2025 Nevada Legislative Session Briefing
The 2025 Nevada legislative session began on February 3 and health care policy is one of many top priorities for legislators. HCA Healthcare is sharing this legislative update to inform colleagues about key developments that could affect care and access in our communities.Medicaid and Insurance
The legislature will review issues related to Medicaid, including the state’s ability to sustain services amid budget constraints.
In his State of the State address, Gov. Lombardo proposed restructuring the Department of Health and Human Services to create the Nevada Health Authority, which would oversee Medicaid, the Silver State Health Insurance Exchange, and the Public Employees’ Benefits Program. The goal is to streamline services and improve insurance options for state employees and Medicaid enrollees.
SB 185 would require the Department of Health and Human Services to reimburse family members who provide personal care services for Medicaid recipients under 18 with disabilities or chronic illnesses, improving access to in-home care.
SB 9 and SB 29 would introduce Medicaid policy changes, focusing on insurer responsibilities and reimbursement models. SB 9 would clarify insurer obligations for Medicaid coverage and claims, while SB 29 would establish the development and implementation of a new reimbursement system through accountable care organizations. It also would mandate a survey of healthcare providers participating in Medicaid, proposing increases to reimbursement rates for services provided by physicians and APRNs.
SB 54 would expand Medicaid coverage for medical respite care for individuals experiencing homelessness, ensuring access to acute medical care and mental health services. This includes short-term residential services that offer a safe environment for recovery. The bill also would require the development of a model for delivering this care, aiming to improve health outcomes and reduce hospital readmissions.
SB 118 would expand Medicaid coverage services to include pharmacist-provided care.
Workforce Expansion
Workforce shortages in healthcare continue to be a pressing concern, as Nevada’s longstanding shortage has direct implications on access, quality, and affordability of care for its residents. Legislative efforts in 2025 aim to address these workforce shortages to ensure all Nevadans have access to quality healthcare.
SB 34 would create interstate licensure compacts for nurses and physician’s assistants, allowing out-of-state professionals to practice in Nevada.
AB 230 would enter Nevada into the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact, allowing licensed audiologists and speech-language pathologists from participating states to practice in Nevada without needing additional licensure.
AB 56 aims to revise licensing requirements for healthcare providers, including continuing education and training.
Graduate Medical Education
SB 40 proposes the establishment of a Medicaid Health Care Workforce Account to provide sustainable funding for expanding Graduate Medical Education (GME) programs, aiming to increase the state’s healthcare workforce and improve access to care for Medicaid recipients.
Behavioral Health
AB 60 and SB 68 propose expanding access to behavioral health services. AB 163 would enter Nevada into the Counseling Compact, allowing licensed counselors from participating states to practice in Nevada.
Also under consideration is SB 165, which would establish new provisions related to the licensure and regulation of behavioral health and wellness practitioners. It also would authorize the Board to create the Behavioral Health and Wellness Practitioner Advisory Group to provide expertise and assistance.
Reproductive Health
With reproductive healthcare access continuing to be a major political issue nationwide, Nevada lawmakers are considering protections for reproductive rights and expanded Medicaid coverage for contraception and maternal health services.
AB 176 would strengthen protections for reproductive healthcare by prohibiting government entities from restricting and burdening reproductive health services. This bill would ensure that state agencies cannot interfere with an individual’s ability to receive family planning, contraception, or other reproductive care.
AB 383 would expand Medicaid coverage for contraception and reproductive health services, ensuring that low-income individuals have access to a full range of contraceptive options and reproductive healthcare under state-funded insurance programs.
Other Healthcare
SB 137 would require establishing a program to improve access to certain resources in medical emergencies, which may impact the operation and support of free-standing emergency department models.
AB 102 and SB 24, would introduce emergency medical service (EMS) licensure updates to enhance ambulance staffing and certification and regulation of EMS responders.
AB 204 would restrict the ability of healthcare providers and emergency services to collect medical debt, aiming to protect patients from aggressive debt collection practices.
SB 188 would require that healthcare facilities and providers take reasonable steps to provide language assistance services for individuals with limited English proficiency. It mandates the use of qualified interpreters and translators, prohibits providers from charging patients for these services, and establishes disciplinary measures for noncompliance.
AB 221 proposes exempting certain physician offices from anesthesia and sedation permitting requirements. This exemption could streamline operations for these facilities, potentially increasing access to certain medical procedures. However, it could also reduce the level of oversight on safety standards across healthcare settings.
Budget Considerations
Nevada’s state budget is under legislative review following adjustments that resolved a $335 million deficit in Gov. Lombardo’s 2025-2027 Executive Budget. Gov. Lombardo’s legislative priorities remain focused on health care, housing, and education, with a $250 million allocation for housing initiatives and a planned restructuring of the DHHS to create the Nevada Health Authority, which will oversee Medicaid and insurance programs. While the budget has not yet been approved, lawmakers continue their review before a final vote.
Education and Public Life
Education reform and school choice remain a major focus, with both parties supporting increased funding and accountability in public schools. Lombardo’s proposals include making teacher pay raises permanent, expanding universal pre-K, and strengthening oversight of education spending.
AB 49 would direct the Commission on Professional Standards in Education to adopt regulations governing the licensure of teachers, school nurses, and school social workers to ensure clear standards for educational professionals. It addresses teacher shortages by authorizing individuals holding valid teaching licenses from other states that meet specific criteria to be employed as teachers in Nevada. The bill also would permit individuals to enroll in multiple Alternative Route to Licensure programs simultaneously to offer flexibility for prospective teachers pursuing licensure.
SB 81 aims to improve Nevada’s education system by requiring the Nevada Department of Education to create and conduct surveys of public school employees to gather insights into the educational system and revise provisions.
SB 176 would mandate that students enrolled in career and technical education (CTE) programs must take licensure or certification exams and submit the corresponding applications to receive credit for completing the program. The bill also would revise fees and age requirements for licensure and certification. In addition, SB 176 revises eligibility for the Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship and requires the Board of Regents of the University of Nevada to establish procedures for the Millennium Scholarship.
Lawmakers are also considering broader societal issues, including the regulation of social media use for minors. SB 63 would mandate that social media platforms verify the age of users. Children aged 13 to 17 would require verified parental consent to create an account, while those under 13 would be prohibited altogether. The bill also would impose restrictions on certain platform features, including disabling infinite scrolling, autoplay, and the display of metrics.
Elections and Voting
AB 73 and AB 79 would require political action committees to disclose both funding sources and expenditures.
AB 73 would mandate disclaimers for synthetic media in political ads to prevent misleading campaign materials, while AB 79 would strengthen transparency by prohibiting personal use of donations and requiring PACs to report account balances.
AJR 6, passed by the Nevada Legislature in 2023, proposes that Nevada adopt the National Popular Vote Compact, which aims to ensure the presidency is awarded to the candidate who wins the national popular vote. For this to be enacted, the resolution must pass the legislature again in 2025 and then be approved by voters in a 2026 referendum.
Safety, Housing, and Economy
Public safety and housing affordability are key concerns. Lombardo aims to strengthen penalties for certain crimes while also working to address Nevada’s housing crisis.
SB 99 would authorize the local governments in certain areas to charge a linkage fee on new housing developments that are 1,000 square feet or larger to help fund affordable housing projects. Developers who are already building affordable housing would be exempt from the fee.
SB 50 would add the crime of theft to the list of offenses subject to additional penalties when committed against a person 60 years or older or a vulnerable person. The bill ensures offenders serve additional penalties consecutively with the sentence prescribed and prohibits the court from granting probation until the person convicted pays at least 80% of the restitution set. The person is also liable for a civil penalty to be recovered by the Attorney General in a civil action on behalf of the state of Nevada.
Legislators are also considering policies on tax incentives, with some arguing for economic diversification. Proposed bills range from extending film tax credits to addressing high egg prices through temporary suspensions of cage-free egg standards during supply chain disruptions.
AB 171, the first bill passed in the 2025 legislative session, was approved by the governor on February 13. The new law authorizes the State Quarantine Officer to temporarily suspend certain requirements related to the sale, offer, or transport of eggs and egg products during supply disruptions. The suspensions can last up to 120 days and can only be ordered twice per year.
AB 238 seeks to increase tax credits for film production companies, potentially exceeding $80 million for each fiscal year on or after July 1, 2028. This provision aims to expand the state’s entertainment and media industries. |
