Wisconsin Health Care Association Inc.

Registered Principal Details

Business Or Interest:
The Wisconsin Health Care Association (WHCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to representing, protecting and advancing the interests of Wisconsin’s long-term and post-acute care provider community and the residents they serve. The Wisconsin Center for Assisted Living (WiCAL) is a division of WHCA that advocates for assisted living facilities by helping our members provide the highest quality services to the Badger State’s frail and elderly citizens. WHCA/WiCAL represents skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, Community Based Residential Facilities, Residential Care Apartment Complexes, and home health agencies.

Lobbying Interests:
Medical assistance reimbursement to skilled nursing and assisted living facilities. Regulation of nursing homes and assisted living facilities by the Department of Health Services and other relevant state agencies.

CEO Name:
Rick Abrams

Contact
RA
Rick Abrams
3902 Milwaukee Street, #7235
Madison, WI 53714
516-241-2879
rick@whcawical.org
http://www.whcawical.org

Authorized Lobbyists

Lobbyist Name Exclusive Duties Authorized On Withdrawn On
William R Abrams Exclusive Duties No Authorized On 1/5/2023 Withdrawn On N/A
Daniel Romportl Exclusive Duties No Authorized On 1/5/2023 Withdrawn On N/A
Jim Stoa Exclusive Duties No Authorized On 1/5/2023 Withdrawn On 6/14/2024
Katie White Exclusive Duties No Authorized On 1/5/2023 Withdrawn On N/A
Ramie Zelenkova Exclusive Duties No Authorized On 1/5/2023 Withdrawn On N/A

Lobbying Interests

Legislative Bills/Resolutions

Assembly Bill 160
Assembly Bill 160
Relating to: requiring allowance for health care providers to refer individuals to aging and disability resource centers for options counseling.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
5/16/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Assembly Bill 162
Assembly Bill 162
Relating to: notification of certain facility closures, change in type or level of services or means of reimbursement accepted, and care management organization notification of contract termination with a provider that is a nursing home or community-based ...

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
2/14/2024
First Communication Date
1/31/2024
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.
Assembly Bill 257
Assembly Bill 257
Relating to: patients' and residents' rights to visitors in a health care facility, restricting visitation, and liability for the actions of visitors.

Bill Text and History

Undisclosed
Notification Date
7/26/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Assembly Bill 690
Assembly Bill 690
Relating to: student qualification for employment as a nurse aide. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
1/5/2024
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Assembly Bill 942
Assembly Bill 942
Relating to: fall prevention and recovery training, CPR and first aid certification, a duty to provide aid in certain residential facilities and hospices, and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

Bill Text and History

Undisclosed
Notification Date
1/16/2024
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Assembly Bill 943
Assembly Bill 943
Relating to: grants for patient lift devices and making an appropriation. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
1/29/2024
First Communication Date
1/16/2024
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.
Assembly Bill 1007
Assembly Bill 1007
Relating to: closure or change of services and relocation of residents in adult family homes. (FE)

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
2/5/2024
First Communication Date
1/31/2024
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.
Assembly Bill 1086
Assembly Bill 1086
Relating to: funding for supplemental payments to hospitals with avoidable patient days under the Medical Assistance program, for enhanced nursing home reimbursement rates under the Medical Assistance program for residents with bariatric and extensive woun...

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
2/14/2024
First Communication Date
2/13/2024
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.
Assembly Bill 1087
Assembly Bill 1087
Relating to: supplemental payments to hospitals with avoidable patient days and an enhanced rate to nursing homes for bariatric and extensive wound care under the Medical Assistance program. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
2/14/2024
First Communication Date
2/13/2024
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.
Assembly Bill 1088
Assembly Bill 1088
Relating to: consent to admissions to certain health care facilities by patient representatives, allocation of nursing beds for patients with certain complex needs, and a complex patient pilot program. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
2/14/2024
First Communication Date
2/13/2024
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.
Senate Bill 154
Senate Bill 154
Relating to: requiring allowance for health care providers to refer individuals to aging and disability resource centers for options counseling.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
5/16/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Senate Bill 155
Senate Bill 155
Relating to: notification of certain facility closures, change in type or level of services or means of reimbursement accepted, and care management organization notification of contract termination with a provider that is a nursing home or community-based ...

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
9/19/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Senate Bill 257
Senate Bill 257
Relating to: patients' and residents' rights to visitors in a health care facility, restricting visitation, and liability for the actions of visitors.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
7/26/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Senate Bill 434
Senate Bill 434
Relating to: repair of complex rehabilitation technology under the Medical Assistance program. (FE)

Bill Text and History

2023 Wisconsin Act 83

For
Notification Date
9/28/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Senate Bill 671
Senate Bill 671
Relating to: student qualification for employment as a nurse aide. (FE)

Bill Text and History

2023 Wisconsin Act 183

For
Notification Date
1/5/2024
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Senate Bill 884
Senate Bill 884
Relating to: fall prevention and recovery training, CPR and first aid certification, a duty to provide aid in certain residential facilities and hospices, and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

Bill Text and History

Undisclosed
Notification Date
1/16/2024
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Senate Bill 885
Senate Bill 885
Relating to: grants for patient lift devices and making an appropriation. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
1/29/2024
First Communication Date
1/16/2024
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.
Senate Bill 919
Senate Bill 919
Relating to: closure or change of services and relocation of residents in adult family homes. (FE)

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
2/5/2024
First Communication Date
1/31/2024
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.
Senate Bill 1027
Senate Bill 1027
Relating to: consent to admissions to certain health care facilities by patient representatives, allocation of nursing beds for patients with certain complex needs, and a complex patient pilot program. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
2/14/2024
First Communication Date
2/13/2024
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.
Senate Bill 1028
Senate Bill 1028
Relating to: supplemental payments to hospitals with avoidable patient days and an enhanced rate to nursing homes for bariatric and extensive wound care under the Medical Assistance program. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
2/14/2024
First Communication Date
2/13/2024
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.
Senate Bill 1029
Senate Bill 1029
Relating to: funding for supplemental payments to hospitals with avoidable patient days under the Medical Assistance program, for enhanced nursing home reimbursement rates under the Medical Assistance program for residents with bariatric and extensive woun...

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
2/14/2024
First Communication Date
2/13/2024
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.

Budget Bill Subjects

Health Services: Medicaid Services
Biennial budget bill treatment of matter relating to
Health Services: Medicaid Services

Notification Date
2/24/2023
First Communication Date
2/21/2023
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.

Topics Not Yet Assigned A Bill Or Rule Number

Adult Family Home regulations
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Adult Family Home regulations

Action Intended To Affect
Both Legislative matter and rule

Notification Date
12/12/2023
First Communication Date
12/1/2023
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.

Appointment of Kirsten Johnson as Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Appointment of Kirsten Johnson as Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative matter

Notification Date
10/5/2023
First Communication Date
9/25/2023
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.

SNF Notifications to Family Members
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
SNF Notifications to Family Members

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative matter

Notification Date
7/26/2023
First Communication Date
7/20/2023
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.

Allowing health care providers to refer individuals to aging & disability resource centers for options counseling
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Allowing health care providers to refer individuals to aging & disability resource centers for options counseling

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative matter

Notification Date
3/10/2023
First Communication Date
2/23/2023
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.

Long-term care provider/MCO relocation notices / notices of no longer accepting Family Care reimbursement
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Long-term care provider/MCO relocation notices / notices of no longer accepting Family Care reimbursement

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative matter

Notification Date
3/10/2023
First Communication Date
2/23/2023
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.

2023-2025 Wisconsin State Budget - LTC
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
2023-2025 Wisconsin State Budget - LTC

Notification Date
1/26/2023
First Communication Date
1/11/2023
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.

Health Care Access
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Health Care Access

Notification Date
1/26/2023
First Communication Date
1/11/2023
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.

Solutions to the Long-Term Care Workforce Shortage
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Solutions to the Long-Term Care Workforce Shortage

Notification Date
1/26/2023
First Communication Date
1/11/2023
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.

Total Lobbying Effort

  2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
Total
Total Lobbying Expenditures 2023
January - June
$71,644.51
2023
July - December
$66,220.00
2024
January - June
$53,195.47
Total $191,059.98
Total Hours Communicating 2023
January - June
273.25
2023
July - December
125.50
2024
January - June
181.50
Total 580.25
Total Hours Other 2023
January - June
399.25
2023
July - December
354.75
2024
January - June
280.25
Total 1034.25

Percent Allocation of Lobbying Effort

Legislative Bills/Resolutions

Relating to: requiring allowance for health care providers to refer individuals to aging and disability resource centers for options counseling.
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
1%
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total < 1%
Relating to: patients' and residents' rights to visitors in a health care facility, restricting visitation, and liability for the actions of visitors.
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
5%
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total 1%
Relating to: notification of certain facility closures, change in type or level of services or means of reimbursement accepted, and care management organization notification of contract termination with a provider that is a nursing home or community-based residential facility.
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
10%
2024
January - June
5%
2024
July - December
Total 4%
Relating to: fall prevention and recovery training, CPR and first aid certification, a duty to provide aid in certain residential facilities and hospices, and granting rule-making authority. (FE)
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2%
2024
July - December
Total < 1%
Relating to: grants for patient lift devices and making an appropriation. (FE)
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2%
2024
July - December
Total < 1%
Relating to: repair of complex rehabilitation technology under the Medical Assistance program. (FE)
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2%
2024
July - December
Total < 1%
Relating to: grants for patient lift devices and making an appropriation. (FE)
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2%
2024
July - December
Total < 1%
Relating to: closure or change of services and relocation of residents in adult family homes. (FE)
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2%
2024
July - December
Total < 1%
Relating to: notification of certain facility closures, change in type or level of services or means of reimbursement accepted, and care management organization notification of contract termination with a provider that is a nursing home or community-based residential facility.
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
5%
2024
July - December
Total 1%
Relating to: closure or change of services and relocation of residents in adult family homes. (FE)
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
5%
2024
July - December
Total 1%
Relating to: consent to admissions to certain health care facilities by patient representatives, allocation of nursing beds for patients with certain complex needs, and a complex patient pilot program. (FE)
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
5%
2024
July - December
Total 1%
Relating to: supplemental payments to hospitals with avoidable patient days and an enhanced rate to nursing homes for bariatric and extensive wound care under the Medical Assistance program. (FE)
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
5%
2024
July - December
Total 1%
Relating to: funding for supplemental payments to hospitals with avoidable patient days under the Medical Assistance program, for enhanced nursing home reimbursement rates under the Medical Assistance program for residents with bariatric and extensive wound care needs, and for the complex patient pilot program. (FE)
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
5%
2024
July - December
Total 1%
Relating to: funding for supplemental payments to hospitals with avoidable patient days under the Medical Assistance program, for enhanced nursing home reimbursement rates under the Medical Assistance program for residents with bariatric and extensive wound care needs, and for the complex patient pilot program. (FE)
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
10%
2024
July - December
Total 3%
Relating to: supplemental payments to hospitals with avoidable patient days and an enhanced rate to nursing homes for bariatric and extensive wound care under the Medical Assistance program. (FE)
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
10%
2024
July - December
Total 3%
Relating to: consent to admissions to certain health care facilities by patient representatives, allocation of nursing beds for patients with certain complex needs, and a complex patient pilot program. (FE)
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
10%
2024
July - December
Total 3%

Budget Bill Subjects

2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
47%
2023
July - December
15%
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total 24%

Administrative Rulemaking Proceedings

No administrative rulemaking proceedings found.

Topics Not Yet Assigned A Bill Or Rule Number

2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
1%
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total < 1%
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
1%
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total < 1%
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
9%
2023
July - December
30%
2024
January - June
5%
2024
July - December
Total 14%
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
10%
2023
July - December
15%
2024
January - June
5%
2024
July - December
Total 10%
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
17%
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total 7%
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2%
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total < 1%
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
5%
2024
January - June
5%
2024
July - December
Total 3%

Minor Efforts

(Time spent on matters each of which accounted for less than 10% of the organization's lobbying.)

Minor Efforts
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
14%
2023
July - December
18%
2024
January - June
5%
2024
July - December
Total 13%

Other Matters

Includes time spent on:

  • Gubernatorial nominations
  • Matters on which the organization made no lobbying communication

Other Matters
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
10%
2024
July - December
Total 3%

Filed Statements of Lobbying Activity and Expenditures