Nebraska HHS committee hears gubernatorial nominees for State Board of Health; rural access and workforce top concerns

The Health and Human Services Committee on Oct. 12 heard testimony from nominees to the Nebraska State Board of Health, with several applicants stressing rural health care access and workforce shortages as central priorities.

Kimberly Stuhmer, a registered nurse who said she has long worked in rural care, told the committee "rural health care is pretty important to me," and said she applied to provide a rural perspective to the board. "I know that what works for rural doesn't necessarily work for urban and vice versa," she said.

The discussion centered on why rural areas struggle to recruit and retain clinicians and what role the State Board of Health should play. Paul Cook, a family physician in private practice who is up for reappointment, said his first year on the board was "mostly confusing" but that he now views the board's role as to "enhance and support the health of the general public by improving congruence between the multiple allied health professionals" that serve the state.

Nominees described barriers that drive providers away from rural practice: lower pay in many small hospitals and clinics, limited local training pipelines and the need for community buy-in. Mark Birch, a physical therapist and recent appointee, listed provider burnout, reimbursement pressures and Medicaid coverage as ongoing issues for providers in rural Nebraska. Several nominees suggested outreach to high-school and community-college students to change career pipelines.

Senators pressed nominees about practical solutions. Senator Reidy asked for ideas beyond higher Medicaid rates; Stuhmer recommended stronger community support and engagement. Senator Meyer queried how the Legislature or medical community could attract clinicians; nominees suggested rebuilding aspects of how nursing and allied health work are organized to offer more predictable hours and clearer career paths.

Separately, several written statements read into the record described additional nominees and their backgrounds, including physicians, dentists and pharmacists who forwarded CVs and written testimony rather than testifying in person. Stacy Hubert, a pharmacist who manages a network of independent pharmacies, said she now helps 62 independent pharmacies pursue payment for clinical services and asked to serve on the board to advise DHHS licensure and public-health matters.

There was no formal committee vote during the hearing. Committee members said they would complete required readings and return later to any procedural steps needed for confirmation.

The hearing moved next to the Rural Health Advisory Commission, where related workforce and loan-repayment topics were discussed.