03/18/2026
The Wisconsin State Legislature has passed Assembly Bill 598, also known as Next-of-Kin, with strong bipartisan support. The bill now heads to Governor Tony Evers for his signature.
“This is a significant step forward for patients and their families,” said WHA President and CEO Kyle O’Brien. “By creating a clear and practical pathway to identify a patient’s next-of-kin for care transition decisions, this legislation will help ensure patients can move more quickly to the most appropriate setting for their recovery, while also improving hospital capacity for those who need hospital care.”
Thank you to legislators from both parties for your leadership and commitment to solutions that support patients, families and health care providers across Wisconsin.