LB 1091 requires Nebraska's Department of Health and Human Services to provide long-term care services (like skilled nursing, nursing facility, and assisted living care) for Medicaid recipients with complex medical needs through fee-for-service Medicaid or other non-risk-based systems - instead of the state's Medicaid managed care program. It directly affects Medicaid recipients with intensive care needs and their healthcare providers, ensuring these services continue outside managed care enrollment. The bill mandates that providers serving these clients cannot be forced to join managed care organizations, while preserving care continuity and preventing increased state costs. Key provisions include defining "special needs" clients and requiring the department to update contracts and rules within six months of the law's effective date.
LB 955 allows pharmacists in Nebraska to form written practice agreements with physician assistants (PAs) who work under collaborative agreements with physicians. These agreements enable PAs to coordinate with pharmacists to provide pharmaceutical care under specific written protocols for monitored or initiated therapies. The bill requires pharmacists to notify both the Pharmacy Board and the PA's licensing board about agreements, include signed protocols, and review agreements every two years. This change directly affects pharmacists, PAs, and their supervising physicians by creating a formalized process for collaborative patient care.
LB 762 requires most health insurance policies in Nebraska to cover treatment for two specific pediatric conditions: pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with streptococcal infection (PANDAS) and pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS). It mandates coverage for recommended treatments like antibiotics, medication, behavioral therapy, plasma exchange, and immunoglobulin, directly affecting families of children diagnosed with these conditions and insurers offering health coverage in the state. Insurers must report coverage denials for these treatments annually to the Department of Insurance, which will publish a public report starting in 2028. The bill aims to ensure access to medically necessary care for affected children without insurer denials.
LB 1240 modifies Nebraska's ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) program by preventing the state from seeking recovery of funds from an ABLE account after the account holder's death. Specifically, it states that Nebraska cannot recover amounts from the account or distributions made upon death for medical assistance received under the Medical Assistance Act after the account was established. This directly affects Nebraska residents using ABLE accounts who receive state medical assistance, ensuring their beneficiaries won't face repayment claims for prior medical costs. The change amends Section 77-1403(5) of Nebraska law to align with federal ABLE program rules.
LB 912, the Community Health Worker Training Endorsement Act, establishes a state system to recognize community health worker (CHW) training programs that meet minimum quality standards. It directly affects CHW training programs and the workers they prepare, enabling these programs to qualify for reimbursement by Medicaid and private insurers. The bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to develop rules by December 2026 defining core competencies, application processes, fees, and oversight for program endorsement. Crucially, it clarifies that this endorsement does not create licensure or certification for CHWs, nor does it expand the scope of practice for licensed health professionals. The key change is creating a standardized pathway for CHW services to be covered by insurance, improving access to community-based health support.
Nebraska Legislative Bill LB 722 amends the Behavioral Health Services Fund to explicitly include services for individuals with substance use disorder. The bill clarifies that funds can now be used for behavioral health services specifically for people with substance use disorder, aligning with existing provisions for serious mental illness. This change, which references the definition in Section 71-430, ensures the fund’s resources directly support treatment and housing-related assistance for this population without creating new funding. The bill affects Nebraskans seeking behavioral health services, particularly those with substance use disorder who qualify under the fund’s existing eligibility criteria.
LB 1235 updates Nebraska's medical cannabis laws by amending the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Patient Protection Act and Nebraska Medical Cannabis Regulation Act. It establishes a patient and caregiver registry, creates a directory of healthcare practitioners who can recommend cannabis, and sets licensing requirements for practitioners and cannabis businesses. The bill introduces sales tax on medical cannabis (separate from marijuana taxes), outlines commission powers for regulation and enforcement, and defines key terms like "qualified patient" and "allowable amount." These changes directly affect medical cannabis patients, their caregivers, healthcare providers, and the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission.
LB 1212 creates two new license types for internationally trained physicians in Nebraska who completed medical education outside the U.S. It allows a "limited license" (valid up to 6 years total) requiring supervision by a participating health care entity (like a hospital or health center) and completion of a state-approved assessment program. A "restricted license" would permit independent practice in designated health profession shortage areas after meeting the same requirements. The bill requires physicians to hold ECFMG certification, pass USMLE steps 1 and 2, maintain valid U.S. work authorization, and be employed by a participating entity during the limited license period. This directly affects internationally trained physicians seeking to practice medicine in Nebraska, particularly in underserved rural or urban areas.
Nebraska bill LB 676 changes regulations for certified nurse midwives by eliminating required "practice agreements" between midwives and collaborating physicians. It updates definitions and scope of practice provisions (amending sections 38-206, 38-601, 38-603, 38-604, 38-606, 38-607, 38-608, 38-610, 38-611, and 44-2803) and makes the Nebraska Hospital-Medical Liability Act apply to midwives. The bill removes outdated sections (38-609, 38-613, and 38-614) while keeping midwives' core services - like prenatal care, childbirth support, and gynecological care - unchanged. This affects certified nurse midwives, their collaborative relationships with physicians, and their medical liability coverage under state law.
LB 322 increases penalties for assaulting specific professionals while they are working. It makes assault on pharmacists, healthcare workers (including hospital/clinic staff), and emergency responders a higher felony classification when committed during their duties at pharmacies, hospitals, or clinics. The bill defines "pharmacist" as a state-licensed pharmacy practitioner and "health care professional" to include all employees at healthcare facilities. This amendment enhances existing assault penalties for these targeted groups without creating new prohibitions. The bill is currently postponed indefinitely in Nebraska's legislative process.
