Assembly Bill 257 introduces a new licensure system for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in Wisconsin, requiring applicants to hold a registered nurse (RN) license, complete an accredited graduate-level education program, and maintain malpractice liability insurance. The bill defines four recognized roles for APRNs: certified nurse-midwife, certified registered nurse anesthetist, clinical nurse specialist, and nurse practitioner. Notably, it allows certain RNs practicing in recognized roles as of January 1, 2026, to obtain an APRN license without completing the accredited education program. Additionally, the bill permits APRNs to practice independently under specific conditions and mandates malpractice liability insurance.

The legislation also repeals existing licensure requirements for nurse-midwives, automatically granting APRN licenses with a certified nurse-midwife specialty designation to current nurse-midwives. It eliminates the need for certificates to issue prescription orders, allowing APRNs to prescribe medications directly. The bill amends various statutes, including replacing the term "certified prescriber" with "advanced practice registered nurse" and introducing expedited partner therapy for sexually transmitted diseases. Furthermore, it enhances the rights of nursing home residents regarding communication and privacy, ensuring they can have private communications and participate in activities of their choice, thereby reinforcing their autonomy in healthcare settings.

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)