The new bill authored by State Rep. Lisa Subeck in the Wisconsin Assembly seeks to create a comprehensive licensure framework for advanced practice registered nurses to regulate their qualifications and practice, according to the Wisconsin State Assembly.
According to the Wisconsin State Legislature’s official website, the bill was described as follows: “advanced practice registered nurses, extending the time limit for emergency rule procedures, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, and granting rule-making authority. (FE)”.
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill reforms nursing regulations by creating a licensure framework for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) effective in 2026. The bill establishes that APRNs must hold a registered nurse license, complete an accredited graduate education program, and obtain national certification in specified roles such as certified nurse-midwife, certified registered nurse anesthetist, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse practitioner. APRNs are granted authority to issue prescriptions but must practice collaboratively with physicians or dentists unless independent practice requirements, including completing 3,840 hours of clinical experience, are met. It mandates malpractice liability insurance for APRNs and replaces specific nurse-midwife licensure with the certified nurse-midwife designation. Additionally, APRNs must adhere to continuing education requirements in clinical pharmacology. The legislation also allows APRNs to delegate tasks to clinically trained healthcare workers and provides immunity from liability for expedited partner therapy.
The bill was co-authored by Senator Patrick Testin (Republican-24th District), Representative Deb Andraca (Democrat-23rd District), Representative Elijah R. Behnke (Republican-6th District), Representative Brienne Brown (Democrat-43rd District), Representative Ryan M. Clancy (Democrat-19th District). It was co-sponsored by Senator Rachael Cabral-Guevara (Republican-19th District), Senator Kristin Dassler-Alfheim (Democrat-18th District), and Senator Jodi Habush Sinykin (Democrat-8th District), along 40 other co-sponsors.
Lisa Subeck has co-authored or authored another 73 bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with none of them being enacted.
Subeck graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1993 with a BA.
Subeck, a Democrat, was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2025 to represent the state’s 79th Assembly district, replacing previous state representative Alex Joers.
In Wisconsin, the legislative process starts when a senator, constituent, group, or agency proposes an idea for a bill. After drafting, the bill is introduced, numbered, and referred to a committee for review and public input. If approved, it moves through three readings and votes in both the Senate and Assembly. Once both chambers pass the same version, the bill goes to the governor, who can sign it, veto it, or let it become law without a signature. Only a small share of bills introduced each session ultimately become law. You can learn more about the Wisconsin legislative process here.
| Bill Number | Date Introduced | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| AB257 | 05/12/2025 | Advanced practice registered nurses, extending the time limit for emergency rule procedures, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, and granting rule-making authority. (FE) |
| AB68 | 02/24/2025 | The prescription drug monitoring program. (FE) |
| AB62 | 02/24/2025 | Health care costs omnibus, granting rule-making authority, making an appropriation, and providing a penalty. (FE) |
| AB11 | 02/06/2025 | Pelvic exams on unconscious patients and creating an administrative rule related to hospital requirements for pelvic exams on unconscious patients |
