Senator Patrick Testin and Representative Tony Kurtz introduced the 2025 APRN Modernization Act which allows for a separate license for registered nurses who hold an educational credential as a certified nurse midwife, clinical nurse specialist, certified registered nurse anesthetist or nurse practitioner at a press conference that took place on Tuesday May 6, 2025. The bill draft has received bipartisan support, with Senator Kelda Roys and State Representative Lisa Subeck, both Democrats, joining their Republican colleagues to support the legislation.

 “We are delighted to have reached a point of consensus with the Governor’s Office regarding the criteria for eligibility to hold the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)license,” states Gina Dennik-Champion, WNA Executive Director. “Receiving support from both sides of the aisle and the Executive Office, this early in the process, is a very encouraging sign for the bill and good news for the patients of Wisconsin.”

Certified nurse midwives, clinical nurse specialists, certified registered nurse anesthetists and nurse practitioners are located throughout Wisconsin providing accessible, safe and quality care in areas of the state where there is a shortage of physicians. Communities and populations benefiting from increased utilization of APRNs include rural communities, areas with high health disparities and the rising demand for care by our elderly.

Ask your legislators to sign on as a co-sponsor to the APRN Modernization Act!  Deadline is 1:00 pm on Friday, May 9, 2025. Click here to find your legislator.