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Bill > AB12


WI AB12

State agency status for certain physician assistants and advanced practice nurses who provide services without compensation for local health departments or school districts. (FE)


summary

Introduced
02/06/2025
In Committee
05/09/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill provides that physician assistants and advanced practice nurse prescribers who are not employed by a local health department but who provide services without compensation for the programs and services provided by a local health department are, for the provision of those services, state agents of the Department of Health Services in certain circumstances for certain legal purposes and protections. For example, under the bill, if a physician assistant or certified advanced practice nurse prescriber who is considered a state agent of DHS is a defendant in any action or special proceeding because of acts they committed within the scope of their agency, any judgment as to damages and costs entered against them shall be paid by DHS. Further, this bill provides that physician assistants and advanced practice nurse prescribers may be selected by a school district or a local health department to supervise an immunization program and issue orders for the administration of immunizations that are in accordance with written protocols issued by DHS. If the physician assistant or advanced practice nurse prescriber is not an employee of the school district or local health department, receives no compensation for his or her services as supervisor of the immunization program, and acts in accordance with written protocols issued by DHS, he or she is a state agent of DHS for the same legal purposes and protections as described above. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.

AI Summary

This bill expands state agency status and legal protections to physician assistants (PAs) and advanced practice nurse prescribers who provide uncompensated medical services for local health departments or school districts. Specifically, the bill allows PAs and advanced practice nurse prescribers who are not employees of a local health department but provide medical oversight services without compensation to be considered state agents of the Department of Health Services (DHS) for legal purposes. This means that if these healthcare providers are sued for actions taken within the scope of their volunteer work, any damages or legal costs would be paid by DHS. The bill also permits these professionals to supervise immunization programs and issue immunization administration orders in accordance with DHS protocols. To clarify terminology, the bill defines "physician assistant" as someone licensed under section 448.974 and "advanced practice nurse prescriber" as an advanced practice nurse certified to issue prescription orders. These changes aim to provide legal protection and clarity for healthcare professionals volunteering their services in local public health and school settings.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (12)

Last Action

Laid on the table (on 05/13/2025)

bill text


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