Madison – Representative Barbara Dittrich (R-Oconomowoc) saw her Assembly Bill 668 (AB 668), which was co-authored with Sen Rachael Cabral-Guevara (R- Fox Crossing), advance on the Assembly floor Thursday. This legislation ensures that people in serious mental health crises who are detained under Wisconsin’s Chapter 51 statutes more promptly receive the necessary care.
“In Wisconsin, we face ongoing challenges in timely access to mental health care, particularly in rural and underserved areas where physicians may not always be immediately available. By enabling specially qualified APRNs—who are highly trained and already play vital roles in our health care system—to perform these critical assessments in the Chapter 51 process, AB 668 streamlines processes, reduces delays, and ensures patients receive prompt, appropriate care while fully respecting their rights and due process.”
This legislation now goes to the Senate for passage.
“I look forward to the Governor signing this legislation into law so that our counties can expedite the care of Wisconsin’s patients who are in the most severe need.”
State Representative Barbara Dittrich (R- Oconomowoc) is in her fourth term in the Wisconsin State Assembly, now serving the 99th Assembly District, which includes much of Waukesha County’s Lake Country Area as well as portions of Jefferson and Dodge Counties. Representative Dittrich serves as Chair of the Assembly Committee on Insurance.
