LRB-0509 - Wisconsin PA MODERNIZATION act
The Challenge
- Wisconsin faces a serious provider shortage, especially in urban and rural underserved communities.
- Nurse practitioners (NPs) already have independent practice authority. Without parity, PAs risk being left behind, limiting their employability and reducing workforce flexibility.
- Outdated laws require costly physician collaborator contracts, draining resources that could instead support patient care.
What the Bill Does
- Modernizes the Title: Changes “Physician Assistant” to “Physician Associate” ends decades of confusion over the "assistant" moniker and updates the licensing board name.
- Creates an Independence Pathway: Allows only experienced PAs (7,680+ hours of supervised practice) to qualify for independent practice.
- Protects Patient Safety: Requires documentation of clinical collaboration or supervision during qualifying practice years, ongoing quality assurance, and clear safeguards for high-risk procedures.
- Restores Parity with NPs: Ensures PAs remain competitive in Wisconsin’s healthcare workforce.
- Supports Mentorship: Keeps collaboration requirements for new graduates, ensuring strong supervision early in careers and creates a logical career progression model.
Why it Matters
- More Access to Care: Experienced PAs will be able to open clinics in communities struggling to attract physicians.
- Lower Costs: Eliminates mandatory collaborator stipends that make small, independent practices financially impossible.
- Workforce Flexibility: Hospitals and clinics can hire PAs and NPs with comparable authority, reducing administrative burden.
- Balanced Approach: Independence is optional and earned — only qualified PAs can practice without supervision.
How Legislators Can Help
- Co-Sponsor the Wisconsin PA Modernization Act.
- Vote yes when it comes to committee and floor.
- Champion access: Speak publicly about how this bill strengthens healthcare access in your district.
- Engage with PAs: Meet with local physician associates to hear how this will impact patients in your community.
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