WisconsinAB2572025-2026 Wisconsin Legislature (Biennial Session)HouseWALLET

An Act to repeal 50.01 (1b), 77.54 (14) (f) 3., 118.2925 (1) (b), 118.294 (1) (a), 146.89 (1) (r) 8., 252.01 (1c), 440.03 (13) (b) 3., 440.03 (13) (b) 42., 440.08 (2) (a) 4m., 440.08 (2) (a) 50., 441.11 (title), 441.11 (1), 441.11 (3), 441.15, 441.16, 441.19, 448.035 (1) (a), 450.01 (1m) and 655.001 (9); to renumber 655.001 (1); to renumber and amend 146.89 (1) (r) 3., 253.13 (1), 255.06 (1) (d), 441.06 (7) and 441.11 (2); to amend 29.193 (1m) (a) 2. (intro.), 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), 46.03 (44), 50.08 (2), 50.09 (1) (a) (intro.), 50.09 (1) (f) 1., 50.09 (1) (h), 50.09 (1) (k), 50.49 (1) (b) (intro.), 51.41 (1d) (b) 4., 70.47 (8) (intro.), 77.54 (14) (f) 4., 97.59, 106.30 (1), 118.15 (3) (a), 118.25 (1) (a), 118.29 (1) (e), 118.2915 (2) (a), 118.2915 (3) (a), 118.2915 (4) (c), 118.2915 (6) (a) (intro.), 118.2915 (6) (a) 2., 118.2915 (6) (a) 3., 118.2925 (3), 118.2925 (4) (c), 118.2925 (5), 118.294 (1) (am), 118.294 (2), 118.294 (4) (a), 146.615 (1) (a), 146.82 (3) (a), 146.89 (1) (r) 1., 146.89 (6), 154.01 (1g), 252.07 (8) (a) 2., 252.07 (9) (c), 252.10 (7), 252.11 (2), 252.11 (4), 252.11 (5), 252.11 (7), 252.11 (10), 252.15 (3m) (d) 11. b. and 13., (5g) (c), (5m) (d) 2. and (e) 2. and 3. and (7m) (intro.) and (b), 252.16 (3) (c) (intro.), 252.17 (3) (c) (intro.), 253.07 (4) (d), 253.115 (4), 253.115 (7) (a) (intro.), 253.15 (2), 255.06 (2) (d), 255.07 (1) (d), 257.01 (5) (a), 257.01 (5) (b), 341.14 (1a), 341.14 (1e) (a), 341.14 (1m), 341.14 (1q), 343.16 (5) (a), 343.51 (1), 343.62 (4) (a) 4., 440.077 (1) (a), 440.077 (2) (c), 440.094 (1) (c) 1., 440.094 (2) (a) (intro.), 440.981 (1), 440.982 (1), 440.987 (2), 441.01 (3), 441.01 (4), 441.01 (7) (a) (intro.), 441.01 (7) (b), 441.06 (3), 441.06 (4), 441.07 (1g) (intro.), (a), (c) and (e), 441.07 (2), 441.10 (7), 441.18 (2) (a) (intro.), 441.18 (2) (b), 441.18 (3), 448.03 (2) (a), 448.035 (2) to (4), 448.56 (1) and (1m) (b), 448.62 (2m), 448.67 (2), 448.956 (1m), 450.01 (16) (h) 2., 450.01 (16) (hr) 2., 450.03 (1) (e), 450.11 (1g) (b), 450.11 (1i) (a) 1., 450.11 (1i) (b) 2. b., 450.11 (7) (b), 450.11 (8) (e), 450.13 (5) (b), 450.135 (7) (b), 462.04, 655.001 (7t), 655.002 (1) (a), 655.002 (1) (b), 655.002 (1) (c), 655.002 (1) (d), 655.002 (1) (e), 655.002 (1) (em), 655.002 (2) (a), 655.002 (2) (b), 655.003 (1), 655.003 (3), 655.005 (2) (a), 655.005 (2) (b), 655.23 (5m), 655.27 (3) (a) 4., 655.27 (3) (b) 2m., 655.275 (2), 655.275 (5) (b) 2., 895.478 (3m), 961.01 (19) (a) and 961.395; to repeal and recreate 118.2915 (1) (a), 155.01 (1g) (b), 251.01 (1c) and 441.06 (title); to create 253.115 (1) (f), 253.13 (1) (a), 253.15 (1) (em), 255.06 (1) (f) 2., 440.03 (13) (b) 39m., 440.08 (2) (a) 47r., 441.001 (1c), 441.001 (3c), 441.001 (3g), 441.001 (3n), 441.001 (3r), 441.001 (3w), 441.001 (5), 441.01 (7) (c), 441.065, 441.07 (1r), 441.09, 441.092 and 655.001 (1g) of the statutes; Relating to: advanced practice registered nurses, extending the time limit for emergency rule procedures, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

Sponsored By: Deb Andraca (Democratic), Elijah Behnke (Republican), Brienne Brown (Democratic), Angelina Cruz (Democratic), Ben DeSmidt (Democratic), Jodi Emerson (Democratic), Rick Gundrum (Republican), Alex Joers (Democratic), Rob Kreibich (Republican), Tony Kurtz (Republican), Dave Maxey (Republican), David Murphy (Republican), Jerry O'Connor (Republican), Sylvia Ortiz-Velez (Democratic), Priscilla Prado (Democratic), Jessie Rodriguez (Republican), John Spiros (Republican), Shelia Stubbs (Democratic), Lisa Subeck (Democratic), Ron Tusler (Republican), Randy Udell (Democratic), Chuck Wichgers (Republican)

Became Law

DrugsHospitals and health care facilitiesMedical malpracticeMedical service -- OccupationsNurses

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

11 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 6 mixed.

Path to independent APRN practice

The law lets APRNs practice without a supervising doctor once experience is verified. You must complete 3,840 hours of professional nursing in a clinical setting. At least 24 months must have passed since you began those hours and since starting your APRN role. You must also complete 3,840 APRN clinical hours while a physician or dentist was immediately available and accepted responsibility. Certified nurse-midwives do not need a collaboration agreement.

Broader APRN prescribing and orders

APRNs licensed under the new program can write prescriptions, order X-rays, and issue needed medical orders and referrals in many settings. APRNs with written collaboration agreements are recognized as prescribers. The board may limit certain drugs or devices, and APRNs must put their APRN license number on every prescription. Licensed APRNs may handle controlled substances when state law allows. APRN-issued statements now count for things like school standing orders and some disability certificates.

Faster partner treatment and naloxone access

APRNs can provide expedited partner therapy when a patient has chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis. Pharmacists may dispense these antibiotics on a proper order and must consult and check allergies. Pharmacists can also give naloxone when an APRN prescribes it or issues a standing order, with a brief consultation. APRNs may deliver or dispense naloxone only under the specific dispensing authority the law allows. Schools, staff, and covered prescribers are not liable for giving an opioid antidote unless they act with gross negligence or willful misconduct.

New rules for APRN licenses and insurance

APRNs must complete 16 contact hours every two years in clinical pharmacology or therapeutics and show proof at renewal. APRNs must carry malpractice insurance at the required amounts and provide proof when applying or renewing. RNs practicing in a recognized APRN role on January 1, 2026 may keep the title and practice while the board reviews their application. People who held the prior prescriber certificate or a nurse-midwife license get the matching APRN license and specialty. The Board of Nursing uses emergency rules to put these changes in place, and the law confirms nursing is lawful practice under chapter 441.

New APRN licenses and protected titles

The law creates a new APRN license with roles like nurse practitioner and nurse-midwife. To get licensed, you need graduate-level training, an approved national certification, pay the state fee, and carry malpractice insurance. RNs practicing in an APRN role on January 1, 2026 can qualify under a board-set transitional path. Only licensed APRNs may use APRN titles or practice as an APRN. Misusing titles brings discipline: a written warning, then suspension, then revocation. Old nurse-midwife and earlier nurse prescribing statutes are repealed and replaced by this system.

Liability and fund rules for APRNs

The law brings APRNs and their organizations into Wisconsin’s medical liability system. It covers APRN partnerships, corporations, and other groups and sets when in‑state, low‑hour, or Michigan cross‑border practice is covered (generally over 240 hours a year, with defined Michigan criteria). Joint liability limits now also apply to APRNs and their companies, and a peer‑review council must include an APRN. Assessments may reflect non‑physician staff loss history, and separate payment classes or fees can be set with board approval. Public‑employee exemptions are clarified, and most APRN services under the volunteer‑care law are treated as department‑covered services.

APRNs can give foot care, separate billing

An APRN may give nonsurgical foot care when a podiatrist directs, supervises, and inspects the care. When you are charged for podiatry services, you get a separate bill for those charges. This does not change bills allowed under Medicare, Medicaid, or other listed exceptions.

Legal protections for APRNs helping patients

APRNs who in good faith prescribe or give naloxone are immune from criminal, civil, and professional discipline for outcomes. APRNs who follow the Expedited Partner Therapy rules are protected from civil lawsuits. APRNs who report to the Department of Transportation about unsafe drivers in good faith, or in good faith do not report when there is no impairment, are not civilly liable.

Stronger checks on illegal drug-seeking

Statements made to try to illegally get a prescription are not protected by patient-provider privilege. The Board of Nursing oversees controlled-substance matters for APRNs and registered nurses. A pharmacy definition tied to the old system is repealed to align with the new APRN framework.

Written referral needed for rehab training

Certain athletic training in outpatient rehab now needs a written referral. The referral must come from one of the listed qualified practitioners. Without a written referral, those specific training services cannot be provided.

Board rules and rollout timeline for APRNs

The Board of Nursing must set APRN rules for scope, education, certifications, drug limits, and conduct. The board cannot expand APRN practice beyond advanced practice registered nursing. Most changes start on the first day of the 13th month after publication; emergency rulemaking begins the day after publication.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Deb Andraca

    Democratic • House

  • Elijah Behnke

    Republican • House

  • Brienne Brown

    Democratic • House

  • Angelina Cruz

    Democratic • House

  • Ben DeSmidt

    Democratic • House

  • Jodi Emerson

    Democratic • House

  • Rick Gundrum

    Republican • House

  • Alex Joers

    Democratic • House

  • Rob Kreibich

    Republican • House

  • Tony Kurtz

    Republican • House

  • Dave Maxey

    Republican • House

  • David Murphy

    Republican • House

  • Jerry O'Connor

    Republican • House

  • Sylvia Ortiz-Velez

    Democratic • House

  • Priscilla Prado

    Democratic • House

  • Jessie Rodriguez

    Republican • House

  • John Spiros

    Republican • House

  • Shelia Stubbs

    Democratic • House

  • Lisa Subeck

    Democratic • House

  • Ron Tusler

    Republican • House

  • Randy Udell

    Democratic • House

  • Chuck Wichgers

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Rachael Cabral-Guevara

    Republican • Senate

  • Tim Carpenter

    Democratic • Senate

  • Ryan Clancy

    Democratic • House

  • Kristin Dassler-Alfheim

    Democratic • Senate

  • Jodi Habush Sinykin

    Democratic • Senate

  • Dianne Hesselbein

    Democratic • Senate

  • Jenna Jacobson

    Democratic • House

  • André Jacque

    Republican • Senate

  • Sarah Keyeski

    Democratic • Senate

  • Joel Kitchens

    Republican • House

  • Devin LeMahieu

    Republican • Senate

  • Darrin Madison

    Democratic • House

  • Howard Marklein

    Republican • Senate

  • Clint Moses

    Republican • House

  • Romaine Quinn

    Republican • Senate

  • Melissa Ratcliff

    Democratic • Senate

  • Kelda Roys

    Democratic • Senate

  • Jeff Smith

    Democratic • Senate

  • Lee Snodgrass

    Democratic • House

  • Mark Spreitzer

    Democratic • Senate

  • Patrick Testin

    Republican • Senate

  • Robyn Vining

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. Representative J. Jacobson added as a coauthor

    9/9/2025House
  2. Published 8-9-2025

    8/11/2025House
  3. Report approved by the Governor on 8-8-2025. 2025 Wisconsin Act 17

    8/11/2025House
  4. Presented to the Governor on 8-7-2025

    8/7/2025House
  5. Report correctly enrolled on 6-23-2025

    6/23/2025House
  6. Fiscal estimate received

    6/19/2025House
  7. Received from Senate concurred in

    6/19/2025House
  8. Ordered immediately messaged

    6/18/2025Senate
  9. Read a third time and concurred in

    6/18/2025Senate
  10. Rules suspended to give bill its third reading

    6/18/2025Senate
  11. Ordered to a third reading

    6/18/2025Senate
  12. Read a second time

    6/18/2025Senate
  13. Rules suspended and taken up

    6/18/2025Senate
  14. Senator Carpenter added as a cosponsor

    6/18/2025Senate
  15. Received from Assembly

    6/18/2025Senate
  16. Ordered immediately messaged

    6/18/2025House
  17. Read a third time and passed

    6/18/2025House
  18. Rules suspended

    6/18/2025House
  19. Ordered to a third reading

    6/18/2025House
  20. Read a second time

    6/18/2025House
  21. Withdrawn from committee on Rules and referred to calendar of 6-18-2025

    6/16/2025House
  22. Referred to committee on Rules

    6/6/2025House
  23. Report passage recommended by Committee on Health, Aging and Long-Term Care, Ayes 15, Noes 0

    6/6/2025House
  24. Fiscal estimate received

    6/6/2025House
  25. Executive action taken

    6/4/2025House

Bill Text

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