Wisconsin Nurses Score Victory as APRN Independence Bill Passes

After more than a decade of advocacy and years of legislative hurdles, Wisconsin lawmakers have officially passed a major health care reform measure aimed at expanding access to care across the state. On Thursday, the State Senate and Assembly both approved the bipartisan Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Modernization Act, championed by Sen. Patrick Testin.

The legislation allows qualified advanced practice registered nurses to operate independently—without a collaborative agreement with a physician—as long as they are working within their certified areas of expertise. Supporters say the move is a critical step toward bolstering the state’s strained health care workforce, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

“This has been a long journey, but it’s a big win for access to care,” said Sen. Testin. “We’ve worked hard with stakeholders on all sides, and I’m proud we found a compromise that delivers real results for Wisconsin families.”

Testin has introduced versions of the APRN Modernization Act during the last three legislative sessions. While earlier bills failed to make it into law, this session’s version was crafted with key adjustments aimed at securing bipartisan support and, crucially, the governor’s signature.

Gov. Tony Evers is expected to sign the bill, following extensive negotiations that included raising the required years of experience before an APRN can practice independently. Other changes address issues like title protections, malpractice insurance minimums, and pain management services—ensuring a broad base of support from the health care community and lawmakers across the aisle.

“There’s been a lot of give and take. Nobody got everything they wanted, and that’s what real compromise looks like,” Testin said.

Health care advocates argue that enabling APRNs to work to the full extent of their training will help alleviate provider shortages and long wait times—challenges that have been especially acute in rural areas where physician access is limited.

Wisconsin now joins nearly 30 other states that have adopted similar legislation, allowing APRNs greater autonomy in delivering primary care services. Supporters believe the reform will not only ease workforce shortages but also improve patient outcomes by reducing barriers to timely treatment.

As the legislation heads to the governor’s desk, many see it as a model for bipartisan problem-solving—and a turning point for the future of health care access in Wisconsin.