Healthcare (Medical Licensing)

AB 193 ratifies Wisconsin's participation in the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, an agreement allowing respiratory care practitioners licensed in one participating state to practice in Wisconsin without obtaining a new license. This bill amends Wisconsin statutes to recognize "respiratory care compact privileges," enabling out-of-state practitioners to work across state lines under the compact's terms. It affects respiratory care practitioners seeking to work in Wisconsin from other compact states, streamlining licensure for those already certified elsewhere. The bill does not create new practice standards but facilitates cross-state practice through existing interstate agreement terms.

SB 435 updates the official title for physician assistants to "physician associate" across all relevant state laws and licensing rules. It allows certain physician associates to practice independently without direct physician supervision, while also creating new provisions for their credentialing board. The bill extends time limits for emergency rule procedures and provides exemptions from those procedures for specific regulatory actions. These changes directly affect licensed physician associates, their employers, and the state's medical credentialing board. The policy shifts terminology to "physician associate" and expands practice authority for qualified professionals.