Local and state public meetings are starting to shift to telephonic or videoconference gatherings to keep participants safe from exposure to the coronavirus outbreak.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has scheduled two upcoming public hearings to have a hybrid of in-person and remote testimony.

A public hearing for comments on nursing facility services (Nebraska Administrative Code Title 471, Chapter 12) and licensure of athletic trainers (Nebraska Administrative Code Title 172, Chapter 17) are scheduled for Friday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. respectively. Comments can be made in person at the Nebraska State Office Building in Lincoln – but will be limited to eight in-person attendees – or by calling 888-820-1398 and using participant code 3213662#. Written testimony is also accepted.

Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts issued an executive order earlier that day to allow virtual meetings by state and local government boards, commissions and other public bodies through May 31. The public must still be able to participate in such meetings. Publicized notice and agenda requirements also remain in effect.  

Find a copy of the executive order at bit.ly/2UvwC71.