New legislation being introduced in Madison aims to help families get the care they need while helping hospitals relieve capacity concerns. Assembly Bill 598, often referred to as “next-of-kin” legislation, would allow family members, including spouses, to have limited authority to make necessary patient care decisions without waiting weeks or months — and spending thousands of dollars — for a court to determine guardianship.

Door County Medical Center Chief Quality Officer Nancy Daoust estimates that only a third of their patients have a pre-established medical power of attorney in place. When the hospital fills up, Daoust says patients may have to be sent to Green Bay or Appleton, and even Milwaukee or Madison, depending on bed availability. She hopes the legislation alleviates the space crunch Door County Medical Center and other hospitals are facing.

Whether the legislation passes or not, Daoust adds that it is important for patients to discuss setting up a medical power of attorney in advance.

The bill passed 77-18 last month in the state Assembly, including a yes vote from State Rep. Joel Kitchens. It now awaits a vote in the state Senate.