EMS changes approved

Lawmakers passed a bill Aug. 11 that makes changes to emergency medical service provision in Nebraska.

LB1002, sponsored by Brainard Sen. Bruce Bostelman, allows the restocking of prescription drugs by a hospital for an emergency medical service if EMS transports a patient to the hospital and the drugs were used for the patient prior to or during transportation.

The measure includes provisions from three additional bills:
• LB893, also introduced by Bostelman, which add community care paramedic and critical care paramedic practices as EMS providers and direct the state Board of Emergency Services to provide education and licensure requirements for the classifications;
• LB1044, originally introduced by Blair Sen. Ben Hansen, which clarify that only consultation with—and not the approval of—a licensed physician is required for a licensed medical nutritionist to order patient diets under the Medical Nutrition Therapy Practice Act; and
• LB1184, originally introduced by La Vista Sen. John Arch, which require the state Department of Health and Human Services to set standards for juvenile inpatient psychiatric units and psychiatric residential treatment facilities. Staff must be at least 20 years old, or at least two years older than the oldest resident in the facility or unit, have a high school diploma or equivalent and be trained appropriately.

Finally, under the bill, licensed practical nurses are no longer exempt from Emergency Medical Services Practice Act licensing requirements.

LB1002 passed on a 47-0 vote and takes effect immediately.