Chief Medical Officer Issues Guidance Regarding LB626

The Nebraska Legislature is soon expected to continue deliberation and vote on LB626, the “Nebraska Heartbeat Act.” The State’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Timothy A. Tesmer issued guidance intended to provide clarification to hospital systems, health care institutions, and physicians who care for pregnant women.

Since LB626 contains an emergency clause, the bill will take effect immediately if the Legislature votes to approve it and the Governor signs it into law. Therefore, it is vitally important for healthcare professionals to receive guidance now, so they have time to prepare for potential practice changes.

“I want to ensure that our healthcare institutions and medical professionals have as much advance guidance as possible to begin planning for potential changes in statute,” said Dr. Tesmer. “DHHS stands ready to assist.”

The guidance letter from CMO Tesmer is attached.