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SB 43

Relating to: allowing advanced practice nurse prescribers to pronounce the date, time, and place of a patient’s death for purposes of the preparation of death records.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rachael Cabral-Guevara and 1 co-sponsor

Wisconsin expands authority for Advanced Practice Nurse Prescribers to officially pronounce patient deaths and document death records, previously limited to physicians.

Published 8-9-2025
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 43

Legislative bill overview

SB 43 authorizes Advanced Practice Nurse Prescribers (APNPs) to officially pronounce a patient's death and document the date, time, and place of death on death records. Previously, this authority was limited to physicians and certain other medical professionals. The bill expands scope of practice authority to include APNPs in this specific administrative and medical function.

Why is this important

Death pronouncement and certification is a legally required function that affects vital records, death certificates, and family documentation needs. Expanding who can perform this function addresses potential staffing gaps, particularly in rural or underserved areas where physician availability may be limited. This can improve accessibility and reduce delays in death record preparation while maintaining medical oversight since APNPs are licensed healthcare providers.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of practice expansion: Some physician groups may argue that death pronouncement requires physician-level training and judgment, despite APNPs' advanced qualifications and clinical experience
  • Quality assurance and liability: Questions about whether uniform standards for death pronouncement documentation exist across different APNP specialties and whether liability frameworks adequately cover APNPs in this role
  • Definitional clarity: The bill's application may create ambiguity about which specific APNP credentials qualify, since "advanced practice nurse prescribers" is a broad category encompassing nurse practitioners, certified nurse anesthetists, and clinical nurse specialists with varying training

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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