“When my county officials brought this problem to my attention, my passion for mental health care motivated me to act immediately,” Rep. Dittrich stated. “I am grateful that the Governor realized the importance of this legislation.”
“I have seen patients navigating the complexities of involuntary commitments, witnessing how delays in competency determinations can prolong suffering and increase risks of harm—not just to the individual, but to their families and communities,” said Sen. Cabral-Guevara. “This law isn’t a small policy change—it’s a lifeline. By empowering psychiatric APRNs, we take advantage of the full strength of Wisconsin’s nursing workforce, which is among the most dedicated in the nation, to provide these necessary assessments.”
“Waukesha County appreciates Representative Barbara Dittrich and Senator Cabral-Guevara’s leadership in advancing Assembly Bill 668,” said Waukesha County Health and Human Services Deputy Director Lisa Roberts. “By allowing qualified Psychiatric Advanced Practice Registered Nurses to conduct examinations and provide reports to the court on an involuntarily committed individual’s competency to refuse medication or treatment, this bill modernizes Wisconsin’s Chapter 51 process in a practical, patient-centered way. AB 668 preserves patient rights and judicial safeguards while recognizing Psychiatric APRNs as essential frontline providers. This targeted update will help courts receive timely, clinically sound information, improve efficiency, and expand access to urgent mental health care.”
