Reducing fetal and infant mortality and morbidity
Wis. Stat. § 253.16
in effect(1) In this section, “infant” means a child from birth to 12 months of age.
(2) In a county with a population of at least 190,000 but less than 230,000, from the appropriation account under s. 20.435 (1) (eu), the department shall award a grant in each fiscal year to the city health department to provide a program of services to reduce fetal and infant mortality and morbidity.
(2m)
(a) At least 90 percent of the moneys awarded under sub. (2) and distributed under 2009 Wisconsin Act 28, section 9122 (5v) (j), shall be used for direct services provided to families participating in the program under sub. (2).
(b) The moneys referenced in par. (a) may be used as the state share of Medical Assistance for case management services provided under s. 49.45 (25).
(3) Notwithstanding s. 251.08, in implementing the program under sub. (2), the city health department shall, directly or by contract, do all of the following in or on behalf of areas of the county that are encompassed by the zip codes 53402 to 53406 and that are at risk for high fetal and infant mortality and morbidity, as determined by the department of health services:
(a) Collaborate with faculty in the health disciplines of an academic institution and with a hospital that serves significant populations at high risk for poor birth outcomes, including low birth weights, prematurity, and gestational diabetes, to identify and implement best practices and evidence-based practices to reduce fetal and infant mortality and morbidity.
(b) Identify necessary preconception, prenatal, and postnatal services and assess the availability of these services for women in the areas who lack insurance coverage or who are recipients of the Medical Assistance program or the Badger Care health care program.
(c) Develop and implement models of care for all women in the areas who meet risk criteria, as specified by the department of health services, and provide comprehensive prenatal and postnatal care coordination and other services, including home visits, by registered nurses who are public health nurses or who meet the qualifications of public health nurses, as specified in s. 250.06 (1), or by social workers, as defined in s. 252.15 (1) (er).
(d) Conduct social marketing, including outreach, assuring health care access, public awareness programs, community health education programs, and other best practices and evidence-based practices, to reduce fetal and infant mortality and morbidity.
(e) Evaluate the quality and effectiveness of the services provided under pars. (c) and (d).
(f) Maximize and leverage additional resources, including the maximum allowable Medical Assistance reimbursement for services provided under the program under sub. (2).
(4) The city health department shall prepare a report on fetal and infant mortality and morbidity in areas of the county that are encompassed by the zip codes 53402 to 53406. The report shall be derived, at least in part, from a multidisciplinary review of all fetal and infant deaths in the relevant year and shall specify causation found for the mortality and morbidity. The city health department shall submit the report to all of the following:
(a) The city of Racine.
(b) The department of health services.
(c) The legislature, in the manner provided under s. 13.172 (3).
(d) The governor.
(5) The department shall do all of the following:
(a) Work with the city and the city health department by providing oversight and approval of the program under sub. (2).
(b) Explore ways to maximize the use of federally qualified health centers for the program under sub. (2).
Source: WI Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/253.16Fetched: 10/7/2026