Gov. Ricketts extends executive order to boost health care workforce

LINCOLN, Neb (KLKN) – To address the health care staffing crisis facing our state, Gov. Pete Ricketts has extended an executive order aimed at maintaining hospital capacity.

From now until the end of 2022, the extended order will allow retired, inactive and new health care professionals to practice in the state without a number of delays such as:

• Certain continuing education requirements
• State statues that prolong the approval process for licensing

This also includes the right to begin work pending FBI background checks, so long as applicants have passed department-conducted checks of state criminal history.

The executive order says “it is imperative that the State of Nebraska protect hospital capacity, as reduced hospital capacity presents an imminent threat of injury and loss of life to the state’s citizens.”

The governor originally filed the executive order on Aug. 26, 2021, to expand the number of health care professionals who are eligible to practice in Nebraska.