Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB438

Introduced
9/19/25  
Refer
9/19/25  

Caption

An Act to amend 14.835, 15.085 (1m) (b), 15.406 (7) (intro.), 50.39 (3), 111.335 (4) (jm), 440.035 (2m) (b), 440.035 (2m) (c) 1. (intro.), subchapter IX (title) of chapter 448 [precedes 448.971], 448.971 (1), 448.971 (2), 448.972 (1), 448.972 (3), 448.9725 (2), 448.9725 (3), 448.9725 (4) (a), 448.9725 (4) (b), 448.9727 (2) (a) (intro.), 448.9727 (2) (b), 448.9727 (3), 448.973 (1) (b), 448.973 (1) (c) 1., 448.974 (1) (a) (intro.), 448.975 (1) (a) (intro.), 448.975 (1) (b), 448.975 (1) (c), 448.975 (2) (a), 448.975 (2) (b), 448.975 (2) (c) (intro.), 448.975 (2) (c) 5., 448.975 (3) (a) (intro.), 448.975 (3) (a) 1., 448.975 (3) (a) 2., 448.975 (3) (a) 4., 448.975 (3) (b), 448.975 (4), 448.975 (5) (a) 1. b., 448.975 (5) (a) 2., 448.975 (5) (b), 448.975 (6), 448.976, 448.977 (1) (intro.), 448.977 (1) (b), 448.977 (2), 448.977 (3), 448.977 (4), 448.978 (1g) (a), 448.978 (2) (intro.), 448.978 (2) (b), 448.978 (2) (f), 448.978 (2) (m), 448.9785 (intro.), 448.9785 (6), 448.9795 (1), 448.9795 (2), 448.9885 (1) (a), 450.11 (8) (f), 655.002 (1) (a), 655.002 (1) (b), 655.002 (1) (c), 655.002 (1) (d), 655.002 (1) (e), 655.002 (1) (em), 655.002 (2) (a), 655.002 (2) (b), 655.003 (1), 655.003 (3), 655.005 (2) (a), 655.005 (2) (b), 655.23 (5m), 655.27 (3) (a) 4., 655.27 (3) (b) 2m., 655.275 (2) and 990.01 (27s); to create 180.1901 (1m) (bd), 448.9723, 448.975 (2) (ag) and (ar), 448.978 (3), 655.001 (10r) and 655.275 (5) (b) 3. of the statutes; Relating to: adopting the title of physician associate for physician assistants, independent practice of certain physician associates, extending the time limit for emergency rule procedures, and providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures. (FE)

Impact

The implications of AB438 on state laws include a significant shift in the regulatory framework governing healthcare professionals. By recognizing physician associates as independent practitioners, the bill changes the landscape of patient care, particularly in underserved rural areas where physician shortages are common. This legislative change could result in a greater availability of medical services, thus potentially improving health outcomes for residents.

Summary

AB438 proposes the adoption of the title 'physician associate' for physician assistants, which aims to enhance the professional identity and recognition of this group within the healthcare system. This bill not only addresses the title change but also provides provisions for the independent practice of certain physician associates, enabling them to operate without direct supervision under specific conditions. The overall intent is to improve access to care by allowing highly trained professionals to practice more autonomously and expand healthcare delivery options.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, AB438 has raised points of contention among various stakeholders in the healthcare field. Supporters argue that the title change and independent practice designation would empower physician associates and leverage their skills to meet the growing demands of the healthcare system. However, critics highlight concerns regarding the adequacy of training and oversight, fearing that independent practice might lead to a reduction in the quality of care. There are also worries about the implications for the physician-patient relationship and the potential dilution of standards in medical practice.

Companion Bills

WI SB435

Crossfiled An Act to amend 14.835, 15.085 (1m) (b), 15.406 (7) (intro.), 50.39 (3), 111.335 (4) (jm), 440.035 (2m) (b), 440.035 (2m) (c) 1. (intro.), subchapter IX (title) of chapter 448 [precedes 448.971], 448.971 (1), 448.971 (2), 448.972 (1), 448.972 (3), 448.9725 (2), 448.9725 (3), 448.9725 (4) (a), 448.9725 (4) (b), 448.9727 (2) (a) (intro.), 448.9727 (2) (b), 448.9727 (3), 448.973 (1) (b), 448.973 (1) (c) 1., 448.974 (1) (a) (intro.), 448.975 (1) (a) (intro.), 448.975 (1) (b), 448.975 (1) (c), 448.975 (2) (a), 448.975 (2) (b), 448.975 (2) (c) (intro.), 448.975 (2) (c) 5., 448.975 (3) (a) (intro.), 448.975 (3) (a) 1., 448.975 (3) (a) 2., 448.975 (3) (a) 4., 448.975 (3) (b), 448.975 (4), 448.975 (5) (a) 1. b., 448.975 (5) (a) 2., 448.975 (5) (b), 448.975 (6), 448.976, 448.977 (1) (intro.), 448.977 (1) (b), 448.977 (2), 448.977 (3), 448.977 (4), 448.978 (1g) (a), 448.978 (2) (intro.), 448.978 (2) (b), 448.978 (2) (f), 448.978 (2) (m), 448.9785 (intro.), 448.9785 (6), 448.9795 (1), 448.9795 (2), 448.9885 (1) (a), 450.11 (8) (f), 655.002 (1) (a), 655.002 (1) (b), 655.002 (1) (c), 655.002 (1) (d), 655.002 (1) (e), 655.002 (1) (em), 655.002 (2) (a), 655.002 (2) (b), 655.003 (1), 655.003 (3), 655.005 (2) (a), 655.005 (2) (b), 655.23 (5m), 655.27 (3) (a) 4., 655.27 (3) (b) 2m., 655.275 (2) and 990.01 (27s); to create 180.1901 (1m) (bd), 448.9723, 448.975 (2) (ag) and (ar), 448.978 (3), 655.001 (10r) and 655.275 (5) (b) 3. of the statutes; Relating to: adopting the title of physician associate for physician assistants, independent practice of certain physician associates, extending the time limit for emergency rule procedures, and providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures. (FE)

Previously Filed As

WI AB917

An act to amend Sections 1296, 44500, 44501, 44897, 44901, 44929.20, 44929.21, 44932, 44933, 44934, 44934.1, and 44948.3 of, to amend, repeal, and add Section 44910 of, and to repeal Sections 44903, 44929.23, 44948, 44948.2, and 44948.5 of, the Education Code, relating to school employees.

WI HB642

An Act to amend and reenact §§ 2.2-2499.8, 2.2-2818, 2.2-2905, 2.2-3114, 2.2-3711, as it is currently effective and as it shall become effective, 2.2-3802, 2.2-4024, 3.2-4112, 3.2-4113, 3.2-4116, 3.2-4126, 3.2-5145.1, 3.2-5145.2:1, 3.2-5145.4, 4.1-103, 4.1-105, 4.1-352, 4.1-600, 4.1-601, 4.1-603, 4.1-604, 4.1-606, 4.1-607, 4.1-611, 4.1-614, 4.1-621, 4.1-1100, 4.1-1101, 4.1-1121, 4.1-1402, 4.1-1500, 4.1-1501, 4.1-1502, 4.1-1600 through 4.1-1603.2, 4.1-1604, 5.1-13, 9.1-1101, 15.2-912.4, 16.1-69.40:1, 16.1-260, 16.1-273, 16.1-278.9, 18.2-46.1, 18.2-247, 18.2-248, 18.2-248.01, 18.2-251, 18.2-251.03, 18.2-251.1:1, 18.2-251.1:2, 18.2-251.1:3, 18.2-252, 18.2-254, 18.2-255, 18.2-255.1, 18.2-255.2, 18.2-258, 18.2-258.02, 18.2-258.1, 18.2-265.1, 18.2-265.2, 18.2-265.3, 18.2-287.2, 18.2-308.012, 18.2-308.4, 18.2-371.2, 18.2-460, 18.2-474.1, 19.2-66, 19.2-81, 19.2-81.1, 19.2-83.1, 19.2-188.1, 19.2-303.01, 19.2-386.22 through 19.2-386.25, 19.2-389, as it is currently effective and as it shall become effective, 19.2-389.3, 19.2-392.02, 19.2-392.6 and 19.2-392.12:1, as they shall become effective, 22.1-206, 22.1-277.08, 23.1-1301, 46.2-105.2, 46.2-347, 48-17.1, 53.1-231.2, 54.1-2903, 54.1-3401, 54.1-3443, 58.1-301, and 59.1-200 of the Code of Virginia; to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Subtitle II of Title 2.2 a part labeled D, containing a chapter numbered 61, consisting of a section numbered 2.2-6100, by adding in Chapter 6 of Title 4.1 sections numbered 4.1-629 and 4.1-630, by adding in Title 4.1 chapters numbered 7 through 10, consisting of sections numbered 4.1-700 through 4.1-1010, by adding sections numbered 4.1-1102 through 4.1-1105, 4.1-1106, 4.1-1106.1, 4.1-1113, 4.1-1114, 4.1-1115, 4.1-1117, 4.1-1118, and 4.1-1119, by adding in Title 4.1 a chapter numbered 12, consisting of sections numbered 4.1-1200 through 4.1-1206, by adding in Chapter 13 of Title 4.1 sections numbered 4.1-1300, 4.1-1301, and 4.1-1303 through 4.1-1309, by adding in Chapter 14 of Title 4.1 sections numbered 4.1-1403 through 4.1-1407, by adding a section numbered 4.1-1602.1, by adding in Title 4.1 a chapter numbered 17, consisting of sections numbered 4.1-1700 through 4.1-1705, by adding in Article 2 of Chapter 1 of Title 6.2 a section numbered 6.2-108, and by adding in Chapter 44 of Title 54.1 a section numbered 54.1-4426; and to repeal Article 4 (§§ 3.2-4122 through 3.2-4126) of Chapter 41.1 of Title 3.2 and §§ 3.2-5145.4:1, 4.1-1101.1, 4.1-1105.1, 18.2-248.1, and 18.2-251.1 of the Code of Virginia, relating to cannabis control; retail market; penalties.

WI H4189

DHEC Restructuring

WI HB863

A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 3.2-4212, 4.1-302, 16.1-253.2, 18.2-36.1, 18.2-36.2, 18.2-46.3:3, 18.2-51.1, 18.2-53.1, 18.2-57, 18.2-60.4, 18.2-61, 18.2-67.1, 18.2-67.2, 18.2-67.5:2, 18.2-67.5:3, 18.2-154, 18.2-186.4, 18.2-248, 18.2-248.01, 18.2-248.03, 18.2-248.1, 18.2-248.5, 18.2-255, 18.2-255.2, 18.2-270, 18.2-308.1, 18.2-308.2, 18.2-308.2:2, 18.2-308.4, 18.2-374.1, 18.2-374.1:1, 18.2-374.3, 19.2-160.1, 19.2-297.1, 46.2-341.28, 46.2-391, 53.1-116, and 53.1-203 of the Code of Virginia, relating to elimination of mandatory minimum sentences for certain offenses.

WI HB271

A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 2.2-203.3, 2.2-401.01, 2.2-511, 2.2-614.3, 2.2-3705.3, as it is currently effective and as it shall become effective, 2.2-3705.6, 2.2-3705.7, 2.2-3711, as it is currently effective and as it shall become effective, 2.2-3802, 2.2-4002, 2.2-4346, 3.2-102, 3.2-6201, 4.1-100, 4.1-206.3, as it is currently effective and as it shall become effective, 4.1-226, 6.2-603.1, 8.01-216.3, 8.01-534, 11-16.1, 11-16.2, 15.2-912.2, 15.2-2825, 18.2-513, 19.2-66, 19.2-215.1, 19.2-389, as it is currently effective and as it shall become effective, 19.2-390, 22.1-140.1, 37.2-304, 37.2-314.2, 52-53, 52-54, 58.1-3, 58.1-439, 58.1-460, 58.1-3510, 58.1-3732.1, and 59.1-542.1 of the Code of Virginia; to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a title numbered 29.5, containing a subtitle numbered I, consisting of chapters numbered 1 through 6, containing sections numbered 29.5-100 through 29.5-650, a subtitle numbered II, consisting of chapters numbered 7 and 8, containing sections numbered 29.5-700 through 29.5-814, and a subtitle numbered III, consisting of a chapter numbered 9, containing sections numbered 29.5-900 through 29.5-913; and to repeal §§ 2.2-2455 and 2.2-2456, Article 1 (§§ 18.2-325 through 18.2-340) of Chapter 8 of Title 18.2, Article 1.1:1 (§§ 18.2-340.15 through 18.2-340.37) of Chapter 8 of Title 18.2, Chapter 40 (§§ 58.1-4000 through 58.1-4048) of Title 58.1, Chapter 41 (§§ 58.1-4100 through 58.1-4141) of Title 58.1, Chapter 29 (§§ 59.1-364 through 59.1-405) of Title 59.1, Chapter 29.1 (§ 59.1-405.1) of Title 59.1, and Chapter 51 (§§ 59.1-556 through 59.1-570) of Title 59.1 of the Code of Virginia, relating to Virginia Gaming Commission established; penalties.

WI HB1179

Transportation; changes various provisions of existing funds, etc.

WI HB1179

A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 33.2-359, 33.2-371, 33.2-1526, 33.2-1526.1, 33.2-3102, 33.2-3401, 33.2-3402, 33.2-3403, 33.2-3502, 46.2-774, and 46.2-2099.48 of the Code of Virginia; to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Article 2 of Chapter 19 of Title 33.2 a section numbered 33.2-1904.1, by adding in Article 11 of Chapter 19 of Title 33.2 a section numbered 33.2-1937, by adding in Chapter 24 of Title 33.2 a section numbered 33.2-2402, by adding in Chapter 7 of Title 46.2 a section numbered 46.2-775, by adding a section numbered 58.1-603.3, and by adding in Chapter 17 of Title 58.1 articles numbered 13, 14, and 15, consisting of sections numbered 58.1-1749, 58.1-1750, and 58.1-1751; and to repeal § 33.2-3100.1 of the Code of Virginia, relating to transportation funding.

WI HB353

Change title used by physician assistants to physician associate

WI HB548

A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 8.01-413.01, 8.01-622.1, 18.2-369, 32.1-127, 32.1-127.1:03, 32.1-138.1, 32.1-162.16, 32.1-162.18, 32.1-291.21, 32.1-309.1, 32.1-325, 37.2-804.2, as it is currently effective and as it shall become effective, 37.2-805.1, 37.2-817.01, 37.2-817.1, 37.2-837, 37.2-838, 37.2-1101, 37.2-1108, 53.1-133.04, 54.1-2807.02, 54.1-2818.1, 54.1-2818.5, 54.1-2970.1, 54.1-2987.1, 54.1-2988.1, 54.1-2993.1, 54.1-2995, 63.2-501, 63.2-1605, 64.2-2000, 64.2-2002, 64.2-2003, 64.2-2009, and 64.2-2019 of the Code of Virginia; to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Chapter 29 of Title 54.1 an article numbered 8.1, consisting of sections numbered 54.1-2993.2 through 54.1-2993.31; and to repeal §§ 54.1-2981, 54.1-2982, 54.1-2983, 54.1-2983.2 through 54.1-2987, 54.1-2988, and 54.1-2989 through 54.1-2993 of the Code of Virginia, relating to Uniform Health Care Decisions Act; civil penalty.

WI HB368

A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 2.2-234, 2.2-401.01, 2.2-1149, 2.2-1604, 2.2-2699.10, 2.2-4310, 10.1-104.02, 10.1-659, 10.1-1003, 10.1-1018, 10.1-1020, 10.1-1186.3:1, 10.1-1188, 10.1-2202.5, 10.1-2205.1, 10.1-2206.1, 10.1-2214, 10.1-2305, 15.2-4202, 15.2-4203, 18.2-423.1, 20-88.32, 20-146.1, 22.1-254, 24.2-128, 28.2-104.01, 28.2-302.5, 29.1-301, 29.1-401, 29.1-521, 32.1-272, 36-105.5, 51.1-700, 56-46.1, 56-576, 58.1-2201, 58.1-2403, 59.1-480, 62.1-266, 64.2-701, 64.2-2100, and 64.2-2600 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Subtitle II of Title 2.2 a part labeled D, containing a chapter numbered 61, consisting of sections numbered 2.2-6100 and 2.2-6101, relating to definitions; American Indians; Virginia recognized tribes; federally recognized tribes; sovereignty.

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