Nebraska Revised Statutes Chapter 38. Health Occupations and Professions § 38-145. Continuing competency requirements;  board;  duties

(1) The appropriate board shall establish continuing competency requirements for persons seeking renewal of a credential.

(2) The purposes of continuing competency requirements are to ensure (a) the maintenance by a credential holder of knowledge and skills necessary to competently practice his or her profession, (b) the utilization of new techniques based on scientific and clinical advances, and (c) the promotion of research to assure expansive and comprehensive services to the public.

(3) Each board shall consult with the department and the appropriate professional academies, professional societies, and professional associations in the development of such requirements.

(5) Continuing competency activities may include, but not be limited to, any one or a combination of the following:

(6) Beginning with the first license renewal period which begins on or after October 1, 2018, the continuing competency requirements for a nurse midwife, dentist, physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, podiatrist, and veterinarian who prescribes controlled substances shall include at least three hours of continuing education biennially regarding prescribing opiates as defined in section 28-401.  The continuing education may include, but is not limited to, education regarding prescribing and administering opiates, the risks and indicators regarding development of addiction to opiates, and emergency opiate situations.  One-half hour of the three hours of continuing education shall cover the prescription drug monitoring program described in sections 71-2454 to 71-2456.  This subsection terminates on January 1, 2029.