Lombardo Unveils Comprehensive Health Care Proposal Amid Legislative Race
Las Vegas, NV — Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo has introduced a significant health care policy initiative, SB495, with only weeks left in the state’s legislative session. This long-anticipated legislation, initially hinted at during his January State of the State address, aims to address the pressing health care provider shortage and improve access to services for Nevadans.
Key components of SB495 include a $50 million appropriation to enhance graduate medical education and changes to the state’s prior authorization processes. The bill seeks to prohibit restrictive noncompete clauses for health care providers and establish an Office of Mental Health within the Health and Human Services Department.
Despite its comprehensive scope, the bill notably omits Lombardo’s earlier proposal to separate the Department of Health and Human Services into two distinct agencies. However, his budget does include plans for the creation of the Nevada Health Authority.
Lombardo’s administration has stressed collaboration with health care professionals, suggesting that input was gathered for over a year before the bill’s introduction. Medicaid Administrator Stacie Weeks highlighted the bipartisan momentum behind the proposal, indicating a shared frustration over the existing prior authorization processes among legislators.
Additional features of the bill include:
- Establishing a competitive grant program to attract health care providers to underserved areas.
- Streamlining the licensure process for certain medical professionals.
- Instituting a gold card program to expedite prior authorizations for high-performing providers.
The proposal is expected to face amendments as it progresses through the legislative process. Nonetheless, Lombardo’s health policy adviser has expressed the governor’s intention to prioritize good policy over specific sponsorships, aiming to enact meaningful reforms that address Nevada’s health care challenges.
As the legislative session nears its conclusion, Lombardo will hold a press conference in Las Vegas to further advocate for his health care initiatives.
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