Madison, WI – The State Assembly convened this week to take action on a series of bills aimed at improving access to healthcare and dental care in Wisconsin. The legislation will streamline the licensure process for several healthcare licenses; allow certain professionals to practice across state lines; ensure access to telehealth services and increase the availability of dental care services throughout Wisconsin. “I was proud to vote for these bills that will have a real impact on people in our state,” Rep. Born said. “Ensuring our citizens are able to see their dentist or healthcare professional in a timely manner is of critical importance. Collectively, these bills will increase the availability of providers, so our residents have care available when they need it.” Among the bills that received a vote in the Assembly are:
– Assembly Bill (AB) 90 requires the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) to contract with a third-party for processing certain professional licenses
– AB 143 prohibits DSPS from requiring a duplicative statutes and rules exam for certain professions
– AB 144 allows for a provisional license for certain healthcare professionals and allows social workers to practice across state lines
– AB 500 codifies administrative rule, ensuring telehealth providers can practice in Wisconsin without maintaining a physical address in the state
– AB 665 modifies an existing scholarship program to increase students practicing in dental shortage areas
– AB 666 allows dentists and dental hygienists to practice across state lines
– AB 667 disperses funds that were set aside in the budget to technical colleges for improving their dentistry programs
– AB 668 creates a new dental therapist license
“Each of these bills is aimed at expanding access for Wisconsin residents – whether it is access to dental care, mental healthcare or other specialty care,” Rep. Born added. “These are common-sense solutions to building up our workforce to serve the needs of the people in our state.”
