This legislative bill, approved on May 20, amends various sections of the Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska, focusing on public health and welfare. It introduces new definitions and regulations for assistant funeral directors, requiring them to work under a licensed funeral director and enter into collaborative agreements. The bill also modifies the licensure and regulation of hearing instrument specialists, detailing their scope of practice and credentialing requirements. Notably, it mandates Medicaid coverage for psychology services provided by certain practitioners and establishes tuition waivers for eligible students pursuing healthcare professions.

Key insertions in the bill include the definition of "assistant funeral director," the requirement for a jurisprudence examination, and the qualifications necessary for obtaining a hearing instrument specialist license. The bill also expands the responsibilities of hearing instrument specialists, including the use of calibrated audiometric equipment and maintaining proper infection control practices. Additionally, it allows public health clinic workers to dispense certain drugs without a pharmacist's presence and introduces the Rural Health Opportunity Program to encourage healthcare careers in rural areas. Several sections of existing law are repealed, and the act is set to take effect immediately upon passage due to an emergency clause.

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