Senate Bill 258 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 possess malpractice liability insurance. The bill defines four recognized roles for APRNs—certified nurse-midwife, certified registered nurse anesthetist, clinical nurse specialist, and nurse practitioner—and allows certain RNs practicing in these roles as of January 1, 2026, to obtain an APRN license without completing the accredited education program. It mandates that APRNs, except certified nurse-midwives, practice in collaboration with a physician or dentist unless they meet specific experience requirements. Additionally, the bill repeals existing licensure requirements for nurse-midwives, automatically granting APRN licenses to current nurse-midwives and allowing them to prescribe medications directly.

The bill also modernizes the language in existing statutes, replacing "certified prescriber" with "advanced practice registered nurse" and expanding the authority of physician assistants and APRNs to issue prescription orders for expedited partner therapy for sexually transmitted diseases. Furthermore, it enhances the rights of nursing home residents by ensuring private communication with healthcare providers, allowing spouses or domestic partners to share rooms, and affirming residents' rights to participate in social and community activities. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the licensure process for APRNs and improve the quality of care in nursing home 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)