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 and healthcare facility regulations.

This policy brief examines Governor Joe Lombardo’s proposed restructuring of DHHS, as outlined in the 2025-2027 Executive Budget, and includes:

• An overview of the proposed changes;
• A visualization that shows where specific programs would be reallocated should these changes be enacted; and
• Key questions to consider regarding the proposal.

Recommended questions include how this restructuring would affect Nevada's Medicaid matching formula, data-sharing authorization, statutory changes, and administrative capacity.

Additionally, the brief outlines which chapters of the Nevada Revised Statues would be impacted should the Department of Health and Human Services be restructured.

Read and download the brief below.

Questions about this research? Reach out to the Guinn Center.