This bill amends various sections of the Nebraska Revised Statutes to improve the licensing and credentialing processes for marriage and family therapists and to update the Occupational Therapy Practice Act. It establishes a pathway for marriage and family therapists to obtain licensure based on credentials from other jurisdictions, contingent upon meeting specific criteria, including holding a valid license in good standing and passing the Nebraska jurisprudence examination. The bill also revises the scope of practice for occupational therapy, providing a more comprehensive definition of occupational therapy practice and clarifying the roles of occupational therapy aides and assistants.

Additionally, the bill introduces a temporary license for occupational therapy applicants who have completed the necessary education and experience but are awaiting examination results, with specific expiration conditions. It outlines the requirements for occupational therapists to apply physical agent modalities, including board-approved training and certification, and emphasizes the importance of continuing education for both occupational therapists and assistants. Furthermore, the bill amends the Child Care Licensing Act to require proof of liability insurance for child care license applicants and establishes stricter regulations for background checks for child care staff, enhancing safety and quality in child care services while clarifying the responsibilities of occupational therapy practitioners.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 38-2125, 38-2130
Final Reading: 38-2125, 38-2130, 38-2501, 38-2503, 38-2506, 38-2507, 38-2510, 38-2511, 38-2512, 38-2513, 38-2514, 38-2516, 38-2517, 38-2518, 38-2520, 38-2526, 38-2527, 38-2530, 38-2531, 71-1911.03, 71-1912, 71-1913
Slip Law: 38-2125, 38-2130, 38-2501, 38-2503, 38-2506, 38-2507, 38-2510, 38-2511, 38-2512, 38-2513, 38-2514, 38-2516, 38-2517, 38-2518, 38-2520, 38-2526, 38-2527, 38-2530, 38-2531, 71-1911.03, 71-1912, 71-1913