This legislative bill amends various sections of the Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska, focusing on public health and welfare. It introduces definitions and provisions for "assistant funeral directors," allowing them to assist licensed funeral directors under specific collaborative agreements. The bill also modifies the licensure and regulation of hearing instrument specialists, clarifying their scope of practice and credentialing requirements. Additionally, it mandates Medicaid coverage for psychology services provided by certain practitioners and establishes tuition waivers for eligible students through a new Rural Health Opportunity Program aimed at encouraging healthcare careers in rural areas.

Key insertions include the definition of "assistant funeral director," the requirements for their employment, and collaborative agreements with licensed funeral directors. The bill also updates the Hearing Instrument Specialists Practice Act, extending the term for appointed members and clarifying that licensed audiologists are exempt from needing a hearing instrument specialist license if they dispense hearing instruments. It mandates face-to-face hearing assessments before fitting or ordering hearing instruments and outlines the qualifications for obtaining a hearing instrument specialist license. Furthermore, the bill allows public health clinic workers to dispense certain drugs without a pharmacist's onsite presence and introduces regulations for emergency prescription refills, enhancing healthcare access and services 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