Relating to: reports on the competency of involuntarily committed individuals to refuse medication or treatment based upon an examination by an advanced practice registered nurse.
AB 668 amends Wisconsin law to allow advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) with psychiatric expertise to conduct examinations determining whether involuntarily committed individuals can refuse medication or treatment. This change directly affects individuals in psychiatric commitment under specific legal standards who refuse care, as it expands the pool of qualified professionals (previously limited to physicians) who can provide the required medical certification. The bill requires any motion to override a patient's refusal to include a written report signed by an APRN or physician stating the individual is not competent to refuse treatment or that treatment is necessary to prevent serious harm. The amendment takes effect September 1, 2026, after a temporary transition period allowing physician-only assessments until that date. This creates a new pathway for competency determinations while maintaining existing court hearing requirements.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Nov 2025
Committee Review
Feb 2026
Assembly Passage
Jan 2026
Senate Passage
Feb 2026
Signed into Law
Mar 2026
Introduced Nov 19, 2025
Signed Mar 27, 2026
Floor votes · Assembly Jan 22, 2026
How they voted
This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
31
Key actions
7
Committee
4
Amendments
2
Mar 27, 2026
Signed into law
Report approved by the Governor on 3-27-2026. 2025 Wisconsin Act 123
lower
Feb 11, 2026
Upper · Passed
Read a third time and concurred in
upper
Feb 9, 2026
Upper · Passed
Public hearing requirement waived by committee on Senate Organization, pursuant to Senate Rule 18 (1m), Ayes 3, Noes 2
upper
Jan 22, 2026
Lower · Passed
Read a third time and passed, Ayes 90, Noes 7
lower
Jan 22, 2026
Lower · Passed
Assembly Amendment 1 adopted
lower
Jan 20, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on calendar 1-22-2026 by Committee on Rules
lower
Jan 15, 2026
Introduced
Assembly Amendment 1 offered by Representative Dittrich
lower
Jan 14, 2026
Committee
Referred to committee on Rules
lower
Jan 14, 2026
Lower · Passed
Report passage recommended by Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse Prevention, Ayes 6, Noes 2
lower
Nov 19, 2025
Introduced
Introduced by Representatives Dittrich, Allen, Behnke, Knodl and Melotik;
cosponsored by Senators Cabral-Guevara and Keyeski
lower
5 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Barbara Dittrich
RRepublican
P
Dan Knodl
RRepublican
P
Elijah Behnke
RRepublican
P
Paul Melotik
RRepublican
P
Scott Allen
RRepublican
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about AB 668
Scope: WI
Hi! I can help you understand AB 668. What would you like to know?
Try one of these
i
Maddy answers using official bill text and legislative records. Always verify before sharing.
Sources cited inline