By Hoven Consulting – WiHPCA’s lobbying firm

• WiHPCA Supports Bill Allowing New Health Care Professionals to Receive Preliminary Occupational Credentials

At its March meeting, the WiHPCA Legislative Committee agreed to support legislation to help previously unlicensed individuals in the health care field – particularly new graduates – to start work right away by requiring the state Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) to grant these individuals preliminary occupational credentials.  In order to qualify for such a preliminary credential, the applicant will need to have recently completed the requirements to obtain such a credential, submit a credential application and be engaged by an employer in the health care field.  The applicant and the employer will need to inform DSPS that the applicant meets all relevant credentialing requirements.  The preliminary credential will take effect when the employer submits this attestation to DSPS and will expire when the individual’s application for a permanent or training credential is granted or denied. 

The Assembly Committee on Regulatory Licensing Reform held a hearing on this bill on April 12.  WiHPCA’s Madison lobbyists will continue to monitor this legislation during the 2023-2024 legislative session. 

• Temporary Health Care “Act 10” Occupational Licenses Will Continue to Be Available

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Tony Evers signed into law legislation that became 2021 Wisconsin Act 10.  This legislation allowed health care professionals who are licensed in good standing in other states to work in Wisconsin immediately, without obtaining a permanent occupational credential.  This was to ensure that Wisconsin had enough health care professionals to treat Wisconsinites during the pandemic.  These temporary licenses are known as “Act 10 licenses.”

This state law was tied to the end of the pandemic-related Presidential Emergency Declaration.  On April 10, 2023, President Biden signed federal legislation that ended this emergency declaration.  According to state law, the “Act 10 licenses” expire 30 days after the Presidential Emergency Declaration ends – which is May 10, 2023 – unless the license holder applies for a permanent license by that date.  If a license holder applies for a permanent license by that date, that individual will still be allowed to practice in Wisconsin.

In addition, there is a provision in 2021 Wisconsin Act 10 that could benefit out-of-state health care professionals who seek Wisconsin licensure after May 10, 2023, and wish to practice immediately in the state.  If an individual’s out-of-state license is in good standing, that professional could apply simultaneously in Wisconsin for an “Act 10 license” and a permanent license and would be able to practice immediately in Wisconsin. 

For more information on “Act 10 licenses,” please go to the state Department of Safety and Professional Services’ FAQ page.