A bill in Wisconsin that would expand independent scope of practice for nurses and remove protections for patient safety has made its way to the Governor’s desk for signature. Senate Bill 394 removes physicians from patient care provided by large, designated groups of nurses while granting them independent licensing.
Called the “APRN Modernization Act”, this bill dismantles the collaborative practice approach to care, allowing advanced practice registered nurses to receive independent licenses from the state and to practice independently without physician guidance. The bill expands APRN scope of practice and practice autonomy for NPs, clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists and nurse midwives.
Nurses in Wisconsin have been calling for full practice autonomy for years. They have remained highly active during this year’s legislative session, lobbying for passage of the bill. SB 394’s rapid progress in 2022 indicates that nursing associations are about to score a win for their profession, but a regrettable loss for patient safety in Wisconsin that will be felt for a long time to come.
The only way for this bill to be stopped is for Governor Tony Evers to veto it. We encourage all Wisconsin physicians to carefully consider the impact this bill will have on the future of healthcare in the state. You can contact the Governor’s office to share your opinions and expert feedback on this legislation:
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