Relating to: registration of out-of-state health care providers to provide telehealth services. (FE)

Gov. Tony Evers vetoed Senate Bill 214 on March 20, 2026, blocking a measure that would have created a registration process for out-of-state health care providers to deliver telehealth services in Wisconsin.[1][2][4] The bill, introduced in April 2025 by Sens. Rob Stafsholt and Romaine Quinn, passed the Senate in October after committee approval and advanced to the Assembly.[1][7] It aimed to establish a new statute allowing these providers to serve Wisconsin patients remotely while requiring malpractice insurance.[3][7]

The legislation responded to growing demand for telehealth amid provider shortages, letting out-of-state doctors, nurses, and others register without full Wisconsin licensure.[1][11] Sponsored by a mix of Republicans and some Democrats, it cleared health committee hurdles but faced opposition, including rejected Senate amendments.[1] Evers' veto message cited concerns over the bill's framework, though details were outlined in his formal letter to the Legislature.[2]

For Milwaukee residents, this veto maintains stricter oversight on telehealth, potentially limiting access to distant specialists for rural or underserved patients commuting to the city.[5][11] It preserves local licensing standards, which supporters argue protect patient safety amid rising virtual care use post-pandemic.

The vetoed bill could return if lawmakers override Evers with a two-thirds vote, but no immediate action is scheduled by the Wisconsin State Legislature.[1][4]