SB 1004 ratifies the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact), enabling licensed massage therapists to practice across state lines in participating states without needing separate licenses. It creates an interstate commission and defines key terms like "multistate license" (allowing therapists to practice in compact states) and "authorization to practice" (for license holders from other compact states). The bill also updates licensing rules to prevent employment discrimination based on certain criminal convictions when granting multistate licenses and adjusts fingerprinting requirements for credentialing. This directly affects licensed massage therapists, the state credentialing board, and healthcare providers seeking cross-state practice opportunities.
SB 974 creates a program to reimburse community paramedics and community emergency medical services practitioners (or their employers) for tuition and materials costs paid toward state-approved training programs required for licensure. It directly affects individuals seeking initial certification as community paramedics (under §256.205) or community EMS practitioners (under §256.21), and their employers who covered these costs. To qualify, applicants must complete approved training and receive department approval, with employers needing to verify their employees met these requirements. The reimbursement requires a formal application to the board using a prescribed form.
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.
AB 141 creates a temporary "provisional" pathway for social work licensure in Wisconsin, directly affecting individuals who have taken but not passed the required national social work exam. It allows these applicants to obtain a provisional certificate or license (valid for 36 months) while completing supervised practice, requiring 37.5 hours of supervision (including 25 hours of in-person one-on-one) over their first 2,000 hours of practice. The bill specifies that provisional credentials cannot be renewed and transition to full certification only after verified completion of supervised practice and meeting other requirements under Section 457.08(6). This change streamlines the process for entry-level social workers to gain practical experience while working toward full licensure.
AB 45 ratifies Wisconsin's participation in the Dietitian Licensure Compact, enabling dietitians licensed in other participating states to practice in Wisconsin with minimal additional requirements. The bill creates a Dietitian Licensure Compact Commission and updates statutes to recognize "compact privilege" as a valid credential for dietitians. Key provisions allow dietitians to practice across state lines without full re-licensing, streamline verification of training hours, and adjust fee structures for compact-related credentials. This directly affects dietitians seeking to practice in Wisconsin while holding a license from another compact state.
SB 281 would allow certified advanced practice nurses who can prescribe medications (under Section 441.16(2)) to also perform radiography, such as taking X-rays. This bill directly affects these nurses by expanding their scope of practice to include radiography without requiring separate certification. The key provision creates a new statutory section (462.02(2)(g)) to explicitly permit this expanded practice. The bill does not change requirements for other radiography professionals or alter existing radiology regulations.
SB 183 modifies reimbursement rules for emergency medical services under Wisconsin's Medical Assistance program. It sets a maximum $175 reimbursement rate for emergency responders when patients are not transported to a hospital. The bill also requires reporting on changes to emergency medical responder scope of practice and updates eligibility for the expenditure restraint incentive program. These changes directly affect emergency medical service providers billing the Medical Assistance program.
SB 140 creates a provisional certification pathway for social workers who haven’t passed the national licensing exam. It allows individuals to obtain a temporary certificate (valid for 36 months) after applying, paying fees, and passing a state law exam, enabling them to practice under supervision while completing required training. The bill requires 37.5 hours of supervised practice (including 25 hours of in-person one-on-one supervision) within the first 2,000 hours of practice, with no renewal option for provisional status. This directly affects new social work professionals seeking licensure after failing the national exam, streamlining their transition to full certification upon completing supervision. The bill modifies existing statutes to establish these provisional requirements and their conversion to permanent credentials.
SB 632 expands the legal scope of practice for naturopathic doctors in Wisconsin. It grants them the authority to prescribe, dispense, and administer prescription drugs (under specific rules) and allows them to provide expedited partner therapy for sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea. The bill also requires naturopathic doctors to maintain malpractice insurance coverage (with limited exceptions for government employees) and formally includes them in the definition of "health care practitioner" for regulatory purposes. This legislation directly affects licensed naturopathic doctors by changing their legal practice boundaries and responsibilities.
