Governor Joe Lombardo introduced Senate Bill 495, known as the Nevada Healthcare Act, as a comprehensive effort to reform healthcare in Nevada. The bill aims to address the state’s healthcare provider shortage, expand mental health services, and streamline healthcare processes. Lombardo highlighted the challenges Nevadans face, such as long wait times and difficulty accessing specialists, during a news conference at UNLV’s Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine.
Key elements of the 100-page bill include increased funding for graduate medical residency programs, regulation of prior authorizations, and a $25 million fund to address workforce shortages. The bill also proposes the creation of the Office of Mental Health to focus on expanding mental health care and coordinating with behavioral health agencies.
Additionally, SB495 includes a $25 million annual competitive grant program targeting high-need specialties and underserved areas, managed by the new Nevada Health Authority. Other measures include prohibiting noncompete clauses for healthcare providers, allowing paramedics to work in hospitals under certain conditions, and streamlining licensing for medical professionals.
The bill seeks to reform the prior authorization process by prohibiting insurers from requiring it for covered emergency services and mandating an electronic system for processing requests. Dr. Nehal Naik, an emergency physician, emphasized the adverse effects of bureaucratic delays on patient care.
While Senate Democratic leaders have not commented on SB495, Lombardo expressed his willingness to collaborate with legislative leadership. He also addressed concerns about potential Medicaid cuts, noting that expected impacts may not be as severe as initially projected.
SB495 is Lombardo’s final priority bill of the legislative session, with the session set to adjourn on June 2. The governor has indicated openness to incorporating overlapping policies from other bills, focusing on achieving the overall goals of improving Nevada’s healthcare system.