Americans for Autism Advocacy Calls on Wisconsin Governor Evers to Sign Bipartisan Telehealth Legislation into Law

Wisconsin Governor Evers should back up his rhetoric on mental health and sign AB 541 without delay.  

Americans for Autism Advocacy (AFAA) is calling on Governor Tony Evers to sign Wisconsin Assembly Bill 541 without delay.

AB 541 – Would allow licensed mental health providers in other states to provide telehealth services to Wisconsinites.  AFAA previously commended the Wisconsin Senate for its passage of the law.  AB 541 passed the Assembly on unanimous consent on November 14, 2023 and passed the State Senate on January 16, 2024 by a 25-7 vote. AB 541 awaits the signature of Governor Tony Evers (D-Wisconsin).  The Chief Clerk of the Wisconsin State Assembly presented AB  541 for approval of Governor Evers on March 26th.  

Benjamin Garbedian issued an op-ed to the Wisconsin State Journal on March 19, 2024 in support of telehealth in Wisconsin.  Garbedian, a Carroll University (WI) student, who suffered panic attacks talked about in his op-ed on the problems of mental health access in Wisconsin.  Garbedian argued that telehealth would improve access to mental health services in all corners of The Badger State.

Both houses of the Wisconsin Legislature  made tremendous strides during the 2023-2024 session by expanding access to mental health services,  demanding licensing authorities be more transparent with Wisconsinites, and allowing licensed professionals in other states to provide care at a time of record demand.  Governor Evers has an opportunity to improve mental health access in Wisconsin and to make Wisconsin a national leader on mental health.  This will only be accomplished if AB 541 is promptly signed into law.