MADISON, Wis. – A bipartisan group of state lawmakers – led by Sen. Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point) and Rep. Tony Kurtz (R-Wonewoc) – is coming together to reintroduce a modified version of the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Modernization Act.
The APRN Modernization Act authorizes registered nurses to practice independently and without the need for a collaborative agreement with a physician. Close to 30 red and blue states – including Minnesota and Iowa – have enacted comparable policies.
“It’s no secret that we are experiencing a significant shortage of primary care providers in our state and it’s not expected to get better any time soon,” Sen. Testin said. “APRNs will help fill in that gap, especially in our rural areas and underserved communities. While it was certainly frustrating to see the APRN Modernization Act get vetoed multiple times in the past, I am confident that our willingness to find common ground will lead to a different result this time. There is just too much at stake. Our residents shouldn’t have to worry about whether or not they have access to timely and high-quality healthcare.”
“We have put in the work with Gov. Tony Evers, his team and stakeholders to put forth a negotiated APRN Modernization Act that is likely to be signed into law,” Rep. Kurtz said. “When the difference between a good outcome or a bad outcome is on the line, access to quality, dependable healthcare is everything. Allowing these highly-trained APRNs to step in and ensure our neighbors are getting the care they need can be that difference. I’m confident we will get this bill across the finish line.”
“Too many Wisconsinites struggle to access health care, especially in underserved communities,” Sen. Kelda Roys (D-Madison) said. “This bill will increase access to high quality healthcare throughout the state, and help address Wisconsin’s racial disparities, especially in maternal and infant mortality. I have been proud to stand with Wisconsin nurses from the very beginning, and I celebrate this important legislative milestone that finally brings Wisconsin into better alignment with other states.”
“Wisconsin’s nurses have fallen behind those in other states in being able to care for their patients,” Sen. Rachael Cabral-Guevara (R-Appleton) said. “The APRN Modernization Act will not only help ensure nurses can practice to the top of their scope, it will also increase access by removing unnecessary financial burdens preventing them from opening their own practice in underserved areas. After a decade, it’s time to get this done.”
“Wisconsin faces a significant shortage of health care providers, and the APRN Modernization Act will help fill the gap and improve health care access,” Rep. Lisa Subeck (D-Madison) said. “This bipartisan legislation is the result of years of work and negotiation on the part of stakeholders, legislators and Governor Evers.”
