Senator Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point) and Representative Tony Kurtz (R-Wonewoc) released APRN independent practice compromise legislation on Tuesday, May 6. The updated proposal incorporates most of the changes the Wisconsin Medical Society (WMS) has advocated for over the past several sessions (see attached chart comparing bill drafts to WMS's position). WMS has indicated that they won't stand in the way of the compromise bill. This does not mean that WMS or WRS is actively supporting independent practice legislation, it simply means that enough compromise has been reached on key patient safety concerns that we will remain neutral.

Governor Evers has also indicated he will sign the bill if it reaches his desk.

The new bill (LRB-1565) does the following:

• Creates four recognized APRN roles: certified nurse-midwife, certified registered nurse anesthetist, clinical nurse specialist, and nurse practitioner.
• Allows APRN independent practice after 3,840 hours of supervised professional nursing in a clinical setting and 3,840 supervised clinical hours of APRN practice.
• Requires APRNs providing treatment of pain syndromes using invasive techniques to do so in collaboration with a physician who specializes in pain management, even if they have qualified for independent practice. However, APRNs practicing independently in a hospital or clinic associated with a hospital are exempt.
• Prohibits anyone licensed by the Board of Nursing from using a title that is not granted by the nursing statutes unless they hold another credential that would allow them to use a non-nursing title. However, someone licensed by the Board of Nursing would use the title "doctor" if they hold a doctorate but would need to also use words, letters, or abbreviations that represent the field in which the person received the doctorate.
• Requires APRNs to adhere to professional standards when managing situations that are beyond their expertise.
• Requires all APRNs to maintain malpractice liability insurance coverage.
• Requires APRNs who practice independently to participate in the Injured Patient and Families Compensation Fund.