This bill amends several sections of Nebraska's statutes related to the Department of Health and Human Services, specifically focusing on the Adult Protective Services Central Registry and the central registry of child protection cases. Key changes include the requirement that individuals who are subject to investigations for abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults or children must be notified of their right to contest the determination before their names are entered into the respective registries. The bill stipulates that if a proper appeal request is made, the individual will not be entered into the registry until a final order is issued by the department. Additionally, the bill establishes a timeline for notifications, requiring that individuals be informed at least fourteen days prior to their name being entered into the registry.

Further amendments include the classification of cases within the central registry, with specific provisions for minors and the circumstances under which cases may be expunged. The bill also clarifies the role of case managers, stating that they must be employees of the department, with the exception of contracted providers for certain prevention cases. The bill aims to enhance the rights of individuals involved in these investigations and ensure that the processes surrounding the registries are transparent and fair.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 28-374.01, 28-713.01, 28-718, 28-720, 68-1212