Capitol Insider | Wisconsin Medical Society

Capitol Insider is a feature of Medigram, a weekly Society newsletter. Capitol Insider focuses on recent political developments impacting health care in Wisconsin.

Current Issue: September 4, 2008

Primary elections Tuesday

The Fall primary election will be held Tuesday, September 9 and will finalize the ballot for the November partisan elections. Below is a quick summary of the upcoming races:

Congressional seats
In one primary of note, long-time Republican incumbent Rep. James Sensenbrenner of the 5th Congressional District is being challenged by Jim Burkee (R-Cedarburg), a professor at Concordia University. The district is considered Republican, and the winner will not face a general election opponent. Another primary of note is the Democratic primary in the 1st Congressional District, where three Democrats are vying for the right to challenge five-term incumbent Paul Ryan (R-Janesville). Click here for a local news summary of the Democratic primary.

State Senate and Assembly
Primaries are being held across the state. (For a list by district click here.) Republicans currently control the Assembly 52-47, and this close margin will mean even more contested primaries. All seats are technically up in November, and a few incumbents do not face a general election opponent. Eleven of the Assembly seats will have new representation due to retirements and other vacancies; six of those seats are currently under GOP control. The State Senate is under Democratic control by an 18-15 margin. About half of the chamber’s 33 seats are up this November, but because there are no contested primaries the November ballot has already been set.

Get Involved!
It is critical that physicians get involved in the political process, including joining the Wisconsin Medical Society’s political giving efforts. Through WISMedPAC and WISMedDirect, physicians can make the most of their political donations and take an active role in the state political process and the future of health care in Wisconsin.

Because a crucial new state budget cycle begins in 2009 and the candidates elected this November will have a tremendous impact on that budget and what it means for medicine in Wisconsin, your involvement is more important than ever. To join WISMedPAC, contact Jeremy Levin, Beth Alvin or Mark Grapentine, JD.

August 28, 2008

Review of draft policy on physician licensure urged

The Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) has taken on the task of determining how well physicians are maintaining their competence and how frequently their skills and knowledge should be assessed during re-licensure. But the American Medical Association says the report from a special committee of the FSMB contains areas of concern.

For example, the report recommends physicians demonstrate competence in areas such as medical knowledge, communications skills and practice-based-learning, among other areas. But the AMA’s Council on Medical Education says, “There is no current evidence that physicians’ skills in the areas identified for maintenance of licensure decay at a constant rate.” The report, however, suggests all areas should be reviewed every time a doctor renews his or her license.

Because of these concerns, the AMA recommends physicians review this report carefully and express concerns to your medical society and licensing board. Both ethics subgroups in the Wisconsin Medical Society will be reviewing the report.

“Any process as potentially far-reaching for the medical profession as this should be subject to careful analysis and broad scrutiny,” says AMA CEO Michael Maves, MD. For more information, contact Daniel Winship, MD, AMA Council on Medical Education Secretary, or Mark Grapentine, JD, Society Senior Vice President of Government Relations.

August 21, 2008

Medical Examining Board August meeting: A wrap-up

At its August 20 meeting, the Wisconsin Medical Examining Board:

Approved a policy statement endorsing the practice of Expedited Partner Therapy, a Centers for Disease Control-endorsed action where a physician provides two prescriptions to a single patient: one for personal use and the other to be filled by a sexual partner who likely suffers from chlamydia or gonorrhea but is not examined by the physician. The policy statement, which will be published on the MEB’s Web site, is the result of effort by Rep. Sheldon Wasserman, MD (D-Milwaukee), who recently appeared before the Board to ask for action on EPT, citing physicians’ fears of discipline should prescriptions be written in such a way.

While the policy statement does not hold the force of state statute or an administrative rule, it does give an indication of how the Board would handle any complaints in this area.

Continued efforts to streamline the application process for new physicians. Responding to complaints from the Society, the Wisconsin Hospital Association and the Wisconsin Medical Group Management Association (WMGMA), the Department of Regulation and Licensing (which administrates the MEB) has begun examining methods for improving what has historically been less-than-stellar customer service for physicians in this area.

The MEB approved a new single form related to hospital, facility and employer verification that replaces the current multiple-form requirement to get the same information. The MEB is also considering alterations to current forms aimed at capturing medical malpractice histories.

The Society will continue efforts to work with the Department while expecting progress toward improving the licensing process.

Agreed to stay in communication with the Society’s Council on Ethics to examine how legislation could improve how the MEB functions, including exploring if the MEB could operate independently of the state. A subcommittee of the Ethics Council is also examining the need for a statewide impaired physician program.

For more information on these specific issues or the MEB in general, contact Mark Grapentine.

August 7, 2008

November Elections: Spotlight on State Assembly

Control for the State Assembly may be up for grabs in the November elections, and both sides are beginning to speculate about what may happen. Republicans controlled that house with a 52-47 margin during the 2007-08 legislative session, but they face three difficult factors:

The Democratic “brand” continues to lead the Republican “brand” by double-digit margins, although how this translates to more local races like State Assembly is debatable,
Momentum is on the Democratic side, with Assembly Republicans dropping eight seats in the 2006 election, and
Assembly Republicans have already seen one incumbent depart their camp. Rep. Jeff Wood (I-Chetek) switched party identification from Republican to Independent in a much-publicized breakup on the day nomination papers needed to be filed to run for office.

At a WisPolitics.com event on Wednesday, Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch (R-West Salem) and Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Madison) gave their observations and predictions concerning November's elections to an assembled group of Capitol lobbyists, media and others interested in politics. Interestingly, both Huebsch and Pocan agreed on many things: the economy is a major issue for voters, the megaphone of the national election scene will overlap any Assembly media efforts and that Packers quarterback Brett Favre should not be traded to the Minnesota Vikings. Both also predicted that their party would hold a majority with 53 seats after the elections.

Make your voice heard and join other Society members in making campaign contributions to state policymakers. Physicians are encouraged to participate in WISMedPAC and WISMedDIRECT—help strengthen the voice of medicine in the Capitol!

July 24, 2008

Special Committee on School Safety meets at Capitol

While election-year summers generally mean slow times at the Capitol, special legislative study committees meet to examine specific issues and gauge the need for future legislation. The nonpartisan Legislative Council organizes these meetings, which generally last through the fall, and a committee of state senators and Assembly representatives approves the topics (see that list here).

One group the Society will monitor is the Special Committee on School Safety, co-chaired by Sen. John Lehman (D-Racine) and Rep. Don Pridemore (R-Hartford). The group includes various representatives from a diverse array of educational backgrounds, all with a keen interest in public school safety. At its initial meeting on July 22, the committee briefly discussed the possibility of drafting mental health parity legislation in the coming legislative year, citing many students who cannot afford mental health coverage. The committee also discussed whether the benefits of sharing private mental health records with key individuals in the given child’s educational setting would outweigh privacy concerns. The group is still working toward defining the scope of their future work and plans to meet again in September 2008.

The Society will also follow the Special Committee on Performance-Based Disease Management Programs for Large Populations, which holds its initial meeting on July 24. For more information, contact Beth Alvin.

July 10, 2008

Stunning Senate Medicare vote would prevent reimbursement cut; veto coming?

In a dramatic series of events, the U.S. Senate voted Wednesday 69-30 to approve HR 6331, which prevents the 10.6 percent Medicare physician reimbursement cut scheduled to take effect July 1. The margin is considered “veto-proof”—greater than the 67 votes needed to override a threatened presidential veto.

Senate debate began on another motion for “cloture,” or an end to debate, which requires 60 votes. Before leaving for the July 4 recess, the Senate mustered only 59 votes for cloture—an extremely close margin, especially considering the absence of a sure “aye” vote: that of Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.) who has been recovering from June brain surgery and was not expected to return to the Senate until September.

Rhetoric beginning the debate was much the same as it was for the failed June vote: Democrats decrying the scheduled cuts as disastrous to Medicare access, and some Republicans lamenting the bill’s cuts to Medicare Advantage plans and an inability to offer amendments to the bill. Another close-but-not-enough vote tally seemed certain. Roll call on the cloture vote began at 3:10 p.m.

Roll call votes in the Senate are still done by hand, with a clerk checking a box on a long sheet of paper. The process takes a while. At 3:15 p.m., Sen. Kennedy made a dramatic entrance onto the Senate floor, with a prolonged standing ovation spreading through the chamber. After a few minutes of greetings, Kennedy went to the clerk’s table, voted “aye,” and pumped both fists in the air.

A group of Republicans who had not yet voted then convened on one corner of the Senate floor. Among the group were senators from states where the AMA had targeted grassroots and media efforts in support of the bill—states where Republican senators are facing reelection (including Texas, Georgia, Tennessee and Florida). It became clear that the cloture motion would prevail on the strength of Sen. Kennedy’s arrival, and these senators each went to the clerk, voting “aye.”

Wisconsin’s Senators Feingold and Kohl once again listened to physicians asking for “aye” votes. Both voted to end debate and for passage of the bill. HR 6331 extends current reimbursement levels through the end of the year, and adds a 1.1 percent increase for 2009. To read a section-by-section summary of the bill, click here. Read a reaction to the vote from Wisconsin Medical Society President Steven Bergin, MD, here. Read the AMA’s reaction to the vote here. For more background on the flawed Medicare reimbursement system, click here and here to read articles written by Iowa physician Michael Kitchell, MD.

What’s next?
President Bush could follow through on his veto threat, meaning an override vote would be required in both chambers. But with the margins for passage (the bill passed 355-59 in the House two weeks ago) surpassing the two-thirds total needed for an override, prospects are good that the bill could become law, notwithstanding the President’s objections.

Wednesday’s vote is a major victory for organized medicine. It shows the power physicians can wield when raising their voice and getting involved in the political process. Please take the time to contact Senator Kohl (202.224.5653) and Senator Feingold (202.224.5323) to thank them for their votes on HR 6331. Congressional offices rarely get thank you calls from constituents; doing so is easy and can have long-lasting positive effects.

Stay tuned to Medigram to learn if or when it is time to contact your U.S. House members to ask for an override vote. For more information, contact Mark Grapentine.

Election matchups set for November

The November election slate is now almost completely set, as candidates for state and federal offices were required to file nomination papers with the state's Government Accountability Board on July 8. At least five state senators and 17 State Assembly representatives are will run unopposed, leaving 11 Senate and 82 Assembly races contested this fall. That number may be reduced, however, if some filings fail to reach the minimum number of required signatures (this could affects one senate primary and two assembly races).

Three physicians have filed for election: incumbent Rep. Chuck Benedict, MD, (D-Beloit) is running for a third two-year term. Rep. Sheldon Wasserman, MD, (D-Milwaukee) has left his State Assembly seat to run for the 8th Senate District slot currently held by Sen. Alberta Darling (R-River Hills). Former Society Board Chairman Thomas Luetzow, MD, (R-Watertown) faces a three-way Republican primary in a bid to unseat incumbent Democrat Andy Jorgensen (D-Fort Atkinson).

Individual races determine which party will control each of the two legislative houses. Conventional wisdom says Democrats will likely continue to hold the majority in the State Senate, although the current 18-15 margin could change. The State Assembly is the wild card this election season, with the slim 52-47 Republican majority up for grabs. An extra twist was revealed yesterday, when incumbent State Rep. Jeff Wood (I-Chippewa Falls) announced that he would run for reelection as an independent, shedding his former Republican affiliation. Read an article about that decision from the Leader-Telegram here.

On the federal front, all eight Wisconsin members of the U.S. House of Representatives face challengers: Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Menomonee Falls) has both a primary and an independent challenger; Rep. Gwen Moore (D-Milwaukee) drew an independent opponent. The most hotly contested general election race will likely be seen in the 8th House district, with freshman Rep. Steve Kagen, MD (D-Appleton) facing a rematch against former State Assembly Speaker John Gard (R-Suamico). Kagen prevailed in the 2006 contest on a 51-49 percent margin.

For a list of all candidates, including links to campaign Web sites, click here. For more information, contact Mark Grapentine, Jeremy Levin or Beth Alvin.

July 3, 2008

More Medicare fireworks after congress’ July 4 recess?

When Congress returns from the July 4th break next Monday, another Medicare showdown is likely in the U.S. Senate. The Senate’s failure to end debate on HR 6331 on June 26 (see previous Medigrams) allowed a scheduled 10.6 percent Medicare physician reimbursement cut to take effect July 1. While the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has acted to delay processing Medicare payments for 10 business days, the echoes from last week’s rancorous Senate floor debate on HR 6331 still reverberate (see some coverage here and here). For the AMA’s section-by-section summary of HR 6331, click here.

While both Wisconsin Senators Herb Kohl (D-Milwaukee) and Russ Feingold (D-Middleton) voted to move the bill forward, not enough senators voted with them to allow a final vote on HR 6331. In response, the AMA has turned up the political heat on a variety of senators by launching television and radio ads in states where senators facing reelection this November voted “no” on the motion to end debate on HR 6331 (read the AMA’s press release here). Some state medical societies have taken their own political action, including the Texas Medical Association’s Political Action Committee (PAC) withdrawing its endorsement of Senator John Cornyn (R-TX).

Opposition to the bill has centered around Medicare Advantage funding; the insurance industry has also purchased time to air its own media campaign (see the Wall Street Journal’s health blog story on the media escalation, and another from the Washington Post). The Senate could bring HR 6331 back to the floor on Monday, or attempt to find a compromise that would avert a threatened presidential veto. Much will depend on the pressure targeted senators endure during July 4th festivities in their districts (see one prediction of that pressure in this blog’s headline). Senate Republican leaders are apparently feeling the pressure, urging at least a short-term solution (see story here). Stay tuned to Medigram for continuing coverage of the Medicare reimbursement issue.

For more information, contact Mark Grapentine.

July 4 holiday kicks off election season

Two summer holidays serve as unofficial mileposts for major political elections. July 4th, with a plethora of local parades centered around civic patriotism, is the natural time for politicians to fully ramp up election efforts. The other summer holiday of note comes near the end of the season; Labor Day signals the time when voters begin to pay serious attention to November elections. This is why most political pundits review summertime polls warily, as results in July do not necessarily predict November tallies.

Nonetheless, relentless media coverage of the 2008 presidential race means television talking heads need to fill airtime with analysis of what’s available at the time, and that includes a myriad of polls. Wisconsin has a connection to one of the most comprehensive poll analysis sources around—one of the co-developers of Pollster.com is University of Wisconsin-Madison political science professor Charles Franklin. For a look at the site’s current summary of the presidential tracking polls, click here.

On the presidential campaign front, Wisconsin’s status as a battleground state is once again confirmed; the Republican National Committee is spending $3 million for an anti-Obama ad to air in four states, including Wisconsin, beginning this Sunday.

Physicians can become more involved in the political season by joining WISMedPAC and WISMedDIRECT programs. Help strengthen the voice of physicians and patients and participate in organized medicine’s political voice by joining WISMedPAC/WISMedDIRECT. Contact Mark Grapentine, Jeremy Levin or Beth Alvin with any questions.

June 26, 2008

Medicare reimbursement fix close; physician calls needed!

The U.S. Senate will likely work into the weekend for a last-chance attempt to prevent a 10.6 percent Medicaid physician reimbursement cut from taking effect July 1. Senate sources tell the Society that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) will make a motion after midnight to close debate on HR 6331—legislation that passed the House Tuesday on a 355-59 vote. This means that action on the bill may not happen until Sunday.

HR 6331 would, among many other provisions, continue reimbursement rates at current levels through the end of the year, then increase reimbursement by 1.1 percent for 2009. There is also the threat of a Presidential veto. Tuesday’s House vote was more than enough to overcome a veto in that chamber, which strengthens chances that the bill could get broad Senate support. Senate sources say there is a good chance there are 60 votes to end debate; it is still questionable if there are the 67 votes necessary to override a veto.

Earlier in the week there were rumors of a compromise between Senate Finance Members Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) and Max Baucus (D-Mont.) on an omnibus Medicare package, including a reimbursement fix. Those rumors were apparently premature. Moreover, the strength of Tuesday's House vote has emboldened Senate Democratic leadership to pursue final passage of HR 6331 rather than seek a "compromise."

Society members are encouraged to contact Wisconsin Senators Herb Kohl and Russ Feingold and ask their support in preventing the 10.6 percent cut and passing HR 6331. Contact Senator Kohl directly at 202.224.5653 and Senator Feingold directly at 202.224.5323. While it is expected that both Wisconsin senators will vote in favor of the bill, calls to their offices are still helpful.

For more information, contact Mark Grapentine.

June 19, 2008

Medicare cut still looms, Congress considering options

Congress continues to work on a legislative solution to prevent a looming 10.6 percent cut in Medicare payments to physicians. On June 6, U.S. Senate Finance chair Max Baucus (D-MT) introduced S 3101, which includes continuation of current payment rates through the end of the year and a 1.1 percent increase for 2009. On June 12 the Senate failed to pass a cloture motion that would end debate on the bill and allow a vote for passage (the vote was 54-39, with 60 votes needed).

Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA), ranking minority member of Senate Finance, on June 11 announced his intention to introduce his own Medicare omnibus bill, which would include a reimbursement fix similar to that in S 3101. It appears that the Senate will need to find a compromise in order for a fix to take effect before the July 1 deadline.

Society members are encouraged to contact Wisconsin Senators Herb Kohl and Russ Feingold and ask their support in preventing the 10.6 percent cut. You can contact them through the American Medical Association’s Action site or by calling the AMA hotline at 800.833.6354.

For more information, contact Mark Grapentine.

MEB begins to address license time issue

The state’s Medical Examining Board (MEB) has started to examine its licensing requirements with an eye on shortening the time it takes to acquire a Wisconsin medical license. These efforts, spurred by concerns the Society and other organizations raised over the current length of time for new applications, began in earnest at the MEB’s monthly meeting on June 18. (Click here to view a previous story about this issue in the June 6 Medigram.)

While the MEB asked staff from the Department of Regulation and Licensing to further research the potential effects of certain changes (such as combining hospital privilege and employment verification forms, for example), the Board did make one immediate change: extending the time period from six months to one year for the department's acceptance of various application items. Many physicians and organizations have expressed frustration over the previous six month limitation. The Board said it would also look at potentially modifying reporting requirements for post-graduate training, medical liability history and items used to verify medical school graduation.

For more information, contact Mark Grapentine.

November 2008 elections: Wisconsin poll shows Obama +9

Most state legislative races won’t start in earnest until the July 4 parades, but the presidential race is in full swing—especially in Wisconsin, considered one of the key "swing states" for November. A recent Survey USA poll of 538 likely Wisconsin voters shows presumptive Democratic nominee Barack Obama leading Republican counterpart John McCain by a 52-43 margin. Polls this early in an election season don't necessarily hold throughout the upcoming months, but may provide some insight. You can read more about the poll and some of the demographic breakdowns here.

Wisconsin's swing state status also means that Wisconsin TV audiences are seeing some of the first Obama vs. McCain election ads of the season. See a McCain effort to separate himself from President Bush on the environment here. Independent liberal group MoveOn.org is airing its own ad, an anti-McCain message tied to the Iraq war. And just today, the Obama campaign debuted this one-minute general biography piece.

For more information about how you can help strengthen the voice of physicians in the state and U.S. Capitols, contact Mark Grapentine, Jeremy Levin or Beth Alvin.

June 6, 2008

Society asks State for licensing delay answers

The Society has been hearing a growing number of complaints that the state’s licensing process for physicians new to Wisconsin is too lengthy and unresponsive. The wait for licenses can sometimes approach six months, with physicians or office staff unclear regarding what was causing delays. This confusion has been compounded due to difficulty reaching appropriate staff at the state’s Department of Regulation and Licensing (DRL), which administers the licensing process. While Society staff have helped many clinics gain licenses for their new physicians on an ad hoc basis, it became clear that DRL was experiencing some systemic problems in need of great improvement. The Society joined the Wisconsin Hospital Association in requesting a meeting with DRL to share these concerns.

At a meeting with DRL officials this week, the Society and WHA shared evidence of the concerns. This memo describes some specific instances of delays or DRL-caused confusion, while this PowerPoint summarizes results of a poll the Society conducted with the Wisconsin Medical Group Managers Association (WMGMA) of many clinics around the state regarding licensing time and experience. The DRL staff acknowledged problems with timeliness, accuracy and customer service in this area, and described present and future efforts to address the problems. DRL is already studying the Medical Examining Board's (MEB) requirements for different forms and information to gauge if there are redundancies that can be eliminated. The MEB is scheduled to discuss the issue at its next meeting on June 18, and the DRL plans to move one full-time staff member to assist the licensing effort.

The meeting results were positive; the Society expects DRL to achieve measurable short- and long-term improvements that allow license applications to be processed in a more reasonable timeframe. The Society will continue its positive relationship with DRL to ensure that this mutual desire for progress leads to actual results.

For more information, contact Mark Grapentine.

May 29, 2008

Election races taking shape; physician involvement needed!

Now that that State Legislature wrapped up its final business this week—approval of state employment contracts and a failed veto override effort—the Capitol halls will be filled with tour groups rather than legislators and lobbyists. Elections this November will have a dramatic effect on the legislature’s 2009-2010 activities, with control of both houses in play (perhaps more so in the Republican-controlled Assembly than the Democratic-controlled Senate).

The 2006 elections are remembered for the “Democratic tsunami” that washed across the national and state elections landscape. The Wisconsin results—with the State Senate swinging from Republican to Democratic leadership and Republicans losing eight seats from their Assembly majority—set up an 18-15 Democratic majority in the Senate and 52-47 Republican majority in the Assembly entering into this election cycle.

Like 2006, a number of seats will be wide-open races with no incumbent, as some legislators have opted to retire or run for a different legislative office. Sen. Roger Breske (D-Eland) will be the state’s new railroad commissioner and Sen. Carol Roessler (R-Oshkosh) is retiring. Current Assembly minority leader, Rep. Jim Kreuser (D-Kenosha) is running unopposed for Kenosha County executive. Rep. Sheldon Wasserman, MD, (D-Milwaukee) is running for the 8th Senate District against incumbent Sen. Alberta Darling. Additionally, the following representatives are retiring: Rep. Sue Jeskewitz (R-Menomonee Falls), Rep. Eugene Hahn (R-Cambria), Rep. Sheryl Albers (R-Reedsburg), Rep. Carol Owens (R-Oshkosh), Rep. Steve Wieckert (R-Appleton), Rep. Frank Boyle (D-Superior), Rep. Dave Travis (D-Waunakee), Rep. Barb Gronemus (D-Whitehall), and Rep. Terry Musser (R-Black River Falls).

The 13 announced vacancies are a bit more than the 12 from 2006, but are split more evenly between the parties. In 2006, 11 of the 12 vacancies were in Republican-held seats, while this year seven Democrats and six Republicans are moving on. Both parties are ramping up their election efforts, seeking to expand or seize a majority for their caucus.

With nearly 12,000 members across the state, Wisconsin Medical Society members have the opportunity to make the physicians’ voice well-heard in all 99 State Assembly and 16 State Senate races. The grassroots potential for medicine is spectacular, whether via political contributions through WISMedPAC or WISMedDIRECT, having candidates visit your clinic or office or simply requesting more information about the candidates (Society staff are happy to help). Click on the link to the left to start your political contribution account, and help strengthen the voice of medicine in the State Capitol.

For more information, contact Mark Grapentine, Jeremy Levin or Beth Alvin.

May 22, 2008

MEB to review licensure process

At its May meeting Wednesday, the Medical Examining Board (MEB) took up some issues beyond the usual discussions over individual discipline cases. Responding to concerns the Society and others have repeatedly raised regarding the length of time it often takes for a physician to obtain a license in Wisconsin, the MEB began a process to assess whether current law and administrative rules regarding licensing allow for a more efficient and streamlined process while still fulfilling the need to protect the public. Physician members of the MEB raised concerns similar to those the Society has heard from across the state—too often the licensing process is slow and unresponsive, leading to physician staffing delays and thus less patient access to care. While the MEB’s action is a sign of progress, results must follow. To that end, Society CEO/EVP Susan Turney, MD, and leadership from the Wisconsin Hospital Association have scheduled a meeting with Department of Regulation and Licensing Secretary Celia Jackson to get a report on progress the Department is making in its administration of the MEB.

Rep. Sheldon Wasserman, MD, (D-Milwaukee) appeared before the MEB regarding “expedited partner therapy” (EPT), which would allow a physician to write prescriptions or provide medications not only for patients with chlamydia or gonorrhea, but for the patient’s partner without the physician first examining the partner. Doctor Wasserman has authored legislation on EPT (most recently this past session as 2007 Assembly Bill 318), but those efforts have not resulted in a new law; his appearance before the MEB was to request willingness to explore potential rulemaking or policy statement solutions. The AMA has policy supporting EPT, citing a 2006 white paper on the topic from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Society has supported Dr. Wasserman’s legislative efforts. The MEB asked its legal counsel to research Wisconsin law to determine what actions it can take supporting EPT.

Also of note, MEB (and Society) member Sujatha Kailas, MD, MBA, was elected to the Federation of State Medical Board’s nominating committee at the 2008 FSMB annual meeting earlier this month. The two-year term bolsters Wisconsin’s national presence in a well-regarded organization.

For more information, contact Mark Grapentine.

Society councils taking on the tough issues

At the direction of the Executive Committee of the Society’s Board of Directors, the Society’s policy-making councils are tackling issues important to physicians and patients alike. The Executive Committee has asked the Council on Health Care Quality and Population Health to examine the issue of “adverse events,” a topic garnering much attention in Wisconsin and nationwide. The Health Care Access Council will study various aspects of health care reform proposals, including results from the survey recently mailed to 2,500 physicians statewide gauging physician attitudes about reform. Health Care Ethics is tackling physician discipline and impaired physician topics, including examining whether the state’s Medical Examining Board should return to independent status rather than remain a state-run entity. Finally, the Council on Legislation will continue its work on health care “transparency” issues that were such a hot topic in the State Capitol in 2008. These specific subjects are in addition to the councils’ typical policy deliberations.

If these or other topics affecting the practice of medicine interest you, consider joining a council or sitting in on one when you see an interesting topic. For more information on Society councils, contact Karen Carney, Mark Grapentine or Merry Earll.

May 15, 2008

Budget repair bill now in Gov. Doyle’s hands

This week, the State Legislature worked to fill a $652 million state funding shortfall, sending a budget repair bill to the Governor. The bill’s major components include the following:

Taking an advance on tobacco settlement payments: $209 million
Delay in school aids payment to next biennium: $125 million
Administration lapses (cuts in spending): $69 million
Use of “rainy day” fund and decrease in required statutory balance: $97 million
MA benefits reduction (per DHFS estimated “efficiencies”): $10 million

The Doyle Administration says it has already implemented more than $100 million in spending cuts following announcement of the deficit in February. The bill passed the Senate Tuesday with a close 17-16 vote (view the roll call here), and the Assembly Wednesday on another close tally (view that roll call here).

Gov. Doyle is expected to make changes to the bill; Thursday morning he said the vetoes could be announced very soon. At a press conference earlier this week, Doyle strongly criticized the actions on tobacco settlement funds and the school aids delay, instead stating that better options included cuts to transportation spending and creation of a tax on hospital gross receipts designed to capture federal matching funds for Medical Assistance. While the Governor’s veto power has been reduced slightly (a referendum ending the “Frankenstein veto” power passed the state in April), conventional wisdom predicts the Governor will use vetoes to dramatically change the final product.

Read a story about the bill from the Appleton Post-Crescent here. Another article from the Wisconsin State Journal notes that future budget problems could emerge pending resolution of various lawsuits against the state, including the Society’s effort to reverse a $200 million raid on the Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund.

See legislative reaction from those voting for the bill (Speaker Huebsch, Senate Majority Leader Decker, Rep. Stone) and those voting against (Senators Ellis/Cowles, Sen. Darling, Rep. Wasserman).

For more information, contact Mark Grapentine or Jeremy Levin.

May 8, 2008

Wisconsin’s chance to be heard, survey in the mail

In the next few days, a survey asking for opinions on health care reform will be mailed to a random sample of 2,500 Wisconsin physicians who represent primary care and various other specialties. This survey is an essential step toward establishing Wisconsin physicians as leaders in the development of state and national health policy. It was developed through a partnership between the Wisconsin Medical Society and the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (UWSMPH), with additional support from the Wisconsin chapter of the American College of Physicians to accurately assess the attitudes of Wisconsin physicians regarding the basic principles involved in achieving health care reform in Wisconsin.

Following completion of this mailed survey in June, the Wisconsin Survey Center will conduct an interactive Web site survey utilizing the same format. This will provide an opportunity for all Wisconsin physicians to express their attitudes regarding our health care system. The UWSMPH Population Health Institute staff will analyze all survey data.

The Society anticipates that the principles that are formed from any consensus from survey respondents will have a major impact on future health care reform legislation. If you were randomly selected to receive the mailed survey, please respond promptly. If you do not receive a survey in the mail, watch your e-mail for the Web survey next month.

If you have questions about the survey, please contact Mark Grapentine.

April 24, 2008

Budget repair agreement: still waiting

While talks apparently continue among Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker (D-Weston), Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch (R-West Salem) and Governor Jim Doyle over how to fix a $652 million biennial budget deficit (or $525 million, depending how different media outlets total the deficit), it is unclear if an actual agreement is imminent despite some of the players professing progress. The Legislature could come back to Madison as soon as next week to vote on a Great Lakes compact, so action on a budget agreement during that special session would be convenient.

Some news coming from the talks centers on areas of disagreement rather than accord. A weekend story in the Wisconsin State Journal suggested that a tax on hospital gross receipts—an option supported by the Governor and Senate Democrats—could be dead. Meanwhile, the Governor frowns upon one of the lone areas of DEM-GOP legislative agreement: postponing a school aids payment from this biennium into the next.

As the calendar moves toward election season (which historically kicks into full gear during July 4 parades), legislators face the possibly conflicting desires of fixing the budget deficit quickly, but doing so in a way that does not run afoul of political philosophy. Stay tuned to future Medigrams for the Society’s analysis of what potential impact a budget deficit agreement could mean for physicians and medicine.

For more information, contact Mark Grapentine or Jeremy Levin.

April 17, 2008

Society calls on Kohl/Feingold to support new Medicare bill

New Society President Steven Bergin, MD, sent Senators Herb Kohl and Russ Feingold this letter today asking support for Senate Bill 2786, which would revise portions of the Medicare physician reimbursement formula that currently penalize rural physicians in particular. Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA), ranking minority member of the Senate Finance Committee, is the author.

If you haven’t yet called Sen. Kohl or Sen. Feingold asking them to support Senator Debbie Stabenow’s S. 2785 (see an earlier issue of Medigram), which rolls back a scheduled 10.6 percent Medicare reimbursement cut, calling about both bills is timely. Contact them through the American Medical Association’s Action site or by calling the AMA hotline at 800.833.6354.

April 10, 2008

Smokefree poll shows strong bipartisan support

Due to a strong statewide campaign that included support from more than 30 Wisconsin newspaper editorials and a rally led by seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, the idea of a statewide smoking ban is becoming more popular, even across party lines, according to a new poll released Tuesday.

The poll by The Mellman Group and Public Opinion Strategies shows that a statewide smoking ban has gained an additional five percentage points since February 2007, with 69 percent of those polled now in support of the ban.

While the possibility of a statewide smoking ban will have to wait for the next legislative session, two Wisconsin communities, Eau Claire and Marshfield, passed local ordinances last week requiring all public places to be 100 percent smokefree for their 80,000 combined residents. A smoking ban also went into effect in Fitchburg, although some public places are exempt.

Read press coverage about the bans in Eau Claire, Marshfield and Fitchburg.

For more information, contact Jeremy Levin.

Contribute to WISMedPAC / WISMedDIRECT at Friday’s Annual Meeting

With more than 100 seats in the legislature up for election this year, physicians have many opportunities to support candidates that understand and speak for health care issues. Your contributions to WISMedPAC or WISMedDIRECT help support these candidates and also demonstrate the strong voice of physicians throughout the state.

A table will be set up during this Friday’s Society Annual Meeting at Monona Terrace convention Center in Madison. Stop by to learn more about what your contribution can do to help advance health care issues in Wisconsin. Or click here to contribute on-line.

For more information, contact Jeremy Levin.

April 3, 2008

Society physicians visit Congress to highlight Medicare concerns

Society members traveled to Washington, DC, this week for face-to-face meetings with Wisconsin’s Congressional delegation, urging a fix for a looming 10.6 percent Medicare physician reimbursement cut scheduled to take effect July 1. The visits with Congress members and their staffs, as part of the American Medical Association’s annual National Advocacy Conference, highlighted the dramatic effects such a cut could have for medical practices and patients’ availability of care. (Click here to see a Wisconsin-specific fact sheet describing the impact the scheduled cut would have.)

The Society was well represented at the conference. Attendees included AMA Trustee Cyril “Kim” Hetsko, MD, Society President Clarence Chou, MD, President-Elect Steven Bergin, MD, Past President and AMA delegate Paul Wertsch, MD, Society CEO/EVP Susan Turney, MD, WISMedPAC Chair Sridhar Vasudevan, MD, AMA delegate Mike Miller, MD, and UW resident Claudia Louise Reardon, MD. Alliance President Sherry Clarke and Alliance member Gina Daly also joined the meetings as did medical students Cheryl Maenpaa, Jack Bagley and Richard Leake of the Medical College of Wisconsin and Jennifer Jenkins of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, who also raised the issue of the financial burden of medical student loans. The trip was organized by Jeremy Levin of the Society’s Government Relations staff as part of that department’s continuous lobbying efforts.

Although the Congressional meetings are over, it’s not too late to add your voice to the dialogue about Medicare physician reimbursement cuts. Contact your Congress members and urge them to prevent the July cut. Just click here to access your members of Congress.

For more information, contact Jeremy Levin or Mark Grapentine, JD.

March 27, 2008

Ask Senators Kohl and Feingold to support the ‘Save Medicare Act of 2008’

Medicare’s scheduled 10.6 percent cut to the physician reimbursement rate will go into effect July 1 unless Congress intervenes. Last week, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) introduced Senate Bill 2785, otherwise known as the Save Medicare Act of 2008.

This legislation would stop payment cuts for 18 months, giving Congress time to replace the current flawed sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula with a more equitable reimbursement methodology.

A recent AMA survey revealed that 60 percent of physicians reported that they would have to limit the number of new Medicare patients they treat if payments are cut 10 percent in 2008. More than half of physicians report that they cannot meet their payroll and will have to reduce their practice staff so it is critical that Congress take action to replace cuts with positive updates based on practice cost increases.

Society members are encouraged to contact Wisconsin Senators Herb Kohl and Russ Feingold by Monday, March 31 to urge them to co-sponsor S2785. You can also contact them through the American Medical Association Action Alert Web site by clicking here.

Legislative retirements abound

Several legislators have announced plans to retire from office now that both the State Senate and Assembly have concluded their regular session. (The special session on the budget repair bill is ongoing.) In the last 10 days alone, two legislators from the Fox Valley area have said they will not seek re-election: long-time Senator Carol Roessler (R-Oshkosh) and Representative Steve Wieckert (R-Appleton).

Both Roessler and Wieckert are longtime friends of the Society and have been supportive of its issues. Most recently, they were lead authors of the smoke-free workplace legislation. Although it did not pass this session, it has had broad public support. Others legislators that have announced their retirement include Reps. Barb Gronemus (D-Whitehall), Eugene Hahn (R-Cambria), Carol Owens (R-Oshkosh), and Dave Travis (D-Waunakee).

March 20, 2008

Governor signs patient sharing data bill into law

Governor Doyle on Monday signed Senate Bill 487 into law. Now Act 109, this legislation (outlined as Assembly Bill 793 in the February 21 Medigram) is intended to facilitate sharing of “need-to-know” information among health care professionals by removing existing barriers and more closely aligning Wisconsin privacy laws with federal HIPPA rules.

Act 109 is the result of work conducted under Wisconsin’s Health Information Security and Privacy Project, which involved numerous workgroups comprised of key advocacy and provider organizations, including the Society. The Society participated in the 51.30 workgroup, which set the initial framework for the bill.

Except under limited circumstances, Chapter 51.30 of Wisconsin law prohibits disclosure of mental health, alcohol and other drug abuse, and developmental disability health information without written consent. Certain elements of a patient’s treatment record, such as name, address, date of birth, date of service, diagnosis, and medications can be released without written consent to health care providers in a related health care entity. The legislation also permits sharing diagnostic test results and symptoms with any health care provider treating the patient even if the provider is outside the related health care entity without written consent. Sharing any other health care information under Chapter 51.30 would still require written consent.

To read a detailed explanation of the legislation prepared by the Department of Health and Family Services (DHFS), click here. More information is also available in this DHFS press release. For more information, contact Jeremy Levin.

March 13, 2008

Hospital tax is budget repair centerpiece

In an effort to fill a biennial budget deficit of more than $650 million, Governor Doyle released his plan Tuesday to rectify the state’s books. The proposal’s centerpiece: a tax on hospitals’ gross patient revenues designed to capture additional federal money, which will help increase Medicaid hospital reimbursement and apply $125 million in proceeds toward the deficit. The proposal would sunset the tax at the end of the biennium. Citing the need for a Medicaid reimbursement update, the Wisconsin Hospital Association and various individual hospitals support the proposal.

Another $330 million will come from various administration spending cuts and a “transfer” from the transportation fund. Additional spending cuts (since the original budget passed in October 2007) complete the Governor’s balancing plan.

Late Wednesday night, Republicans in the State Assembly amended Doyle's plan and removed the hospital tax. The Assembly plan requires the Doyle administration to cut $250 million in state spending, taps into a “rainy day” fund and pushes a general school aids payment into a future fiscal year. That plan passed on a 51-46 vote, primarily along party lines. As of Thursday morning, Democratic leadership in the State Senate has said that house will not address the amended bill today, instead referring the measure (now known as 2008 Special Session Assembly Bill 1 to the bipartisan, bicameral Joint Committee on Finance.

For more information, contact Mark Grapentine or Jeremy Levin.

March 6, 2008

“Healthy Wisconsin 2.0” introduced

The long-awaited update to the Senate Democratic “Healthy Wisconsin” universal health care coverage plan has been introduced as Senate Bill 562. It features some changes to the requirements for small business participation and sets a cap on the amount dual-income families will pay annually.

The initial version of Healthy Wisconsin was introduced in the midst of the biennial budget process, raising criticisms that the plan was more political in nature than a realistic policy proposal. Support for the original version was primarily limited to the Senate Democratic caucus, as Governor Doyle and some Assembly Democrats distanced themselves from the proposal.

The current proposal creates a Governor-appointed 16-member board of trustees that holds tremendous power over how health care would exist in Wisconsin, and is tasked with creating and administering a health care program covering all Wisconsin citizens. Four additional members would come from a special Health Care Advisory Committee but would not have voting power. Physicians could theoretically have input on the Advisory Committee but are specifically excluded from the voting membership.

A vigorous financial analysis of the plan has not yet been done; one estimate is that a $15.2 billion payroll tax can pay for the plan, but the Society believes a more significant fiscal breakdown is needed.

Senator Jon Erpenbach (D-Middleton) is the author of the bill; you can read his press release here. An Associated Press article about the legislature’s work on “health care reform” during the remainder of the session is here.

For more information, contact Mark Grapentine or Jeremy Levin.

Governor initiates budget repair process

Anticipated since the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau announced in mid-February a dramatic state deficit figure, Governor Doyle’s administration officially notified legislative leaders that a budget repair bill is necessary. In a March 5, 2008 letter to legislators, Department of Administration Secretary Michael Morgan put the deficit at $350.9 million through the end of the 2008-2009 biennium (the number would be higher, but DOA has ordered departments to “lapse” $111 million in state spending and roll over $125.4 million in debt payments).

State statutes require the Governor to submit legislation that will rectify the deficit. To that end, he has called the legislature into special session next Thursday, March 13 to begin the legislative process of debating and approving a repair bill. Details of the Governor’s proposal are not yet known; a plan will be forthcoming next week. Reports are that a hospital tax will be the centerpiece of the plan; a spokesperson for Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch (R-West Salem) has said the Republican-controlled Assembly will not a pass a bill that includes such a tax.

For more information, contact Mark Grapentine or Jeremy Levin.

Lance Armstrong joins fight to make Wisconsin Smoke Free

Seven-time Tour de France winner, cancer survivor and advocate Lance Armstrong appeared with Governor Jim Doyle on Tuesday to urge approval of the “Breathe Free Wisconsin Act.” During the Citizens for Smoke Free Air Rally at Monona Terrace, Armstrong addressed the crowd of over 1,000 people, who then took the Capitol by storm to meet with their legislators. Media coverage included:

On the same day, the Assembly Public Health Committee passed Assembly Bill 834, the “Breathe Free Wisconsin Act”, which would require every workplace in Wisconsin–including bars and restaurants–to become smoke-free. Many Society members testified and registered in support of the bill at the public hearing. The committee passed the bill on a strong bipartisan vote of 6-3. The members who supported the bill include Representatives J.A. “Doc” Hines (R-Oxford), Terry Moulton (R-Chippewa Falls), Sheldon Wasserman, MD (D-Milwaukee), Chuck Benedict, MD (D-Beloit), Marlin Schneider (D-Wisconsin Rapids) and Spencer Black (D-Madison).

AB 834 is the Assembly companion to Senate Bill 150. However, the effective date of AB 834 is January 1 2009, a year earlier than the Senate Public Health Committee had compromised on during their executive session of SB 150. The next step is to get one of the bills through both legislative chambers before session ends next week.

For more information, contact Jeremy Levin.

Campaign season quickly approaching

With one week of legislative session left, campaign season isn’t far behind. Every two years all 99 state representatives are up for election, along with half of the state senate. All even-numbered districts are up for election this year. Things won’t officially get underway until candidates start circulating nomination papers in June. However, campaign fundraising is always in season.

Society members who want to be politically active can also be members of the Society’s WISMedPAC/WISMedDIRECT. Our 2008 membership year is underway and we need your help going into the Fall elections.

For more information, contact Jeremy Levin.

February 28, 2008

Assembly version of statewide smoking ban heard in committee

The Assembly Public Health Committee held a public hearing yesterday on Assembly Bill 834, the “Breathe Free Wisconsin Act”, which would require every workplace in Wisconsin – including bars and restaurants – to become smoke-free. Society members who were at the four-hour hearing to testify in support of the bill included Patrick Remington, MD, MPH, Michael Fiore, MD, MPH, Frank Byrne, MD, Todd Mahr, MD, Robert Phillips, MD, and Robert Feulner, MD.

AB 834 is the Assembly companion to Senate Bill 150. However, the effective date of AB 834 is January 1 2009, a year sooner than the Senate Public Health Committee had agreed on during its executive session for SB 150. It appears that the Assembly Public Health Committee will meet Tuesday to take executive action on AB 834. If the bill passes at that time, advocates will have roughly two weeks to get the bill through both legislative houses before session ends.

In support of a smoke-free state, Citizens for Smoke-free Air is holding a day at the Capitol and a rally at the Monona Terrace Tuesday, March 4. Seven-time Tour de France winner, cancer survivor and cancer advocate Lance Armstrong will appear with Governor Jim Doyle to urge approval of The Breathe Free Wisconsin Act during the rally at Monona Terrace from noon to 12:45 p.m. Armstrong is the founder and chairman of the Lance Armstrong Foundation, which supports cancer research.

Society members are encouraged to participate in the rally. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. and the rally and group visits to legislative offices will wrap up around 3 p.m. Free buses are available for those traveling from Eau Claire, La Crosse, Wausau, Green Bay and Milwaukee.

For more information, contact Jeremy Levin.

February 21, 2008

Mental Health Parity Action Day draws big crowd

Hundreds of Wisconsinites visited the Capitol yesterday as part of Mental Health Parity Action Day. They were there to voice their support for Senate Bill 375. Many members of the Wisconsin Medical Society and the Wisconsin Psychiatric Association came out in a strong show of force, including Society President Clarence Chou, MD; Molli Rolli, MD; Ken Casimir, MD; Laura Roberts, MD; Ronald Diamond, MD; Kenneth Robbins, MD; Peter Lake, MD; and Jerry Halverson, MD. Medical residents Rachel Molander, MD; Erin Curtis, MD; and Carrie Palmer, MD, and medical student Philip Zimmermann also joined the group.

Participants are hopeful Wisconsin will join 42 other states which have already enacted mental health parity. For more information, contact Jeremy Levin.

Update: Statewide Smoking Ban—Assembly public hearing

While discussion of the statewide smoking ban is not moving quickly in the Senate (Senate Bill 150), a bill has now developed in the Assembly (Assembly Bill 834). A hearing before the Assembly Public Health committee is set for noon on Wednesday, February 27, 2008. Supporters are encouraged to attend.

For more information, contact Jeremy Levin.

Citizens for Smoke-free Air to hold rally at the Capitol

Society members are encouraged to participate in a rally Tuesday, March 4 to support a smoke-free law for Wisconsin. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. and the rally and group visits to legislative offices will wrap up around 3 p.m. Free buses are available for those traveling from Eau Claire, La Crosse, Wausau, Green Bay, and Milwaukee.

For more details, contact Jeremy Levin.

Mental Health Records Bill passes Committee

The Assembly Public Health Committee held a public hearing last week on Assembly Bill 793, which proposes changes to laws related to the confidentiality and disclosure of patient health care and mental health treatment records (specifically Wisconsin Statutes 51.30, 146.82, and 655.275). On Wednesday, the bill was passed out of the Assembly Public Health Committee and will be available to be scheduled for a floor vote.

AB 793 builds on the Legislature and Governor's efforts to encourage the implementation of health care information technology through incentives, such as tax credits for providers who invest in electronic medical record (EMR) systems and tax deductibility for bonds issued through the Wisconsin Health and Educational Facilities Authority.

Specifically, the bill makes changes regarding the disclosure of patient health care records and mental health treatment records to health care providers, or persons acting under the supervision of health care providers without patient consent. These provisions make Wisconsin law more consistent with federal HIPAA privacy laws and the patient protections inherent in them.

This bill is the result of work conducted under Wisconsin’s Health Information Security and Privacy Project, which involved numerous workgroups formulated by the eHealth Board and comprised of key advocacy and provider organizations who met regularly, including the Society.

The Society participated in the 51.30 workgroup that set the initial framework for AB 793. The representatives in the workgroup sought to balance patient privacy issues and the importance of access to limited, but key patient health care information in providing safe and complete care for the patient. The group identified a series of issues, including stigma and disclosure rights, related to mental health records. They also believed there were issues that warranted further discussion, including the need for education for health care professionals regarding the changes. Because of the broad range of issues raised by this workgroup, the group agreed on a delayed effective date for the changes related to mental health treatment records. The later effective date gives patients and health care professionals time to adjust and ensures the Department of Health and Family Services has time to address any outstanding issues.

The 51.30 workgroup included stakeholders representing consumers and providers of mental health, AODA, and developmental disability treatment services as well as individuals with expertise in health information administration and technology, privacy law, and data quality.

If you have questions, contact Jeremy Levin.

February 14, 2008

Reminder: Mental Health Parity Action Day is Feb. 20

Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton is leading efforts to make Mental Health Parity Action Day Wednesday, Feb. 20 a day for employers and workers, health care professionals and advocates, and all citizens to make the case for mental health parity legislation in Wisconsin. Wisconsin is one of only eight states in the nation without mental health parity.

“Our coalition has an excellent bill drafted, an impressive list of sponsors, and now we invite all who understand the importance of this legislation—to Wisconsin’s economy and to our families—to be part of Mental Health Parity Action Day,” Lawton said. Senate Bill 375 requires that insurance policies provide the same coverage for mental health and mental illness as they do for physical health, illness or injury. SB 375 had a public hearing in January and was voted out of committee on a bipartisan vote.

For more information, visit http://ltgov.wisconsin.gov and click on the “Mental Health” button, call 608.266.3516 or contact Jeremy Levin. Click here to view the day’s agenda, which will include advocacy training, a networking lunch and appointments arranged with legislators.

Society testifies on two ‘cost transparency’ bills

The Society led the physician-oriented discussion earlier this week on two bills that would increase physicians’ responsibility to disclose information related to the costs of medical procedures, tests, and the like. Representative Steve Wieckert’s (R-Appleton) Assembly Bill 729 and a Rep. Leah Vukmir (R-Wauwatosa) still-to-be-introduced bill draft have differing requirements of what must be disclosed and when. In both verbal and written testimony before the Assembly Health Committee (which heard Rep. Vukmir's bill) and the Assembly Small Business Committee (hearing Rep. Wieckert’s updated version of AB 729), the Society stressed that the best patient is an informed patient, and the patient must know both cost and quality in order to determine value—the most important piece of information a patient can have. Both bills potentially increase the administrative burden for physicians and their staffs in complying with the mandates. You can read the Society’s testimony on AB 729 here and on Rep. Vukmir’s bill here.

The Society’s Council on Legislation discussed both bills (as well as a third version by Sen. Jim Sullivan [D-Wauwatosa]) at its February 8 meeting. The Council unanimously supported the strategy to raise concerns on the bills’ content while making it clear the Society supports thoughtful transparency. Assembly Republicans met in closed caucus on Wednesday in part to discuss which transparency bill—if any—it would rally behind. The Society’s Government Relations staff will continue to monitor the fate of these bills.

For more information, contact Mark Grapentine or Jeremy Levin.

Congressman Kagen introduces ‘No Discrimination in Health Insurance Act’

US Congressman Steve Kagen, MD, (D-Appleton) introduced today legislation that will ensure citizens have access to affordable health care and end the insurance industry’s practice of denying health coverage due to a pre-existing medical condition.

See a statement from the Congressman on his legislation here and a story regarding the proposed legislation from the Appleton Post-Cresent here. For more information, visit Congressman Kagen’s Web site.

Update: Statewide smoking ban

For nearly a year the Society has called for legislation banning smoking in all public places as part of the “It’s Time to Breathe Free Wisconsin” coalition. Senate Bill 150 (the “Breathe Free Wisconsin Act”), which would require every workplace in Wisconsin—including bars and restaurants—to become smoke-free, has been supported by team of health organizations, including the Society, business and hospitality groups.

Currently, the coalition is meeting with Senate leadership, who is seeking a compromise between the coalition and the Wisconsin Tavern League. Discussions are ongoing, with the leaders cognizant of the waning session days left to pass a bill.

For more information, contact Jeremy Levin.

February 7, 2008

Various cost ‘transparency’ bills abound in Capitol

As the State Legislature heads toward the end of its regular session in mid-March, various bills aimed at providing patients with health care cost information will soon receive public hearings in the Capitol.

Senator Jim Sullivan’s (D-Wauwatosa) Senate Bill 377, Rep. Steve Wieckert’s (R-Appleton) Assembly Bill 729 and a still-to-be-introduced proposal from Rep. Leah Vukmir (R-Wauwatosa) all would require physicians to provide patients with various cost information related to procedures, services or diagnostic tests.

Rep. Vukmir’s effort is titled “The Patients’ Right to Know Act,” and states that there is “general, bipartisan consensus that tools like these help put patients in charge of their health care while encouraging them to become more conscious of health care costs.” While the general consensus indeed agrees that cost information can be valuable, policymakers also need to acknowledge that health care costs can vary widely based on the patient and the care needed. The Society has partnered with various health care entities across the state to coordinate the physicians’ message to our state policymakers and to explain the real-world effects of these bills.

Supreme Court election April 1

While the national race for president has dominated most election headlines and stories, an important race for a seat on the state’s Supreme Court headlines Wisconsin’s general election on April 1. Sitting Justice Louis Butler will face Barron County Circuit Court Judge Mike Gableman.

If you haven’t paid much attention to this race, there is still time to familiarize yourself with the two candidates. While government’s involvement in your practice has generally come from the executive and legislative branches of government, the judicial branch is becoming more of a factor.

Wisconsin Supreme Court justices are elected to 10-year terms, so your vote on April 1 could have long-lasting impact. To learn more about the candidates, visit their Web sites:

Justice Butler: http://www.louisbutler.com/index.cfm
Judge Gableman: http://www.gablemanforsupremecourt.com/

There are only two candidates for the seat, so this race will not be on the ballot for Wisconsin’s February 19 primary.

For more information about either of these issues, e-mail Mark Grapentine.