LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers are once again looking for ways to expand so-called telehealth services throughout the state to address a shortage of specialized health care providers and an aging rural population.

Telehealth services are flourishing nationwide, allowing doctors and patients to connect through webcams and smartphones. But advocates say the technology still faces substantial obstacles that have kept it from spreading faster in Nebraska.

Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston has launched a legislative study of the technology that will begin in earnest later this month. Riepe says he wants to learn how other states are adopting the technology and what Nebraska can do to make it easier, safer and more effective.