Health and Human Services Committee
January 22, 2026
Committee Chair: Sen. Brian Hardin | Bills Heard: 4 | Full Transcript (PDF)
LB735: Respiratory Care Interstate Compact
Introduced by: Sen. Victor Rountree | Testimony: 2 proponents, 0 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Nebraska moves to join Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, streamlining licensing for therapists. The bill would allow licensed respiratory care therapists from member states to practice in Nebraska without repeating full licensure, reducing typical 6-8 week delays. Currently five states participate; seven others are considering it.
Why it matters: Military families and therapists living on state borders frequently relocate and currently must maintain multiple licenses. Faster licensing helps recruit healthcare workers to Nebraska while preserving state regulatory authority over scope of practice and discipline.
What they're saying: - Proponents: The compact is backed by the Department of Defense and Council of State Governments. Nebraska has 1,700 licensed respiratory therapists, mostly near military installations in Omaha and Lincoln. The $38,000 software cost can be recouped through licensing fees. - Committee concerns: Sen. Hardin warned that Nebraska historically sets high entry barriers for compacts, sometimes leaving the state isolated. He urged balancing safety with welcoming participation.
By the numbers: Five states currently in compact; seven more considering it. Nebraska has 1,700 licensed respiratory therapists.
What's next: No vote was taken. DHHS requested implementation delay until January 1, 2027 for FBI approval of background check statute changes. Committee indicated willingness to move forward with amendments addressing reimbursement language.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Hardin Skeptical: Sen. Riepe
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB736: Athletic Trainer Interstate Compact
Introduced by: Sen. Victor Rountree | Testimony: 2 proponents, 0 opponents, 3 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Nebraska poised to join Athletic Trainer Interstate Compact as eight states move simultaneously. The compact allows licensed athletic trainers to practice across state lines using a single qualifying license, with the agreement becoming effective once seven states enact it. Eight states have already introduced legislation; surrounding states South Dakota and Kansas are expected to follow.
Why it matters: Athletic trainers in border communities currently must maintain separate licenses in multiple states. The compact streamlines licensing for military families, enables remote athletic training via digital health, and improves continuity of care for patients who relocate—particularly important for university athletes who leave campus seasonally.
What they're saying: - Proponents: Over 500 athletic trainers practice in Nebraska. OrthoNebraska and UNMC regularly cover events in Iowa but must maintain dual licenses. One AT holds 40 licenses across 40 states for remote work. The compact preserves state authority over discipline and scope of practice. - Committee: Sen. Hardin asked detailed questions about qualifications and disciplinary information sharing among member states.
By the numbers: Eight states introducing legislation; compact effective upon seven-state enactment. Nebraska has 500+ licensed athletic trainers.
What's next: No vote taken. Committee indicated support. Testifiers noted surrounding states South Dakota and Kansas expected to introduce similar legislation during 2026 cycle.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Riepe, Sen. Hardin
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB887: Pharmacist licensure and prescription transfer provisions
Introduced by: Sen. Bob Hallstrom | Testimony: 3 proponents, 0 opponents, 1 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Nebraska pharmacists win four practice updates, including allowing law exam before graduation and multiple prescription transfers. The bill modernizes pharmacy regulations by permitting accredited programs to determine MPJE timing, correcting a supervision error, enabling prescription transfers across pharmacies, and eliminating a defunct reporting requirement.
Why it matters: Current law forces students to take the pharmacy law exam after graduation, creating delays in residency placement and job starts. Allowing pre-graduation testing aligns Nebraska with five border states already using the new Uniform MPJE. Multiple prescription transfers help patients avoid therapy delays when relocating or changing pharmacies due to insurance changes.
What they're saying: - Proponents: Pharmacy is the only health care profession on campus required to pass a stand-alone law exam; students call it "Nebraska Trivial Pursuit." Five border states have already adopted the Uniform MPJE. Current one-transfer limit creates barriers when patients relocate or face drug shortages. Parkinson's reporting is redundant since DHHS stopped administering the program in 2020. - Skeptics: Sen. Hansen questioned why the exam is mandatory rather than voluntary and whether existing law already allows same-system transfers. Testifiers acknowledged five states don't require the exam without reported problems.
By the numbers: Nebraska pharmacy school has 69 first-year students. MPJE costs $355 per state ($100 application + $85 eligibility + $170 exam). One AT holds 40 licenses across states.
What's next: No vote taken. Multiple amendments needed: drafting corrections, emergency clause for immediate implementation, and Retail Federation language on controlled substance transfers. Hallstrom requested inclusion in committee package.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Riepe, Sen. Meyer Skeptical: Sen. Hansen
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB721: Intergenerational Care Facility Incentive Grant Program refinement
Introduced by: Sen. Dan Quick | Testimony: 2 proponents, 0 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Nebraska seeks to unblock $200,000 in stalled intergenerational care grants by allowing expansion funding and for-profit facilities. The 2024 Intergenerational Care Facility Incentive Grant Program appropriated $300,000 but only $100,000 has been awarded in five application rounds. LB721 removes two barriers: the start-up-only restriction and an administrative decision excluding for-profit facilities.
Why it matters: Intergenerational care facilities address dual workforce challenges by offering on-site childcare to recruit and retain nursing home staff while providing emotional benefits to seniors. Approximately 13 existing facilities want to expand but are ineligible under current rules. The model allows shared infrastructure (kitchens, maintenance, outdoor areas), improving sustainability.
What they're saying: - Proponents: DHHS restricted for-profit facilities in February 2025 despite statute explicitly including them. The $100,000 maximum is insufficient for building modifications. One rural community is already working on expansions. The grant remains open with applications due February 12, suggesting funds are still available. - Committee concerns: The Medicaid Managed Care Excess Profit Fund is severely strained; six bills were cut last year and General Fund was tapped for millions. Chair Hardin warned against relying on that fund and advised future bills to use General Fund instead. Sen. Hansen suggested preventing same applicant from receiving funds multiple times.
By the numbers: $300,000 appropriated; $100,000 awarded; approximately 13 existing facilities seeking expansion eligibility.
What's next: No vote taken. Committee expressed support for concept but concern about fund sustainability. Potential amendment needed to prevent duplicate awards. Chair Hardin indicated preference for General Fund appropriation rather than Medicaid Managed Care Excess Profit Fund.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Riepe Skeptical: Sen. Hansen, Sen. Meyer Unclear: Sen. Hardin
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
Session Notes
Committee Chair Hardin provided detailed procedural instructions at opening, including testifier sheet locations, 3-minute light system, and written position comment deadline of 8 a.m. on hearing day via legislature.nebraska.gov. Committee members introduced: Sen. Merv Riepe (District 12), Sen. John Fredrickson (District 20), Sen. Glen Meyer (District 17), Sen. Dan Quick (District 35). Legal counsel John Duggar and clerk Barb Dorn assisted. Student pages Sydney Cochran (UNL history) and Demet Gedik (UNL political science) also introduced. A 5-minute break was taken between LB736 and LB887 to allow Sen. Hallstrom to arrive. Chair Hardin made extended remarks about Nebraska's historically high entry barriers for interstate compacts, noting the state sometimes 'plays by ourselves on the playground.' He also issued strong warning about bills relying on Medicaid Managed Care Excess Profit Fund, stating such bills 'won't make it out of this committee' given the $471 million budget shortfall and noting six bills were cut last year from that fund.
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