As I stated in my last article, I introduced LB390 at the request of the Governor.  LB390 would allow holders of certain health care licenses from other states to more easily receive a license to practice in Nebraska.  It is intended to supplement and not replace existing methods of issuing a credential based on reciprocity or an existing compact.

After the start of the pandemic last year, the Governor issued an executive order (Executive Order No. 20-10) to make it easier for certain health care professionals currently licensed in other states to practice in Nebraska.  The executive order has worked well and this bill builds upon that order.

The bill as amended will focus on professions who do not already have an expedited reciprocity process in place and excludes certain practices that already have an expedited reciprocity process, which this bill would have made redundant.  Physicians, which have an existing compact, are excluded.  It also removes the residency requirement for the issuance of a temporary credential to a spouse of an active duty member of the United States Armed Forces assigned to duty in Nebraska.

A person who has a current and valid credential in another state (for at least one year) may apply for an equivalent credential after submitting the required documentation, fees, and passing a criminal background investigation (if required).  The relevant board will determine the appropriate credential and the Department of Health and Human Services determines the documentation required.  The applicant’s current credential cannot have been subject to revocation, other disciplinary action, or other conduct which would have disqualified them in Nebraska.  If they meet all of the requirements, health care professions may obtain a Nebraska license before moving here.  However, an applicant who obtains a credential pursuant to the provisions of this bill must establish residency in Nebraska within 180 days after issuance of the credential.

Eight other states (including our neighboring states of Iowa and Missouri) have similar laws now.  A number of other states (including our neighbors of South Dakota and Wyoming) are pursuing similar legislation this year.

While Nebraska currently has various compacts with other states that allow certain professions to qualify to practice in each other’s states, a number of large states (e.g. California, Massachusetts, New York) don’t belong to any compacts but produce a large number of health care professionals.  This bill will provide a vehicle for individuals from many states (including those mentioned) to come to practice in Nebraska.

Most importantly, I believe that LB 390 will help address the health care shortages we have (especially in rural Nebraska) by having an expanded pool of health care talent to draw from.

I would welcome any comments, questions or ideas you may have.  Please feel free to email me at dmurman@leg.ne.gov or call my office at 402-471-2732.

The Nebraska Legislature has been in session for around a month now, and I thought it would be a good time to let you know of the bills I have introduced this year.  These bills are briefly summarized below.

LB 210 – This bill would allow home school students to participate in extracurricular activities offered by public schools in the district in which they live and likely pay property taxes or rent, without requiring class enrollment.

LB 211 – The bill that I introduced is a modified version of a similar bill I introduced last session. It would remove reflexologists from the massage therapy license and create a separate registry for them. Reflexologists should not have to participate in a full massage therapy program just to practice reflexology.  Reflexologists would need to complete a certification examination to be on the registry to practice reflexology.

LB 390 – I have introduced this bill at the request of the Governor. It would allow holders of certain health care licenses from other states to more easily receive a license to practice in Nebraska.  Nearly a year ago, after the start of the pandemic, the Governor issued an executive order to make it easier for certain health care professionals currently licensed in other states to practice in Nebraska.  The executive order has worked well and this bill builds upon that order.  It will help address the health care shortages we have (especially in rural Nebraska) by having an expanded pool of health care talent to draw from.

LB 418 – The Solemn Covenant of States to Award Prizes for Curing Diseases compact would, once six states have adopted the compact, award cash prizes for successful cures of various diseases.  This is an innovative approach to incentivize the private sector to find cures for many of the diseases that afflict us today.

LB 583 – This bill essentially requires that prescribers utilize electronic prescription technology to prescribe controlled substances beginning January 1, 2022.   As many of you are aware, the opioid crisis in Nebraska (as well as all across this country) has been a real problem adversely affecting many individuals and families.  As a result, more than half of the states are requiring or will soon require the utilization of electronic prescriptions for controlled substances.  This is an essential step in curtailing abuse of overprescribing opioids and keeping individuals from “shopping” for doctors who would readily write a script.  Additionally this bill would bring Nebraska in line with federal law which will mandate the use of e-prescribing for Medicare Part D by January of 2022.

LB 670 – The Department of Transportation has a program to allow a sign near the site of a fatal accident memorializing the victim along with a safety message (e.g. “Don’t Text and Drive”).  This bill would give the family the option of adding an emblem of belief to the sign such as a cross or Star of David.

LB 671 – The intent of this bill is to authorize funding for the next two years for the AgrAbility program at the University of Nebraska Extension for needs not covered by the USDA.  The program would help fund needed supports such as lifts or modified equipment that would enable physically challenged farmers and ranchers to keep working.

LB 672 – This bill would provide better define the sales tax exemption for agricultural machinery and equipment and specifically include head haulers, seed tender trailers, livestock fans, and livestock curtains.

LB 673 – The purpose of this bill is to adopt the Education Behavioral Awareness and Support Act.  This Act intends to give each school district the opportunity to provide behavioral awareness and intervention training for teachers and other school employees to safely manage inappropriate behavior without allowing that behavior to escalate and to provide legal protection for teachers who take reasonable and appropriate measures.  Every student in Nebraska deserves a safe school to foster a better learning environment.  Funding for the training would come from the Nebraska Lottery.

Our session schedule has already been altered this year. Instead of splitting up the day between floor debate in the morning and committee hearings in the afternoon like in years past, we are having committee hearings in the morning and afternoon then will switch to all day debate next month.

I would welcome any comments or ideas you may have.  If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email me at dmurman@leg.ne.gov or call my office at 402-471-2732.