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 mandating that applicants possess a registered nurse (RN) license, complete an accredited graduate-level education program, and maintain malpractice liability insurance, among other criteria. It also allows certain RNs with recognized practice experience to obtain an APRN license without the accredited education requirement. The bill defines four recognized APRN roles—certified nurse-midwife, certified registered nurse anesthetist, clinical nurse specialist, and nurse practitioner—and stipulates that APRNs, except for certified nurse-midwives, must collaborate with a physician or dentist unless they meet specific experience criteria.

In addition to these changes, the bill repeals existing licensure requirements for nurse-midwives, automatically granting APRN licenses with a certified nurse-midwife designation to current licensees. It removes the need for certificates to issue prescription orders, allowing APRNs to prescribe medications directly while maintaining certain limitations. The bill also updates terminology, replacing "certified prescriber" with "advanced practice registered nurse," and introduces provisions for APRNs and physician assistants to issue prescription orders for specific treatments. Furthermore, it enhances residents' rights in nursing homes regarding private communications with healthcare providers and allows spouses or domestic partners to share rooms unless medically contraindicated. Overall, the bill aims to streamline APRN licensure and enhance their practice authority while ensuring patient safety and rights.

Statutes affected:
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)
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)