Fatality review teams and granting rule-making authority.
Impact
If enacted, AB188 will authorize the Department of Health Services (DHS) to establish local fatality review teams and potentially state teams. The bill requires these teams to gather data, access necessary records from various agencies, and maintain confidentiality regarding the information reviewed. By having a structured review process, this legislation aims to enhance public health outcomes by analyzing the circumstances surrounding reviewable deaths and proposing policy changes based on findings. The bill is expected to facilitate better inter-agency communication and data sharing concerning mortality causes in Wisconsin.
Summary
Assembly Bill 188 establishes a framework for fatality review teams in Wisconsin, aimed at analyzing various types of deaths to provide recommendations for prevention. This bill defines 'fatality review teams' as multidisciplinary entities that will review deaths among children and adults, with a focus on understanding risk factors and preventing future fatalities. The creation of these teams under state law formalizes a practice that has previously existed on a voluntary basis at the county level, allowing for a more unified approach to understanding preventable deaths across the state.
Contention
The bill has raised some concerns, particularly regarding the confidentiality provisions it contains. Meetings of fatality review teams are exempt from Wisconsin's open meetings law, which critics argue could hinder public transparency. However, the bill allows public meetings for the sharing of summary findings while limiting the disclosure of specific information. There are concerns that the balance between necessary confidentiality to protect sensitive information and the public's right to know may not be adequately addressed, leading to discussions on how best to implement these provisions without sacrificing transparency.