Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

Wisconsin Senate Bill SB43

Introduced
2/12/25  
Refer
2/12/25  
Report Pass
3/14/25  
Engrossed
3/18/25  
Refer
5/7/25  
Refer
5/9/25  
Enrolled
5/14/25  
Chaptered
8/11/25  

Caption

An Act to amend 69.01 (6g); to create 69.01 (1g) and 69.18 (1) (cL) of the statutes; Relating to: allowing advanced practice nurse prescribers to pronounce the date, time, and place of a patient’s death for purposes of the preparation of death records.

Impact

The bill's enactment is expected to streamline the process of death record preparation by including advanced practice nurse prescribers alongside other certified professionals. This change reflects an evolving understanding of the roles that various healthcare providers play within the scope of their practice. Moreover, it underscores Wisconsin's efforts to modernize its healthcare laws and adapt to the growing involvement of advanced practice professionals in clinical settings. The significance of this bill lies in a broader acceptance of diverse healthcare roles in managing critical care situations.

Summary

Senate Bill 43 aims to expand the authority of advanced practice nurse prescribers in the state of Wisconsin by allowing them to pronounce the date, time, and place of a patient's death for the purposes of preparing death records. Previously, this responsibility was limited to certain healthcare providers, including physicians, physician assistants, and naturopathic doctors. The legislation seeks to enhance the role of advanced practice nurses in end-of-life care, recognizing their integral involvement in patient management and treatment decisions.

Contention

While the bill primarily aims to enhance the capabilities of advanced practice nurses, it may generate discussion regarding the delineation of responsibilities among healthcare professionals. Some stakeholders may voice concerns about the potential implications for training and standardization in making such critical determinations. Ensuring that advanced practice nurses are adequately prepared to assume this responsibility is key. Additionally, there might be discussions surrounding the qualifications and regulations governing advanced practice nurses in the state, highlighting the importance of appropriate oversight in the healthcare domain.

Companion Bills

WI AB44

Crossfiled An Act to amend 69.01 (6g); to create 69.01 (1g) and 69.18 (1) (cL) of the statutes; Relating to: allowing advanced practice nurse prescribers to pronounce the date, time, and place of a patient’s death for purposes of the preparation of death records.

Previously Filed As

WI AB44

Allowing advanced practice nurse prescribers to pronounce the date, time, and place of a patient’s death for purposes of the preparation of death records.

WI AB295

Allowing certified advanced practice nurse prescribers to engage in the practice of radiography.

WI SB281

Allowing certified advanced practice nurse prescribers to engage in the practice of radiography.

WI SB216

Provides relative to medical pronouncement of death. (8/1/26)

WI HB1461

Advanced practice registered nurses; authorize to sign death certificates and POLST orders.

WI HB1734

To Amend The Law Concerning Death Certificates; And To Clarify The Medical Professionals Who May Sign A Medical Certificate Of Death And Pronounce Death Of A Patient.

WI HB261296

Concerning discipline for advanced practice registered nurses for a failure to timely complete a medical certification for a certificate of death.

WI SB582

Coroners; the pronouncement of death by paramedics and emergency medical technicians; authorize

WI SB671

Office of Cemetery Oversight - Study of Deathcare and Funeral Practices

WI S2099

Permits EMT, paramedic, or investigator for county medical examiner's office to make determination and pronouncement of death under certain circumstances.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.