MADISON… In response to the veto of Senate Bill 417, bipartisan legislation to ensure that Wisconsin patients and health care residents are not forced to suffer alone during a public health emergency, Senator André Jacque (New Franken) issued the following statement:
“I am disappointed with the governor’s decision today to veto the “No Patient Left Alone Act,” which would have protected the right of patients and residents in Wisconsin health care facilities to receive in-person visitors during public health emergencies, provided that appropriate safety protocols are in place.”
“This legislation had the support of many health care and patient advocacy groups, such as the Wisconsin Health Care Association, the Wisconsin Assisted Living Association, the Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources, and the Wisconsin Catholic Conference. Senate Bill 417 had no organizational opposition, no testimony expressing concerns was delivered during the hearing process, and the bill passed both legislative chambers with bipartisan support.”
“A patient in a vulnerable moment should not be made to suffer alone, particularly when confronted with a major medical decision, or in an end-of-life situation. We know that many who were deprived of in-person visits experienced increased depression and other detrimental health outcomes. The “No Patient Left Alone Act” would have struck the perfect balance between accommodating patients while also ensuring protocols were in place to protect public health.”
Representative Chuck Wichgers (Muskego) was the lead author in the Assembly.
Senator André Jacque represents Northeast Wisconsin’s First Senate District, consisting of Door and Kewaunee Counties and portions of Brown, Calumet, Manitowoc, and Outagamie counties.
