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.