From WisPolitics.com/WisBusiness.com …
— The Senate Health Committee has voted unanimously to back legislation that would create a new certification for an advanced practice registered nurse, who would be allowed to practice independently of a physician.
The bill was vetoed the last two sessions by Dem Gov. Tony Evers. But several changes have been made to the bill, including a minimum number of hours worked in a clinic before an APRN would no longer have to consult with a physician.
The Wisconsin Medical Society, which has opposed the bill in past sessions, is neutral on the new version.
The committee also yesterday voted 5-0 to back SB 264, which would require health insurance plans to cover diagnostic breast examinations for those at increased risk of breast cancer. It also backed 5-0 SB 182, which would require the Technical College System Board to provide grants to campuses that provide emergency medical services courses.
— Republican lawmakers recently circulated legislation to provide a $1 million grant for the purchase and renovation of an addiction treatment center in Chippewa Falls.
Sen. Jesse James of Thorp and Rep. Clint Moses of Menomonie last week circulated a cosponsorship memo for the bill, under which the state Department of Administration would award the funds to Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, Inc. for the project.
The organizations plan to use the proposed funding to cover the cost of buying and renovating the Libertas Treatment Center, a 50-bed facility providing recovery care to men with addiction.
Bill authors note the region last year faced “unprecedented healthcare closures” after Hospital Sisters Health System shut down hospitals in Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls.
“Simultaneously, without notice or public explanation, the Libertas Treatment Center closed its doors after providing substance use treatment services in Chippewa Falls since 1977,” they wrote.
Since then, Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan has acquired the facility and plans to provide care for adult men referred by the state Department of Health Services County unit or a correctional facility, as well as those who check themselves into the center. An existing “well-established” center provides similar care for women in Eau Claire, the memo shows.
Authors note the center plans to prioritize residents of the Chippewa Valley but will take referrals from across the state.
“LSS plans to upgrade the former Libertas Center facility, ensuring that clients experience spaces that are welcoming and safe to assist the healing and recovery process for these patients,” they wrote.
See the memo.
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