Healthcare

signed · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 762: Require insurance coverage of pediatric autoimmune disorders

LB 762 requires most health insurance policies in Nebraska to cover treatment for two specific pediatric conditions: pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with streptococcal infection (PANDAS) and pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS). It mandates coverage for recommended treatments like antibiotics, medication, behavioral therapy, plasma exchange, and immunoglobulin, directly affecting families of children diagnosed with these conditions and insurers offering health coverage in the state. Insurers must report coverage denials for these treatments annually to the Department of Insurance, which will publish a public report starting in 2028. The bill aims to ensure access to medically necessary care for affected children without insurer denials.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for pediatric autoimmune disorders, expanding treatment access and requiring coverage for specific therapies like antibiotics and behavioral therapy.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

signed · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 1240: Change provisions relating to state recovery under the achieving a better life experience program

LB 1240 modifies Nebraska's ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) program by preventing the state from seeking recovery of funds from an ABLE account after the account holder's death. Specifically, it states that Nebraska cannot recover amounts from the account or distributions made upon death for medical assistance received under the Medical Assistance Act after the account was established. This directly affects Nebraska residents using ABLE accounts who receive state medical assistance, ensuring their beneficiaries won't face repayment claims for prior medical costs. The change amends Section 77-1403(5) of Nebraska law to align with federal ABLE program rules.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcarePrevents state recovery of ABLE funds used for medical assistance, protecting beneficiaries' financial security tied to healthcare benefits under Medical Assistance Act.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

signed · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 940: Prohibit certain color additives in school meals

LB 940 prohibits Nebraska public elementary and secondary schools from serving school meals containing six specific artificial color additives (Blue No. 1, Blue No. 2, Green No. 3, Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, and Yellow No. 6) starting August 1, 2026. The bill applies only to meals served under federal school lunch programs (as defined by the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act and Child Nutrition Act of 1966) and does not cover other food items offered to students. It bases the banned additives on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's list as of January 1, 2026, using federal definitions for "color additive" and "school meal." The policy change directly affects school meal providers and students receiving these meals in Nebraska.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill bans artificial color additives in school meals, a public health measure to improve child nutrition and reduce potential health risks, supporting public health programs under healthcare.80% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

signed · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 912: Adopt the Community Health Worker Training Endorsement Act, the Athletic Trainer Compact, and the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, change provisions relating to child care licensing and the practice of athletic training, respiratory care, massage therapy, medical radiography, nurse practitioners, pharmacy, and pharmacists, provide for liens for physical therapy services and automated pickup kiosks for certain prescription medication, and eliminate provisions relating to physician liability for physician assistants

LB 912, the Community Health Worker Training Endorsement Act, establishes a state system to recognize community health worker (CHW) training programs that meet minimum quality standards. It directly affects CHW training programs and the workers they prepare, enabling these programs to qualify for reimbursement by Medicaid and private insurers. The bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to develop rules by December 2026 defining core competencies, application processes, fees, and oversight for program endorsement. Crucially, it clarifies that this endorsement does not create licensure or certification for CHWs, nor does it expand the scope of practice for licensed health professionals. The key change is creating a standardized pathway for CHW services to be covered by insurance, improving access to community-based health support.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEnables Medicaid/private insurer reimbursement for CHW training programs, expanding coverage and funding for community health services.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

signed · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 722: Provide for use of the Behavioral Health Services Fund for individuals with substance use disorder

Nebraska Legislative Bill LB 722 amends the Behavioral Health Services Fund to explicitly include services for individuals with substance use disorder. The bill clarifies that funds can now be used for behavioral health services specifically for people with substance use disorder, aligning with existing provisions for serious mental illness. This change, which references the definition in Section 71-430, ensures the fund’s resources directly support treatment and housing-related assistance for this population without creating new funding. The bill affects Nebraskans seeking behavioral health services, particularly those with substance use disorder who qualify under the fund’s existing eligibility criteria.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareClarifies Behavioral Health Fund can fund substance use disorder services, expanding access to treatment and aligning with mental health provisions.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

signed · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 1235: Change provisions of the Nebraska Liquor Control Act and the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Regulation Act

LB 1235 updates Nebraska's medical cannabis laws by amending the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Patient Protection Act and Nebraska Medical Cannabis Regulation Act. It establishes a patient and caregiver registry, creates a directory of healthcare practitioners who can recommend cannabis, and sets licensing requirements for practitioners and cannabis businesses. The bill introduces sales tax on medical cannabis (separate from marijuana taxes), outlines commission powers for regulation and enforcement, and defines key terms like "qualified patient" and "allowable amount." These changes directly affect medical cannabis patients, their caregivers, healthcare providers, and the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIntroduces sales tax on medical cannabis, establishing new state revenue source under fiscal management provisions.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates registry/directory for healthcare practitioners to recommend medical cannabis, improving patient access to treatment options within healthcare framework.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

signed · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 1212: Provide for licensure of internationally trained physicians under the Uniform Credentialing Act and change provisions of the Engineers and Architects Regulation Act

LB 1212 creates two new license types for internationally trained physicians in Nebraska who completed medical education outside the U.S. It allows a "limited license" (valid up to 6 years total) requiring supervision by a participating health care entity (like a hospital or health center) and completion of a state-approved assessment program. A "restricted license" would permit independent practice in designated health profession shortage areas after meeting the same requirements. The bill requires physicians to hold ECFMG certification, pass USMLE steps 1 and 2, maintain valid U.S. work authorization, and be employed by a participating entity during the limited license period. This directly affects internationally trained physicians seeking to practice medicine in Nebraska, particularly in underserved rural or urban areas.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates licensure pathways for internationally trained physicians to practice in healthcare shortage areas, directly expanding provider access and addressing workforce gaps in healthcare delivery.92% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationEnables internationally trained physicians (often immigrants) to practice through licensure pathways, supporting professional integration and workforce access.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 322: Prohibit assault on a pharmacist and clarify provisions relating to assault on officers, emergency responders, certain employees, and health care professionals

LB 322 increases penalties for assaulting specific professionals while they are working. It makes assault on pharmacists, healthcare workers (including hospital/clinic staff), and emergency responders a higher felony classification when committed during their duties at pharmacies, hospitals, or clinics. The bill defines "pharmacist" as a state-licensed pharmacy practitioner and "health care professional" to include all employees at healthcare facilities. This amendment enhances existing assault penalties for these targeted groups without creating new prohibitions. The bill is currently postponed indefinitely in Nebraska's legislative process.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill increases penalties for assaulting pharmacists and healthcare workers, strengthening legal protections under criminal justice.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill protects healthcare professionals (pharmacists, hospital staff) from assault by increasing penalties, directly supporting safety of medical professionals per topic definition.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 10, 2026

LR 296: Urge the President of the United States and members of Congress to make permanent changes to the Child and Adult Food Programs

Nebraska's legislature passed Legislative Resolution 296 urging the U.S. President and Congress to permanently extend higher meal reimbursements for childcare centers under the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program. Specifically, it requests making permanent the 2022 Keep Kids Fed Act provisions that provide family day care homes with Tier I reimbursement rates (instead of lower Tier II) and an additional 10 cents per meal. This would directly support Nebraska's 1,283 participating childcare programs serving 23,695 low-income children, ensuring continued access to nutritious meals after current federal funding expired in 2023. The resolution has no binding effect but formally requests federal action.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill seeks permanent higher meal reimbursements for childcare centers under federal food program, directly supporting early childhood education access and funding for providers.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill seeks permanent funding for childcare nutrition programs (Child and Adult Food Program), directly supporting public health initiatives through meal reimbursement increases for child care centers.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 10, 2026

LR 293: Urge the United States Congress to swiftly enact legislation to provide for veterans' access to treatments for traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder

This is a Nebraska legislative resolution (LR 293), not a bill that creates law. It urges the U.S. Congress to quickly pass federal legislation - specifically referencing H.R. 3649, the Veterans National Traumatic Injury Treatment Act - to expand veterans' access to treatments for traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The resolution highlights the need for therapies like hyperbaric oxygen treatment, physical therapy, and cognitive therapy, which are not currently standard in VA care. It directly addresses U.S. Congress members and Nebraska's congressional delegation, requesting they support such federal action.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareUrges federal expansion of veterans' access to TBI/PTSD treatments (hyperbaric oxygen, cognitive therapy), directly advancing patient access to healthcare services.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransUrges federal action to expand veterans' access to TBI/PTSD treatments, directly advancing healthcare access for veterans as per resolution content.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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