By Attorney Kristen Nelson

As of January 1, 2021, Wisconsin’s Pharmacy Examining Board has put new rules into effect regarding patient consultations for pharmacies and pharmacists throughout the state. It is important for licensed pharmacists to take note of these new requirements and be sure to uphold them, as failing to do so can result in disciplinary action regarding a pharmacist’s professional license.

When Are Patient Consultations Required?

The intended purpose of the new regulations for patient consultations is to better ensure that a person who is prescribed a drug or device understands how to use it properly. As such, a consultation is now required when patients are prescribed a drug or device that they have not previously used or that constitutes a change in the patient’s treatment or therapy. Pharmacists must also provide a consultation in any case when it is requested by the patient, and they may choose to provide a consultation when they believe, in their own professional judgment, that it is necessary to do so. However, a patient can refuse a consultation, in which case it is no longer required.

By Attorney Kristen Nelson

Under normal circumstances, reinstating a lapsed or expired healthcare professional license in Wisconsin can be a challenging process, with requirements often including renewal fees and late fees, and the demonstration of up-to-date education and recent work history in a position that requires the license in question. However, during the COVID-19 national health emergency, the demand for healthcare professionals has greatly increased, leading the Wisconsin government to temporarily waive some of these requirements.

While the rollout of vaccinations has offered hope that the worst of the pandemic may soon be in the past, there still remains significant work to disseminate the vaccine and care for those who are infected. If you are interested in continuing your career in healthcare and providing a vital service to your community, now is a great time to renew your professional license.

By Attorney Kristen Nelson

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a nursing shortage in Wisconsin. Now, that shortage is reaching a critical level. The State of Wisconsin and Governor Tony Evers have taken an “all hands-on deck” approach. On Friday, March 27, 2020, Governor Evers Issued Emergency Order #16, relating to certain health care providers and the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). The Order applies to all heath care providers in various licensing situations.

Several administrative rules pertaining to nursing were suspended in this Order in an effort to increase the availability of nurses in Wisconsin during this health crisis. These administrative rules primarily affect new nurses and nurses whose licenses have expired.

By Attorney Kristen Nelson

The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services receives about 500 complaints against doctors each year. These complaints may be investigated, and the Wisconsin Medical Examining Board may choose to take disciplinary action against a person’s medical license. Reprimands are the most common form of discipline taken, and they may be issued for a wide variety of issues within the medical field, such as minor HIPPA violations, improper record keeping, and some prescription errors.

If you are facing a potential reprimand or another form of discipline, you will want to be sure to understand the possible consequences to your license, your reputation, and your career. If you have been notified of a complaint by the Medical Examining Board, you should speak with an attorney to determine your best options for defending your medical license.

By Attorney Kristen Nelson

Doctors must be granted and maintain a medical license before they are allowed to practice medicine. Similar to a nursing license or any other professional license you can obtain in Wisconsin, there are rules and regulations that need to be followed to ensure that a doctor’s license will remain valid. The Wisconsin Medical Examining Board handles any issues involving issuing, limiting, revoking, or suspending a doctor’s medical license. If the Board determines that rules have been violated or that a doctor has acted in a way that warrants discipline, it may take action against a person’s medical license.