HHS licensure package approved
A package of health and human services proposals related to licensure and credentialing was given final approval by lawmakers April 10.
LB912, introduced by Gering Sen. Brian Hardin, creates the Community Health Worker Training Endorsement Act. The act requires the state Department of Health and Human Services to establish a statewide process to endorse community health worker training programs that meet minimum standards of quality and ensure services provided by community health workers are eligible for reimbursement by Medicaid and private insurers.
Completion of a community health worker training program does not constitute licensure, certification or credentialing under the Uniform Credentialing Act.
LB912 also includes the amended provisions of 10 other measures considered by the committee this session:
• LB735, sponsored by Bellevue Sen. Victor Rountree, which adopts the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact;
• LB736, also sponsored by Rountree, which adopts the Athletic Trainer Compact;
• LB796, introduced by Sen. Barry DeKay of Niobrara, which clarifies who is considered to be engaged in the practice of pharmacy in Nebraska;
• LB825, sponsored by Lincoln Sen. Beau Ballard, which requires practitioners licensed under the Mental Health Practice Act to complete a minimum of two hours of continuing education in domestic abuse counseling every two years;
• LB887, introduced by Sen. Bob Hallstrom of Syracuse, which allows accredited pharmacy programs to determine the date and time of the jurisprudence examination for pharmacy students and clarifies that certified pharmacy technician requirements do not apply to interns under the supervision of a pharmacist;
• LB891, sponsored by Blair Sen. Ben Hansen, which updates the Child Care Licensing Act to align state law with federal background check regulations, clarifies how self-reported licensing investigations appear on public records, allows certain volunteers to be counted toward staff-to-child ratios and prohibits residency requirements for family child care homes;
• LB892, also sponsored by Hansen, which prohibits a massage therapist from practicing in a location other than a licensed massage therapy establishment, except as permitted by DHHS;
• LB914, introduced by Hardin, which repeals a state law that held physicians or physician groups liable for negligent acts or omissions by physician assistants acting under their supervision;
• LB936, sponsored by Ballard, which allows a licensed nurse practitioner who has completed the necessary education and training to perform fluoroscopy and allows a licensed medical radiographer to use fluoroscopy in collaboration with a qualified nurse practitioner;
• LB1012, introduced by Hansen, which allows a physical therapist to file a medical lien for damages awarded to an injured patient; and
• LB1211, sponsored by Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston, which updates the Automated Medications Systems Act to allow licensed pharmacies to operate automated pickup kiosks that securely store and dispense prescription medications to patients and caregivers, beginning May 1, 2027.
LB912 passed on a 49-0 vote. The measure takes effect immediately.
