(AP) — Nurse practitioners say the governor’s veto of a bill that would have allowed less oversight by physicians could limit efforts to attract more of the health care professionals to Nebraska.

Gov. Dave Heineman vetoed the bill last week, citing concerns for patient safety.

The bill would have removed a requirement that nurse practitioners have agreements with physicians, who are available for collaboration or referral if a patient’s condition has been unresponsive to current treatment and requires more of a team-approach.

Without the agreement, nurse practitioners can’t practice in Nebraska.

LaDonna Hart, president of Nebraska Nurse Practitioners, says nurse practitioners are having a harder time finding doctors who will sign the agreement.

Sen. Sue Crawford of Bellevue says she’ll bring the issue up again next session.