By Hoven Consulting – WiAHC’s lobbying firm 

• WiAHC Supports Bill to Codify DHS Regulation Allowing Wisconsin-Licensed Health Care Providers Outside Wisconsin to Provide Care via Telehealth

WiAHC has decided to formally support legislation – Senate Bill 476 – that formalizes state Department of Health Services (DHS) regulations allowing health care providers who are not physically located in Wisconsin to apply for certification as a Medicaid provider in order to treat Medicaid recipients via telehealth.  In this situation, the health care provider will need to be licensed in Wisconsin and will need to be in good standing with the respective credentialing board.  

• Senate Health Committee Recommends Approval of DHS Secretary Nominee 

On September 27, the Senate Health Committee held a hearing on the nomination of Kirsten Johnson to be the Secretary of the state Department of Health Services (DHS).  Prior to her nomination, Kirsten served as the head of the City of Milwaukee Health Department, as well as the Washington-Ozaukee Health Department.  She also served as the president of the Wisconsin Public Health Association.  On October 6, the Senate Health Committee voted 5-1 to recommend her confirmation to the full Senate.  Senator Andre Jacque (R-DePere) voted no.  The next and final step is for the full Senate to vote on her confirmation.  This full Senate vote could occur by mid-November.  

• DSPS Upgrades Prescription Drug Monitoring Program 

On October 15, the state Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) unveiled an updated Wisconsin Enhanced Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (ePDMP) website.  In its recent announcement, DSPS noted that the updated website incorporated feedback from stakeholders, including prescribers, health care systems, law enforcement and pharmacies.  Specifically, DSPS highlighted the following improvements: 

• Legislative Committee Rejects Request for More DSPS Occupational Credentialing Staff 

On September 26, the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee – the budget writing committee – rejected Governor Evers’ request to provide more funding for additional staff members at the state Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) to assist in processing occupational credential applications.   The vote was along party lines – 10 against and 4 in support.  In its request, DSPS noted that they needed more staff members to maintain or reduce processing time for occupational credentials.