Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB143

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/6/23
• Refer: 4/6/23
• Report Pass: 1/10/24
• Refer: 1/10/24
• Engrossed: 1/16/24
• Refer: 1/19/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Prohibiting statutes and rules examinations for certain professions. (FE)

Impact

By removing the requirement for a statutes and rules examination, AB143 alters the qualification criteria for applicants in various healthcare fields. Applicants will still be required to acknowledge their understanding of the relevant laws and regulations applicable to their practices. This could streamline the licensure process for many professionals, possibly addressing challenges posed by lengthy examination preparations and providing wider access for practitioners entering these vital health professions.

Summary

Assembly Bill 143 aims to amend existing statutes concerning the licensure and certification processes for specific health-related professions in Wisconsin. The bill seeks to prohibit the Department of Safety and Professional Services and several examining boards from requiring applicants for specific categories of licenses and certifications to pass a statutes and rules examination. This shift is particularly significant for professions such as substance abuse counseling, advanced practice nursing, respiratory care, and others, marking a significant change in the regulatory landscape of these professions.

Contention

The bill's introduction has likely raised concerns regarding the adequacy of training and the readiness of new practitioners entering the workforce without the prior requirement of a comprehensive examination on statutes and rules. Proponents may argue that this reform reduces barriers to entry and promotes a more rapid workforce development in essential health fields, while opponents might express fears about the implications for public safety and the potential lack of thorough understanding of regulatory compliance among practitioners.