2009 Wisconsin Act 146
- Quick Links
- 2009 Act 146 (PDF)
- Legislative Council Memo (PDF)
- Summary of Implementation Plan (PDF)
- Implementation Plan (PDF)
- Appendix 2 - CPT List
- Appendix 3 - Physician Report Template
- Frequently Asked Questions
- DQA Memo to Hospitals
- Act 146 Listserv
Information regarding health care charges and quality
Act 146 was enacted on March 9, 2010 and was effective as of January 1, 2011. The Act specifies requirements for hospitals, insurance plans, health care providers, and the Department of Health Services (DHS) related to disclosure of information about the cost and quality of health care services. A summary document, P-00768a (PDF) is available.
The final Act 146 Implementation Plan, P-00768 (PDF) is available. Appendix 2, P-007682-app-2 (PDF) lists the five CPT services to include in the physician report for each medical condition. Appendix 3, P-00768-app-3 (PDF) is a report template for physicians to use in preparing consumer information to comply with Act 146.
The implementation plan does not directly address requirements on hospitals and insurance plans except for those in section 5(5); nor does it refer to requirements for health care providers except for those in sections 5(2), 5(3)(b) through (f), and 5(5), which relate to the creation of a standard report for patients, and to the enforcement of Act requirements. Hospitals, insurance plans and health care providers should be alert to other requirements in the Act that are not described in this plan.
The Department of Health Services, Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) is responsible for investigating all complaints over which the Department has jurisdiction. If any individual believes that a hospital or physician has violated 2009 Wisconsin Act 146 regarding the disclosure of health care charges and quality information, that individual has the right to file a complaint. Physicians practicing individually or in associations of three or fewer physicians are exempt under the law.
The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services is the state agency responsible for credentialing and regulating physicians in Wisconsin. If you have a complaint that a physician is in violation of a relevant condition or rule related to the profession, you may contact the Department of Safety and Professional Services or use the toll-free number 877-617-1565.
To file a complaint with the Division of Quality Assurance:
- Call 608-266-8481 or toll-free number at 800-642-6552.
- Send an email to: DHSwebmailDQA@dhs.wisconsin.gov.