transparency, increased use of telemedicine, and direct primary care. In addition, the delivery of certain health care services in non-hospital settings, such as ambulatory surgery centers, can be less expensive and more convenient for the patient. What type of innovative ideas and policies do you support or are you interested in exploring to expand health care access and increase affordability?

Rep. VanderMeer:

I agree that different approaches and new innovations in health care can lead to higher quality, greater convenience, and lower costs across the health care system. There is certainly a greater demand for the increased use of telemedicine. That’s something I hear about quite a bit from the health care providers in my district, and the constituents I represent. If you were to look at a map of my district, you would see that in some cases, a trip to a provider can take an hour or more each way. That is a challenge for most people, especially those in need of regular care. In short, I will continue to support policies that knock down barriers to expand use of telemedicine. I will also continue to listen to patients and providers on what is the most effective and efficient delivery of care.

One question I try to ask myself when evaluating these types of approaches and innovations is, how does this create access for patients? It is a very important consideration for me that the vast majority of those I represent reside in more sparsely populated areas of the state. Obviously, as a patient, one either goes to receive care, or care comes to them. I think some of the different models of care outside of telehealth, like ambulatory surgery centers and home health care, are examples of care coming to an individual or to their community. I commend the hospital at home model that some of the larger providers in and around my district have had success with. I also co-sponsored the direct primary care bill in the 2019 session (vetoed by the governor), and I think it’s a worthwhile concept to consider again in the future.

The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of the individual interviewed and do not reflect the position of WiHPCA.

WiHPCA Government Affairs Report: State Legislative Action to Pick Up After Labor Day

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 15:44:29 GMT

By Hoven Consulting – WiHPCA’s Government Affairs Firm

The Wisconsin State Legislature will be back in session in September. After passing the biennial state budget bill in late June, lawmakers did not hold floor sessions in July and August. Typically, legislators utilize the summer months to engage with constituents in their districts and prepare bills for the fall and winter sessions.

However, legislative committees have been quite active in the past eight weeks as they held public hearings on bills likely to come to the floor during the fall session days.

The Assembly Committee on Health held a marathon public hearing in late July lasting nearly 6 hours on eleven separate pieces of legislation. These bills touched on a number of topics from newborn screenings to Medicaid reimbursement for pharmacist services to scope of practice for advanced practice registered nurses. The Senate Health Committee also heard a public hearing in July on similar bills.

While there will surely be a fair share of health care legislation that makes its way to the floors of both the Assembly and Senate, the big story of the fall will be legislative redistricting.

Wisconsin received its final census data numbers in August, triggering the beginning of the redistricting process. The Republican legislature will look to pass a bill this fall defining legislative district boundaries for the next ten years. However, the bill will almost surely be vetoed by Democratic Governor Tony Evers, which will then put the bill in the in hands of the Courts.

Census data showed significant population growth in Democratic-stronghold Dane County with some analysts predicting the county could pick up an entirely new Assembly seat. Conversely, Milwaukee County, another solid stronghold for Democrats, lost population. This means longtime Democratic districts will need to grow in geographic size out into more conservative Milwaukee suburbs.

Stay tuned for more updates on relevant health care legislation and the redistricting fight throughout the fall.

Political News and Notes

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 15:43:42 GMT

Republican William Penterman won the July 14 special election to represent the 37^th Assembly District, which includes portions of Dodge and Dane Counties. Penterman, a former legislative aide, captured 54 percent of the vote in defeating Democrat Pete Adams, who finished with 44 percent of the vote. With Penterman’s victory, Republicans will hold a 61-38 seat majority in the state Assembly.

Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes has announced he is running for U.S. Senate in 2022, meaning he won’t be seeking a second term as Wisconsin’s Lt. Gov. Barnes is the eighth Democratic to announce plans to run against Republican incumbent Senator Ron Johnson (if he chooses to run). Other Democrats seeking the seat include state Treasurer Sarah Godlewski, state Senator Chris Larson (Milwaukee), Outagamie County Exec Tom Nelson, and Milwaukee Bucks executive Alex Lasry.

Gov. Tony Evers recently signed a bill (AB 406) into law to prevent any increase in unemployment insurance (UI) contribution rates paid by employers through the end of calendar year 2023. Under the law, the “UI tax freeze” will be offset by transferring $60 million in general fund revenue to the UI trust fund in each of the next two fiscal years.

In a rare bipartisan effort, U.S. Representatives Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) and Gwen Moore (D-Milwaukee) have sent a letter to the U.S. Treasury Department requesting more guidance on spending federal COVID-19 relief. More specifically, they asked for greater clarification on how state and local governments can spend the federal funds without violating restrictions. Click here to read a recently released Legislative Fiscal Bureau memo on Wisconsin’s State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Under the American Rescue Plan Act.

It was announced this week that Wisconsin could receive up to $400 million as part of a tentative $26 billion national legal settlement stemming from the opioid crisis. The proposed agreement would resolve the lawsuit states (including Wisconsin) brought against pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors for their role in creating the opioid epidemic.

Help Advocate for Home Health Care: Sign-up for WiHPCA’s Coffee Conversations with Legislators Program

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 18:47:17 GMT

The initiative is designed to help connect members with their local legislators. Under the program, the WiHPCA Government Affairs Team will set-up in-district meetings between WiHPCA members and state lawmakers who represent them in the Legislature. These meetings, which can be located at your facility or a local coffee shop provides a tremendous opportunity for WiHPCA members to build or strengthen their relationships with local legislators and to educate them on issues important to hospice and palliative care professionals and their patients.

Please click here for more information on the program.

REMINDER: Sign-up TODAY for WiHPCA’s Legislative Key Contact Program

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 15:44:01 GMT

As was reported in previous editions of the WiHPCA Advocacy Newsletter, WiHPCA has launched a Legislative Key Contact Program, which can be a highly effective grassroots advocacy tool to help build and nurture strong on-going relationships between WiHPCA members and lawmakers in Wisconsin. Ultimately, the program can help us help shape new policies important to our members.

The program is now live on the WiHPCA website and members can easily and quickly sign-up as a Key Contact.

As a Key Contact, you can help influence the legislative process at both state and federal levels by cultivating relationships with elected officials. By taking advantage of existing relationships and making new contact with members of the Wisconsin Legislature and the Wisconsin Congressional Delegation, you can help us educate lawmakers on industry issues and influence legislation.

Remember, lawmakers are often eager to hear input from their constituents, and as an expert in your field, you can make a real difference in the policy process as a Key Contact. CLICK HERE to sign-up by filling out and submitting a brief online survey.

Wisconsin Submits Plan to Enhance and Improve Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 15:43:24 GMT

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has submitted a plan to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to improve and enhance Wisconsin’s home and community-based services under Medicaid. DHS estimates it will receive approximately $350 million under this part of ARPA. Key components of the plan that support Wisconsin’s caregiving workforce include increasing rates for home and community-based services and expanding the professional advancement opportunities for the workers who provide these services.

“Strengthening our caregiver workforce and making investments in the services that many seniors and people with disabilities rely on across our state are critical steps we must take to support our economic recovery from the pandemic,” said Governor Tony Evers. “We are fortunate to have access to these federal funds to move these efforts forward since many of the proposals to support and strengthen our caregiving workforce included in my proposed state budget were removed by the legislature and not included in the budget that was recently passed.”

In consultation with key stakeholders and partners, DHS assembled a plan that will continue to advance Wisconsin’s successful record of implementing innovative programs that enable older adults and people with disabilities to live independently in their homes and communities. In Wisconsin, these efforts include the Family Care, Family Care Partnership, IRIS, PACE and the Children’s Long-Term Support programs, as well as personal care, private duty nursing, home health, and rehabilitative services provided to eligible Medicaid members.

“Wisconsin has long been a national leader in developing and implementing programs that allow the elderly and people with disabilities to live their best lives in their homes and communities. In 2021, we achieved a major milestone by fully eliminating the adult waiting list for home and community-based services,” said DHS Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake. “The ARPA funds designated by Congress and President Biden to support state home and community-based services will help us continue to build on that success and help stabilize and the services people depend upon as well as the workforce needed to provide them.”

Foundational to Wisconsin’s plan is a commitment to ensuring all eligible people in Wisconsin have access to home and community-based services by addressing health disparities and focusing on equity in program design and access. In addition to working with the Governor’s Health Equity Council to support implementation of the approved plan, DHS will work alongside community-based organizations that share our commitment to addressing disparities within the home and community based service system for Black, Indigenous, and people of color, people with varying abilities, people living in extremely rural areas, and other historically underserved and disadvantaged communities. Wisconsin is also engaging in individual conversations with each of the 11 federally recognized tribes to identify ways to enhance HCBS services for tribal members under the proposals in the submitted plan.

CMS is currently reviewing Wisconsin’s plan, along with those plans submitted by other states. Implementation efforts will begin once CMS approval is received.

Learn more by visiting the Proposed Funding for Home and Community-Based Services.

In Case You Missed It: Gov. Evers Signs State Budget Bill into Law; Includes Numerous Health Care-Related Provisions

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 15:42:55 GMT

Gov. Tony Evers (D) earlier this month signed the 2021-2023 state budget bill into law. Before signing the bill, Evers used his broad veto authority to make 50, mostly minor changes to the state’s two-year spending plan, which was largely reshaped by the Republican-controlled Legislature over the past few months. Click here to review the Governor’s full veto message.

The final $87.5 billion budget bill contains more than $2 billion in individual income tax cuts, $650 million property tax relief, and provides $129 million in broadband funding. In addition, the budget includes a number of health care-related items that may be of interest to WiHPCA members, including:

Medicaid
- Home Health Reimbursement Rate: Provide a budgeted sum of $473,300 as the state share of payments, and provide the matching federal share of payments, in 2021-22, and by a budgeted sum of $960,200, as the state share of payments and provide the matching federal share of payments, in 2022-23, for the Department to increase the Medical Assistance rates paid for nursing care in home health agencies for dates of services beginning January 1, 2022. Specify that funding is to support licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, and nurse practitioners in home health agencies that are licensed under s. 50.49 of the statutes.
- Medical Assistance Cost-to-Continue Estimate: Provide funding of $1,361,991,300 in 2021-22 and $1,258,573,900 in 2022-23. In addition, adjust the cost-to-continue reestimate to provide $25,900,000 in 2021-22 and $51,400,000 in 2022-23, reflecting the impact of the Department's proposed rate increase to managed care organizations providing services under Family Care, PACE, and Partnership, subject to approval by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
- Nursing Home Reimbursement: Provide $82,034,300 in 2021-22 and $170,375,400 in 2022-23 to increase reimbursement rates paid to skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- Direct Care Workforce Funding: Provide $53,835,800 in 2021-22 and $50,403,200 in 2022-23 to increase funding for the direct care workforce funding supplement.
- Personal Care Reimbursement: Provide $18,904,300 in 2021-22 and $59,369,300 in 2022-23 to increase hourly rates paid for personal care services to $20.69 on January 1, 2022, and to $22.35 on January 1, 2023.
- Postpartum Eligibility Extension: Provide $2,500,000 in 2022-23 to reflect the estimated cost of extending benefits, for women enrolled in MA as pregnant women, until the last day of the month in which the 90th day after the last day of the month that the end of the pregnancy falls, instead of the 60th day under current law.
- Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and Child-Adolescent Day Treatment Reimbursement: Provide $6,628,100 in 2021- 22 and $13,256,200 in 2022-23 for a 15% increase to reimbursement rates for outpatient mental health and substance abuse services, effective January 1, 2022; and provide $1,335,600 in 2021-22 and $2,671,200 in 2022-23 for a 20% increase to reimbursement rates for child and adolescent day treatment services, effective January 1, 2022.
- Medication-Assisted Treatment: Provide $1,224,400 in 2021-22 and $2,448,700 in 2022-23 to increase MA reimbursement rates for opioid treatment providers by 5% and increase rates for opioid-related patient evaluation and management (office visits) provided by primary care providers by $5 per visit.
- MA Dental Reimbursement: Provide $15,432,800 in 2021-22 and $30,865,800 in 2022-23 to increase MA dental reimbursement rates by 40%, effective January 1, 2022.
Public Health
- Community Health Center Grants: Increase grant funding for federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) by $1,000,000 annually.
- Grants to Free and Charitable Clinics: Increase grant funding for free and charitable clinics by $1,000,000 annually.
- Lead Screening and Outreach Grants: Provide $50,000 annually to increase a grant for lead screening and outreach activities provided by a community based human service agency that provides primary health care, health education, and social services to low-income individuals in the City of Milwaukee, from $125,000 to $175,000.
Elder and Disability Services
- Birth to 3: Provide $1,125,000 annually in order for the Department to meet its federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement for the Birth to 3 program in the 2021-23 biennium.
Community Based Behavioral Health
- Child Psychiatry Consultation Program: Provide $500,000 in 2022-23 to increase from $1,500,000 to $2,000,000 the funding for the child psychiatry consultation program in that year.
- Medication-Assisted Treatment Expansion: Provide $500,000 in 2021-22 and $1,000,000 in 2022-23 in the Joint Committee on Finance supplemental appropriation for medication-assisted treatment.
- Methamphetamine Addiction Treatment Grants: Provide $150,000 in 2021-22 and $300,000 in 2022-23 in the Joint Committee on Finance supplemental appropriation for training for substance use disorder treatment providers on treatment models for methamphetamine addiction.
- Substance Use Disorder Treatment Platform: Provide $300,000 in 2022-23 in the Joint Committee on Finance supplemental appropriation for development of a substance use disorder treatment platform that allows for the comparison of treatment programs in the state.
- Behavioral Health Bed Tracker: Provide $50,000 in 2021-22 and $20,000 in 2022-23 to expand the purposes of the current psychiatric bed tracking system to include information on the availability of space for peer run respite beds and crisis stabilization beds.
- Behavioral Health Trainee Provider Grants: Provide $250,000 GPR in 2022-23 in the appropriation for treatment program grants, to increase total funding for the program in that year to $750,000. Modify the program to: (a) specify that the Department may expend any available federal moneys received for this program; (b) require the Department to distribute a total of $750,000 per year, beginning in 2022-23; and (c) renumber the appropriation so that it is included as an appropriation under mental health and substance abuse services instead of under public health.
Department of Children and Families:
- Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidies: Increase funding for direct child care subsidies by $11,000,000 FED in 2021-22 and by $18,200,000 in 2022-23 so that the reimbursement rates would fully pay the price of at least 65 percent of the slots for children within the licensed capacity of all child care providers.

Historic Investments in Wisconsin Health Care Service Providers

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 15:42:11 GMT

By Representative Amy Loudenbeck (R-Clinton)

Vice Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Finance

Wisconsin’s 2021-23 biennial budget makes significant investments across a wide spectrum of health care priorities, including raising Medicaid reimbursement rates for numerous providers who hadn’t seen increases in over a decade and targeted investments to increase access to care and improve health care outcomes.

Over the last year, long-term care facilities and their staff have been strained by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, for the past several years many of these facilities have been experiencing a critical workforce shortage and were also struggling with low Medicaid reimbursement rates that didn’t even cover the cost of care. The budget invests nearly $440 million in long-term care facilities and the workforce that staffs them.

Ambulance Service Providers (EMS) will see an increase in reimbursement rates of over $16 million. This additional funding will help to sustain many of our EMS providers across the state and will help avoid service deserts.

To ensure residents have access to high-quality dental care when they need it, this budget invests over $46 million to expand dental access across Wisconsin.

The budget increases Medicaid reimbursement for autism services by over $14 million. These services are intended to teach children with autism spectrum disorders the skills that children would usually learn by imitating others around them, such as social interaction and language skills, and there is a significant waiting list for services.

Nearly two-thirds of hospitals will continue to receive state funding in the form of Disproportionate Share Hospital payments to hospitals that serve low-income patients. This funding helps reduce cost-shifting to individuals with private insurance to cover losses.

The budget also boosts Medicaid reimbursement rates for Skilled Home Health Care Services, Emergency Room Physicians, Speech-Language Pathologists, Audiology Services, Chiropractic Services, Physical Therapy Services, and the Child Psychiatry Consultation Program. These investments are intended to increase access and to ensure providers are compensated appropriately for their work.

Federally-Qualified Health Centers and Free and Charitable Clinics, non-profit organizations that provide comprehensive primary health care to underserved areas and populations, also receive a boost. These providers will receive an additional $4 million over the biennium (each category will share $1 million/year in financial support).

In addition, the budget includes an increase of $6 million to expand the Dementia Care Specialist Program statewide by funding 18 dementia care specialist positions at Aging and Disability Resources Centers around the state, as well as seven tribal dementia care specialist positions.

Finally, this budget increases funding for psychological testing, diagnosis, psychotherapy, and counseling for individuals, groups, and families, as well as mental health day treatment services for children. The budget also includes over $3 million for medication-assisted treatment (including patient evaluation as well as methadone and other opioid abuse treatment medications) for individuals with substance abuse disorders.

Overall, the 2021-23 biennial budget will ensure that health care service providers and their employees will be well positioned to continue providing quality care across the health care continuum so all residents across Wisconsin can access a wide range of health care settings and services.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of WiHPCA.

Penterman Narrowly Wins Special GOP Primary Election

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 20:24:48 GMT

William Penterman, a legislative aide in the State Capitol and a member of the U.S. Army reserve narrowly won an eight-way Republican special primary in the 37th Assembly District. The district includes portions of Dane, Dodge, Jefferson, and Columbia counties as well as parts of the cities of Columbus, Waterloo, and Watertown.

Peterman received 758 votes, gaining a slim 16-vote victory of local university professor Jennifer Meinhardt. If officially declared the winner, Penterman will face Democratic candidate Peter Adams and Independent candidate Stephen Ratzlaff Jr. in the July 13 special general election.

The seat became vacant when then Representative John Jagler (R-Watertown) was elected to represent the 13th Senate District that was previously held by former Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, who was elected to Congress last November.

Republicans currently hold a 60-38 seat majority in the Assembly, with the one vacancy in the 37^th Assembly District.

In Their Own Words: Representative Rachael Cabral-Guevara on Her Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Bill

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 20:24:14 GMT

For the past eight years, I have worked as an Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner (APRN) in the State of Wisconsin and have operated my own independent clinic. My passion for affordable, accessible healthcare has permeated nearly every aspect of my hectic life, including my new role as a state legislator.

Over the course of my time as a nurse, the healthcare industry has changed drastically. I have worked for large health systems, small ones, clinics, and everything in between. At the end of the day, I got in to nursing so that I can care for my patients, not feed a massive healthcare system. That is why I started my own business: so that I can provide healthcare to those who may not fit into the large systems, if they have astronomical deductibles, or if they do not have insurance at all.

I believe this model of small clinics, operated by nurses, can be replicated across the state and dramatically cut healthcare costs for folks who need it the most. For example, all of the prices for procedures and appointments are posted directly on my clinic’s website – there is not some mystical formula that only the system can understand. The logic is simple: you would never go through a McDonald’s drive-thru for them to only tell you at the end your burger costs $25. You would go down the road to Burger King or Wendy’s, where the prices you know are more competitive. This is how we can bring some sanity back to the healthcare field – the more competitive it is, the market will do its job to cut costs. Just imagine having dozens of these clinics in our area.

One obstacle in the way of this, however, is the fact that nurses in the State of Wisconsin have their hands tied. They are required to pay astronomical prices for collaborating physicians to even have their doors open – and if that physician dies or disappears, they need to immediately shut down. Collaboration is not the issue. I collaborate every day with specialists in nearly every aspect of healthcare for the good of my patients. The issue is the price and risk of having to close my doors because of someone who I may not even talk to on an annual basis somehow vanishes. This has turned off many fellow APRNs from replicating clinics like mine throughout our cities and rural areas.

Currently, 24 states and 2 territories have full practice authority (FPA) for Nurse Practitioners (NPs). Wisconsin made steps towards this goal when Governor Evers issued his COVID-19 emergency order, which eliminated the restrictions placed on NPs to practice without that collaboration requirement. Unfortunately, after the emergency orders were overturned by the Wisconsin Supreme Court, all restrictions were re-instated on the profession. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we learned NPs can have FPA without the negative consequences that some feared. In fact, studies have shown that an NPs outcomes for management of acute and chronic disease are equivalent if not better than a physicians.

Assembly Bill (AB) 396/Senate Bill (SB) 394 brings Wisconsin up-to-date with 24 other states to give Nurse Practitioners FPA. Passing these bills will allow NPs to continue to prioritize patient care and allow NPs to continue excellence in their nursing practice without unnecessary and undue restrictions.

Those opposing these bills have raised concerns about the unlikely event an NP goes “rogue” and attempts to practice outside of the scope of their training. As nurses, this is not how reality works. I have collaborated with physicians and other professionals in every instance that is deemed necessary. To do otherwise would open me up to severe liability issues and lawsuits, just as it would for a physician who practices outside of their scope.

At the end of the day, all nurses are asking for is a level playing field. We want the freedom to do what we do best: care for our patients.

State Representative Rachael Cabral-Guevara (R-Appleton) represents the 55th Assembly District in the Wisconsin Legislature. Her Assembly district is in Winnebago County and includes the City of Neenah and parts of Appleton.

NOTE: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of WiHPCA. Furthermore, the opinion piece allows WiHPCA to gain a better understanding of a health care-related bill from the author’s perspective, but in no way indicates support or opposition to the proposal.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Bill Introduced in Legislature

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 20:23:30 GMT

A group of Republican state lawmakers – including Sen. Pat Testin (R- Stevens Point) and Representative Rachael Cabral-Guevara (R-Appleton) – recently introduced an advanced practice registered nurse bill (AB 396 / SB 394). The proposal creates a new license issued by the Wisconsin Board of Nursing for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), which includes Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, and Certified Nurse Midwives.

The bill’s authors and supporting nursing organizations claim the legislation and is necessary to help address Wisconsin’s health care provider shortage and provide clarity to the scope of practice of APRNs. They believe it will help provide regulatory flexibility and assist with removing barriers to allow these providers to practice within their scope in underserved areas of the state.

However, other health care provider groups, including the Wisconsin Medical Society have raised concerns over numerous provisions in the bill. They believe the legislation will improperly expand the APRN scope of practice by eliminating the requirement for these practitioners to collaborate with physicians and allow them to diagnose and treat patients independently from a physician.

The legislation, which was introduced earlier this month and is currently under consideration by the Assembly and Senate Health Committees, is supported by the Wisconsin Nurses Association, the Wisconsin Association of Nurse Anesthetists, WPS Health Insurance, and United HealthCare Services. Opposition to the proposal includes the state medical society and the Wisconsin Society of Anesthesiologists.

Joint Finance Committee Completes Work on State Budget Bill; Sends to Full Legislature for Further Consideration

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 20:22:07 GMT

By Hoven Consulting – WiHPCA’s Government Affairs Firm

The Legislature's Joint Finance Committee (JFC) finished its work on reshaping Gov. Tony Evers' 2021-23 state budget proposal. While the Finance Committee completed their work on time, it was a challenging budget process with numerous moving pieces, including split government, billions of dollars in federal COVID-19 relief aid, and a projected $4.4 billion state budget surplus.

The budget bill must still be approved by the full Legislature and signed into law by Evers, who could also veto the legislation in part or in whole. However, both houses of the Legislature are likely to adopt the budget approved by JFC with minimal changes.

While the Finance Committee did not include Medicaid Expansion in its spending plan, it did include over $1.5 billion in total funding the state’s Medicaid program and increased spending on several specific initiatives. Of potential interest to hospice and palliative care agencies, the committee approved increases for home health care, personal care, and direct care workers as follows:

Home Health Care Skilled Nursing Services: Provide more than $1.4 million over the two-year budget cycle to increase Medicaid rates for home health care skilled nursing services by 10 percent. The rate boost would begin on January 1, 2022 and will support care offered by licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, and nurse practitioners in home health agencies.

Direct Care Workforce Funding: Provide $53,835,800 in 2021-22 and $50,403,200 in 2022-23 to increase funding for the direct care workforce funding supplement.

Personal Care Reimbursement: Provide $18,904,300 in 2021-22 and $59,369,300 in 2022-23 to increase hourly rates paid for personal care services to $20.69 on January 1, 2022, and to $22.35 on January 1, 2023.

Please find below an overview of additional Department of Health Services and Medicaid-related provisions included in the JFC-approved version of the budget bill:

Medicaid

Medical Assistance Cost-to-Continue Estimate: Provide funding of $1.3 billion in 2021-22 and $1.25 billion in 2022-23. In addition, adjust the cost-to-continue re-estimate to provide $25,900,000 in 2021-22 and $51,400,000 in 2022-23, reflecting the impact of the Department's proposed rate increase to managed care organizations providing services under Family Care, PACE, and Partnership, subject to approval by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Nursing Home Reimbursement: Provide $82 million in 2021-22 and $170 million in 2022-23 to increase reimbursement rates paid to skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Postpartum Eligibility Extension: Provide $2.5 million in 2022-23 to reflect the estimated cost of extending benefits, for women enrolled in MA as pregnant women, until the last day of the month in which the 90th day after the last day of the month that the end of the pregnancy falls, instead of the 60th day under current law.

Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and Child-Adolescent Day Treatment Reimbursement: Provide $6.6 million in 2021- 22 and $13.2 million in 2022-23 for a 15% increase to reimbursement rates for outpatient mental health and substance abuse services. In addition, provide $1.3 million in 2021-22 and $2.6 million in 2022-23 for a 20% increase to reimbursement rates for child and adolescent day treatment services.

Medication-Assisted Treatment: Provide $1.2 million in 2021-22 and $2.4 million in 2022-23 to increase MA reimbursement rates for opioid treatment providers by 5% and increase rates for opioid-related patient evaluation and management provided by primary care providers by $5 per visit.

MA Dental Reimbursement: Provide $15.4 million in 2021-22 and $30.8 million in 2022-23 to increase MA dental reimbursement rates by 40%.

Home Health Reimbursement Rate: Provide a budgeted sum of $473,300 as the state share of payments, and provide the matching federal share of payments, in 2021-22, and by a budgeted sum of $960,200, as the state share of payments and provide the matching federal share of payments, in 2022-23, for the Department to increase the Medical Assistance rates paid for nursing care in home health agencies for dates of services beginning January 1, 2022. Specify that funding is to support licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, and nurse practitioners in home health agencies that are licensed under s. 50.49 of the statutes.

Public Health

Community Health Center Grants: Increase grant funding for federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) by $1,000,000 annually.

Grants to Free and Charitable Clinics: Increase grant funding for free and charitable clinics by $1,000,000 annually.

Lead Screening and Outreach Grants: Provide $50,000 annually to increase a grant for lead screening and outreach activities provided by a community based human service agency that provides primary health care, health education, and social services to low-income individuals in the City of Milwaukee, from $125,000 to $175,000.

Community Based Behavioral Health

Child Psychiatry Consultation Program: Provide $500,000 in 2022-23 to increase from $1,500,000 to $2,000,000 the funding for the child psychiatry consultation program.

Medication-Assisted Treatment Expansion: Provide $500,000 in 2021-22 and $1,000,000 in 2022-23 in the Joint Committee on Finance supplemental appropriation for medication-assisted treatment.

Methamphetamine Addiction Treatment Grants: Provide $150,000 in 2021-22 and $300,000 in 2022-23 in the Joint Committee on Finance supplemental appropriation for training for substance use disorder treatment providers on treatment models for methamphetamine addiction.

Substance Use Disorder Treatment Platform: Provide $300,000 in 2022-23 in the Joint Committee on Finance supplemental appropriation for development of a substance use disorder treatment platform that allows for the comparison of treatment programs in the state.

Behavioral Health Bed Tracker: Provide $50,000 in 2021-22 and $20,000 in 2022-23 to expand the purposes of the current psychiatric bed tracking system to include information on the availability of space for peer run respite beds and crisis stabilization beds.

Behavioral Health Trainee Provider Grants: Provide $250,000 in 2022-23 in the appropriation for treatment program grants to increase total funding for the program in that year to $750,000. Modify the program to: (a) specify that the Department may expend any available federal moneys received for this program; (b) require the Department to distribute a total of $750,000 per year, beginning in 2022-23; and (c) renumber the appropriation so that it is included as an appropriation under mental health and substance abuse services instead of under public health.

Regulatory Overview: WiHPCA’s June 10 Second Quarter Meeting with the Division of Quality Assurance

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 20:19:49 GMT

Earlier this year, WiHPCA fulfilled one of our main organizational goals for 2021 when we began quarterly meetings with the Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. In addition to building a positive relationship with an important regulatory agency that oversees the hospice and palliative care industry, the specific purpose of the meetings are to review and discuss survey deficiencies, examine avenues for improvement, and seek regulatory guidance from DQA.

The initial meeting held on March 11 was well attended and opened a great line of communication between WiHPCA members and DQA staff. The June 10 second quarter meeting was also successful and provided attendees with a wealth of important regulatory information. Please find below an overview of the June 11 meeting:

Survey Report:

Number of surveys performed (Oct. 1, 2020-March 31, 2021)

i. Number of complaint surveys – 14
ii. Number of recertification surveys performed – 8

Complaint surveys topics – Top 5 concern areas:

iii.      Quality of Care and Treatment

iv.      Patient Rights

v.      Nursing Services

vi.      Admission/Transfer/Discharge Rights

vii.      Infection Control

Question and Answer Overview:

Will the Public Health Emergency – and the associated COVID-19 waivers (CMS 1135) that apply to hospice care – remain in place until Dec. 31, 2021? While guidance continues to be sought, a 90-day extension of the public health emergency (PHE) was signed effective April 15, 2021.
- See: https://www.cms.gov/About-CMS/Agency-Information/Emergency/EPRO/Current-Emergencies/Current-Emergencies-page. DQA will receive the same notice that providers receive related to an end date for the PHE or any changes to the waivers that occur prior to the end of the PHE.
- CMS provided this website for more information about 1135 waivers: https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Provider-Enrollment-and-Certification/SurveyCertEmergPrep/1135-Waivers
How many new hospice organizations have begun operations in Wisconsin in 2021?
- One hospice newly licensed in 2021. The Hospice statewide directory is found here: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/guide/hospice.htm.
How many applications are pending approval?
- There are currently two hospice applications pending approval.
Does DQA plan to re-write hospice and facility interface documents or convene a task force to revise the interface in the near future?
- Jessica Tomczak, the DQA Nurse Consultant for Hospice, is working on this project. Any ideas for updates can be e-mailed to her at: Jessica.Tomczak@dhs.wisconsin.gov.
Has there been any coordination of care issues with nursing homes or assisted living in general, or as it specifically relates to infection control?
- F-774 - The hospice plan of care must identify the care and services that are needed and specifically identify which provider is responsible for performing the respective functions that have been agreed upon and included in the hospice plan of care.
- F-774 was cited one time recently (May 2021) related to the Plans of Care for patients residing in Nursing Homes or Assisted Living Facilities not specifying which provider was responsible for which care areas on the Plan of Care.
1135 Waivers will continue through the Feds through 12/31. This was confirmed through 20-003 for hospices. We are working with the Biden Administration through NHPCO to look at extending some aspects such as telehealth visits past the PHE. Will telehealth visits be codified through the state of WI for NP and physicians visits for our palliative care programs?
- CMS response – Since the PHE is ongoing, CMS has not issued any further information regarding telehealth as it relates to Hospice. We will update you if we receive any further guidance.
- WI response – DHS established a temporary telehealth policy to ensure access to health services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The temporary policy flexibilities for telehealth services related to COVID-19 are not tied to the federal or state declaration of a public health emergency. DHS is in the process of drafting emergency and permanent telehealth rules. The current policy will continue until emergency telehealth rules go into effect. For Medicare certified providers, please follow the guidance from CMS.
CMS recently changed their guidance in QSO-20-38-NH to allow to not routinely test staff that have been fully vaccinated. They did reiterate that unvaccinated staff needed to be tested according to the percent positivity rate in their county. DHS guidance in the past has been that all routine testing had to be performed a minimum of every 2 weeks. We have not seen any adjustment to this DHS guidance (unless we missed it) allowing for NOT testing vaccinated staff, etc. Are we correct in assuming that DHS is allowing this even though their previous guidance was more restrictive?
- DHS released updated testing guidance (see attached) on 6/9/21 to align with the guidance provided in CMS QSO Memo 20-38 revised 4/27/21.
- The current DHS COVID-19: Nursing Home testing guidance links to the revised CMS QSO Memo -20-38 and recommends routine testing of unvaccinated staff based on the county positivity rate in the last week:
- - Low – Positivity rate of < 5% - Once a month testing
  - Medium – Positivity rate of 5% - 10% - Once a week testing
  - High – Positivity rate of > 10% - Twice a week testing

Policymaker Spotlight: An Interview with State Representative Dan Riemer

Thu, 20 May 2021 16:38:04 GMT

First elected to the state Assembly in 2012, Representative Dan Riemer (D-Milwaukee) is serving his fifth term representing the 7th Assembly District, which includes portions of the cities of Milwaukee and West Allis, as well as the Village of West Milwaukee.

Rep. Riemer holds a law degree from UW-Madison and is a full-time lawmaker. He currently serves on the Assembly Health Committee, and during his time in the Legislature has worked on numerous health care-related proposals.

Rep. Riemer took a few minutes to talk with us about a handful of topical health care issues facing Wisconsin and what health care policy priorities he believes should be pursued during the 2021-22 legislative session:

Question 1

As a long-time member of the Assembly Health Committee and a legislator who has worked on numerous health care-related polices during your time in the Legislature, what do you believe are the largest health care-related challenges facing the state? In addition, what policy solutions do you believe are needed to address those challenges? Lastly, what key health care policy proposals is the Assembly Democratic Caucus focusing on for the 2021-22 legislative session?

Answer: The single biggest health care challenge facing Wisconsin is the failure to expand Medicaid. This would increase the number of Wisconsinites with health insurance, and lower health care costs for newly Medicaid-covered individuals between 100%-133% of the Federal Poverty Line. Medicaid provides better benefits than Affordable Care Act plans or other plans and provides Wisconsin’s government with over one billion additional dollars, some of which could be devoted to other health care priorities.

As I have done for many years through legislation, Governor Evers has also repeatedly proposed Medicaid expansion. The Assembly Democratic Caucus has again made this a priority, as have Democrats in the State Senate. The time has come for the Republican majority in the Wisconsin Legislature to agree. That’s the simple solution to our biggest health care challenge.

Question 2

The cost of healthcare continues to rise, for both individuals and employers. In fact, a recent survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Purchaser Business Group on Health found that 85 percent of large employers believe the government must take a bigger role in managing healthcare costs and coverage. Another survey found that 55 percent of small business owners say the cost of providing health insurance to their employees is the biggest challenge they face. What types of policies or future legislation do you believe are necessary to help drive down the overall costs of health care?

Answer: In addition to Medicaid expansion, which will reduce what Wisconsin’s taxpayers and government must pay for health care for a large sector of our population (a form of lowering costs), I strongly support other measures to lower the overall cost of healthcare in Wisconsin. One step that I support would be to require that the Wisconsin State Employee Health Plan (WSEHP) be used as the vehicle by which all government employees obtained health insurance.

A careful analysis of WSEHP by University of Wisconsin-Madison La Follette Professor of Economics John Mullahy and others compared the WSEHP’s experience in Dane County vs. Wisconsin’s other 71 counties. The study showed that when a very large percentage of the employees in a county are offered a choice among competing health care plans, they have incentives to enroll in the lower-cost plans, because while higher-cost plans are always available, they must pay a modest additional premium to enroll in higher-cost plans. Given the choices, health care premiums and costs are held down.

If WSEHP served as the vehicle for enabling all government employees to obtain health insurance in the same way, it should be possible to replicate much of WSEHP’s unique success in Dane County in constraining health care premiums and costs. One of the benefits of this is that, as the Dane County story suggests, it is not only the WSEHP and those it helps obtain health insurance for who experience reduced costs. The model’s incentives put pressure on the competing plans to become more cost effective in general, which helps private employers as well.

Question 3

Skilled home health care offers a wide range of health care services, which are provided by skilled non-physician practitioners, such as nurses in a patient’s home. Not only does skilled home health offer patients with greater convenience, increased quality of life, and better outcomes, it is also typically less expensive than care delivered in a hospital or other facility. Unfortunately, despite the many benefits of home health care, the Wisconsin Medicaid reimbursement rate for home-based skilled nursing has not been increased in over a decade. With that in mind, would you support increasing the Medicaid reimbursement rate for home health skilled nursing services by 10 percent?

Answer: I certainly would be concerned if the current Medicaid reimbursement rate for home health skilled nursing services is resulting in a reduction in the number of providers or the quality of care.

This is not an issue, however, that I know much about. I would welcome the opportunity to learn more.

The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of the individual that was interviewed and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the organization.

Governor Evers Calls Special Session on Medicaid Expansion

Thu, 20 May 2021 16:37:41 GMT

Governor Tony Evers has called a special session of the legislature to take up a proposal to expand the Wisconsin Medicaid program, which would capture an extra $1 billion in federal funds and cover more than 90,000 additional Wisconsin residents under the program.

The legislation would also use $850 million of the additional federal dollars for numerous economic development-related projects and transfer the rest to the state’s budget stabilization fund.

The Republican-controlled Legislature has said they would immediately gavel out the special session without taking up the proposed legislation.

REMINDER: Sign-up TODAY for WiHPCA’s Legislative Key Contact Program

Wed, 19 May 2021 16:36:56 GMT

As you know, the WiHPCA has launched a Legislative Key Contact Program, which can be a highly effective grassroots advocacy tool to help build and nurture strong on-going relationships between WiHPCA members and lawmakers in Wisconsin. Ultimately, the program can help us help shape new policies important to our members.

We are happy to report the program is live on the WiHPCA website and members can easily and quickly sign-up as a Key Contact.

As a Key Contact, you can help influence the legislative process at both state and federal levels by cultivating relationships with elected officials. By taking advantage of existing relationships and making contact with members of the Wisconsin Legislature and the Wisconsin Congressional Delegation, you can help us educate lawmakers on industry issues and influence legislation.

WiHPCA Member in the News: Rita Hagen

Wed, 19 May 2021 16:36:09 GMT

There is no question that members of WiHPCA are experts and leaders in Wisconsin’s hospice and palliative care industry. With that in mind, it is rewarding when our members are acknowledged in the media or other public forums for their relentless work and dedication to caring for patients with terminal and life-limiting illness. Not only does it recognize the hard work of our members, but it also helps educate the public on the importance of hospice and palliative care.

We are pleased to report that Rita Hagen, WiHPCA Board member and Executive Director of Hospice Alliance, penned an article – “COMMUNITY: Understanding Hospice Alliance's palliative care” – that was recently printed in the Kenosha News. Please CLICK HERE to read Rita’s article, which provides a tremendous overview of palliative care/Supportive Care Management and how it benefits individuals living with serious illness.

Wisconsin to Receive $700 million Less in American Rescue Plan Act Funding

Wed, 19 May 2021 16:35:43 GMT

The U.S. Treasury last week issued guidelines for state and local governments on how they can access their share of the $350 billion in COVID-19 aid for state, local, tribal, and territorial governments included in the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

It was also announced the state of Wisconsin will receive $700 million less in ARPA funding than originally anticipated – from and an anticipated $3.2 billion to an actual $2.5 billion. In addition, the direct federal funding to the state will be split into two payments a year apart. The reduction in funding is due to improvements in the state’s unemployment rate, which has returned close to pre-pandemic levels.

Governor Tony Evers (D) who has full control over the allocation of the federal aid had planned to put $700 million toward the state’s ongoing response to the pandemic and $2.5 billion toward economic recovery. That will now need to be revisited with less funding coming into Wisconsin.

Evers, along with Wisconsin U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D) has sent a letter to the Biden Administration asking Treasury to reconsider the split payment approach.

The newly released rules provide guidance on allowable uses of the federal relief funding. The federal government’s funding objectives for the relief aid includes:

Support urgent COVID-19 response efforts to continue to decrease spread of the virus and bring the pandemic under control.
Replace lost revenue for eligible state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments to strengthen support for vital public services and help retain jobs.
Support immediate economic stabilization for households and businesses.
Address systemic public health and economic challenges that have contributed to the inequal impact of the pandemic.

State and local governments may use these funds to:

Support public health expenditures, by, for example, funding COVID-19 mitigation efforts, medical expenses, behavioral healthcare, and certain public health and safety staff.
Address negative economic impacts caused by the public health emergency, including economic harms to workers, households, small businesses, impacted industries, and the public sector.
Replace lost public sector revenue, using this funding to provide government services to the extent of the reduction in revenue experienced due to the pandemic.
Provide premium pay for essential workers, offering additional support to those who have and will bear the greatest health risks because of their service in critical infrastructure sectors.
Invest in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure, making necessary investments to improve access to clean drinking water, support vital wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, and to expand access to broadband internet.

Within these overall categories, recipients have broad flexibility to decide how best to use the funding to meet the needs of their communities.

For more information, please visit the U.S. Treasury website.

Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee Begins Voting to Reshape State Budget Bill

Wed, 19 May 2021 16:35:02 GMT

The Joint Finance Committee, the state Legislature’s budget writing committee, has begun voting to reshape Governor Tony Evers’ $91 billion state budget bill proposal. The most significant action the GOP-controlled committee took was the approval (along party lines) of a motion to pull more than 380 items from Evers’ two-year spending plan for the state. The items removed from the legislation were either non-fiscal policy items or provisions included by the governor that are opposed by the Republican majority in the Legislature.

More specifically, the motion removed the following health care-related items from the 2021-23 budget bill:

Full federal Medicaid expansion
Creation of a state-based Health Insurance Exchange
Legalization of medical marijuana
Raising to 21 the minimum age to purchase tobacco products

By removing the provision to expand Medicaid, Wisconsin is declining $1.6 billion in additional federal aid over the next two years, including $1 billion in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for each state that approves Medicaid expansion. Proponents of the measure say expanding Medicaid eligibility would not only save the state money, but also provide health coverage to over 90,00 additional people.

Republicans who control the Legislature oppose Medicaid expansion, pointing to the lack of a coverage gaps between BadgerCare eligibility and eligibility for subsidies to purchase private coverage in the health insurance marketplace. They also believe expansion could put Wisconsin is a tough fiscal position in the future if the federal government decides to reduce Medicaid contributions made to states.

The Joint Finance Committee will continue to meet during the month of May to take further action on the budget bill. However, they are not expected to address major spending items, including Medicaid issues until next month.

What’s Happening Under the Capitol Dome: Track Health Care Legislation Being Considered by State Lawmakers

Wed, 19 May 2021 16:33:22 GMT

Although much of the focus in the State Capitol is on development of the 2021-23 state budget bill – the $91 billion two-year spending plan for the state – lawmakers are also acting on stand-alone, non-budget legislation, including many that impact the delivery of health care in Wisconsin. Legislation of interest to health care professionals across the state that have been introduced and are currently being considered by the Legislature’s Health Committees include the following:

Assembly Bill 66 - Relating to community health center grants and making an appropriation.
Assembly Bill 86 - Relating to providing complementary and alternative health care practitioners with exemptions from practice protection laws, requirements and prohibitions for individuals who provide complementary and alternative health care services.
Assembly Bill 184 - Relating to application of prescription drug payments to health insurance cost-sharing requirements.
Assembly Bill 281 - Relating to registration of pharmacy technicians.
Assembly Bill 290 - Relating to reimbursement of pharmacist services under the Medical Assistance program.
Assembly Bill 295 / Senate Bill 308 - Relating to licensing and regulation of pharmacies and remote dispensing sites under the pharmacy practice law and the practice of pharmacy.
Assembly Bill 296 - Relating to funding for free and charitable clinics and defining telehealth.
Senate Bill 337 - Relating to prohibiting businesses from discriminating against customers due to vaccination record.
Senate Bill 340 - Relating to reimbursement rates for behavioral treatment services under the Medical Assistance program.
Senate Bill 342 - Relating to prohibiting the state or other governmental entities from discrimination based on whether the person has received a COVID-19 vaccine.

For a full list of bills currently being considered by the Assembly and Senate Health Committees, CLICK HERE to view Assembly bills and HERE to view Senate bills. You bill be able to read the bills in full and track their status as they move through the legislative process.

REGISTER TODAY: Quarterly Meeting with Division of Quality Assurance

Wed, 19 May 2021 16:32:27 GMT

WiHPCA is committed to strengthening the relationship between hospice and palliative care professionals and key government policymakers that impact our industry through regulation and legislation. Engaging with lawmakers and regulatory organizations and sharing your professional expertise with them can have a significant influence on the development of polices that impact hospice and palliative care in Wisconsin.

In addition to WiHPCA’s grassroots advocacy efforts in the State Capitol, we have created an exciting opportunity for members to regularly engage with the Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

In fact, on Thursday, June 10, WiHPCA is holding its second quarterly meeting with DQA. Please REGISTER TODAY for this unique opportunity. This webinar will not be recorded. Please plan to participate in the webinar and take advantage of live Q&A.

The purpose of the quarterly meetings – which are tentatively scheduled to be held every three months during the second week of the month – is to review and discuss survey deficiencies, examine avenues for improvement, and maintain a strong, ongoing dialogue between our members and DQA.

A more detailed agenda, a summary of questions, and other related materials will be sent to registrants prior to the meeting.

If you are interested in submitting a question for the June 10 meeting, please do so no later than close of business on Wednesday, May 26.

Legislative Update

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 16:30:56 GMT

By Hoven Consulting

In February, Governor Tony Evers introduced his 2021-23 biennial budget proposal. The 1,000+ page document lays out the Governor’s preferred spending levels for all agencies and programs administered by state government for the next two fiscal years.

The challenge for Democratic Governor Evers is getting the Republican legislature to pass his spending bill. Many of the major tenants of the proposal, including marijuana legalization and accepting federal Medicaid expansion dollars, have already been rejected by legislative leaders.

The bill is now in the hands of the legislature’s budget-writing Joint Committee on Finance, a committee compromised of 6 Republicans and 2 Democrats from the Senate and 6 Republicans and 2 Democrats from the Assembly.

There are three core stages of the committee’s process. The first occurred earlier this month when the committee invited select administrative agency heads to testify and further explain the Governor’s spending proposals as it affects their agencies. This year, the committee spent two days hearing from the leaders of the Department of Public Instruction, the Department of Workforce Development, the Department of Natural Resources, and the Public Service Commission. These four agencies compromise a significant portion of overall spending, along with the Department of Health Services and Department of Administration, which were not asked to testify.

These hearings are largely fact-finding missions, with some political barbs thrown in from time to time. They provide an early glimpse on how the legislature’s priorities differ from the Governor’s.

As of this writing, the committee is now in its second stage of holding hearings around the state to gain input from the public on how to prioritize spending. The first hearing was held in Whitewater on April 9, the second in Rhinelander on April 21, Menomonie on April 22, and finishing with a virtual hearing on April 28.

The public hearings are typically long days with hundreds of individuals testifying on a wide variety of issues. They provide the committee with general trends on what is important to the public and informs the committee’s third and final stage.

In May, the committee will begin voting agency by agency on its own spending proposals. They will typically meet two to three times a week each week in May spending many hours each day debating and voting on each proposal. This is the most important stage of the committee’s process as it’s basically the final chance to fight to put a priority in the budget or keep a bad proposal out of the budget.

This year, we expect significant departures from the committee’s (legislature’s) final budget proposal compared to the Governor’s. While proposals are beginning to solidify, much remains to be seen on major spending initiatives.

Complicating the matter is the $3.2 billion the state is receiving from the federal American Rescue Plan Act. Governor Evers has complete discretion on how to spend these dollars without any legislative approval. It seems the legislature wants to know the details of the Governor’s plan to inform their budgeting initiatives.

Once the committee finishes its voting in May, the bill will go to the full legislature for a vote in both houses. The goal is for that to occur in June as the fiscal year ends July 1. In Wisconsin, the governor has the ability to line-item veto spending bills. In other words, he or she can veto portions of the budget bill without vetoing the bill in total. In 2019, Governor Evers vetoed many items in the bill that eventual passed the legislature. That is expected to occur again.

In short, the budget process is a long, somewhat messy undertaking with priorities and ideas that seem to shift daily. It’s not really until the dust settles after the Joint Committee on Finance finishes voting in May that the public gets a good idea of a final proposal. Stay tuned for updates as the process continues.

President Biden Signs into Law Bill Extending Moratorium on Medicare Sequestration

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 16:31:35 GMT

Last week President Biden signed into law the Medicare Sequester Relief Act that pauses through the end of the year an automatic 2% cut for all Medicare payments to health care providers. The bill enjoyed strong bipartisan support in Congress, passing 384-38 in the U.S. House of Representatives and 90-2 in the Senate.

Congress initially paused the cuts last year as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded and have made several extensions since. Although the moratorium on the 2% reduction ended on March 31, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has not been enforcing the cuts in anticipation of the Sequester Relief Act passing to ensure providers were not negatively impacted.

The moratorium extension gives health care providers much-needed financial relief as they continue to grapple with the pandemic that has stretched resources and created unprecedented challenges in the delivery of quality care.

Jagler; Behnke Win Special Legislative Elections

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 16:30:19 GMT

The April 6 spring election had two special legislative races on the ballot to fill vacancies in Wisconsin’s 13th Senate District and 89th Assembly District.

Current State Representative John Jagler (R-Watertown) won his bid for the 13th Senate District seat to replace former Senator Scott Fitzgerald who was elected to Congress last fall. Jagler captured 51 percent of the vote, while his Democrat challenger, Melissa Winker received 44% of the vote.

Once Jagler is sworn into office in his new role as state senator, Republicans will hold a 21-12 majority in the Senate.

In the 89th Assembly District special election, Republican Elijah Behnke easily defeated Democrat Karl Jaeger, capturing 63 percent of the vote. Behnke will fill the seat vacated by Republican John Nygren, who resigned from office in December 2020.

With Behnke’s victory, Republicans will hold a 61-38 seat majority in the Assembly.

Policymaker Spotlight: A Guest Column from State Representative Donna Rozar

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 16:28:41 GMT

Representative Rozar (R-Marshfield) is a freshmen lawmaker who was elected to the state Assembly in November 2020. She represents the 69th Assembly District, which includes portions of Clark, Marathon, and Wood counties. It also includes most of the City of Marshfield.

Prior to running for office, Rep. Rozar worked as an emergency room and medical-surgical registered nurse. She was also a nurse educator at UW Eau Claire College of Nursing before retiring from that position in May 2020. She continues to be employed by the Marshfield Clinic as a casual cardiac medical-surgical clinical RN.

She also continues to serve as a Wood County Board Supervisor, and currently chairs the Health and Human Services Committee.

In the Assembly, Rep. Rozar serves on the Assembly Health Committee and has been involved in the development of several health care-related legislative proposals.

Please CLICK HERE to read Rep. Rozar’s guest article written specifically for our Advocacy Newsletter. It is part of our effort to introduce members to the thoughts and opinions of state elected officials and policymakers.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of WiHPCA.

Take Action Today: Urge Your Congressperson to Support the Telehealth Modernization Act!

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 16:26:43 GMT

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on the nation's healthcare system, requiring providers to embrace innovation and rely heavily on technology and telehealth to deliver quality care to patients.

Moreover, the pandemic highlighted the need to update telehealth coverage rules, leading Congress to provide emergency (and temporary) telehealth waivers designed to ensure safe access to care for seniors and other vulnerable populations. The recently introduced Telehealth Modernization Act would ensure the emergency expansions of telehealth coverage for Medicare beneficiaries are made permanent.

One critical provision of this bill would extend existing flexibilities that allow Medicare to cover more telehealth services used for hospice care.

Fortunately, you can play an important role in helping to move the bipartisan Telehealth Modernization Act through the legislative process by urging your Members of Congress to support this important legislation and ensure telehealth flexibilities are made permanent beyond the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.

It only takes a few minutes to contact your federal lawmakers through the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s Hospice Action Network. Simply CLICK HERE to be an advocate for the hospice care and help advance the Telehealth Modernization Act.

REMINDER: Sign-up TODAY for WiHPCA’s Legislative Key Contact Program

Fri, 19 Mar 2021 14:56:51 GMT

As was reported in last month’s WiHPCA Advocacy Newsletter, the Association has launched a Legislative Key Contact Program, which can be a highly effective grassroots advocacy tool to help build and nurture strong on-going relationships between WiHPCA members and lawmakers in Wisconsin. Ultimately, the program can help us help shape new policies important to our members.

We are happy to report the program is now live on the WiHPCA website and members can easily and quickly sign-up as a Key Contact.

Remember to Contact Your State Lawmakers and Educate Them on the Hospice and Palliative Care Industry

Fri, 19 Mar 2021 14:54:49 GMT

All too often, citizens believe they cannot influence the political and policymaking process. Fortunately, that perception is NOT ACCURATE, as lawmakers are eager to hear input from their constituents. In fact, they have a duty to listen to and address the concerns of their constituents, including those working in the hospice and palliative care industry.

One of the most important steps WiHPCA members can take to protect our industry from harmful policies and position us for beneficial legislation in the future is to develop a relationship with their state legislators.

Please contact your state lawmakers TODAY, introduce yourself and educate them on the importance of the hospice and palliative care industry in Wisconsin.

BACKGROUND:

Hospice and palliative care professional across Wisconsin provide quality care for patients facing a terminal or life-limiting illness. WiHPCA members play a pivotal role in the lives of these patients and their families, and the services they provide are an essential component to the state’s health care infrastructure.

However, in many cases policymakers inadvertently overlook the importance of hospice and palliative care and the positive impact it has on many on their constituents. With that in mind, it is increasingly important for WiHPCA members to remind their state lawmakers about the need to address the regulatory challenges facing the industry and to encourage their support for innovative, effective approaches to enhance hospice and palliative care in Wisconsin.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP:

E-mail your state legislators today and educate them on the important role hospice and palliative care plays in the Wisconsin Health Care system. Please feel free to use WiHPCA’s sample e-mail when contacting your lawmakers. All you need to do is cut-and-paste it into an e-mail. Also, please attach the WiHPCA 101 document linked below to your e-mail to legislators.

If you don’t know who your state legislators are, or do not have their contact information, simply CLICK HERE and type your home address in the upper right corner text box. Remember to contact both your state senator and state representative.

If you have any questions on this WiHPCA Advocacy Action Alert request or would like additional information, please contact WiHPCA at erik@hovenconsulting.com or tim@hovenconsulting.com.

ACTION ALERT RESOURCES:

· Sample e-mail to legislators

· WiHPCA 101 document

American Rescue Plan Act Includes Numerous Health Care-Related Initiatives

Fri, 19 Mar 2021 14:54:31 GMT

Earlier this month, Congress passed, and President Joe Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The sweeping $1.9 trillion legislative package includes a wide range of funding programs and policies to aid individuals, businesses, and communities across the county with additional COVID-19 relief. In addition to direct $1,400 stimulus payments to individuals, extended unemployment benefits, housing assistance and funding for states, large cities, and schools, the American Rescue Plan also includes funding for the COVID-19 public health response and numerous health care-related initiatives, including:

· $8.5 billion to track, administer and distribute COVID-19 vaccines.

· $47 billion for diagnosing and tracing COVID-19 infections.

· 10% increase to Federal Medicaid Assistance Percentage for home and community-based services (HCBS), which equates to a $12.67 billion payment increase for HCBS from April 1 of 2021 through March 31, 2022.

· $8.5 billion in payments for rural Medicare and Medicaid providers – including hospitals, clinics, home health, and hospice – for COVID-19-related expenses and lost revenue.

· $200 million for infection control and vaccination uptake in skilled nursing facilities.

· Requires COVID-19 vaccine coverage without cost-sharing for Medicaid beneficiaries.

· Increases health insurance premium assistance for individual coverage on the Affordable Care Act Marketplace for 2021 and 2022

For more information on the American Rescue Plan, please review a comprehensive overview of the new law provided by the National Conference of State Legislatures (see page five for health and human services provisions).

Public Hearings Scheduled on $91 Billion State Budget Bill

Fri, 19 Mar 2021 14:54:06 GMT

The Wisconsin Legislature's powerful budget-writing committee – the Joint Finance Committee – will hold four public hearings next month on Governor Tony Evers' proposed $91 billion state budget bill. The committee has scheduled three in-person hearings and one virtual hearing for the following dates and locations:

· April 9 – University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

· April 21 – Rhinelander, WI (Hodag Dome)

· April 22 – University of Wisconsin-Stout (Menomonie, WI)

· April 28 – Virtual hearing

The public hearings will begin at 10:00 AM and conclude at 5:00 PM. Due to COVID-19, capacity at each hearing site will be closely monitored. Individuals wishing to testify at the virtual hearing will be required to register in advance.

The hearings will provide the public with an opportunity to comment on the state’s two-year spending plan and suggest modifications to the proposal before the Finance Committee votes to make what is anticipated to be extensive changes to Evers' budget bill. Once the committee finishes its work, the budget bill will be considered by the full Legislature.

For individuals who cannot attend the public hearings, but wish to comment on the budget proposal, the following online portal is available for the public to provide input on the bill: www.legis.wisconsin.gov/topics/budgetcomments.

If you have any questions on the state budget bill, would like more information, or need assistance on how to engage in the budget process, please contact WiHPCA’s government affairs team at Hoven Consulting.

DHS Moves Up People with Medical Conditions for COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility to March 22

Fri, 19 Mar 2021 14:53:36 GMT

The Department of Health Services (DHS) announced today that individuals age 16 and older with certain medical conditions will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine beginning March 22, which is earlier than previously expected. This eligibility group includes individuals with medical conditions associated with an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

The next eligibility group, which again will begin March 22, 2021, includes individuals age 16 and over with the following medical conditions:

· Asthma

· Cancer

· Cerebrovascular disease

· Chronic kidney disease

· COPD

· Cystic fibrosis

· Down syndrome

· Heart conditions

· Hypertension or high blood pressure

· Immunocompromised state

· Liver disease

· Neurologic conditions

· Obesity or overweight

· Pregnancy

· Pulmonary fibrosis

· Sickle cell disease

· Type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus

· Thalassemia

Individuals with the outlined medical conditions can access vaccine through a variety of options, including community-based clinics, health care providers, Local and Tribal Health Departments, and pharmacies. Wisconsinites with a primary care provider may hear directly from their provider. Visit the Wisconsin COVID-19 vaccine options page or call the vaccine hotline at 1-844-684-1064 to learn more.

Additionally, DHS clarified current eligibility to include all clergy (as part of health care personnel who provide spiritual care to the sick), restaurant workers (as part of the food supply eligibility group) and further expanded public safety to include judges, prosecutors, and other essential criminal court personnel, in addition to public defenders.

Depending on vaccine supply, DHS still anticipates that Wisconsin will be able to expand eligibility May 1 to include all individuals age 16 and older. DHS will continue to monitor vaccination coverage statewide and partner with vaccine providers in order to provide an updated vaccination timeline for the general public.

For information, resources, and data related to Wisconsin’s COVID-19 vaccination program, visit the COVID-19 vaccine webpage.

WiHPCA’s Inaugural Quarterly Meeting with the Division of Quality Assurance a Success

Fri, 19 Mar 2021 14:51:46 GMT

As our members know, WiHPCA is committed to finding ways to strengthen the relationship between hospice and palliative care professionals and key government policymakers that impact our industry through regulation or legislation. As part of that effort, WiHPCA has established quarterly meetings with the Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. The purpose of the quarterly meetings is to review and discuss survey deficiencies, examine avenues for improvement, and maintain a strong, ongoing dialogue between our members and DQA.

The first meeting, which was held virtually on March 11, was a great success and well attended by both WiHPCA members and DQA employees. Following an opening statement by WiHPCA Legislative Committee Chair Rita Hagen and the introduction of DQA officials, the meeting started with a presentation – per our request – on the required organizational background checks due in 2021. DQA also directed attendees to the following memo (DQA Memo 21-02) regarding four-year renewals of organizational background checks.

In addition, DQA officials answered the following questions that WiHPCA sent to the agency prior to the meeting:

Please update WiHPCA on the status of COVID-19 testing efforts in long-term care and assisted living facilities and any expected changes to testing plans moving forward – both in the short and long-term.
- DQA reported there are no anticipated changes to testing plans.
- Nursing Homes – See Memo QSO-20-38-NH
- Assisted Living – See GovDelivery Message HERE
What is the status of COVID-19 Focused Infection Control Surveys and what plans, if any are there for future audits? In addition, can DQA share the current findings of the surveys?
- QSO Memo – With Focused Infection Control Tool – See QSO-21-08-NLTC
- Disease Reporting Requirements at DHS 145.04(1)(c)
- Bureau of Communicable Diseases Memo 2020-17
- DQA provided an overview of recent complaint investigations and outcomes, as well as trends regarding the types of recently filed complaints.
Please share the Division’s thoughts on the potential need and benefits of convening a small taskforce to review and update the Hospice and Facility Interface document, which the state and HOPE last updated in 2012.
- P-00252 – Hospice-Nursing Home Interface
- According to DQA, this effort would require the involvement of several bureaus within the agency, making a review and update of the Interface document difficult. However, they are open to the possibility in the future.

Our next quarterly DQA meeting is scheduled for June. If you have any questions about the March 11 DQA meeting or upcoming meetings, please contact the WiHPCA office.

Policymaker Spotlight: An Interview with State Representative Joe Sanfelippo

Fri, 19 Mar 2021 14:46:54 GMT

First elected to the state Assembly in 2012, Representative Joe Sanfelippo (R-New Berlin) represents the 15^th Assembly District, which includes portions of Waukesha and Milwaukee counties. The district also includes the city of New Berlin and part of West Allis.

Before running for office, Rep Sanfelippo spent all his professional life in the private sector. He was the owner and operator of landscaping business for over 20 years, and he still operates a small Christmas tree farm. In addition to drawing on his experience as a small businessman to champion pro-business, pro-growth policies in the Legislature, as the long-time Chairman of the Assembly Health Committee, Rep. Sanfelippo has focused his policymaking efforts on health care issues and challenges facing the state.

Over the years, Sanfelippo has worked on numerous proposals to help improve the delivery of quality patient care, including legislation passed by the Legislature last session –but ultimately vetoed by Governor Tony Evers – to recognize and properly regulate direct primary care in Wisconsin. Under the direct primary care model, patients pay a monthly fee, with no further co-pays or deductibles, and in return receive unlimited access to their primary care doctor.

In the current legislative session, Sanfelippo has been a leading voice on COVID-19 vaccine distribution and authored legislation recently passed into law that authorizes pharmacy technicians with proper training and supervision to administer vaccines.

Rep. Sanfelippo took a few minutes to talk with us about a handful of topical health care-related issues and what his health care policy priorities are for the 2021-22 legislative session:

QUESTION: You are serving another session as Chairman of the Assembly Health Committee, which plays a vital role in shaping health care policy in Wisconsin. With that in mind, what do you believe are the most pressing health care-related challenges facing the state, and what policy solutions do you believe are needed to address those challenges?

Rep. Sanfelippo: The immediate issue at hand of course is to make sure we are getting vaccines to everyone who wants them as quickly as possible. The administration made such a mess by unnecessarily bogging down the initial rollout in bureaucratic red tape and only shaped up once the legislature began putting pressure on them. We need to eliminate their bureaucratic barriers to vaccination and continue our oversight to compel them to improve.

The other issue garnering much of my efforts will be to combat the Governor’s ridiculous idea to legalize marijuana. The potentially dangerous health implications are very serious according to every health care organization and official, especially for our kids which makes this politically motivated proposal even more reckless.

QUESTION: Outside of the state’s leading health care issues you mentioned above, what other health care-related proposals do you or your committee plan to pursue during the 2021-22 legislation? For example, last session you authored the direct primary care bill that would have exempted direct primary care agreements between a health care provider and a patient from Wisconsin’s insurance laws. Do you plan to reintroduce that bill or other legislation that would modify the traditional delivery of medical care in Wisconsin?

Rep. Senfelippo: We will continue focusing on innovative ideas that expand access and increase affordability while keeping the decision making between the doctor and patient where it belongs.

QUESTION: Prior to COVID-19, Wisconsin was facing a growing shortage of health care professionals, from physicians and nurses to CNAs and mental health care providers . The pandemic has only magnified the shortage and has put additional stress on the delivery of care in Wisconsin. Are there any potential programs or policies you are considering or willing to support that would help address the state’s health care workforce shortage?

Rep Sanfelippo: We can continue to work on education and tax incentives to encourage individuals to enter the health care fields with the most critical shortages. In addition, we must look at MA rates for certain sectors. Many of these services have not had any or only minimal increases in the past decade making hard for businesses to compete with the rest of the community for employees.

QUESTION: As part of his 2021-23 budget bill proposal, Gov. Evers once again recommended Wisconsin accept the federal Affordable Care Act's provision for Medicaid expansion, stating the expansion would provide healthcare coverage over 45,000 uninsured low-income families in Wisconsin and reduce state healthcare costs by $630 million over the two-year budget cycle. The Legislature removed the initiative form the Governor’s 2019-21 budget proposal, and it appears likely lawmakers will once again remove the provision. What is your position on the issue, and why?

Rep. Sanfelippo: MA expansion is DOA in my book. There is plenty of proof by looking at those states which did expand in the past to see the disaster it has caused for state budgets. Furthermore, adding another 45,000 individuals to a system that is already struggling to provide enough care for members is a recipe for disaster.

QUESTION: Last month, Gov. Evers recently vetoed Assembly Bill 1, the Legislature’s broad COVID-19 relief legislation. As a result, several of the bill’s provisions have been introduced as separate legislation. What steps, if any, do you believe the Legislature should take next to address the public health aspects of COVID-19, the continued roll out of vaccines, and any additional federal funding the state will receive to address the pandemic?

Rep. Sanfelippo: The best thing the legislature can do is to continue our close oversight of the process. We know from experience that Governor Evers’ administration is severely challenged when it comes to carrying out day-to-day operational duties of an agency under demand. Just look at DWD and the unemployment mess. As soon as the legislature came back in last January, we made the vaccination rollout issue #1 and put the heat on the agency to shape up. Now that Secretary Palm has shipped out, we continue to be vigilant in our oversight and to address issues as they arise.

DHS Announces Weekly Newsletter to Keep Public Informed of COVID-19 Response and Vaccine Progress

Fri, 15 Jan 2021 21:00:00 GMT

State residents can sign up for weekly emails containing updates, news, and resources

The Department of Health Services (DHS) announced today a newsletter the public can sign up for to get direct information about the COVID-19 response and vaccine rollout. Every Friday, a COVID-19 update newsletter will be sent via email to people who sign up to receive it. Registration is now open, and archived copies of the weekly newsletter will also be available.

“Throughout this pandemic, we have remained committed to keeping the residents of Wisconsin as informed as possible,” said Secretary-designee Andrea Palm. “The more quality information we have, the more effective we can be in making healthy and safe choices. That is why we have regularly updated data dashboards and science-based guidance on our website, and it is also why we want to add a weekly newsletter to our communications toolbox.”

View the entire news release.

DHS COVID-19 Vaccine Information

Tue, 29 Dec 2020 16:00:35 GMT

Reminders and updates for members:

The state holds weekly updates for vaccinators and stakeholders. These webinars are Fridays at 9am. Past webinars are also available on line.
The state has updated its information on the vaccinate enrollment process. This and past information are available on the state’s website for COVID-19 vaccinators. Check here to learn more about enrolling as a vaccine provider and related resources.
The state also launched a new vaccine page for the public. This includes a summary of vaccine allocated, shipped and administered.

Stop the COVID Spread! Coalition says “Thank You” and “Keep It Up Wisconsin!”

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 18:00:00 GMT

Madison, WI -- The statewide coalition to combat the spread of COVID-19 is encouraging Wisconsin residents to keep it up on COVID as statewide positivity and hospitalization rates show an encouraging downward trend. As vaccinations begin to be distributed in the state, the leaders of the “Stop the COVID Spread!” coalition are urging Wisconsinites to remain vigilant in practicing safe behaviors to ensure we continue to curtail the spread of the virus.

The efforts of the “Stop the COVID Spread!” coalition to-date have resulted in significant amplification of public health messaging focused on curbing the spread of COVID-19. Since its launch in October, the coalition has produced six public education announcements encouraging safe behaviors. These spots have achieved an estimated audience reach of well over 30 million on statewide television and radio. On digital platforms, coalition ads have generated over 16 million ad impressions and reached more than six million devices across the state.

“We are encouraged by a recent reduction in cases and hospitalizations, which show that safe practices are making a difference in Wisconsin,” said Wisconsin Hospital Association President and CEO Eric Borgerding. “On behalf of the coalition, we say, “Thank you!” to the people of Wisconsin for taking the necessary precautions to curb the spread of COVID. But we cannot stop now. Over the next several months as vaccines are made available to the general public, we need to keep our guard up and continue to wash hands, wear masks and maintain social distance.

Since its launch in October, the “Stop the COVID Spread!” coalition has advanced an aggressive campaign encouraging the use of crucial safety measures to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Coalition messaging has included public education announcements featuring a wide range of Wisconsin voices, including frontline health care workers from health systems throughout Wisconsin, members of the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, Congressman Mark Pocan, and UW System President Tommy Thompson.

“Wisconsinites have come together to fight the common enemy of COVID and get our state heading in the right direction,” said Wisconsin Counties Association Executive Director Mark D. O’Connell. “Vaccines are coming, but we can’t stop now. The next few months will be critical and we encourage everyone to do their part to slow the numbers even more.”

The “Stop the COVID Spread!” coalition currently includes more than 125 of Wisconsin’s leading health care, business, and advocacy organizations. Notable coalition members include the Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Green Bay Packers, and representatives of local governments, chambers of commerce, and visitors bureaus from every corner of the state. The organizations have joined together with a shared goal of furthering public education about the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic in Wisconsin and the critical need for preventative measures.

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For more information about the Stop the Spread coalition and the importance of safe behaviors for both public and state economic health, visit www.wha.org/stopthecovidspread

Stop the COVID Spread! Coalition Pushes New Message of Bipartisan Cooperation

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 15:54:20 GMT

Congressman Pocan, Speaker Vos join together to urge Wisconsin residents to stay safe Madison, WI -- Keeping ourselves, our friends, neighbors, and loved ones safe is not political. That’s the message delivered by Republican Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Democratic Congressman Mark Pocan, who appear together in the latest “Stop the COVID Spread!” coalition public education announcement aimed at combating the pandemic raging throughout Wisconsin. The new ad, the coalition’s fifth, will begin airing on broadcast and digital channels throughout the state today as rampant community spread of COVID-19
continues to stress the state’s health care system.

Representing different political parties, geographic areas and bodies of government, Congressman Pocan and Speaker Vos have come together for a cause that all Wisconsin residents can agree on: beating COVID-19. “After another election, it’s clear we have differences, but we can also agree,” says Speaker Vos in the ad. “We can still live our lives and be sensible and safe.” Both elected officials speak about the importance of preventative measures including wearing masks, hand washing, practicing social distancing, and staying
home whenever possible. “We have to do all we can to stay safe,” adds Congressman Pocan.

“Wisconsin needs unified responses to the COVID pandemic and aligning around a common message is critical,” said Eric Borgerding, President and CEO of the Wisconsin Hospital Association. “We’re grateful to Speaker Vos and Congressman Pocan for joining us to send the public a crucial message about working together to slow COVID’s spread.”

“We all need to do our part to stop the spread of COVID and get Wisconsin out of this public health crisis,” added Wisconsin Counties Association Executive Director Mark D. O’Connell. “As Congressman Pocan and Speaker Vos have demonstrated, keeping Wisconsin safe is something upon which we can all agree.”

Since its launch in October, the “Stop the COVID Spread!” coalition has grown quickly to include more than 125 of Wisconsin’s leading health care, business, and advocacy organizations. The organizations have joined together in a campaign to educate the public about the seriousness of the growing crisis in Wisconsin and the critical and growing need for preventative measures. A full list of member organizations is below.

You can watch the full video at: https://youtu.be/zds-d5Yq4gU

For more information about the Stop the Spread coalition and the importance of safe behaviors for both public and state economic health, visit www.wha.org/stopthecovidspread or contact one of the coalition co-chairs:

Wisconsin Hospital Association – Myranda Tanck, mt@platform-communications.com
Wisconsin Grocers Association – Brandon Scholz, brandon@wisconsingrocers.com
Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce – Nick Novak, nnovak@wmc.org
Wisconsin Restaurant Association – Tracy Kosbau, tkosbau@wirestaurant.org
Wisconsin Counties Association – Mark D. O’Connell, oconnell@wicounties.org

The growing coalition is currently made up of the following organizations:

Wisconsin Hospital Association, CO-CHAIR
Wisconsin Counties Association, CO-CHAIR
Wisconsin Grocers Association, CO-CHAIR
Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce (WMC), CO-CHAIR
Wisconsin Restaurant Association, CO-CHAIR

ACHE-WI
Adams County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism
Alliance of Health Insurers
Arts Wisconsin
Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce
Associated Builders & Contractors of Wisconsin
Association of Wisconsin Surgery Centers, Inc.
Association of Wisconsin Tourism Attractions
Badger Bay Management Company
Bayfield Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Bureau
Beaver Dam Area Chamber of Commerce
Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce
Cottage Grove Chamber of Commerce
Deforest Windsor Area Chamber of Commerce
Destination Madison
Destination Wisconsin
Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce
Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce
Elkhorn Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Center, Inc.
Fitchburg Chamber of Commerce
Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce
Forward Janesville, Inc.
Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Fox West Chamber of Commerce
Germantown Area Chamber of Commerce
Grafton Area Chamber of Commerce
Greater Green Bay Chamber
Greater Union Grove Area Chamber of Commerce
Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce
Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources, Inc.
Green Bay Packers
Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce
Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce
Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce
Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau
Jefferson Chamber of Commerce
Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce
LeadingAge Wisconsin
League of Municipalities
Marinette Menominee Area Chamber of Commerce
Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Medical Society of Milwaukee County
Mequon-Thiensville Area Chamber of Commerce
Metastar
Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC)
Middleton Chamber of Commerce
Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee Bucks
Monona East Side Business Alliance
Monroe Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Mosinee Area Chamber of Commerce
New Berlin Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau
New Richmond Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau
Oregon Area Chamber of Commerce
Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce
Park Falls Area Chamber of Commerce
Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin
Portage Area Chamber of Commerce
Portage County Business Council
Pulaski Area Chamber of Commerce
Racine Area Manufacturers and Commerce
Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce
Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative
Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce
Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce
Skiing Wisconsin
St. Germain Area Chamber of Commerce
Stoughton Chamber of Commerce
Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce
The Arc Wisconsin
The Chamber of Manitowoc County
Tomah Chamber & Visitors Center
United Way Wisconsin
UW System
VISIT Lake Geneva
Visit Milwaukee
WAMD-Wisconsin Association of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine
Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce
Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce
Waukesha County Medical Society
Waunakee Area Chamber of Commerce
Waushara Area Chamber of Commerce
West Bend Area Chamber of Commerce
Whitewater Chamber of Commerce
Wisconsin Academy of Family Physicians
Wisconsin Assisted Living Association
Wisconsin Association for Home Health Care
Wisconsin Association for Hospice and Palliative Care
Wisconsin Association of Health Plans
Wisconsin Association of Local Health Department and Boards (WALHDAB)
Wisconsin Association of School Administrators
Wisconsin Association of Surgery Centers, Inc.
Wisconsin Bankers Association
Wisconsin Broadcasters Association
Wisconsin Builders Association
Wisconsin Cancer Collaborative
Wisconsin Chapter, American College of Emergency Physicians
Wisconsin Credit Union League
Wisconsin Dental Association
Wisconsin Director of Nursing Council
Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association
Wisconsin Health Care Association / Wisconsin Center for Assisted Living
Wisconsin Healthcare Business Forum
Wisconsin Hospice and Palliative Care Association
Wisconsin Literacy Network
Wisconsin Medical Society
Wisconsin Office of Rural Health
Wisconsin Organization of Nurse Leaders
Wisconsin Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Store Association
Wisconsin Primary Health Care Association
Wisconsin Propane Gas Association
Wisconsin Psychiatric Association
Wisconsin Public Health Association
Wisconsin Realtors Association
Wisconsin Safety Council
Wisconsin Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Wisconsin Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Association
Wisconsin State Telecommunications Association
Wisconsin Swimming
Wisconsin Technology Council
Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association
Wisconsin Utilities Association

DHS 131 Hospice Administrative Code Updated - Effective August 1, 2020

Wed, 12 Aug 2020 14:30:00 GMT

Wis. Admin. Code ch. DHS 131, Hospices was published with an effective date of August 1, 2020. The new rule affects all hospices licensed by the State of Wisconsin. The updated rule includes provisions related to:

Plan review for capital construction or remodeling
Fees for plan reviews
Updated standards related to discharge planning, patient assessment, physician’s orders, bereavement services and physical environment

Questions regarding the revised rule may be sent to the Division of Quality Assurance. If you have a question about this information, email the Division of Quality Assurance.