Governor Lombardo advocates for Nevada Health Care Access Act SB 495's key reforms
May 26, 2025 | 2025 Legislature NV, Nevada
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The Joint Meeting of the Senate and Assembly Committee on Health and Human Services convened on May 26, 2025, to discuss the Nevada Health Care Access Act, specifically Senate Bill 495 (SB 495). The meeting featured a range of stakeholders who expressed their support for the bill, highlighting its potential to address significant health care challenges in the state.
The session began with a presentation from a representative of Governor Lombardo, who emphasized that SB 495 aims to standardize prior authorization procedures. This change is intended to facilitate prompt treatment for patients and ensure that services provided in hospitals receive appropriate reimbursement. The bill also proposes universal credentialing to expedite the integration of health care professionals into the Nevada workforce, addressing critical shortages in the sector.
Amy Hynes Sutherland, representing the Nevada Association of Counties (NACO), voiced support for the creation of an Office of Mental Health, which is a key component of SB 495. This office is expected to enhance coordination between state and local governments on behavioral health policies, improving access to mental health services across Nevada.
Dr. Amy Abittan, vice president of the Nevada Dental Association, highlighted the bill's provisions related to dental care, particularly the focus on addressing the workforce shortage of dental hygienists. She noted the challenges faced by dentists in maintaining adequate patient care due to staffing issues.
Carissa Pierce from the Children's Advocacy Alliance underscored the importance of the Office of Mental Health for families and children, pointing out that many families currently rely on emergency services for mental health care. She stressed that improved access to mental health services is crucial for child development and overall well-being.
Marybeth Seewald, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, articulated the chamber's support for SB 495, linking health care access and quality to business productivity and economic competitiveness. She noted that the bill includes a $25 million allocation to address the shortage of health care professionals, which aligns with the chamber's legislative priorities.
Patricia Charlton, chancellor of the Nevada System of Higher Education, expressed support for the bill's focus on strengthening the health care system, particularly in expanding rural behavioral health services and enhancing the role of paramedics.
The meeting concluded with a consensus among various stakeholders on the importance of SB 495 in improving health care access and addressing workforce shortages in Nevada. The committee is expected to continue discussions on the bill, with further deliberations planned to refine its provisions and ensure effective implementation.
The session began with a presentation from a representative of Governor Lombardo, who emphasized that SB 495 aims to standardize prior authorization procedures. This change is intended to facilitate prompt treatment for patients and ensure that services provided in hospitals receive appropriate reimbursement. The bill also proposes universal credentialing to expedite the integration of health care professionals into the Nevada workforce, addressing critical shortages in the sector.
Amy Hynes Sutherland, representing the Nevada Association of Counties (NACO), voiced support for the creation of an Office of Mental Health, which is a key component of SB 495. This office is expected to enhance coordination between state and local governments on behavioral health policies, improving access to mental health services across Nevada.
Dr. Amy Abittan, vice president of the Nevada Dental Association, highlighted the bill's provisions related to dental care, particularly the focus on addressing the workforce shortage of dental hygienists. She noted the challenges faced by dentists in maintaining adequate patient care due to staffing issues.
Carissa Pierce from the Children's Advocacy Alliance underscored the importance of the Office of Mental Health for families and children, pointing out that many families currently rely on emergency services for mental health care. She stressed that improved access to mental health services is crucial for child development and overall well-being.
Marybeth Seewald, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, articulated the chamber's support for SB 495, linking health care access and quality to business productivity and economic competitiveness. She noted that the bill includes a $25 million allocation to address the shortage of health care professionals, which aligns with the chamber's legislative priorities.
Patricia Charlton, chancellor of the Nevada System of Higher Education, expressed support for the bill's focus on strengthening the health care system, particularly in expanding rural behavioral health services and enhancing the role of paramedics.
The meeting concluded with a consensus among various stakeholders on the importance of SB 495 in improving health care access and addressing workforce shortages in Nevada. The committee is expected to continue discussions on the bill, with further deliberations planned to refine its provisions and ensure effective implementation.
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