Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB611

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/31/23
• Refer: 10/31/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Right of health care providers to express professional opinions related to health or medical information or guidance.

Impact

The bill is anticipated to significantly impact the dynamics within healthcare entities by legally protecting providers who choose to share their personal medical opinions. This change is aimed at promoting a culture of free expression in healthcare settings, which supporters argue will enhance patient care by allowing a diversity of professional viewpoints. However, it also delineates exceptions for faith-based or religious institutions, which can continue to enforce their own guidelines without facing the same requirements under this law.

Summary

AB611 aims to establish the right of healthcare providers in Wisconsin to express their professional opinions concerning health or medical information without fear of retaliation. The bill specifically prohibits health care entities from taking adverse actions against providers, which encompasses statements, policies, studies, and other forms of professional guidance. This legislation is meant to encourage open dialogue among healthcare professionals and foster a more transparent environment for expressing varied medical perspectives.

Contention

Key points of contention surrounding AB611 relate to its impact on the operational autonomy of healthcare organizations, particularly those governed by faith-based principles. Critics of the bill express concerns that it could lead to conflicts between a provider's professional opinions and an institution's ethical guidelines, potentially complicating the provision of care in sensitive areas where religious beliefs intersect with medical practices. Proponents argue that such protections are necessary for safeguarding the rights of healthcare providers against potential censorship or discrimination within their workplaces.