The organization representing Wisconsin nurses is not happy about a veto from Governor Tony Evers. The bill created a separate license for nurse practitioners and other nurses with advanced training. Several physicians groups were opposed.
“I guess what it says is, organized medicine does not want us here in Wisconsin. They do not want us to be able to practice, and take care of patients independently. And I think that’s a very sad state of affairs,” Wisconsin Nurses Association CEO Gina Dennik-Champion said during a Thursday press conference at the Capitol.
Rebecca Gilbertson is a family nurse practitioner and operates a family care clinic in Medford. “I am very disappointed with the governor’s veto, as this does perpetuate physicians groups maintaining power and control over my nursing practice,” Gilbertson said.
Nurses were joined at the Capitol by the legislation’s Senate author, Senator Pat Testin (R-Stevens Point).
Proud to stand with nurses from @wisconsinnurses to register our opposition to Governor Evers’ veto of the APRN bill. This is not a red or blue issue – two dozen states have already passed versions of the APRN modernization act – from Connecticut to Idaho.
— Sen. Patrick Testin (@SenatorTestin) May 12, 2022
“This bill is not going away.” Testin said. “It will come back next session in some form or fashion. And I am hopeful that there will be an administration that will sign this bill into law.”
About 8,000 Wisconsin nurses have advanced degrees.