Health Department Launches New Online Portal
Published on November 25, 2024
The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) today launched a new online portal that offers residents the option to apply for and renew permits, request inspections and submit payments. The LLCHD Environmental Public Health Portal is available at ephportal.lincoln.ne.gov.
“We’re modernizing our processes and operations to better serve Lincoln and Lancaster County residents in today’s fast-paced, data driven environment,” said Kerry Kernen, Health Director. “The secure, user-friendly portal provides an online option for those using our Division of Environmental Public Health’s services and also makes records, like restaurant inspections, more easily accessible.”
Services offered through the portal include:
- Application and renewal for food, air, body art, water and waste permits
- Submission of payments
- Inspection requests
- Access to food establishment inspection records
- Report a consumer complaint
The new online system features a large database that enhances records management, Director Kernen said. To create a single, easily searchable database for both residents and Health Department staff, LLCHD scanned more than half a million documents and consolidated years of data from multiple systems.
Kernen said the portal is also part of a new system that streamlines and automates workflow for LLCHD inspectors. All inspections by Environmental Public Health are now done electronically, with reports automatically entered into the portal for direct access by businesses and facilities.
The new system and hardware upgrades are funded by a five-year, $250,000 data modernization grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In addition to using the new online portal, residents can still contact the Division of Environmental Public Health at 402-441-8040 or at 3131 “O” St. to apply for or renew permits, request inspections or submit payments.