NEBRASKA TO MOVE FORWARD WITH CONTROVERSIAL DRAFT REGULATIONS FOR YOUTH GENDER CARE

LINCOLN- DHHS will move forward with controversial proposed regulations to govern access to gender-affirming care for the state’s transgender youth, marking a blow to advocates who had sought changes to the regulations they say create a burden on trans youths and their families. The restrictions will now be sent to the Attorney General’s Office for review.

An HHS spokesman confirmed later Monday that Nebraska’s chief medical officer opted not to make substantial changes to the regulations he drafted in October, which faced backlash at a 12-hour public hearing in November. Crafted by Dr. Timothy Tesmer, the restrictions require that patients under 19 undergo at least 40 hours of therapy and wait another seven days after having their prescription approved before receiving any puberty-blocking or hormone medication.

“I can’t imagine having sat and listened to what was shared at that hearing and not make changes,” Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha said. “And maybe that’s part of the problem — that Dr. Tesmer wasn’t there in person. But there are some very serious flaws with the regulations that have been put forward.” The permanent regulations will remain in effect until March 29.

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