LB481
The NRS was consumed with the Nebraska Legislature this past session as LB481 was introduced. As written, LB481 would authorize cardiovascular technologists and auxiliary personnel to be allowed to assist a licensed practitioner who specializes in cardiology and interventional cardiology in the performance of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in cardiac catheterization and cardiac electrophysiology laboratories. The bill would not require auxiliary personnel or cardiovascular technologists to be licensed under the Medical Radiography Practice Act.
A hearing took place March 4, 2011 before the Nebraska Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee. The bill was amended at the start of the hearing to remove “ancillary personnel” from the original bill. Representatives were present from various locations to provide testimony in opposition of the bill and a letter of opposition was submitted to the committee on behalf of the NRS. The 2011 Legislative session adjourned sine die on May 26 at which LB481did not make it out of committee. The bill will be revisited during the 2012 session at which additional amendments are proposed to be brought with the discussions.
Please consider visiting with your state senator and the Health and Human Services Committee members regularly and throughout the off session regarding this issue. It is vital that we strive to conserve the safety of our patients. To access information about your state senator, visit the Nebraska Legislature website: http://nebraskalegislature.gov/senators/senator_list.php. Each senator offers a page where the public can find his or her contact information, committee assignments and news releases. Senators’ pages also contain his or her biography, district map, photos and information about bills the senator introduced.
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~NRS Members~
We would like to make you aware that LB481 (Provide Exemption From Medical Radiography Licensure for Auxiliary Personnel and Cardiovascular Technologists) was introduced into the Nebraska Legislature by Senator
Bob Krist (Distict 10 - Omaha) on January 18, 2011.
Under this bill, Cardiovascular Technologists and Auxiliary Personnel (defined via the bill as a person who assists a licensed practitioner in radiographic imaging during the performance of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures) to be allowed to assist a licensed practitioner who specializes in cardiology and interventional cardiology in the performance of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in cardiac catheterization and cardiac electrophysiology laboratories.
The bill would NOT require auxiliary personnel or cardiovascular technologists to be licensed under the Medical Radiography Practice Act.
The NRS Executive Committee and Legislative Committee have reviewed the bill and are concerned with the contents of the bill and the important safety risk posed to patient safety for our patients and the citizens of Nebraska by allowing such a bill to pass. The NRS has decided to take a stand in opposition of the bill.
LB481 is currently in the Health and Human Services Committee and the hearing for the bill will take place on Friday, March 4, 2011 at the State Capitol, Room 1510 at 1:30 PM. Either a letter of opposition will be sent to the committee or a representative from the NRS will be present to testify in opposition of this bill.
We would encourage you to review the bill in its entirety and make contact with representatives of the Health and Human Services Committee before the March 4, 2011 hearing. Four votes will be needed to kill the bill in the committee and prevent it from advancing to the floor for debate.
Members of the Health and Human Services Committee are:
Kathy Campbell, Chair, District 25 (471-2731)
Mike Gloor, Vice-Chair, District 35 (471-2617)
Dave Bloomfield, District 17 (471-2716)
Tanya Cook, District 13 (471-2727)
Gwen Howard, District 9 (471-2723)
Bob Krist, District 10 ****BILL INTRODUCER (471-2718)
Norm Wallman, District 30 (471-2620)
