Wisconsin Gov. Evers Signs Bipartisan Bill Expanding Nurse Practitioner Independence

Governor Tony Evers signed bipartisan legislation into law in Wisconsin that allows qualified registered nurses to become advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and practice independently without physician supervision after meeting certain experience requirements. The law enables APRNs to perform tasks such as prescribing medication, diagnosing conditions, and discharging patients, expanding healthcare access especially in underserved areas. To qualify for independent practice, nurses must complete an APRN education program and have a minimum of 3,840 hours of supervised work experience, with some exceptions for certified nurse-midwives. This legislation, years in the making and supported by nursing and physician groups, addresses workforce shortages by creating a new licensure pathway regulated by the Wisconsin state nursing board. Previous versions of the bill were vetoed by Evers due to concerns about qualifications and patient safety, but the current version includes additional supervision requirements and title restrictions to ensure clarity for patients. Wisconsin now joins nearly 30 other states with similar APRN modernization laws, reflecting bipartisan efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery.