Nursing background checks advanced

New nursing license applicants would be subject to a criminal background check under a bill advanced to select file Feb. 18.

LB129, introduced by Omaha Sen. Burke Harr, would require a criminal background check of applicants for an initial license to practice as a registered or licensed practical nurse.

Harr said it is national best practice for nurses to be subject to a thorough criminal background check, and 34 states require them. Currently, nursing licensure applicants are subject only to a name check and review for in-state convictions, he said.

“This [current process] does not provide any information about an applicant’s actions that took place outside the state of Nebraska,” Harr said.

The bill advanced on a 32-0 vote.