DeWitt Ross & Stevens S.C.: Purtell appointed to special committee for persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias
7/6/2012
Michelle M. Friedman, (262) 754-2877
mmf@dewittross.com
Purtell appointed to special committee for persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias
MADISON – The law firm of DeWitt Ross & Stevens S.C. today announced Brian R. Purtell, a partner in its Madison office, was appointed by the State of Wisconsin Joint Legislative Council to serve as a Public Member of the Special Committee on Legal Interventions for Persons with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias. The Special Committee will review and develop legislation to clarify the statutes regarding guardianship, protective placement, involuntary commitment and involuntary treatment of vulnerable adults with a dementia diagnosis who may or may not have a co-occurring psychiatric diagnosis. The 16-person Special Committee includes two state senators, two state representatives and 12 public members.
“I am very excited to participate in this timely effort and to offer my thoughts on how to improve current legislation,” Purtell said. “It is important that we, as a society, ensure that those who are in vulnerable situations due to dementia and Alzheimer’s are protected by well drafted legislation that takes into account the unique needs of vulnerable individuals, their caregivers, and health care providers,” he added.
Purtell is the chair of the firm’s Health Law Practice Group and practices in the area of health care law and has years of experience representing health care providers in navigating issues related to enforcement actions, employment matters, business transactions and litigation. He is a leading advocate on a national and local level for long term health care providers.
He earned his B.A. at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and his J.D. at the University of Pittsburgh. He is a resident of Madison.
DeWitt Ross & Stevens S.C. is one of the top ten largest law firms in Wisconsin. It has nearly 90 attorneys practicing in Madison and Metropolitan Milwaukee in a variety of legal areas and has the experience to service clients of all scopes and sizes. The firm is known for its work in several areas, including corporate and family‐owned businesses, employment, environmental, employee benefits, government relations, health care, litigation, real estate, tax, estate planning, family law, personal injury, intellectual property, patents, trademarks and copyright law. More information is available at www.dewittross.com.
