We Lost Medical Rights in Wisconsin

In a recent court case, Gohl v Aurora, the Wisconsin District II Appeals Court ruled that the Wisconsin Law that guarantees medical rights “to be only ‘instructive and informative,’ even though they revealed legislative intent, because they were mandated by the legislature.” What does this mean? Even if you have a Heath Care Power of Attorney or any other signed agreement, it means nothing. The courts will not enforce it, or at least some judges will not enforce it. The hospital can treat or not treat at their whim and you have no legal recourse.

You may not have an issue with your doctor or hospital. The point is that you no longer have a guarantee. Like ever before we need to be wise shoppers of our health care. Doing personal research is easier than ever. So doing our homework ahead of time and seeking second opinions may save a life. There are more options out there than may think. Many doctors have left hospitals to open private clinics, they are more dependent on your good opinion and may respect your decisions more readily. However, there is no guarantee there either, research carefully before you have a medical crisis so that you can make an informed decision. Research, research, research.

Action Plan Step 1. Attorney Karen Mueller is working to update the law to reinstate our medical rights. She needs your help. Follow this link and print out the requested law change. We need our Representatives to champion this fix. You can call or email, but I suggest making an appointment to talk with your representatives in person. There are four ways that meeting will go. We can hope they agree and keep you posted on the progress. However, they may agree and then not do anything, hoping you will forget. So keeping track of the process is important. What I have been hearing is that. “Governor Evers will never sign it.” That is a non-answer because the process alone will get this word out and unite both sides of the isle. The worst case is that they outright refuse. In that case they need to be replaced, this is our core right.

Action Plan Step 2. Share this article with everyone you know and on every platform you are on. All the information you need is on Amos Center for Justice website.