State-funded nursing care for family, friends advanced

A bill meant to clarify permitted practices under the Nebraska Nurse Practitioner Act was given first-round approval March 22.

Hoskins Sen. Dave Bloomfield said he introduced LB1083 to clarify for the state Department of Health and Human Services that they may hire nurses to provide home health care to family members or friends.

Bloomfield said he believes the department is misinterpreting recent changes in state law. The changes made to the Nurse Practitioner Act do not apply to family members providing home health care, he said, adding that such care can be essential for patients and cost effective for the state.

A Health and Human Services Committee amendment, adopted 28-0, clarified that the bill would apply to licensed nurses only.

LB1083 advanced to select file on a 28-0 vote.