Month: July 2013

Wisconsin Manufacturing and Commerce is calling on the Legislature to align Wisconsin's family medical leave laws with the federal standard as a way to reduce the burden on employers dealing with varying leave request rules for multiple states. (WHN, 7/23)

After Gov. Scott Walker vetoed a budget provision funding mental health services for Family Care enrollees, the author of the initiative said she will introduce it again when the Legislature reconvenes. (WHN, 7/22)

The state budget committee approved lapsing to the general fund $8.4 million from a federal bonus the Department of Health Services received from the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009. That means the entire $23.3 million award from the 2011-12 federal fiscal year will lapse to the general fund. The remaining $14.9 million was previously committed by Governor Scott Walker's administration to meet other budget bill lapse requirements. The funds would otherwise be available to fund medical assistance benefits or administrative costs, according to the Legislative Fiscal Bureau. (WHN, 7/22)

After receiving $10,000 last year from Saint Jude Hospice for a golf tournament fundraiser, the UW Carbone Cancer Center turned down its sponsorship offer for this year's event, citing UW Health's "renewed partnership" with Agrace HospiceCare. Agrace, one seven sponsors listed for the Aug. 5 event. (WISCONSIN STATE JOURNAL, 7/22)

A federal judge extended his hold Wednesday on a new law requiring doctors who perform abortions to have hospital admitting privileges. It marked the second time U.S. District Judge William Conley blocked the law and the second time he expressed skepticism of it in open court. He said he would decide within two weeks whether to issue a preliminary injunction that would block the law for months. (JOURNAL SENTINEL, 7/18)

The Workers Compensation Research Institute recently found that surgeries in Wisconsin cost more when they are paid for through workers' compensation. (WHN, 7/18)