Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

Wisconsin Senate Bill SB924

Introduced
1/19/24  
Refer
1/19/24  

Caption

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

Impact

By codifying these rights, SB924 aims to enhance the freedom of expression among health care providers within the state of Wisconsin. The implications of such a bill may lead to more open discussions regarding patient care and medical practices. However, the bill also includes exceptions for faith-based organizations that have established their own ethical guidelines, indicating that these entities are allowed to manage their internal policies concerning the opinions expressed by their health care staff.

Summary

Senate Bill 924 establishes a legal framework that promotes the right of health care providers to express their professional opinions regarding health and medical information or guidance. The bill specifically prohibits health care entities from retaliating against or discriminating against providers for voicing their opinions, which can include a variety of forms such as statements, policies, or publications. This legislation is significant as it seeks to protect health care professionals and supports their ability to share knowledge and insights without fear of punitive actions from their employers.

Contention

The potential concern arises from the bill's provisions that exempt faith-based entities from its requirements. This raises questions about how this could affect care provided in such institutions, particularly when ethical guidelines contradict a provider's clinical insights. Critics might argue that this exemption could lead to a paradox where health care professionals at faith-based organizations might be silenced if their opinions conflict with the religious or moral frameworks of their employer. Hence, while the bill seeks to safeguard health care provider speech, it also opens up debates regarding the boundaries of such rights in faith-influenced environments.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WI AB611

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

WI S2423

Establishes the right of a medical practitioner, healthcare institution, or healthcare payer not to participate in or pay for any medical procedure or service this violates their conscience.

WI S0305

Establishes the right of a medical practitioner, healthcare institution, or healthcare payer not to participate in or pay for any medical procedure or service this violates their conscience.

WI HB1255

Health-Care Provider Right to Exercise Conscience

WI SB887

Freedom of conscience; creating the Medical Ethics Defense Act; granting certain rights and protections to certain medical practitioners, healthcare institutions, or healthcare payers. Effective date.

WI SB887

Freedom of conscience; creating the Medical Ethics Defense Act; granting certain rights and protections to certain medical practitioners, healthcare institutions, or healthcare payers. Effective date.

WI HB1080

Relative to the rights of conscience for medical professionals.

WI HB232

Relative to the rights of conscience for medical professionals.

WI SB665

Freedom of conscience; creating the Medical Ethics Defense Act; granting certain rights and protections to certain medical practitioners, healthcare institutions, or healthcare payers. Effective date.

WI SB132

AN ACT relating to the recruitment and retention of health care professionals and declaring an emergency.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.