Senator Patrick Testin Legislative Update for April

Wisconsin Rapids, Wis (WFHR, WIRI) – Senator Patrick Testin spoke with James Malouf during their monthly update. They talked about several bipartisan legislative items that the senator is proud to have helped cross the finish line and see signed into law. The APRN Modernization Act was vetoed, and Senator Testin feels this is a missed opportunity for our state. This bill, or a variation of it, has been one of his top legislative priorities last session and this session. It would allow qualifying Wisconsin nurses the ability to practice independently. Senator Testin said if he is fortunate enough to represent his district in the next session, he will take up the legislation again. He feels this will help address the healthcare void that exists in rural areas in the state, as well as on tribal lands.

What is Senate Bill 145?

This bill, introduced by Senator Testin and eleven other senators, has bipartisan support and many co-sponsors. It would make changes to practice, licensure, and certification requirements for nurses, which are administered by the Board of Nursing. In short, Senate Bill 145 creates an additional system of licensure for advanced practice registered nurses or APRNs. After meeting a detailed list of criteria, an APRN license would allow these nurses to practice without supervision of a physician or dentist. Senator Testin said those opposed to this bill will always be opposed. He said it’s a “turf war” and a “cash cow” for certain individuals.

Governor Evers Vetoed Senate Bill 145

In his veto letter to the members of the Senate, Governor Evers stated the veto was for a very specific reason. He expressed concerns that the new licensure and practice standards for APRNs, specifically those practicing independently, do not provide adequate experience requirements, titling protections, and safeguards for patients who may be treated for chronic pain management. Gov. Evers went on to say he supports creating an APRN license and allowing for independent practice of APRNs. He is hopeful another bipartisan proposal will come through in the next legislative session.

Counterfeit and Unsafe Lighters Bill

Senator Testin is very proud that the bipartisan bill he authored, Assembly Bill 917, signed into law earlier this month. Now 2023 Wisconsin Act 271 prohibits the sale of counterfeit and unsafe lighters that fail American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standards. The senator gave much of the credit to Pittsville Fire Chief Jerry Minor. Chief Minor has been fighting for this legislation for 16 years. It’s personal for him after a tragedy in Pittsville that claimed the life of an 8-year-old boy.

Link to the Interview

You can hear the full interview with Senator Patrick Testin and James Malouf on Mid-day Magazine for April 19th. Senator Testin shares what it was like to work for a day at the South Wood County Humane Society. He also spoke on Senate Bill 633, now 2023 Wisconsin Act 216. This bill designates the Ho-Chunk World War II Code Talkers Memorial Highway. It extends from the intersection of I-94 and I-90 in Tomah to the Minnesota border in La Crosse County.