Wisconsin Senate Bill SB175

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/3/23
• Refer: 4/3/23
• Report Pass: 10/13/23
• Engrossed: 11/7/23
• Refer: 12/6/23
• Enrolled: 1/19/24
• Chaptered: 3/26/24
• Passed: 3/26/24

Caption

Recommended training for persons who complete and sign medical certifications of death.

Impact

Should SB175 be enacted, it would require the Department of Health Services (DHS) to actively promote and facilitate training for persons authorized to sign medical death certifications. This training is essential for enhancing the reliability and accuracy of death records, which are critical for various legal, medical, and statistical purposes. By improving the competency of those involved in this process, the bill seeks to contribute to better public health outcomes and ensure that vital information is recorded appropriately in the state's vital records system.

Summary

Senate Bill 175 is a legislative proposal that aims to enhance the process surrounding the medical certification of death in Wisconsin. The bill is proposed to create additional provisions in the state statutes that focus on the training of individuals who complete and sign death certifications, which currently must include the cause and manner of death as well as any injury-related data. The goal of SB175 is to ensure that these certifications are completed accurately and consistently by providing training resources to those authorized to do so, which includes medical examiners, coroners, and other healthcare professionals with access to a decedent's medical history.

Contention

While SB175 appears to have the potential for positive impacts, discussions may arise concerning the extent and nature of the required training. Stakeholders may debate the adequacy of the proposed resources and the potential burden on the DHS to compile and maintain these materials. Furthermore, there may be concerns regarding access to training for all professionals in varying locations, especially in rural areas where resources may be scarce. As such, the topic may evoke discussions about the balance between state oversight and the practicalities faced by local medical professionals in fulfilling these new requirements.