Gov. Tony Evers signed into law a slew of healthcare bills Friday, including one that will allow some nurses to practice independently of doctors. 

He vetoed legislation that would define direct primary care arrangements and allow gig economy companies to offer portable benefit accounts. 

The nursing law caps a 10-year push to create a pathway for advanced practice nurses to work independently of doctors. Evers vetoed the legislation twice before signing a bipartisan compromise bill that requires four years of experience before independent practice, restrictions on providing pain management and title protections for physicians.

“Nurses play a critical role in our healthcare workforce,” Evers said Friday. “I’m proud of our work to expand opportunities for nurses to not only grow their career but create a system that allows for more advanced practitioners here in Wisconsin.” 

Wisconsin had more than 9,100 advanced practice nurses last year, about 10 percent of the nursing workforce. Wisconsin Nurses Association Executive Director Gina Dennik-Champion said that the law will boost healthcare access for rural communities and those facing health disparities.

“It has been a long journey to achieving consensus and we are pleased with the outcome,” she said.