In a unanimous vote, Wisconsin lawmakers on Wednesday, June 18, passed legislation that allows Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) to practice independently across the state. The bill now awaits the signature of Governor Tony Evers, who is expected to sign it after previously vetoing similar measures.

The legislation, AB257/SB258, establishes a formal APRN credential under state law. It allows advanced practice nurses—including nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, clinical nurse specialists, and nurse-midwives—to provide care without physician oversight, once they meet enhanced training and supervision requirements.

To address concerns raised in Evers’ earlier vetoes, lawmakers made several changes to the bill. These include increasing the amount of training and oversight required before APRNs can practice independently, implementing additional supervision for those working in pain management, and clarifying title usage to prevent confusion for patients.

The new law will place the Wisconsin Board of Nursing in charge of APRN credentialing and oversight.