This bill establishes minimum nurse-to-patient staffing ratios across various hospital units, requiring hospitals to submit annual staffing plans that specify the maximum number of patients each registered nurse can care for during a shift. It also grants registered nurses the right to refuse work assignments that violate these staffing standards and prohibits mandatory overtime for nurses. Hospitals must create staffing committees with a majority of frontline nurses, post their staffing plans publicly, and maintain detailed records of actual staffing levels for at least three years. The bill includes penalties for non-compliance, including fines for failing to submit plans or follow corrective actions after violations are confirmed.
This bill establishes new funding and administrative provisions for Wisconsin's Medical Assistance program, including grants for community primary care and outreach services. It allocates $41.75 million for 2025-26 and $66.75 million for 2026-27 to support community health centers in hiring health workers, nurses, and social workers to provide care coordination services, particularly for individuals facing barriers like mental illness or homelessness. The legislation also creates a stabilization fund of $20 million for the BadgerCare Direct program, which pays providers directly for services rather than through insurance intermediaries. Additionally, the bill adds requirements for the state to maintain a 24/7 nurse consultation helpline, improve provider recruitment, and explore ways to reduce healthcare costs while ensuring timely access to medically necessary services.
This bill establishes minimum nurse-to-patient staffing ratios for various hospital units, such as limiting registered nurses to no more than four patients in emergency units or two patients in intensive care units. It requires hospitals to create and publicly post annual staffing plans that include input from nursing staff, maintain detailed records of actual staffing levels, and establish committees with a majority of frontline nurses to oversee staffing decisions. The legislation also grants registered nurses the right to refuse work assignments that violate these ratios and prohibits mandatory overtime for nurses. Hospitals that fail to comply with staffing requirements or submit plans by the deadline face financial penalties, including a $25,000 forfeiture for missing deadlines and daily fines for non-compliance with corrective action plans.
This bill requires health insurance policies and plans in Wisconsin to cover maternal mental health screenings for each pregnancy, while also allowing the Medical Assistance program to reimburse these screenings. The legislation mandates that screening standards be developed in consultation with organizations led by Black, Indigenous, and other persons of color, and permits licensed midwives, nurse-midwives, advanced practice registered nurses, and other qualified healthcare providers to administer the screenings. Additionally, the bill requires state disability insurance policies and self-insured health plans that include maternity coverage to include these screenings. The law takes effect on the day after publication, with specific provisions for collective bargaining agreements to apply when new or renewed.
This bill requires Wisconsin's Medicaid program (Medical Assistance) to reimburse providers for maternal mental health screenings during pregnancy. It also mandates that all health insurance plans covering maternity must include these screenings as a standard benefit, with no cost to the patient. The law specifies that screenings can be provided by licensed midwives, nurse-midwives, or other qualified healthcare providers. It includes a requirement for the state to develop screening standards in consultation with organizations led by Black, Indigenous, and other people of color. Coverage requirements will take effect for most plans starting September 1, 2026.
SB 1047 adjusts payment rates for medication-based opioid treatment services to match Medicare rates starting in 2027, directly affecting opioid treatment programs (OTPs) and their patients. It eliminates a requirement for OTPs to document enrollment details and mandates specific staffing rules, including having a nurse present during dosing and maintaining a 1 counselor-to-55-patient ratio. The bill also updates admission criteria, requiring documented failed detox attempts for minors seeking maintenance treatment and clarifying initial dose limits for new patients. These changes aim to standardize care and payment while ensuring program compliance with federal and state regulations.
AB 931 updates Wisconsin's healthcare statutes by changing the term "advanced practice nurse prescriber" to "advanced practice registered nurse" in multiple sections, aligning with current professional standards. It provides a $50,000 grant to HealthNet of Rock County, Inc., a local health organization. The bill also clarifies that local health boards may employ public health nurses to lead generalized public health nursing programs. These changes affect advanced practice nurses, local health departments, and organizations like HealthNet by standardizing terminology and funding. The bill takes effect September 1, 2026.
SB 910 updates Wisconsin law to replace the term "advanced practice nurse prescriber" with "advanced practice registered nurse" across multiple statutes, including those governing healthcare provider roles and immunization programs. The bill also allocates $50,000 in grants to HealthNet of Rock County, Inc., a public health organization. Key changes affect how healthcare providers (like nurses and physicians) are referenced in legal definitions, ensuring terminology aligns with current professional standards. The legislation is categorized as "remedial" to correct outdated language without altering healthcare access or responsibilities. It takes effect September 1, 2026.
SB 802 creates a voluntary health professional assistance program to support licensed health care providers experiencing conditions that could impair their ability to practice safely. The program, funded by a $70 fee paid by providers when obtaining or renewing a participating credential, offers confidential screening, evaluation, treatment, and ongoing monitoring services. Credentialing boards can choose to participate for specific licenses, and providers or colleagues may report concerns without civil liability for good-faith reports. The program is operated by a contracted entity meeting specific requirements and complements existing disciplinary processes without affecting boards' authority over unrelated conduct.
AB 799 establishes a voluntary, confidential health professional assistance program for licensed health care providers (like doctors and nurses) in Wisconsin who may have conditions affecting their ability to practice safely. The bill requires credentialing boards to participate in the program for specific licenses, charges a $70 fee per participating credential (paid with license fees), and mandates the program to provide science-based support, including evaluation and treatment. It protects participants from civil liability and ensures confidentiality, while allowing colleagues or boards to report concerns without legal risk. The program operates through a contracted entity meeting specific qualifications, focusing on early intervention rather than disciplinary action.
