Empower Wisconsin  | April 18, 2022

MADISON — Wisconsin is losing mental health care professionals to others states because Gov. Tony Evers’ licensing agency can’t get its act together.

Dozens of professionals and advocates have testified about the backlog of license applications and renewals at the Department of Safety and Professional Services. Frustrated, some have sought employment in other states.

The failures of DSPS couldn’t come at a worse time — as Wisconsin faces a mental health crisis, particularly among its children.

“Because of how tedious this process has become, the state of Wisconsin is losing a fair amount of individuals seeking licenses, to other states. This loss is affecting health care organizations, directly impacting the quality of care Wisconsinites are receiving,” said state Rep. Shae Sortwell (R-Two Rivers). “If DSPS does not get their department in line soon, the state of Wisconsin will continue to suffer.”

Sortwell, chairman of the Assembly Committee on Regulatory Licensing Reform, has released the second in a series of videos titled, “Breaking Down the Backlog,” examining the disaster that is DSPS.

Watch the latest video here.