SB 577 amends Tennessee's TennCare program by shortening the time frame for implementing the annual coverage assessment from seven days to five days. It also establishes limits on hospital payments under specific circumstances, directly affecting TennCare administrators and participating hospitals. The bill changes the timing requirement in Tennessee Code Annotated Section 71-5-2005(d)(2)(D) and became effective April 3, 2025, after being signed by the Governor.
HB 584 extends the expiration date of Tennessee's annual limit on new nursing home beds from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2029. The bill maintains the current cap of 125 new nursing home beds per fiscal year that the Health Facilities Commission can approve through its certificate of need process. This change directly affects nursing home operators seeking to expand their facilities and the commission responsible for reviewing such requests. The bill does not alter the 125-bed limit but only extends the period during which it remains in effect.
SB 522 requires Tennessee's TennCare program to cover diagnosis (including genetic testing) and treatment for Kleefstra syndrome - a rare genetic disorder causing developmental delays, intellectual disability, and physical symptoms - on the same terms as coverage for autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, and similar genetic conditions. This mandate applies directly to TennCare enrollees diagnosed with Kleefstra syndrome, ensuring access to therapies, medications, and interventions aimed at improving quality of life. The bill updates TennCare coverage rules to include this condition under existing standards for comparable genetic disorders. It takes effect July 1, 2025.
SB 318, the "Tennessee Genomic Security and End Organ Harvesting Act," prohibits Tennessee health insurers from covering organ transplants sourced from the People's Republic of China or performed there, effective January 1, 2026. It also bans medical and research facilities from using genetic sequencing equipment or software produced by or linked to "foreign adversaries" (defined as nations on U.S. sanctions lists), requiring replacement within 180 days. The bill restricts storage of genetic sequencing data to U.S. geographic locations and prohibits remote access from outside the U.S. without state health commissioner approval. These provisions directly affect health insurers, hospitals, and research facilities operating in Tennessee.
HB 395, the "Tennessee Genomic Security and End Organ Harvesting Act," prohibits Tennessee health insurers from covering organ transplants or post-transplant care if the organ was sourced from China or procured through sale/donation originating in China. It also bans medical and research facilities from using genetic sequencing equipment or software produced by entities linked to "foreign adversaries" (specifically targeting China per the bill's context), requiring replacement within 180 days. Additionally, the bill mandates that all genetic sequencing data must be stored within the United States, with remote access from outside the country prohibited without approval from the state health commissioner. The law takes effect on January 1, 2026, directly affecting health insurers, hospitals, and research facilities operating in Tennessee.
SB 44 adds doula services to TennCare, Tennessee's Medicaid program, making coverage available for certified doulas who provide continuous emotional and physical support during labor, birth, and postpartum care. It directly affects low-income pregnant people in Tennessee who may now access doula support through TennCare. The bill requires the Department of Health to establish a certification verification process for doulas who complete approved training programs meeting specific standards, including knowledge of anatomy, support strategies, and community resources. This process will verify doulas' qualifications before they can provide services covered under TennCare.
SB 403 requires Tennessee healthcare facilities receiving public funds (like Medicaid reimbursements) to cover uncompensated care costs to cancel debt equal to that funding for eligible patients. Facilities must notify patients whose debt is canceled and cannot pursue legal action for the canceled amount. The bill also mandates annual reports from the Department of Health and TennCare on uncompensated care payments to the legislature. It directly affects hospitals receiving public funds for charity care and patients with outstanding medical debt.
