Health and Human Services Committee
February 19, 2025
Committee Chair: Sen. Hardin | Bills Heard: 5 | Full Transcript (PDF)
LB376: Changes and eliminates reports, programs, and services within the Department of Health and Human Services
Introduced by: Sen. Hardin | Testimony: 2 proponents, 1 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
DHHS seeks to slash reporting requirements, eliminate palliative care oversight in sweeping government efficiency bill. The Health and Human Services Committee heard LB376, which would eliminate 28 of 79 statutorily required reports submitted by the Department of Health and Human Services, citing administrative burden and lack of legislative use. The bill also repeals Nebraska's Palliative Care and Quality of Life Act and removes the county requirement to provide office space for DHHS.
Why it matters: DHHS submitted 115 reports in 2024—one every two business days totaling 1,804 pages—straining department resources. But eliminating palliative care oversight could undermine years of work to improve access to these services for cancer patients and others with serious illnesses.
What they're saying: - Proponents: Nicole Barrett (DHHS) said many eliminated reports haven't been modified since 2012 and generate no legislative inquiries. Data collection will continue through dashboards and public records requests. Beth Bazyn Ferrell (County Officials) called the office space elimination an overdue removal of an unfunded mandate dating to 1982. - Opponents: Megan Word (American Cancer Society) warned that repealing the Palliative Care Act "sets the work to increase access to palliative care for Nebraskans back to square one" after progress in 2017-2023.
By the numbers: 28 reports eliminated, 2 with sunsets, 7 modified; 39 unique reports remain. Online comments: 2 proponents, 3 opponents.
What's next: No vote was taken. Sen. Hardin closed by noting the department plans to centralize data collection rather than eliminate it.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Riepe, Sen. Hansen, Sen. Quick Skeptical: Sen. Fredrickson
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB516: Eliminates requirement for counties to maintain Department of Health and Human Services office and service facilities
Introduced by: Sen. Quick | Testimony: 2 proponents, 0 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
County officials seek relief from 42-year-old mandate to fund state health offices. Sen. Quick introduced LB516 to eliminate a requirement dating to 1982 that counties provide office space for the Department of Health and Human Services. The bill would transfer facility responsibility to the state, removing what county officials call an unfunded mandate.
Why it matters: Counties have been required to maintain the same amount of office space for DHHS as they did for welfare programs in 1983. Sarpy County alone spends roughly $84,000 annually on this requirement. As DHHS services have regionalized and moved online, many counties no longer need physical offices.
What they're saying: - Proponents: Tim Gay (Sarpy County) presented five-year spending data showing the real cost of the mandate. Beth Bazyn Ferrell (County Officials) noted that 49 of 93 counties were not providing office space as of 2019, suggesting the requirement is outdated.
By the numbers: 49 counties not providing space as of 2019; Sarpy County spends ~$84,000 annually. Online comments: 2 proponents, 0 opponents.
What's next: No vote was taken. Sen. Hansen noted this bill may be redundant if LB376 passes, as that bill already includes elimination of the county office space requirement.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Riepe, Sen. Hansen
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB332: Allows Medicaid reimbursement for psychological services provided by doctoral level psychology interns
Introduced by: Sen. Hardin | Testimony: 2 proponents, 0 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Rural mental health clinic seeks to restore Medicaid coverage for psychology interns after program closure. Sen. Hardin introduced LB332 to allow Medicaid reimbursement for doctoral-level psychology interns supervised by licensed psychologists. The bill addresses Nebraska's acute mental health provider shortage, particularly in rural areas where the Panhandle has only one psychiatrist.
Why it matters: A Scottsbluff psychology clinic expanded from 2 to 8 clinicians using federal grant funding, but was forced to close its APA-accredited internship program when DHHS withdrew Medicaid reimbursement for interns. The clinic now turns away roughly 10 people weekly seeking mental health services. Restoring reimbursement could help recruit and retain psychologists in underserved areas.
What they're saying: - Proponents: Dr. Anne Talbot (Options in Psychology) said the loss of reimbursement "shut down our internship site" despite the program's success in training rural psychologists. Anne DeMaranville (clinic manager) noted the clinic maintains a 30+ person waitlist and that DHHS has created barriers by requiring interns to credential as provisionally licensed mental health practitioners instead of psychology interns.
By the numbers: Clinic expanded from 2 to 8 clinicians; turns away ~10 people weekly; 30+ person waitlist. Online comments: 14 proponents, 0 opponents.
What's next: No vote was taken. Sen. Hardin closed by noting the Panhandle's severe provider shortage and describing the internship program as a "savior" for rural mental health access.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Ballard Skeptical: Sen. Riepe Unclear: Sen. Fredrickson
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB382: Appropriates $2 million per fiscal year from the Medicaid Managed Care Excess Profit Fund to area agencies on aging
Introduced by: Sen. Meyer | Testimony: 6 proponents, 0 opponents, 1 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Aging advocates plead for $4 million lifeline as senior meal programs close and waiting lists grow. Sen. Meyer introduced LB382 to appropriate $2 million annually from the Medicaid Managed Care Excess Profit Fund to address a $4 million deficit in Nebraska's area agencies on aging. The bill would fund Meals on Wheels and senior meal centers that are closing due to rising food and labor costs.
Why it matters: Nebraska's 65+ population is growing 30% every five years. For many seniors, especially in rural areas, home-delivered meals are their only nutritious hot meal daily. More than 20 senior centers have closed statewide in five years, with 10 more pending closure. Aging in place with community support costs far less than institutional care.
What they're saying: - Proponents: Randy Jones (Aging Partners) said the Lincoln Meals on Wheels program was cut from 500 to 325 recipients due to funding. Erin Arensdorf (West Central AAA) reported expenses up 23.8% since 2018 while funding rose only 14.2%. Volunteers testified that daily meal delivery provides critical health check-ins—one volunteer called 911 after a senior didn't answer the door. - Neutral: John Meals (DHHS CFO) warned the MCO Excess Profit Fund revenue is not guaranteed and could be depleted, requiring general fund support.
By the numbers: 36,123 seniors served in 2024; 1,360,546 meals delivered; 20+ senior centers closed in five years; 30% population growth every five years. Online comments: 27 proponents, 1 opponent, 2 neutral.
What's next: No vote was taken. Sen. Meyer closed by emphasizing this addresses immediate needs, not future "what-ifs," and that proper management should prevent future shortfalls.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Riepe, Sen. Hansen, Sen. Ballard
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB281: Consolidates regulation of advanced practice registered nurses under the Board of Nursing
Introduced by: Sen. Quick | Testimony: 3 proponents, 0 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Nursing groups unite to consolidate regulation, eliminate physician oversight of advanced practice nurses. Sen. Quick introduced LB281 to merge the separate Board of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses into the Board of Nursing, reducing total board membership from 21 to 16. The bill aligns Nebraska with national standards and eliminates physician governance of nursing practice.
Why it matters: Nebraska is the only state with separate nursing and APRN boards. The current system is inefficient—the Board of Nursing meets monthly while the APRN Board meets quarterly, causing delays in disciplinary action. Consolidation will reduce regulatory costs and streamline oversight of all nurses under one board.
What they're saying: - Proponents: Kent Rogert (Nurse Anesthetists) said the association developed this bill as a sensible alternative to simply eliminating the APRN Board. Dr. Linda Hardy (Nebraska Nurses Association) emphasized that "nursing should regulate nursing" and that having three MDs on the APRN Board is inappropriate. Ann Young (Nurse Practitioners) noted consolidation does not change scope of practice.
By the numbers: 33,000 RNs, 5,000 LPNs, 5,000 APRNs in Nebraska (4,000 nurse practitioners, 750 anesthetists, 71 clinical specialists, 66 midwives). Online comments: 23 proponents, 0 opponents, 1 neutral.
What's next: No vote was taken. Sen. Quick closed by noting his wife has been a nurse for 46 years and expressing hope the bill will pass.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Riepe, Sen. Fredrickson
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
Session Notes
The committee heard five bills on February 19, 2025. Committee Chair Sen. Hardin introduced LB376 and LB332. The hearing was conducted under the three-minute light system. Online comments were submitted for all bills heard. No votes were taken on any bills during this hearing. The committee will continue with additional hearings on other bills.
Generated by NE Wire Service | Source: Nebraska Legislature Transcribers Office This is an AI-generated summary. Verify all claims against the official transcript.