Representative Shae Sortwell of Two Rivers has voiced his frustration at the backlog of healthcare licenses.
In a news release, the 2nd Assembly District Representative said that the Department of Safety and Professional Services invoked a 16-day license blackout period, which has caused many in the healthcare industry unable to renew or receive licenses to practice medicine.
Sortwell asked, “How is a Wisconsin nurse, social worker, or psychologist supposed to care for his or her patients when their license is delayed because bureaucrats cannot access the paperwork they send in?”
A major reason for the backlog is the fully manual system the DSPS is using.
Sortwell explained that the state budget set aside $5 million to upgrade the system, but Governor Tony Evers has not used any of that money.
As for how the legislature will move forward, Sortwell said “We hope to craft solid reforms heading into next session to solve this healthcare crisis.”
