38-151. Credentialing system; administrative costs; how paid; patient safety fee.

(1) It is the intent of the Legislature that the revenue to cover the cost of the credentialing system administered by the department is to be derived from General Funds, cash funds, federal funds, gifts, grants, or fees from individuals or businesses seeking credentials except as otherwise provided in section 38-155. The credentialing system includes the totality of the credentialing infrastructure and the process of issuance and renewal of credentials, examinations, inspections, investigations, continuing competency, compliance assurance, the periodic review under section 38-128, and the activities conducted under the Nebraska Regulation of Health Professions Act, for individuals and businesses that provide health services, health-related services, and environmental services.

(2) The department shall determine the cost of the credentialing system for such individuals and businesses by calculating the total of the base costs, the variable costs, and any adjustments as provided in sections 38-152 to 38-154.

(3) When fees are to be established pursuant to section 38-155 for individuals or businesses other than individuals in the practice of constructing or decommissioning water wells and installing water well pumps and pumping equipment, the department, with the recommendation of the appropriate board if applicable, shall base the fees on the cost of the credentialing system and shall include usual and customary cost increases, a reasonable reserve, and the cost of any new or additional credentialing activities. For individuals in the practice of constructing or decommissioning water wells and installing water well pumps and pumping equipment, the Water Well Standards and Contractors' Licensing Board shall establish the fees as otherwise provided in this subsection. All such fees shall be used as provided in section 38-157.

(4) In addition to the fees established under section 38-155, each applicant for the initial issuance and renewal of a credential to practice as a physician or an osteopathic physician under the Medicine and Surgery Practice Act shall pay a patient safety fee of fifty dollars and to practice as a physician assistant under the Medicine and Surgery Practice Act shall pay a patient safety fee of twenty dollars, which fee shall be collected biennially with the initial or renewal fee for the credential. Revenue from such fee shall be remitted to the State Treasurer for credit to the Patient Safety Cash Fund. The patient safety fee shall terminate on January 1, 2026, unless extended by the Legislature.

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