Nevada’s DHHS Restructuring Proposal: Key Considerations for Lawmakers

During his State of the State address in January 2025, Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo proposed a restructuring of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). This proposal would split the agency into two parts: the Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Nevada Health Authority (NHA). DHS would oversee programs such as aging services, child and family welfare, and social services, while NHA would manage Medicaid, public health, and healthcare facility regulations.

Part one of this policy brief examines Governor Joe Lombardo’s proposed restructuring of DHHS, as outlined in the 2025-2027 Executive Budget, provides an overview of these structural changes, and offers key questions to consider regarding the proposal. Part two, which is coming soon, will visualize where specific state departments and programs will be allocated in this new structure.