Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB942

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/12/24
• Refer: 1/12/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Fall prevention and recovery training, CPR and first aid certification, a duty to provide aid in certain residential facilities and hospices, and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

Impact

The implementation of AB942 will lead to significant changes in how care facilities train their staff and interact with residents. Facilities will have to develop robust training programs focused on fall prevention and emergency response, which could raise the standard of care, potentially reduce incidents of falls, and improve overall patient safety. Further, the training will be required within 30 days of a resident's admission into a facility, ensuring that residents receive timely and relevant training appropriate for their needs.

Summary

Assembly Bill 942 mandates that the Department of Health Services (DHS) must develop or identify fall prevention and recovery training programs for employees as well as for patients and residents in various care facilities such as nursing homes, hospices, and community-based residential facilities. The bill requires these facilities to administer such training to both staff and residents, ensuring that they are adequately prepared to respond to falls and other emergencies. Each facility must have certified personnel in CPR and first aid on-site at all times, thereby enhancing the safety and preparedness of care environments.

Contention

However, the bill also poses some concerns regarding the liability and obligations placed on these facilities. While the bill exempts care facilities from civil damages for actions performed in good faith during emergencies, this could lead to complex situations around accountability and staff training adequacy. Critics may argue that imposing such mandatory training requirements without sufficient funding or support might strain care facilities, especially smaller ones, risking their operational viability while striving to comply with the new regulations.