Health profession licensure bill approved

An omnibus measure intended to increase access to health care services in rural Nebraska was given final approval May 14.

Under LB332, as introduced by Gering Sen. Brian Hardin, the state Department of Health and Human Services is required to provide Medicaid coverage for psychology services provided by qualified advanced-level practitioners who are supervised by a licensed psychologist.

The bill includes provisions of five additional bills heard by the committee this session:
• LB119, also sponsored by Hardin, which codifies the Rural Health Opportunity Program in state law;
• LB154, introduced by Hardin, which changes provisions related to hearing instrument specialists;
• LB515, sponsored by Sen. Dan Quick of Grand Island, which provides requirements for certain prescription refills;
• LB555, introduced by Ralston Sen. Merv Riepe, which creates the position of assistant funeral director under the Funeral Directing and Embalming Practice Act; and
• LB697, sponsored by Sen. Paul Strommen of Sidney, which changes requirements relating to compounding and delegated dispensing permits under the Pharmacy Practice Act.

LB332 passed on a vote of 49-0 and takes effect immediately.