Bill would broaden authorization for respiratory therapy decisions

A bill that would allow nurse practitioners and physician assistants to order respiratory services was discussed during a hearing of the Health and Human Services Committee Jan 19.

LB788, introduced by Lincoln Sen. Kathy Campbell, would change current state statute to reflect the standards adopted by the federal government and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Darcy O’Brien-Genrich, president of the Nebraska Society for Respiratory Care, testified in support of the bill. She suggested that it be amended to include certified registered nurse anesthetists and certified midwives.

“Respiratory therapists need to be able to practice with midlevel practitioners,” she said.

Lincoln respiratory therapist Tom Danek said providing proper care to homebound patients is particularly difficult under the current law.

“Being in the homecare setting, we don’t have easy access to physicians for authorization,” Danek said. “It’s much easier to gain access to a nurse practitioner.”

No one testified in opposition to the bill and the committee took no immediate action.