Nevada budget committee approves new positions for opioid and autism treatment programs

The Senate Finance and Assembly Ways and Means Subcommittee on Human Services convened on April 25, 2025, to discuss critical budgetary matters affecting various health and human services programs in Nevada. The meeting focused on several key agenda items, including staffing adjustments, funding allocations, and the impact of opioid use on the aging population.

The first major topic addressed was the proposal to create a new unclassified medical epidemiologist position aimed at tackling opioid use and improving health outcomes for the aging population. The subcommittee recommended approval of this position, which will be funded by a transfer of $1,434,000 from opioid settlement funds. The motion passed without opposition.

Next, the subcommittee reviewed the Consumer Health Assistance budget, where the governor's recommendation included funding for new caseloads and associated staffing needs. Initially proposing five new positions, updated projections reduced this number to three. The subcommittee approved the adjusted funding of $465,448 over the biennium, reflecting a cost savings of approximately $451,000 compared to earlier estimates.

The Autism Treatment Assistance Program was also discussed, with the governor recommending $1.6 million to accommodate projected caseload changes. However, an alternative motion was made to align funding with the governor's original projections, resulting in a recommendation of $1.4 million. This motion also passed unanimously.

The Home and Community Based Services budget was another focal point, where the governor proposed $8.4 million to address caseload growth and staffing adjustments. The subcommittee expressed concerns about the lack of funding for waitlist services and ultimately decided to maintain existing staffing levels without cuts, ensuring no layoffs would occur.

Additionally, the subcommittee examined the Adult Protective Services and Long-Term Care Ombudsman budget, which included a recommendation for 55 new positions based on increased referrals. However, updated caseload projections suggested a need for 67 positions. The subcommittee acknowledged the vacancy rates within these programs and discussed the implications of the proposed staffing changes.

Throughout the meeting, the subcommittee emphasized the importance of aligning funding with actual service needs and ensuring that vulnerable populations receive adequate support. The discussions culminated in unanimous approvals for various motions, reflecting a collaborative effort to address the pressing needs of Nevada's health and human services landscape. The next steps will involve further evaluations and adjustments as necessary to meet the growing demands of these essential programs.