This legislative bill amends various sections of the Revised Statutes of Nebraska, focusing on the Funeral Directing and Embalming Practice Act and the Hearing Instrument Specialists Practice Act. It introduces the role of assistant funeral directors, detailing their responsibilities and the requirements for collaborative agreements with licensed funeral directors. The bill also establishes new definitions, such as "assistant funeral director," and outlines their limitations, particularly concerning embalming activities. Additionally, it mandates that certain psychological services be covered by Medicaid and provides tuition waivers for eligible students, enhancing access to healthcare education.

In the Hearing Instrument Specialists Practice Act, the bill updates licensing and practice requirements, including extending the term for appointed board members and clarifying that licensed audiologists are exempt from needing a hearing instrument specialist license if they dispense hearing instruments. It introduces a temporary training license for individuals preparing for the licensing examination and revises the examination process to include written and practical tests. The bill emphasizes compliance with state and federal regulations in the sale of hearing instruments and mandates detailed assessments and proper documentation for specialists. Furthermore, it establishes a Rural Health Opportunity Program to encourage healthcare careers in rural areas and includes provisions for coverage of translation services and specific healthcare services under Medicaid.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 68-911
Final Reading: 38-511, 38-1401, 38-1402, 38-1413, 38-1424, 38-1501, 38-1502, 38-1504, 38-1505, 38-1508, 38-1509, 38-1510, 38-1511, 38-1512, 38-1513, 38-1514, 38-2849, 38-2884, 68-911
Slip Law: 38-511, 38-1401, 38-1402, 38-1413, 38-1424, 38-1501, 38-1502, 38-1504, 38-1505, 38-1508, 38-1509, 38-1510, 38-1511, 38-1512, 38-1513, 38-1514, 38-2849, 38-2884, 68-911