AB 404

Under current law, the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)

and various boards under DSPS administer Wisconsin's professional credentialing

laws. For many credentials, DSPS or the relevant board requires that a candidate

for a credential complete postsecondary education or other training to be eligible to

sit for the examination for the credential.

Under this bill, DSPS or a board may not require a person to complete any

postsecondary education or other program before the person is eligible to take an

examination for a credential, except that an applicant for licensure as a registered

nurse or licensed practical nurse must receive approval from the applicant's school

of nursing in order to take the licensure examination before graduation. The bill

creates an exception from that prohibition for the examination for a real estate

appraiser certification or license issued by the Real Estate Appraisers Board.

Also under current law, the Board of Nursing (board) has the authority to

conduct disciplinary proceedings and to revoke, limit, suspend, or deny the renewal

of a license or certificate granted by the board. Under this bill, the board may also

deny an initial license or certificate subject to certain rules.