From mental health access to surgical safety, WNA continues its advocacy for nurses and patients at the State Capitol.

The Wisconsin Nurses Association (WNA) has been visible and active at the State Capitol throughout October. Executive Director Gina Dennik-Champion, MSN, RN, MSHA, FAAN, provided testimony on three important pieces of legislation addressing mental health, women’s health, and workplace safety.

On October 15, Dennik-Champion testified in support of Assembly Bill 54, which seeks to reduce the need for prior authorization when renewing antipsychotic medications for Medicaid mental health patients. Delays caused by prior authorization can prevent patients from maintaining necessary medication, potentially resulting in harm to themselves or others and requiring law enforcement intervention. WNA also emphasized the expertise of board-certified psychiatric mental health advanced practice nurses, who play a predominant role in treating Medicaid mental health patients.

That same day, Dennik-Champion also testified in support of Assembly Bill 263, which would require insurance coverage for supplemental breast cancer screening. She highlighted that approximately 40% of Wisconsin women have dense breast tissue—making standard mammograms less effective at detecting tumors. Supplemental screenings, such as ultrasounds or MRIs, are often not covered by Medicaid or private insurance. Dennik-Champion noted that over 90% of Wisconsin’s nursing workforce is female and that one in nine women develop breast cancer, underscoring the personal and professional importance of this issue to nurses across the state.

On October 22, Dennik-Champion testified in support of Senate Bill 442, which would require the use of smoke evacuators during surgical procedures. Surgical smoke—composed of 90% water vapor, as well as bacteria, viruses, cauterized tissue, and chemicals such as benzene—poses serious health risks including lung cancer, bronchitis, and HPV exposure. WNA’s testimony focused on the significant impact of surgical smoke on both patients and the operating room team, particularly nurses who are often positioned closest to the surgical field.

Through these testimonies, WNA reaffirmed its commitment to advancing legislation that protects nurses, supports patient safety, and promotes access to quality care for all Wisconsinites.