APRNs in Wisconsin Could Finally Fill the Primary Care Gap!

A bipartisan group of state lawmakers in Wisconsin is reintroducing a modified version of the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Modernization Act, aimed at addressing the growing shortage of primary care providers across the state. The bill, which allows APRNs to practice independently without a collaborative agreement with a physician, has already been implemented in many states, including Minnesota and Iowa.

Sen. Patrick Testin and Rep. Tony Kurtz, along with several other legislators, are leading the charge to reintroduce this critical piece of legislation, which is designed to improve healthcare access, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Wisconsin, like many other states, is grappling with a shortage of healthcare providers, a problem that is expected to worsen in the coming years.

“This bill is more important than ever,” Sen. Testin said. “APRNs will play a key role in filling the healthcare gaps in our rural areas, where access to primary care is limited. We’ve faced setbacks in the past with vetoes, but I’m optimistic that this time, our bipartisan collaboration will lead to success. Wisconsinites deserve timely, high-quality healthcare, and this bill will help ensure that they receive it.”

Rep. Kurtz echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the critical need for quality healthcare providers. “We’ve worked closely with the governor’s office and stakeholders to craft a bill that is well-negotiated and ready for passage. This legislation could mean the difference between a positive and negative healthcare outcome for many Wisconsinites. APRNs are highly trained, and allowing them to practice independently will ensure more people can access the care they need.”

Sen. Kelda Roys, a longtime advocate for healthcare access, highlighted the bill’s potential to address disparities in the state’s healthcare system. “This legislation will improve access to healthcare, particularly in underserved communities, and will help address racial disparities, especially in maternal and infant health outcomes. I’m proud to support this bill and stand with nurses who have been fighting for this change.”

Sen. Rachael Cabral-Guevara also stressed the importance of updating Wisconsin’s healthcare system to keep pace with other states. “The APRN Modernization Act will allow nurses to practice to the fullest extent of their training and expertise, increasing healthcare access across the state. This bill will remove unnecessary financial burdens that have prevented nurses from opening practices in underserved areas. After years of effort, it’s time to make this change a reality.”

Rep. Lisa Subeck pointed out the years of collaboration that have gone into this legislation, which brings together a variety of stakeholders and is expected to have the backing of Governor Tony Evers. “With Wisconsin’s healthcare provider shortage, the APRN Modernization Act is a vital solution. This bipartisan effort reflects the collective work of legislators and healthcare advocates committed to improving access to care for all Wisconsinites.”

As of 2023, nearly 30 states and the District of Columbia have implemented laws granting full practice authority (FPA) to nurse practitioners (NPs), allowing them to practice independently without a supervisory or collaborative agreement with a physician. States like Minnesota, Iowa, Alaska, and Arizona have already recognized the value of expanding APRNs’ scope of practice to improve healthcare access, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The APRN Modernization Act in Wisconsin is part of a broader national movement to address the growing shortage of healthcare providers and to ensure that more people have access to timely, quality care.

Currently, Wisconsin requires NPs to practice under a supervisory or collaborative agreement with a physician. However, as this bill moves forward, it would align the state with the growing number of others that have already granted APRNs greater autonomy. States like New York have also introduced modifications, allowing NPs with sufficient experience to practice independently after meeting certain criteria, further emphasizing the nationwide push for increased healthcare access through expanded APRN roles.

The APRN Modernization Act in Wisconsin, if passed, would increase access to healthcare services and provide a much-needed solution to the state’s healthcare provider shortage. This bill not only aims to bring Wisconsin into better alignment with neighboring states but also positions the state as part of a national effort to enhance the role of APRNs in improving healthcare systems nationwide.