Today the state Senate passed AB 598, which lets hospitals pick a decision-maker based on a list set in statute (called a Patient’s Representative) if a patient does not have a Power of Attorney for Health Care and becomes unable to make medical decisions.
This bill is broader, and grants much more expansive powers than any other state’s Next of Kin laws.Wisconsin has deliberately designed its statutes and regulations to safeguard the rights of individuals; this bill bypasses those protections.
Patient advocates are concerned the bill will put patients at risk of exploitation and abuse and will create new legal and operational issues.
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