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 recognizes four specific roles for APRNs: certified nurse-midwife, certified registered nurse anesthetist, clinical nurse specialist, and nurse practitioner. It allows certain RNs with recognized practice experience to obtain an APRN license without completing the accredited education program. Additionally, APRNs, except certified nurse-midwives, must practice in collaboration with a physician or dentist unless they meet specific experience criteria. The bill also repeals existing licensure requirements for nurse-midwives, automatically granting APRN licenses to current nurse-midwives, and allows APRNs to prescribe medications directly without needing separate certificates.

Moreover, the bill updates various statutes to include audiologists, dentists, optometrists, physicians, and podiatrists as licensed professionals who can provide certain medical services. It allows APRNs and physician assistants to issue prescription orders and participate in expedited partner therapy for sexually transmitted diseases. The bill also enhances patient rights in nursing homes by emphasizing private communication between residents and healthcare providers, including APRNs and physician assistants, and ensuring residents can share rooms with spouses or domestic partners and engage in social activities, barring any medical contraindications. Overall, the bill aims to streamline APRN licensure and enhance their practice capabilities 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)