Governor Evers signed Executive Order 21 on April 3.  The Order suspends a number of rules related to home healthcare agencies.  The order specifically:

• Suspends DHS 133.18 (Supervisory Visits) in its entirety during the public health emergency;
• Allows any necessary visits from RNs associated with the 60-day review process as required by DHS 133.20(3) may be completed via telephone or videoconferencing during the public health emergency; and
• Suspends home health agencies' training and orientation requirements in DHS 133.06(4)(a) and 133.17(4) and orders that "every employee shall be oriented to the agency and the job for which he or she is hired."

The order also makes similar changes for Hospice Agencies in the state, including:

• Suspends DHS 131.15 (inspections, investigations and enforcement) except for cases of immediate jeopardy as defined in Wisconsin Statute 50.01(1ng);
• Suspends DHS 131.22 (quality assessment and performance improvement activities), with continued general requirement for staff to be oriented to their responsibilities according to DHS 131.31(2); and
• Suspends DHS 131.31(3) (training and orientation program contents) with continued general requirement for staff to be oriented to their responsibilities as required in DHS 131.31(2).

The Governor’s action is consistent with the requests WiAHC has made of the Department and Governor since the start of the Safer at Home Order.  The full executive order is available online (link).