Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

Wisconsin Senate Bill SB435

Introduced
9/29/25  
Refer
9/29/25  
Report Pass
11/11/25  

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 SB435 on state laws could be considerable. It modifies existing statutes regarding the scope of practice for physician assistants, moving towards a model that encourages independent practice for qualified individuals. This shift may align state regulations more closely with national trends that increasingly value the contribution of physician associates in healthcare settings. However, this change also necessitates a reevaluation of training, oversight, and the relationship between physician associates and supervising physicians.

Summary

SB435 proposes the formal adoption of the title 'physician associate' for physician assistants, enabling certain physician associates to independently practice without direct supervision. This significant redefinition of roles in the medical profession seeks to enhance healthcare delivery by allowing trained professionals more autonomy in their practice, which is particularly pertinent in areas facing physician shortages. By creating this new classification, the bill aims to acknowledge the evolving landscape of healthcare provision and the need for more flexible roles within the medical field.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding the enactment of SB435, particularly focused on the balance between autonomy and supervision in the healthcare system. Opponents may argue that shifting to independent practice could compromise patient safety and care quality, particularly in complex medical scenarios that require collaborative decision-making. Proponents, on the other hand, argue that allowing physician associates to work independently can enhance patient access to care, especially in underserved areas. The tensions between these perspectives highlight the broader discourse on healthcare regulation and innovative practice models.

Companion Bills

WI AB438

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 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 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 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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