Healthcare

HB 404 extends the professional music therapy advisory committee under Tennessee's psychology board until June 30, 2027. This bill updates Tennessee Code Sections 4-29-246 and 4-29-248 to formally maintain the committee's existence, preventing its automatic termination. The committee, which advises the Board of Examiners in Psychology on music therapy licensure, is directly affected by this extension. The change ensures continuity for this advisory body without altering any substantive licensing rules.

HB 1236, the "Tennessee Health SNAP Act," would require Tennessee's Department of Human Resources to seek a federal waiver from the USDA to prohibit SNAP (food stamp) benefits from being used to purchase candy and soft drinks. If approved, this restriction would directly affect SNAP recipients in Tennessee who currently use benefits for these items. The bill mandates that the waiver request include public health justification, a plan for retailer system updates, recipient education on healthy alternatives, and a tracking system for spending and health data. It also requires annual reports to state leaders on the waiver status and impact. The bill is pending Senate action and would take effect July 1, 2025, if enacted.

SB 610 requires TennCare to cover continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) for eligible members with specific diabetes conditions. It directly affects TennCare enrollees diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, gestational diabetes, or Type 2 diabetes meeting documented criteria like frequent low blood sugar episodes, high A1C levels, or hospitalizations related to diabetes complications. The bill mandates coverage only when prescribed by an endocrinologist or diabetes specialist confirming the member meets the eligibility requirements. The law takes effect January 1, 2026.