The bill amends various sections of the Nebraska Revised Statutes to improve the licensure process for marriage and family therapists and update the Occupational Therapy Practice Act. It allows for the issuance of licenses to marriage and family therapists based on licensure in other jurisdictions, provided they meet specific criteria, including holding a valid license in good standing and passing the Nebraska jurisprudence examination. Additionally, the bill introduces a temporary license for occupational therapy applicants who have completed the necessary education and experience, enabling them to practice under supervision until they obtain a permanent license.

Key updates to the Occupational Therapy Practice Act include new definitions and clarifications regarding the roles of occupational therapy aides and assistants, as well as the modalities used in practice, such as "electromagnetic modality" and "instrument-assisted modality." The bill emphasizes the importance of training and competency in occupational therapy, while also establishing a framework for supervision between therapists and assistants. In terms of child care licensing, the bill mandates proof of liability insurance coverage and outlines penalties for noncompliance, along with a process for conducting national criminal history record checks for child care staff to ensure safety in child care settings.

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