Health

SB 74 ratifies the Social Work Licensure Compact, allowing social workers licensed in one participating state to practice in other compact states without reapplying for a new license. The bill creates a commission to manage the compact and amends multiple statutes to align licensing requirements across participating states, ensuring social workers meet standardized qualifications. This directly affects social workers seeking to practice across state lines, child welfare agencies (which must employ licensed social workers per amended statutes), and licensing boards. Key provisions include standardizing definitions for "social worker" and "licensed treatment professional" in statutes governing employment and service delivery. The compact aims to streamline licensure for social workers while maintaining consistent professional standards.

SB 405 creates a legal right for minors injured by gender transition procedures to sue healthcare providers for physical, psychological, emotional, or physiological harm. The bill defines "gender transition procedure" broadly (including puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones) but excludes treatments for certain medical conditions like disorders of sexual development. It requires providers to document a minor's gender identity for two years, obtain certification from multiple healthcare professionals confirming the procedure is the only treatment for a mental health concern, and provide specific risk warnings to minors and parents before consent. The law allows lawsuits to be filed before the minor turns 33, with defenses available if providers follow the required documentation and consent protocols.

SB 1020 creates a $300,000 grant program to help specific healthcare facilities purchase patient lift devices. Eligible facilities include adult family homes, nursing homes, community-based residential facilities, and residential care apartment complexes. Grants cover devices approved by the department that can be operated independently by residents or with staff assistance, and mechanically lift people. Recipients must report usage data, with up to $100,000 of the appropriation reserved for data collection and analysis.

AB 1060 allocates $450,000 annually for two fiscal years (2025-26 and 2026-27) to fund falls prevention awareness and initiatives in Wisconsin. The bill directs the Department of Health Services to award this grant specifically to the Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging. This funding supports statewide programs aimed at reducing fall-related injuries, primarily affecting older adults in the state. The bill makes a concrete budget adjustment to enable this grant without altering existing health service programs.

AB 890 allows healthcare providers to administer medically appropriate vaccines to minors aged 16 or older without parental consent if the minor requests it. The bill requires providers to obtain the minor’s consent before billing third parties for the vaccination; if the minor declines third-party billing, they pay directly and the department bills them per existing fee rules. This directly affects minors aged 16+ seeking vaccinations, healthcare providers, and billing processes for such services. The policy changes focus on expanding minor autonomy for specific vaccinations while maintaining clear billing requirements.