Relating to: health care providers providing excused absences under the compulsory school attendance law.

AB 982 expands the types of healthcare providers whose written notes can excuse a student's absence due to illness under Wisconsin's school attendance law. It allows parents to use documentation from providers like naturopathic doctors, dentists, chiropractors, optometrists, psychologists, physician assistants, advanced practice nurses, and Christian Science practitioners (listed in the Christian Science Journal), instead of only requiring a physician's note. This directly affects parents/guardians needing to provide absence documentation and school staff verifying those absences. The bill maintains the existing 30-day maximum absence period for excused absences but broadens the acceptable providers who can issue the required written proof.