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SB 796

Relating to: mandatory participation in the Wisconsin Health Information Organization. (FE)

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mary Felzkowski and 1 co-sponsor

SB 796 requires Wisconsin healthcare providers to participate in the state's Health Information Organization for patient data exchange, but the bill failed passage in March 2026.

Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
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Bill Summary · SB 796

Legislative bill overview

SB 796 would require healthcare providers and facilities in Wisconsin to participate in the Wisconsin Health Information Organization (WHIO), a health information exchange system. The bill establishes mandatory participation standards for entities that handle patient health data and receive state funding or licensing.

Why is this important

Health information exchanges can improve care coordination, reduce duplicate testing, and lower healthcare costs by allowing providers to access patient records across systems. However, mandatory participation affects how healthcare providers operate their IT infrastructure and raises questions about data governance, compliance costs, and competitive impacts on smaller providers.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Mandatory participation may impose significant IT infrastructure and compliance expenses on smaller practices and rural healthcare facilities that lack resources
  • Data privacy and control: Concerns about centralized patient data systems, who controls access, security standards, and whether providers maintain adequate oversight of their patient information
  • Competitive impact: Requirements to participate in a state-designated system could disadvantage providers using competing health IT platforms or create operational conflicts for multi-state healthcare systems

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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