Bill > LB1012

This bill amends existing law to allow physical therapists to place a lien on any compensation an injured person receives from the party who caused their injury, similar to how physicians, nurses, chiropractors, hospitals, and emergency medical service providers can already do. A lien is a legal claim on property or assets to secure payment for a debt. This means if a physical therapist provides services to someone injured by another party, and that injured person receives a settlement or judgment, the physical therapist can claim a portion of that money to cover their fees. To establish this lien, the physical therapist must notify the party responsible for the injury in writing, stating the amount owed and the services provided, or file the notice in any ongoing court case. The bill also clarifies that the lien amount is based on the usual and customary charges for the services, but it will be reduced by any discounts that would have applied if the claim were submitted to private medical insurance. Importantly, this lien does not apply to individuals covered by the Nebraska Workers' Compensation Act, which is a state law that provides benefits to employees injured on the job. The bill also repeals the original version of the law it is amending.

Health and Social Services

https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=63347