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WI SB646
WI SB646Reports on the competency of involuntarily committed individuals to refuse medication or treatment based upon an examination by an advanced practice registered nurse.
summary
Introduced
11/14/2025
11/14/2025
In Committee
01/22/2026
01/22/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Under current law, certain individuals who have been involuntarily committed for treatment have the right to exercise informed consent and refuse medications and treatments unless a situation exists in which medication or treatment is necessary to prevent serious physical harm to the individual or others or unless a court determines that the individual is not competent to refuse medication or treatment. A court makes this determination at a hearing if an interested person files a motion. Currently, the motion must be accompanied by a report that contains a signed statement by a physician that the individual needs medication or treatment and is not competent to refuse medication or treatment based on a physician’s examination. Under the bill, an advanced practice registered nurse who has expertise in psychiatric care may also perform the examination to determine whether or not the individual is competent to refuse medication or treatment. LRB-4786/1 KMS:wlj 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 646
AI Summary
This bill modifies existing law regarding involuntary commitment and medication refusal by allowing advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) with psychiatric expertise to conduct examinations to determine an individual's competency to refuse medication or treatment, in addition to physicians. Currently, only physicians can provide the signed statement needed to support a court motion challenging an individual's right to refuse medication. The bill expands this authority to include APRNs who may issue prescription orders and have specialized education or experience in psychiatric care. The change will allow for more flexibility in evaluating patients' competency, particularly in situations where a court needs to determine whether an involuntarily committed individual can be compelled to accept medication or treatment. The bill includes a transitional provision that allows reports to be based on examinations by either a physician or a qualified APRN from the bill's effective date until September 1, 2026, after which the provision becomes fully integrated into state law. The bill takes effect immediately after publication, with the specific amendment to the statute taking effect on September 1, 2026.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (6)
Rachael Cabral-Guevara (R)*,
Scott Allen (R),
Elijah Behnke (R),
Barbara Dittrich (R),
Dan Knodl (R),
Paul Melotik (R),
Last Action
Senator Roys added as a coauthor (on 02/11/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/sen/bill/sb646 |
| Analysis - LC Amendment Memo | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/lcamendmentmemos/2025/REG/SB646.pdf |
| SB646 ROCP for Committee on Mental Health, Substance Abuse Prevention, Children and Families | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/records/senate/mental_health_substance_abuse_prevention_children_and_families/1966913.pdf |
| Senate Amendment 1 | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/amends/2025/REG/SB646-SA1.pdf |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/SB646.pdf |
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