[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6304061,"mediaKeyId","2469185-f64728187ead92af7eedad3434fa73f6","parentId",2469185,"title","Committee considers bill to let behavioral health regions expand services and broaden housing aid eligibility","audioSeconds",2068,"startMs",5368000,"endMs",7436000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2469185-f64728187ead92af7eedad3434fa73f6&start=5368&end=7436","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2469185-f64728187ead92af7eedad3434fa73f6/thumbnail_5368000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6304061/Nebraska/Committee-considers-bill-to-let-behavioral-health-regions-expand-services-and-broaden-housing-aid-eligibility","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6304061-05ef129cbac548572d8deda5e29487f1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190049&Signature=gucjWOOj0BCjoeR-zi3TCk1G8HtObbi910pPsOnOlxER0tm8PPZc0Q7cbSjvMp0qygFC0FdUl-yYo8DmIPONrHXRnftNSH0SmOkRE8iUs6d2voiTQ1s5FgdMRGtQeJWQfSpGR9QNRzPy30nXZaEiA9TCJoNj13cPRXxIElh37dz5sQkiGTUFIcKYDMLNK2NJ0yqOy5wqhKZpf7EVLm6qc8wKmaLh-HV0mMIaH-oOLEqVN8Xy8EN32ozmWbGvsSwoFpNmduDCizODEg3mcw3btfwtK5JcQxi5rt~P2myNi3y8q6f3RZL4QCFXU~IAKA-SsQ9sQm8ZZOxIUKfraIrUUQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Nebraska Legislature","date","2025-02-28T00:00:00Z","article","Senator Dan Quick, sponsor of LB454, told the Health and Human Services Committee the bill is intended to increase access to behavioral health services by giving regional behavioral health authorities (RBHAs) more procedural flexibility when contracting with providers and by clarifying that the regions’ housing assistance funds may be used for people with primary substance use disorder diagnoses as well as for people with serious mental illness.

Under current law, Quick said, regions must run a public competitive bidding process to enroll or expand providers; the bill would allow regions to contract directly with existing providers in their networks to add services and to run one‑year pilot projects approved by HHS without the full RFP process. Supporters said the RFP requirement often slows efforts to start time‑sensitive pilot projects and disincentivizes small providers from applying.

Department of Health and Human Services Division of Behavioral Health director Dr. Thomas Janousek testified in support but asked the committee to remove the bill’s explicit pilot‑project language, arguing regions can already run pilot projects if they contract directly; the requested technical change would strike restrictive pilot definitions that limit extension and potentially create unnecessary statutory constraints.

Regional administrators and community providers described how the flexibility would let them react faster to local needs. Region 3 (central Nebraska) and Mid Plains Center (Grand Island) gave examples: a new emergency family support pilot launched quickly because region staff could partner with local providers and use available ARPA funds; without faster contracting the service could have been delayed months by an RFP. Supporters argued being able to contract quickly is especially important where workforce shortages or local crises require immediate service launches.

The bill also clarifies the definition of eligible recipients for the regional housing assistance (supported housing) program. Region 5 and other regional witnesses said the housing vouchers funded by the state’s documentary stamp tax currently focus on people with serious mental illness; LB454 would explicitly allow regions to serve people with substance use disorders who need housing supports. Region 5 said the regions had housed about 734 people so far in the fiscal year and had about 64 people on a wait list for housing assistance; proponents said expanding eligibility to people with substance use disorders aligns with federal priorities and the regions’ community care role.

Members asked about oversight and safeguards: DHHS said regions would continue to contract with oversight and the Department could require outcomes and programmatic reporting. DHHS also noted the need to prioritize capital projects funded from the opioid treatment infrastructure cash fund and recommended a narrow technical change to remove prescriptive pilot language that could prevent necessary adjustments to pilot timelines.

Proponents — regional administrators, Mid Plains Center and NAVHO (Nebraska Association of Behavioral Health Organizations) — urged the committee to advance LB454 to general file to reduce administrative barriers and speed community responses to behavioral health needs. No formal committee vote occurred at the hearing.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Health and Human Services Committee - 2/28/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Sen. Dan Quick told the HHS Committee LB454 would let regional behavioral health authorities expand services within their existing provider networks without going through a time‑consuming public RFP process and would clarify that regions may use housing assistance funds to serve people with substance use disorders.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature NE, Nebraska","taxId",77675,"location","Nebraska","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6304065,"Nebraska committee hears bill to require Medicaid coverage for doula services",5688,230000,5918000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2469185-f64728187ead92af7eedad3434fa73f6&start=230&end=5918","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2469185-f64728187ead92af7eedad3434fa73f6/thumbnail_230000.jpg","/articles/6304065/Nebraska/Nebraska-committee-hears-bill-to-require-Medicaid-coverage-for-doula-services","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6304065-0e56e6c341384d210124e1b353bde54d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190049&Signature=l78Qp1fJQuGuOmYmyeLBp17lNmRlzg6ixHELeAg-iwTnZiNRxCJXUFiVYjW~4VoCSJce3YDxW0PIoAcy06Wqbc6fRIVwGnDlZ2OYii1X9-st2pzguQA41Ebu2UpUedXGQ01KeJXWd1lpxxqcSbrZH-Dwe061qaYJZhzbFyi5TlEMCoDownv7PbsxVjReYtWFCZZ58iH2x2obAw6Nw3uaVxArHMyEBVl-XqO~PpBQgTmd9W4l0iCpX9X6-RUNvBiYN4NOPmkWCKqGmAsfVB~nYPSjkfbE7i76rkkmmaJt8DazgWW75U7sPy79cDmxOA7PfhuWZ~xzhvIudn3b4EnGEg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Nebraska Sen. Ashley Spivey, sponsor of LB701, told the Health and Human Services Committee the bill would define full‑spectrum doula services and require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to convene a statewide, multidisciplinary stakeholder group to develop and submit a Medicaid state plan amendment to reimburse doula services for people covered by Medicaid.

Spivey called the state’s maternal‑health statistics alarming and said doulas — trained, nonmedical birth companions who provide emotional, informational and physical support before, during and after childbirth — are an evidence‑based intervention that can improve outcomes for birthing people and infants.

Committee members heard about existing pilot programs and local training efforts and were shown a draft amendment that would narrow the coverage language to Medicaid‑reimbursed doula services. Proponents — including practicing doulas, nurses, a CHI Health OBGYN and representatives of DONA International and community health clinics — described doulas’ role in birth planning, support during labor, postpartum follow‑up and addressing social needs such as transportation and food assistance.

Supporters cited national and local evidence that continuous doula support is associated with reduced cesarean delivery rates, lower preterm births and higher rates of breastfeeding initiation. Senator Spivey and multiple testifiers said some states already reimburse doulas through Medicaid; as of January 2025, 13 states and Washington, D.C., had implemented Medicaid coverage for doula services and others were working on implementation. Spivey told the committee HHS and the stakeholder group would define the competencies, any approved trainings or certifications and the reimbursement structure before submitting the state plan amendment to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Several practicing doulas explained how they match with clients, provide prenatal visits, accompany clients for labor and delivery, and offer postpartum support. CHI Health representatives described a local pilot that enrolled roughly 50 patients and reported that doulas helped connect patients to care, improved attendance at prenatal visits and supported breastfeeding and postpartum recovery. DONA International urged the committee to involve the doula community in designing training, eligibility and reimbursement so the benefit is sustainable and aligns with market rates. Testimony included estimates of private pay rates for doulas that ranged up to about $2,000 and a TRICARE pilot reimbursement example at roughly $1,627.88.

On fiscal questions, Spivey said she had worked with the Legislature’s fiscal staff and expected a revised fiscal note showing a lower initial state cost than an earlier estimate; she cited an initial two‑year projection discussed with fiscal staff of about $16,000 in the first year and $120,000 for a subsequent year and said the bill would use a dedicated cash fund — the same cash fund used for the state’s prenatal program — as the intended pay source. She said HHS would have discretion to revert to general funds if the cash fund were exhausted.

Committee members asked procedural and programmatic questions: how doulas differ from midwives (midwives are licensed medical professionals; doulas are not), whether doulas can operate alongside midwives and OBs (yes), whether doulas must be credentialed under the Uniform Credentialing Act (no, because they are not medical providers), and how the workgroup would set competencies and reimbursement (HHS and the stakeholder group would decide and then submit the state plan amendment to CMS). Spivey emphasized the bill does not prescribe a single credentialing model; instead the stakeholder group would recommend eligibility and competency standards appropriate for Nebraska.

Supporters urged the committee to advance LB701 so that pilot data and local collaborations can inform the HHS workgroup and reimbursement design. Spivey closed by asking the committee to move the bill so she and HHS can continue work on the draft amendment and the funding source.

The committee did not take a formal vote during the hearing.

The hearing record includes dozens of proponent witnesses — practicing doulas, clinicians and advocates — who described clinical, social and economic rationales for Medicaid‑funded doula services. The bill as drafted directs HHS to form the multidisciplinary group, develop competency standards and submit a Medicaid state plan amendment; it does not itself set the reimbursement rate, certification list or an effective date.","Senator Ashley Spivey, sponsor of LB701, told the Health and Human Services Committee LB701 would require Nebraska HHS to form a stakeholder group and seek a Medicaid state plan amendment to reimburse doula services for Medicaid enrollees.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6304052,"Lawmakers hear bill to add dietitian‑nutritionists to Nebraska loan‑repayment incentive program",9323,9335000,11674,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2469185-f64728187ead92af7eedad3434fa73f6&start=9335&end=11","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2469185-f64728187ead92af7eedad3434fa73f6/thumbnail_9335000.jpg","/articles/6304052/Nebraska/Lawmakers-hear-bill-to-add-dietitiannutritionists-to-Nebraska-loanrepayment-incentive-program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6304052-1d7c9969e4c9dc432f128368221a3116/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190049&Signature=WSB3Msw-ef7msOhwoujHLeKevnrAEHt8NQNvZryihXg3n4NBieohD1ChqZKYeMYEU5o0HJmaLyMPLINYgxOLcL1T2dro3-lnjjp7zIWCMQ0gymjO81r16GQ7z6ZeYcnnMUIxq6fX0LlrAEHYoS~pgeSDcltz2fQ-pGN7LmAB47yuDfF00LCMrNRGOu~BzdIB90UxuVFN9aL-Nf1vbVtFXDWmN3~BrFPvdVcPZfWGNpGFhk2o4VAa5imEiNfYDW2rbubY1jk8gZYxRVpgdPMc1-iVLbvnlqvO6~0x3knVTi3JR3InTuT4mA4akLMn5HG6VIfuSLZqgPdjojQ1hZt-Jw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senator Merv Riepke introduced LB553 to expand the state’s health workforce incentives to include licensed dietitian‑nutritionists (registered dietitians) under the statute that supports loan repayment and recruitment for health professionals who practice in underserved areas.

Riepke said dietitians play an important preventive and clinical role — particularly in rural communities and in managing chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity — and argued that including dietitians in the loan‑repayment statute would help recruit and retain professionals in underserved areas. He noted that while GLP‑1 medications (weight‑loss drugs) have a role, they are not a substitute for nutrition care and long‑term lifestyle changes that dietitians provide.

Representatives of the Nebraska Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the University of Nebraska Medical Center's medical nutrition programs described statewide shortages of dietitians, especially outside the Omaha‑Lincoln metro area. UNMC students and practicing dietitians explained that completing an accredited program and supervised practice culminates in a registered dietitian credential (now commonly a graduate‑level pathway) and that rural hospitals, skilled‑nursing facilities and outpatient clinics often lack local dietitians. Several witnesses said patients travel long distances to access specialty nutrition care (for feeding disorders, complex metabolic conditions, or malnutrition management) and that telehealth can help but does not replace the value of in‑person clinical assessment for many pediatric and complex cases.

Witnesses supplied a statewide map showing that many Nebraska counties have few or no licensed dietitians. They argued that medical nutrition therapy is cost‑effective in treating and preventing chronic disease — citing research on per‑patient savings and improved outcomes — and that including dietitians in the Rural Health Systems and Professional Incentives Act (the statute named in testimony) would align workforce incentives with patient need. Students testified they would be more likely to practice in Central and Western Nebraska if loan‑repayment opportunities were available.

Committee members asked questions about education pathways (current requirements include a graduate degree and supervised practice), where dietitians practice (hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics) and whether telehealth is an alternative (witnesses said telehealth helps but in‑person care is often required for complex pediatric feeding and malnutrition cases). There was no opposition testimony at the hearing; supporters urged the committee to advance LB553 so Nebraska can strengthen preventive nutrition services in underserved communities.","Sen. Merv Riepke introduced LB553 to add licensed dietitian‑nutritionists to Nebraska's loan‑repayment incentives for health professionals who agree to practice in underserved or rural areas.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6304056,"Bill would use opioid‑settlement fund to expand medication‑assisted treatment for problem‑solving courts",2389,7229000,9618000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2469185-f64728187ead92af7eedad3434fa73f6&start=7229&end=9618","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2469185-f64728187ead92af7eedad3434fa73f6/thumbnail_7229000.jpg","/articles/6304056/Nebraska/Bill-would-use-opioidsettlement-fund-to-expand-medicationassisted-treatment-for-problemsolving-courts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6304056-c45d639d6e52cf993aac8c8803a699f7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190049&Signature=jMRlqH6aG3ro~tsoMeXs9n2O4jy4EzMxUxAoAt~5D1QJLWSwmYlz0EZAy~UQxcxeLA3NheB-5W5xCnQccFDKRCvg~b3KAeloBqGcUcwpNbcySXnv794zXIRWLrPjx5WfWc5YVxmFazQUB6f9X~Edq27O8E~8a~vD~SKLF4cw8uq1W2Vwgr7yHhrK3fZNs1xkFQ3bQR6iVLacUl9Ivar1w5gAKfuMqWLmqNPorshf96zZU2UxvukyyN25COcRy~Csl2Olj6Va30v-IefXGQvZQI9T2C6m3Hd9ztb00RSdQPSfF4MgEY4Nyq~CQlWbn2CE9nSNV4ubGGxYcL~KGiaJBA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senator Dan Quick introduced LB255, which would appropriate funds from the Nebraska opioid treatment infrastructure cash fund to support medication‑assisted treatment (MAT) for qualifying participants in problem‑solving courts, including adult drug courts and other specialty courts.

Quick described MAT as the evidence‑based combination of FDA‑approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies that reduces opioid overdose deaths, illicit opioid use and criminal activity and improves treatment retention. He said the bill would make $1,000,000 (as introduced) available to problem‑solving courts to finance MAT for justice‑involved individuals who may not immediately be eligible for Medicaid services following release.

Proponents — including Lancaster County Community Corrections, the Administrative Office of Courts and Probation, the Nebraska Association of Behavioral Health Organizations and advocacy groups — argued courts need additional funding to pay for MAT medications and associated services because some participants are ineligible for Medicaid at the time of release or are otherwise unable to access medications. They told the committee MAT is associated with substantially lower overdose risk and better completion and recidivism outcomes in drug court populations. Advocates also said investment in MAT and problem‑solving courts produces taxpayer savings by reducing incarceration costs and lowering recidivism.

The Administrative Office of the Courts and Probation said it currently provides limited financial assistance for evaluations and medication management but lacks funds to cover prescribed MAT medications for participants; the requested appropriation would permit that support. Lancaster County Community Corrections described drug‑court populations and national data on opioid‑related mortality and argued enhanced MAT access could improve program success rates.

The Division of Behavioral Health at DHHS testified in opposition. Director Dr. Thomas Janousek said the opioid treatment infrastructure cash fund was intended for capital and infrastructure projects (construction, renovation and stand‑up of treatment sites) and that the department is prioritizing capital investment for crisis stabilization and withdrawal centers across the state. Janousek said Nebraska already has existing service funding sources that can support MAT (the behavioral health services fund, the state opioid response grant, and Medicaid), and recommended using those sources rather than diverting infrastructure money to pay for medications and services.

Committee members discussed how problem‑solving courts operate, the timing gap when justice‑involved people may lack immediate Medicaid coverage after release, and the larger question of how opioid settlement funds should be allocated between infrastructure and service delivery. No formal vote occurred during the hearing; proponents urged the committee to find an appropriate funding path to expand access to MAT for justice‑involved Nebraskans.","Sen. Dan Quick introduced LB255 to appropriate opioid settlement infrastructure funds to help problem‑solving courts provide medication‑assisted treatment (MAT) to qualifying participants who lack immediate access to Medicaid‑covered care.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee considers bill to let behavioral health regions expand services and broaden housing aid eligibility

Nebraska committee hears bill to require Medicaid coverage for doula services

Lawmakers hear bill to add dietitian‑nutritionists to Nebraska loan‑repayment incentive program

Bill would use opioid‑settlement fund to expand medication‑assisted treatment for problem‑solving courts