Nebraska 2025-2026 Regular Session

Nebraska Legislature Bill LB148

Introduced
1/13/25  
Refer
1/15/25  
Engrossed
2/7/25  
Enrolled
2/25/25  
Passed
4/10/25  

Caption

Adopt the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact and change requirements for licensure and reciprocity under the Dentistry Practice Act

Impact

If passed, LB148 will significantly alter how dental practitioners gain licensure in Nebraska and establish reciprocity with other states. It will allow dental professionals licensed in one compact member state to practice in another member state without needing to apply for additional licenses. This legislative move is anticipated to foster greater mobility for dental professionals, potentially making it easier for them to deliver care where it is most needed, thereby enhancing dental healthcare services in Nebraska and other participating states.

Summary

LB148 proposes the adoption of the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, which is designed to streamline licensure and reciprocity requirements for dental professionals across member states. This compact intends to simplify the process for dentists and dental hygienists who wish to practice in states other than their own, providing a more cohesive regulatory approach within dentistry. By aligning the licensure standards of states that adopt the compact, the bill aims to enhance accessibility to dental care for patients in various regions, as well as address workforce shortages in the dental profession.

Sentiment

The sentiment around LB148 appears largely positive among legislators and stakeholders in the dental community. Proponents argue that the compact will reduce bureaucratic barriers and allow for better responsiveness to the dental care needs of the population. However, concerns have been raised about maintaining high standards in dental practice and the implications of allowing practitioners to operate in different states without as thorough of a vetting process as previously required. The debate highlights ongoing balancing efforts between accessibility to care and maintaining rigorous professional standards.

Contention

Some discussions surrounding LB148 have pointed to potential points of contention, particularly from those who argue that the compact could dilute state standards for licensure and practice. Critics suggest that while increasing access to dental care is valid, it's crucial to ensure that quality and safety standards are not compromised in the process. This concern reflects a broader tension between enhancing access to healthcare and maintaining stringent regulatory standards, which could influence the bill's reception during the legislative process.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NE LB824

Adopt the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact and change provisions relating to criminal background checks

NE LR132

Interim study to examine the plausibility of the State of Nebraska becoming a participant in the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact

NE LB932

Adopt the Social Worker Licensure Compact and change provisions of the Mental Health Practice Act and the Uniform Credentialing Act

NE LR373

Interim study to examine different methods, including potential statutory changes, to address the need to recruit, train, and retain individuals to practice dentistry in Nebraska

NE LB548

Change examination and compounding requirements under the Pharmacy Practice Act

NE LB1373

Adopt the Dietitian Licensure Compact and change provisions relating to criminal background checks

NE LB822

Adopt the Social Worker Licensure Compact and change provisions relating to criminal background checks

NE LB595

Change supervision requirements under the Pharmacy Practice Act

NE LB561

Adopt the Cosmetology Licensure Compact

NE LB823

Adopt the Physician Assistant (PA) Licensure Compact and change provisions relating to criminal background checks

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.