Modification, elimination of state boards and commissions amended, advanced

Lawmakers adjusted a proposal to eliminate more than three dozen state-established entities before giving the measure second-round approval May 14.

As amended on general file, LB346, introduced by La Vista Sen. John Arch at the request of Gov. Jim Pillen, would modify or eliminate 39 boards, committees, commissions and councils.

Arch said the bill would eliminate the Board of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, so APRN membership on the Nebraska Board of Nursing should be adjusted to reflect the four nationally recognized advanced practice nursing roles.

He brought an amendment on select file to reduce the number of administrators on the Nebraska Board of Nursing from two to one and increase the number of APRNs from three to four.

The amendment also would change the makeup of APRNs on the Nebraska Board of Nursing from requiring a clinical nurse specialist or certified nurse midwife to requiring representatives of both licensure categories.

Finally, the amendment would address technical conflicts with other bills moving through the Legislature this session and allow members of the Propane Education and Research Council who are filling unexpired terms to serve a maximum of 10 consecutive years. The current limit is seven consecutive years.

Following the 41-0 adoption of the Arch amendment, senators advanced LB346 to final reading by voice vote.