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 collaborative agreements required 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 introduces tuition waivers for eligible students, enhancing access to healthcare education.

In the Hearing Instrument Specialists Practice Act, the bill updates licensing and practice requirements, extending the term for appointed board members and clarifying that only licensed individuals may order and fit hearing instruments. It introduces a temporary training license for individuals preparing for the licensing examination and revises the examination process to include various components. The bill emphasizes compliance with state and federal regulations, mandates annual reporting for organizations employing licensed specialists, and outlines specific qualifications for cerumen removal. Furthermore, it expands the board's composition and enhances healthcare access by allowing public health clinic workers to dispense certain medications without a pharmacist's presence, while also expanding Medicaid coverage for various services. Overall, the legislation aims to improve healthcare delivery and regulatory standards in Nebraska.

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