Issuance of credentials based on military service advanced

Military education, training or service would result in issuance of health profession credentials under a bill advanced from general file April 15.

Lincoln Sen. Adam Morfeld, sponsor of LB264, said the bill would ensure that the skills and experience acquired through military service are recognized for the 34 health professions that the state’s Uniform Credentialing Act oversees.

“I want Nebraska to be known as a state that welcomes our sons and daughters back home,” Morfeld said. “Nebraska is the only state, including the District of Columbia, that does not have a law like this on our books.”

As introduced, the bill would require the state Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), by Dec. 15, 2015, to specify methods of meeting the minimum credentialing requirements through military service.

A Health and Human Services Committee amendment, adopted 33-0, allows DHHS to make credentialing decisions for similar applicants based on standard criteria.

Lincoln Sen. Kathy Campbell, chairperson of the committee, said the amendment was a result of discussions with DHHS and would alleviate the need for the department to make credentialing decisions on a case-by-case basis.

“The amendment shifts the burden of proving satisfactory military education, training or service from each individual applicant to the department and applicable board—for all similarly situated applicants—to allow the department to make the credentialing decision based on standard criteria,” Campbell said.

Seward Sen. Mark Kolterman supported the bill and the amendment. Having a program in place to ensure the credentialing process will assist in efforts to recruit individuals in the health professions who are transitioning out of the military, he said.

“I think it’s important that we show them that we’re serious about this,” Kolterman said.

The bill advanced to select file on a 33-0 vote.