Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Allow Specialized Nurses to Practice Independently

MADISON, Wis (CIVIC MEDIA) – A bipartisan coalition of lawmakers has introduced a bill that would make it easier for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) to care for patients. 

The bill would create a new license for highly qualified nurses so they could practice on their own, without needing to partner with a doctor. For years, Wisconsin nursing advocates have said this plan would help fill healthcare gaps. 

Four current categories of nurses would automatically get their APRN license: nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse midwives, and certified registered nurse anesthetists. 

“Too many Wisconsinites in every part of the state struggle to access affordable, high quality healthcare,” said Sen. Kelda Roys (D-Madison). “Advanced practice nurses provide excellent, high quality healthcare, and this bill will enable them to do that [for] even more patients.” 

The legislature has passed the bill twice now. Both times, Governor Tony Evers has vetoed it. He said the standards included weren’t strong enough. He also stated previous versions of the bill gave APRNs essentially the same functions as doctors, but without enough “education, training and experience”. 

New requirements have been added to this version. Nurses would have to practice for at least four years before getting their APRN license. They’d also need at least 3,840 hours of clinical practice under a doctor’s supervision. 

Governor Tony Evers’ office confirmed to Civic Media that he would sign the current bill.

“This draft reflects our office’s conversations with Republican lawmakers and stakeholders,” a spokesperson said. “The governor will sign this proposal if it reaches his desk.”

“I’m hopeful it’s going to have a speedy route throughout the legislature, and hopefully signed into law so we can become the 28th state in the country to recognize the incredible work our APRNs do on a day-to-day basis,” said Sen. Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point). 

If passed and signed, Wisconsin would be the twenty eighth state with these laws in place.