[{"_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",6292253,"mediaKeyId","2527302-a1f4ab713db3c88fe0ac060ef116b7b2","parentId",2527302,"title","Lawmakers hear debate over funding model for Sync Health PDMP and health information exchange","audioSeconds",490,"startMs",4560000,"endMs",5050000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2527302-a1f4ab713db3c88fe0ac060ef116b7b2&start=4560&end=5050","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2527302-a1f4ab713db3c88fe0ac060ef116b7b2/thumbnail_4560000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6292253/Nebraska/Lawmakers-hear-debate-over-funding-model-for-Sync-Health-PDMP-and-health-information-exchange","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6292253-a3b32d73c09a10cf09e281cda6777ffa/orig.mp4?Expires=1776075782&Signature=ovFqBBZT3AfVJ-6ocvkaG8AVK8A-~JRpcOUr0IFAsT-dVOxrOJXWyM4EBb1CTEFRRLq-7W-ipJpd-U67LiKA0tfNcJIPYvO7EAWE87LAN8qo7vsjHvzyKFaa0KTHWa2rlFh6LoCfc~dpxfRCdr1pupDxpRV73uYmCW453N6ASnyassDUaRSvb~WeBJxgHMWrKsdg2JoX6n3xS-Dm0DU890GIWVW0dvAuZ2lM2xa5P3SYDHq-ikiJjGU6avgxj4i7U5L9A-uAtbE8nRICGJhIlkyvjk0XPFy0SDes6MFW4CzyVHoEdEVtMLXbkxEEpH6T5jWTLmFZ9~-bPTXWapj0ng__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Nebraska Legislature","date","2025-03-06T00:00:00Z","article","Senator Merv Riepe (District 12) told the Health and Human Services Committee LB210 would refine Nebraska’s prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) and health information exchange (HIE) rules and create a funding model that uses assessments and fees on pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and managed care plans to replace general fund appropriations. \"This bill makes targeted updates to ensure the system remains efficient, transparent, and accessible while maintaining necessary oversight,\" Riepe said.

Sync Health chief executive Jamie Bland and other proponents argued the HIE and PDMP provide critical, point-of-care information and that current federal/state match funding is unsustainable without a statutory funding vehicle. Bland told the committee that queries to the HIE exceed 750,000 unique queries per month and the PDMP exceeds 200,000 queries per month; she said LB210 would authorize assessments and allow Sync Health to charge user access fees while working through the federal APD (advanced planning document) process with CMS.

Physicians, pharmacists, veterinarians, insurers and hospital representatives raised concerns. Jeremy Campbell, a physician assistant testifying for the Nebraska Academy of Physician Assistants and the Nebraska Medical Association, opposed fees that could be charged to individual prescribers or dispensers, saying the PDMP was created as a free public-health tool and that fees could reduce provider participation. \"By introducing the possibility of access fees with no cap, LB210 could create a financial disincentive for providers to utilize the PDMP,\" Campbell said.

The Nebraska Pharmacists Association and several rural providers warned that independent and rural pharmacies could face disproportionate burdens because many cannot pass fees onto patients. The Nebraska Insurance Federation cautioned that any PBM assessment would likely be passed to health plans and then to consumers; the industry representative also flagged due-process concerns if licensure or condition-of-doing-business provisions are used as enforcement.

Hospital representatives testified neutrally, seeking additional specifics: participation rules, timelines, upfront costs, how hospitals would be reimbursed for assessments, and assurance that the PDMP access would remain free for providers. Sync Health and the bill sponsor said they are pursuing an APD with CMS and working with stakeholders to refine user-fee proposals and safeguards; they proposed memoranda of understanding with hospital associations to clarify responsibilities outside the statute.

Ending: The transcript records extensive stakeholder engagement and no committee vote during the hearing. Multiple organizations requested additional guardrails, clearer fee caps and greater stakeholder representation in governance before the committee advances the bill.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Health and Human Services Committee - 3/6/2025 NE","oneSentenceSummary","Senator Merv Riepe told the committee LB210 would create a statutory funding mechanism for Sync Health — Nebraska’s health information exchange operator — and the state PDMP, shifting some program costs from general fund support to an assessment model tied to PBMs and user fees.","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},6292263,"Committee hears bill to authorize ‘baby boxes’ as safe-haven drop-off locations",1551,320000,1871000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2527302-a1f4ab713db3c88fe0ac060ef116b7b2&start=320&end=1871","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2527302-a1f4ab713db3c88fe0ac060ef116b7b2/thumbnail_320000.jpg","/articles/6292263/Nebraska/Committee-hears-bill-to-authorize-baby-boxes-as-safe-haven-drop-off-locations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6292263-0ff7cce1d3dfd8afb40a04ec2dad5587/orig.mp4?Expires=1776075782&Signature=MuQ9lYq-eHt7gJz3RN5mYB6F2yhsmwhucMMpXy6o7Rx~hPs6R0FbVn4QICTIU9boE~UKmi93siULym1EOPCw0q9rzI2fshFP0Ycr-20rBkkcKV8rBWkUYTqt8dNOLD~pYkcoBpmcoEqOrPSNlhayGA86tN4M0Twyj8rW8UHg-xNi4OOEt2Whs~YBJ0~zjpImbVmPM~fpNropVxnSH0loygXi6cfy0dFu7ZeNThIAJiVsoIbx3XOtKQHY8645adTo-PcwBUqOpMcIMfEijP0ME~2wpPW~g7tKK1DCoSwDQDia0Ts7S24nU3o6X9FQh-wQHPgcv7aSUZ2kC2i~EqlKEA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senator Rick Holdcroft (Legislative District 36) told the Health and Human Services Committee that LB214 would add newborn safety devices — commonly called baby boxes — to the list of authorized drop-off locations under Nebraska’s Newborn Safe Haven Act, providing an additional option for parents to surrender newborns without fear of criminal prosecution. \"This bill would amend Nebraska's Newborn Safe Haven Act to add newborn safety devices, affectionately referred to as baby boxes, to the list of authorized drop off locations under the Newborn Safe Haven Act,\" Holdcroft said in his opening.

Proponents said the devices provide anonymity that some parents seek and, they argued, can prevent dangerous abandonments. Jessie Gitros, executive assistant to Monica Kelsey of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, said national data collected by her organization show continued unsafe disposals and strong demand for anonymous surrender. \"A baby is thrown away like trash every 3 to 4 days in America on average,\" Gitros told the committee, and the group noted there are about 320 active baby boxes in the U.S.

Supporters described how boxes are intended to be installed only at 24/7-staffed locations — typically hospitals or fire stations — and connected to alarms and temperature control. Gitros and other proponents said boxes are tested regularly, that manufacturers are pursuing Underwriters Laboratories (UL) certification, and that locations receive training and a 24/7 support line. The committee heard a staff estimate of an approximate per-unit cost of about $15,000, which proponents said covers the box, signs, legal fees, insurance, ongoing support and supplies.

Several community and faith-based groups, including Nebraska Family Alliance and Nebraska Right to Life, urged passage. Nate Graz of Nebraska Family Alliance said the devices have saved lives in other states and argued LB214 would create another safety option for parents in crisis. \"If this bill can save 1 life here, it's worth it,\" Graz said.

Opponents and some committee members urged caution. Senator Steve Reedy and others asked about maintenance, staffing and whether rural volunteer stations would qualify; sponsors clarified the bill limits eligible locations to facilities staffed 24/7 (so many volunteer-only stations would not qualify) and that installation is voluntary, generally dependent on local fundraising and nonprofit support. Scott Thomas, testifying in opposition, raised concerns about paternal rights and the broader implications for child welfare systems.

Proponents noted legal protections already exist under Nebraska’s Safe Haven law that prevent prosecution for parents who safely surrender infants at approved locations; they said LB214 extends that protection to devices installed at qualifying locations. Proponents also described weekly testing protocols and local training for staff who would monitor equipment and respond to alarms.

The committee record included dozens of written proponents and a handful of written opponents. The transcript shows extensive Q&A but does not record a committee vote on LB214 during this hearing.

Ending: The committee heard invited witnesses, hospital and fire representatives, and advocates; senators asked detailed questions about cost, siting, alarm systems, staffing and legal protections. The bill sponsor said funding for installation would rely on local fundraising and nonprofit partners and that the state fiscal note would cover limited installation assistance and an awareness campaign by the Department of Health and Human Services if the Legislature approves funding.
","Senator Rick Holdcroft told the Health and Human Services Committee LB214 would allow newborn safety devices — known as baby boxes — at qualifying locations as an additional anonymous option for parents to surrender infants without criminal prosecution.",{"_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},6292248,"Bill would require burial or cremation of remains from elective abortions, sponsor says",2485,7965000,10450000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2527302-a1f4ab713db3c88fe0ac060ef116b7b2&start=7965&end=10450","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2527302-a1f4ab713db3c88fe0ac060ef116b7b2/thumbnail_7965000.jpg","/articles/6292248/Nebraska/Bill-would-require-burial-or-cremation-of-remains-from-elective-abortions-sponsor-says","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6292248-07985dd8a5abe2a476c2d99d795b0b3f/orig.mp4?Expires=1776075782&Signature=ggTThE4spBIsE3U~yDkFWaxUw7Zzo6-VLqlacsgF1v5IfV9ckwumOIdmyHXMtJ9Elb9S2lsMUkrEMhAlQS262NHJRVMfkEqXOPxBBoI0w~yIgoo3S7njQyq1t8JhJ0EGoBGy~91BhSdN8vodWL2HY1V5aJ07Icwm5cqteuYWIo~tAwT-QkvQo9jM90hVEU04ZQBHHGiHxJPGQXT3rvov~YN7GdqI4gM1on29bTHLZql~4gThkwyHiZ~wMIU-RfatezaiQ-3gfbgH-Fgp7Li0RS1U-mMelCCeVlVf3kP1pA3tvNbVGKLPOqLcpgpkwCVaZKF6o1MXhTnZvKKZoqmsjg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senator Ben Hansen (Legislative District 16) told the Health and Human Services Committee LB632 would require health care facilities that perform elective abortions to arrange for burial or cremation of fetal remains. \"LB632 provides a simple, inexpensive, preventative solution to this problem,\" Hansen said, citing national examples where remains were reportedly mishandled.

Proponents — including advocacy groups and several family members who described their own miscarriages — emphasized dignity and public-health concerns. Marilyn Klein described burying two miscarried infants and said the opportunity to memorialize them mattered to her family. \"She was a person and she was important to our family,\" Klein said of her miscarried child.

Nate Grasz of Nebraska Family Alliance and Marion Miner of the Nebraska Catholic Conference argued the law would align abortion providers with hospitals’ existing disposal policies and prevent remains from being treated as medical waste. Grasz cited national cases of improper disposal and accused some providers and waste contractors of negligent practices.

Opponents, led by Planned Parenthood North Central States and the ACLU of Nebraska, said the bill is vague and legally problematic. Andi Curry Grub of Planned Parenthood argued the term \"elective abortion\" is not a medical standard and that most abortions in Nebraska are medication abortions taken at home; she warned the bill fails to address how to handle home medication abortions and said mandating burial or cremation amounts to a one-size-fits-all requirement that could force religious practices on patients. \"Decisions about abortion should be left to patients, their families, and their healthcare providers,\" Curry Grub told the committee.

The ACLU’s Spike Eickhold added that the bill lacks definitions and could have unintended regulatory impacts on clinics and prescribing practices. He urged the committee not to advance the bill without clearer definitions addressing medication abortion and facility scope.

Ending: The sponsor noted the bill only imposes duties on health care facilities that perform elective abortions and said it does not require parents to take any action; he also said hospitals already follow disposition policies for other fetal deaths. The committee did not record a vote in the hearing transcript. Senators asked for clarifications and signaled willingness to refine definitions in follow-up work with opponents on narrow language.","Senator Ben Hansen introduced LB632 to require licensed facilities that perform elective abortions to arrange burial or cremation of the remains. Proponents framed the measure as a public-health and dignity safeguard; opponents said the bill is vague, could impose burdens on providers and does not account for medication (at-home) abortions.",{"_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},6292259,"Committee considers modernizing occupational therapy scope to include dry needling and updated modalities",1268,3205000,4473000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2527302-a1f4ab713db3c88fe0ac060ef116b7b2&start=3205&end=4473","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2527302-a1f4ab713db3c88fe0ac060ef116b7b2/thumbnail_3205000.jpg","/articles/6292259/Nebraska/Committee-considers-modernizing-occupational-therapy-scope-to-include-dry-needling-and-updated-modalities","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6292259-3779000bb581670ca1c948f6c40e411e/orig.mp4?Expires=1776075782&Signature=DBYEme83bewbA4l0tPM85tlPm0Y-S2B~OH2TGxGpqYkzU6-bkEWRTF2QXGy8y3XzXXF0P5TdZWcIeNRNZObgs1KmUdFyMZC11ZQY8M7M3630NGZsOIX8IL49fWC1lzJzxs2ojOyzf99aKObTPdHgme-uzciYhV4r9iiEapA64HrY-TWK0AIwt6Gyw7PgaGoTTyobyo7JUUVYKQy9hCgbnkBf5IsfQnFwY0rRcCSLcZMUZqv0xTMv21iCzROm~6FedK-zQgE9WeXYruxSNxPYzYe26zDIpa-xA-V5WaRiJDwc9RMc7aQPtANvU~0U2yMdc1IYaTFJI1ZLWCoaUSSofQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senator Ben Hansen (Legislative District 16) presented LB630 to the Health and Human Services Committee as a scope-of-practice update reflecting credentialing review recommendations and new entry-level educational standards for occupational therapists. \"LB630 was brought to me by the Nebraska Occupational Therapy Association… the scope changes in the bill reflect the most current evidence based occupational therapy service provisions,\" Hansen said.

Occupational therapists and educators testified that the bill updates statutory language to match the American Occupational Therapy Association’s current model and to clarify when advanced modalities such as dry needling and physical agent modalities may be used and by whom. Melissa Kimmerling, lead of the task force that completed the credentialing review, told the committee the proposal had unanimous approval from the Technical Review Committee and that changes were made after stakeholder outreach. \"This bill presents updated language that reflects the current language of the profession,\" Kimmerling said.

Proponents said the changes are intended to increase access to care, especially in rural areas where practitioners may be the sole provider, and to reduce administrative barriers that limit reimbursement for accepted modalities. Erin Westover, president of the Nebraska Occupational Therapy Association, said the profession’s entry-level education has shifted from a bachelor’s to master’s or doctorate and that the updated language aligns statute with modern curricula and clinical practice. \"LB630 better describes pathways required for application of these advanced practice skills, such as dry needling,\" Westover said.

Committee members asked about the credentialing review timeline and stakeholder engagement. Testifiers said the 407 process took under a year from committee assignment, included multiple meetings, and produced language adjusted in response to comments from physical therapists, chiropractors and physician groups. No opponents were recorded in the hearing; a small number of written opponents appeared in the online record.

Ending: Senator Hansen said he might offer a minor cleanup amendment to remove duplicative language. The committee did not record a final vote in the hearing transcript; proponents asked the committee to advance the bill after review by the Board of Health and the Attorney General.
","LB630 would update Nebraska’s occupational therapy scope to reflect current education and practice, clarify use of dry needling and physical agent modalities, and allow certified assistants to use specified modalities under defined conditions, proponents told the committee.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Lawmakers hear debate over funding model for Sync Health PDMP and health information exchange

Committee hears bill to authorize ‘baby boxes’ as safe-haven drop-off locations

Bill would require burial or cremation of remains from elective abortions, sponsor says

Committee considers modernizing occupational therapy scope to include dry needling and updated modalities