Expanded health care credentialing bill approved

The pool of credentialed workers in certain health care fields may expand under a bill passed April 15.

LB390, introduced by Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil at the request of Gov. Pete Ricketts, amends Nebraska’s Uniform Credentialing Act to allow certain individuals credentialed in another state to apply for an expedited credential in Nebraska.

Eligible credential holders include nurses, EMS practitioners, dentists, optometrists, pharmacists and psychologists, among others.

LB390 authorizes the state Department of Health and Human Services to determine the necessary credentialing level of an applicant with the recommendation of the appropriate professional advisory board. An applicant receiving a reciprocal license under the bill is required to establish residency in Nebraska within 180 days of obtaining the license.

Lawmakers passed the bill on a 40-1 vote.