Assembly Bill 257 introduces a comprehensive overhaul of the licensure and practice requirements for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in Wisconsin. The bill establishes a new licensure system for various APRN roles, including certified nurse-midwives, certified registered nurse anesthetists, clinical nurse specialists, and nurse practitioners. To qualify for an APRN license, applicants must hold or apply for a registered nurse (RN) license, complete an accredited graduate-level education program, maintain malpractice liability insurance, and meet additional criteria. Notably, the bill allows certain RNs practicing in recognized roles as of January 1, 2026, to obtain an APRN license without completing an accredited program, provided they meet specific practice or education requirements. It also removes the necessity for certificates to issue prescription orders, thereby granting APRNs direct authority to prescribe medications.

In addition to the new licensure framework, the bill repeals existing requirements specific to nurse-midwives, automatically granting APRN licenses with a certified nurse-midwife specialty designation to current nurse-midwives. It mandates that APRNs maintain malpractice liability insurance and participate in the Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund if practicing independently. The bill further amends various statutes to update the qualifications of healthcare professionals involved in patient care, allowing APRNs and physician assistants to issue prescription orders and participate in expedited partner therapy for sexually transmitted diseases. Additionally, it enhances patient rights in nursing homes, emphasizing private communications between residents and healthcare providers, and ensuring residents can share rooms with spouses or domestic partners, subject to medical considerations.

Statutes affected:
Text as Enrolled: 29.193(1m)(a)2.(intro.), 29.193, 29.193(2)(b)2, 29.193(2)(c)3, 29.193(2)(cd)2.b, 29.193(2)(cd)2.c, 29.193(2)(e), 29.193(3)(a), 45.40(1g)(a), 45.40, 46.03(44), 46.03, 50.01(1b), 50.01, 50.08(2), 50.08, 50.09(1)(a)(intro.), 50.09, 50.09(1)(f)1, 50.09(1)(h), 50.09(1)(k), 50.49(1)(b)(intro.), 50.49, 51.41(1d)(b)4, 51.41, 70.47(8)(intro.), 70.47, 77.54(14)(f)3, 77.54, 77.54(14)(f)4, 97.59, 106.30(1), 106.30, 118.15(3)(a), 118.15, 118.25(1)(a), 118.25, 118.29(1)(e), 118.29, 118.2915(1)(a), 118.2915, 118.2915(2)(a), 118.2915(3)(a), 118.2915(4)(c)
Bill Text: 29.193(1m)(a)2.(intro.), 29.193, 29.193(2)(b)2, 29.193(2)(c)3, 29.193(2)(cd)2.b, 29.193(2)(cd)2.c, 29.193(2)(e), 29.193(3)(a), 45.40(1g)(a), 45.40, 46.03(44), 46.03, 50.01(1b), 50.01, 50.08(2), 50.08, 50.09(1)(a)(intro.), 50.09, 50.09(1)(f)1, 50.09(1)(h)