Bill > LB655

This bill provides legal protections for health care providers and payors who wish to decline participation in medical services based on moral, ethical, or religious convictions. The legislation defines a "right of medical conscience" that allows healthcare professionals and organizations to opt out of specific medical services that conflict with their sincerely held beliefs. Key provisions include requiring healthcare providers to provide written notice of their conscience-based objection, document it in the patient's medical file, and notify patients in advance if they do not provide a specific service. The bill prohibits discrimination or adverse actions against healthcare providers who exercise this right, protecting them from being fired, demoted, or penalized for their conscientious objection. Importantly, the bill does not allow providers to refuse care based on a patient's race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, and it maintains requirements for emergency medical treatment. Healthcare providers can file complaints with the Attorney General if they believe their medical conscience rights have been violated, and the bill provides a mechanism for potential legal action and relief. The legislation also protects healthcare providers' ability to speak publicly about healthcare services and policies without facing disciplinary action, as long as they are not providing medical advice or violating other laws.

Health and Social Services

https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59266