Wisconsin Senate Bill SB671

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/9/23
• Refer: 11/9/23
• Report Pass: 12/19/23
• Engrossed: 1/16/24
• Refer: 1/22/24
• Enrolled: 1/30/24
• Chaptered: 3/26/24
• Passed: 3/26/24

Caption

Student qualification for employment as a nurse aide. (FE)

Impact

The legislation directly amends existing statutes to make it easier for healthcare providers to incorporate students into their workforce. Under SB671, students will be allowed to take on nurse aide responsibilities for a maximum of 120 days as they continue their studies. Importantly, these students are not counted towards the minimum staffing requirements set by state regulations, which allows facilities to maintain compliance while enhancing their staffing flexibility. Such provisions are particularly beneficial for institutions facing staffing challenges in a competitive healthcare environment.

Summary

Senate Bill 671 (SB671) aims to broaden the employment opportunities for students enrolled in nurse aide training programs by allowing them to work part-time in healthcare settings while they complete their training. The bill permits hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and similar facilities to employ students as nurse aides provided they are enrolled in an approved program, have completed at least 16 hours of classroom training, and possess a preceptor to guide them. This change is crafted to address workforce shortages in the healthcare sector, particularly in light of the growing need for nursing care as populations age.

Contention

Notably, the bill does require the Department of Health Services (DHS) to seek federal approval before implementation, an aspect that could introduce delays if regulatory hurdles arise. Critics may have concerns regarding the levels of care provided by less experienced individuals, even under supervision. There is a potential debate over whether employing students in these roles might compromise care quality, particularly in high-stakes environments where patient safety is paramount. Therefore, ongoing discussions may focus on balancing workforce initiatives with safeguarding standards in healthcare delivery.