WIACNS Legislative Update

Colleagues,

First, let me extend a heartfelt Happy Nurses Week to each of you.  It is because of your endless contributions that healthcare and the profession of nursing are BETTER.  It is my privilege to share with you, a summary of the legislative activity that has occurred this week.

After months of negotiations, and work to gain bipartisan support, a newly drafted APRN Modernization Act is being introduced into legislature.  The bill sponsor is Senator Testin, with the support of Senators Kelda Roy, Rachael Gabral-Guevara, and Representatives Tony Kurtz and Lisa Subeck. 

The revised bill language:

• Secures title protection for all four APRN roles. Title protection for physicians has been removed from this bill.  Language has also been included to support APRNs with doctoral degrees using the title doctor. 

• Establishes that APRNs can obtain full practice authority (independent practice without a collaborative agreement) after completion of 3,840 clinical hours. This requirement of 3,840 clinical hours is only required if the APRN chooses to work outside of a health system and open their own independent practice.  APRNs working within a health system can work independently without a collaborative agreement immediately after obtaining their APRN licensure. Organizations can choose to uphold more restrictive requirements then state law.

• Language surrounding pain management has successfully been revised to allow APRNs to provide pain services to those with acute and chronic pain and refers to existing state statutes. The caveat in the pain management section of the bill, includes that APRNs, most often CRNAs who provide interventional pain services to patients outside a health system must enter into a collaborative relationship with a Pain Specialist.

The Governor’s office is in support of the bill revisions, and has indicated that he will sign the bill once it gets to his desk.  The next step in the legislative process is for public hearings to take place.  These will most likely occur in the month of May.  Please watch your email and WIACNS website closely for information regarding the time and location of the public hearings. Oral testimonials will be coordinated by the WNA and APRN forum, and will be limited at the request of Health Care Committee Chairs.  However, you can voice your support of this revised APRN Modernization Act by:

• Contacting your Senators and Assembly Representatives

• Submitting written testimony

• Being present at the public hearings. Do not underestimate the significant impact that your presence alone at a public hearing can have.  

A press conference to announce the reintroduction of the APRN Modernization Act was held on Tuesday at the capitol.  Using the link below you can view a clip of the press conference. 

https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://spectrumnews1.com/wi/madison/news/2025/05/06/lawmakers-reintroduce--aprn-modernization-act-?cid=share_clip*cid=share_email__;Pw!!PrVBqlTvcBbYrqSF!FGp1leNlbXMg00FkVvByvzKifWIXpyNRdQd7rBeBtMJvOaVnohuWuQWmJ0MHT_X8zmnWPmR7NYccrC9JbMDVO8I$

For questions regarding this legislative update, please feel free to contact MaryAnn Moon, Chair of the WIACNS Legislative Committee.  She can be reached at mary.annmoon@icloud.com or via cellphone at 507-272-2699.