WiHPCA News

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

*** 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. 

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. 

DQA MEETING DETAILS:

• When:  Thursday, Oct 26, 2023 – 10:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.
• Where:  Virtual meeting
• CLICK HERE to register

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:

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.

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.

• 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. 

“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.

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.

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).