On Tuesday, March 12th the State Senate had what is expected to be its final session day of the year. All that remains now is the Governor’s action on a number of bills. It is possible the legislature returns for a veto override attempt, but for most legislative activity the session is over.

There were a handful of bills WISCA was tracking until the end. Here is how they ended up:

• Advance Practice Registered Nurse Bill (AB 154/SB 145) – This bill has passed both houses and awaits the Governor’s final decision. He vetoed a similar bill last session, and while there were some changes made to accommodate his concerns, it is unclear if the amendments were enough for him to sign the bill. The Wisconsin Medical Society and the Wisconsin Society of Anesthesiologists remain opposed to the bill. WISCA was interested in this bill as one of the proposed amendments would’ve made changes to collaborative agreements with nurse anesthetists and doctors that would’ve presented significant challenges to some of our ASC’s. Ultimately this amendment failed.
  
  
• Hospital Price Transparency Bill (AB 338/SB 328) – This bill died but there is some talk of a legislative study committee this summer that will include a broader scope beyond just hospitals.
  
  
• International Physicians Bill (AB 954/SB 900) – This bill allows for licensure of international physicians provided they meet a number of requirements. WISCA requested and received an amendment that included ASCs as potential landing places for qualified physicians. The bill passed both houses and is expected to be signed by the Governor.
  
  
• Preliminary Health Care Credentials Legislation (AB 144/SB 158) – WISCA supported this legislation as it aims to reduce the time it takes for DSPS to license health care professionals. The bill will provide temporary licensure if certain requirements are met in order to speed up the process. The bill passed both houses and will likely be signed by the Governor.
  
  
• Surgical Black Box Bill (AB 870) – This bill allows patients to have their surgeries recorded. It did not receive a hearing in either house and is “dead” for the session. It is expected to return next session.
  
  
• Informed Consent Bill (SB 127/AB125) – ASCs were added to this bill late in the process. It would require providers to obtain informed consent for any pelvic examinations of a patient while they are under anesthesia. The bill failed to pass and is “dead” for this session. We expect it to return next session.