The proposed bill aims to establish the Nebraska Health Professions Commission, which will replace the existing technical committees responsible for reviewing applications related to health professions. Key amendments include redefining terms and altering the powers and duties of the commission. The commission will be tasked with evaluating proposals for credentialing new health professions and changes in scope of practice, ensuring that public health and safety considerations are prioritized. It will also be required to conduct public hearings and submit annual reports detailing its findings and recommendations to the Legislature.
Significant changes in the bill include the replacement of the term "committee" with "commission" in various sections, reflecting the new structure. The commission will consist of co-chairs from a college of public health and a research institute, along with other appointed members, and will operate under the Open Meetings Act. Additionally, the bill specifies that the commission will not be involved in the implementation of changes but will focus on fact-finding and data analysis to inform legislative decisions. The intent is to allocate funding to support the commission's activities, including data collection and public engagement.
Statutes affected: Introduced: 71-6207, 71-6207.02, 71-6219.01, 71-6223.02, 71-6224, 71-6225, 71-6226, 71-6227