Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

Wisconsin Senate Bill SB178

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

Requiring notification to the medical examiner or coroner of any death that occurs within 24 hours of presentment at or admission to certain facilities.

Impact

If enacted, SB178 will modify existing state laws regarding the reporting of deaths. Currently, specific individuals and medical authorities are mandated to report certain types of deaths to law enforcement and medical officials. The introduction of this bill will ensure prompt communication with the medical examiner or coroner in specific circumstances, potentially streamlining investigations and responses to unexpected deaths that occur shortly after hospital engagements.

Summary

Senate Bill 178 aims to enhance the accountability of medical professionals and institutions regarding death reporting in Wisconsin. The legislation stipulates that if a person who is required by law to report certain deaths becomes aware of a death occurring within 24 hours of a patient’s presentation or admission at a specified facility, they must notify the medical examiner or coroner immediately. This requirement is crucial for determining whether further investigation into the death is necessary based on existing statutory reporting obligations.

Contention

Some points of contention surrounding SB178 include the adequacy of current reporting measures and the potential implications for healthcare providers' workloads. Advocates for the bill argue that improved reporting protocols can aid in public health monitoring and safety, potentially helping to prevent future deaths that could be attributed to systemic issues within healthcare facilities. However, critics may raise concerns about the additional administrative burden this could impose on medical staff, as well as implications for patients' privacy and the overall forensic investigation process.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WI AB189

Requiring notification to the medical examiner or coroner of any death that occurs within 24 hours of presentment at or admission to certain facilities.

WI SB176

Requiring the Department of Health Services to establish and encourage best practices for coroners and medical examiners.

WI SB174

Requiring use of the electronic system of vital records for medical certifications of death.

WI HB28

Death benefits, grants state death benefits to coroners, deputy coroners, medicolegal death investigators, and medical examiners

WI HB2488

CORONERS & MEDICAL EXAMINERS

WI AB185

Requiring use of the electronic system of vital records for medical certifications of death.

WI AB187

Requiring the Department of Health Services to establish and encourage best practices for coroners and medical examiners.

WI AB2372

Coroners and medical examiners.

WI AB1351

Coroners and medical examiners: reporting drug overdose deaths.

WI HB2152

Maternal mortality; modifying membership of the Maternal Mortality Review Committee; requiring hospital or birthing center to report certain deaths to the Chief Medical Examiner Office; broadening types of deaths to be investigated; production of records; effective date.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.