HB 1816, "The Isbill Act," requires Tennessee law enforcement officers and correctional staff to undergo annual training on the criteria for involuntary hospitalization for mental health treatment. Specifically, it mandates the POST Commission and Tennessee Corrections Institute to create and adopt guidelines explaining when emergency and non-emergency involuntary admissions to inpatient care are appropriate. These guidelines will directly affect all law enforcement officers and correctional personnel in the state. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 33, 38, and 41 to implement these training requirements, effective July 1, 2027.
SB 1948 requires Tennessee county medical examiners to report sudden unexpected deaths of infants (under 1 year) and young people (under 20) to a federal health registry. It mandates that examiners review and document the deceased’s immunization records and medical history, including immunizations given within 90 days before death. Violations carry civil penalties of up to $1,000 for the first offense and $5,000 for repeated offenses, with potential license suspension for medical examiners. The bill aims to standardize data collection for public health research on sudden deaths in children and young adults.
SB 1496 amends Tennessee law to clarify that healthcare professionals cannot use the terms "Clinical informatics," "Lifestyle medicine," or "Medical virtualist" after their name to suggest they are licensed physicians or osteopathic doctors. The bill adds these specific terms to the existing list of titles that mislead the public about medical licensure. It directly affects healthcare providers who might use these terms in their practice without proper authorization. This change updates the definition of "practice of medicine" under Tennessee Code Title 63, ensuring these terms cannot be misused to induce public belief in unlicensed medical practice.
HB 1955 requires Tennessee's Commissioner of Commerce and Insurance to publish an annual report by October 1, 2026, detailing alleged violations by pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) related to delayed reimbursements to pharmacies. The report must include the total number of reported violations, findings from investigations, and penalties imposed for confirmed violations under existing law (TCA §56-7-3124). This directly affects PBMs operating in Tennessee, as they must comply with reimbursement timelines, and pharmacies that may receive delayed payments. The bill mandates transparency by documenting enforcement actions without creating new penalties. The report will be submitted to the General Assembly and made publicly available.
HB 1597 extends the state Alzheimer's disease and related dementia advisory council's existence until June 30, 2031, replacing its previous sunset date. This procedural bill amends Tennessee Code sections related to the council's structure (specifically deleting an outdated reference in TCA 4-29-247 and adding the council as a defined entity in TCA 4-29-252). The advisory council, composed of experts and stakeholders, directly affects Alzheimer's/dementia policy coordination by advising the state on prevention, care, and research. The bill does not create new programs but ensures the council continues its existing role in shaping dementia-related initiatives.
HB 1584 extends Tennessee's participation in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact until June 30, 2034, preventing its automatic expiration. This bill directly affects medical professionals seeking to practice across state lines and healthcare systems serving patients in multiple states. The key provision amends Tennessee law to update the compact's expiration date in Title 4 and Title 63 of the Tennessee Code, ensuring continued multi-state licensure for doctors. This change allows physicians to maintain active licenses in Tennessee while practicing in other participating states without additional state-specific requirements.
HB 1593 extends the expiration date of Tennessee's professional art therapist advisory committee (which advises the Board of Examiners in Psychology) from its original sunset date to June 30, 2031. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 4-29-247 and 4-29-252 to update the committee's sunset provision. This change ensures the committee continues operating to provide guidance on art therapy licensing standards without interruption. The bill directly affects the advisory committee and the psychology board they serve, preventing the committee from automatically dissolving.
SB 1777, the "Caring for Caregivers Act," creates a pilot program (2026-2029) providing financial grants to Tennessee family caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's or related dementia. It directly affects caregivers who provide unpaid care to eligible family members needing assistance with at least two daily living activities (like bathing or dressing), live in private homes, and have household income below state median limits. The bill allows grants covering up to $6,000 annually for specific eligible expenses: home safety modifications, necessary medical equipment, or respite care, with priority to very low-income households. Grants continue if the care recipient temporarily stays in a hospital but plans to return home.
HB 1741 requires insurers covering incarcerated individuals in Tennessee to treat FDA-approved non-opioid pain medications equally with opioids on their preferred drug lists (PDL). Specifically, insurers must not disadvantage or discourage coverage for non-opioid pain treatments compared to opioids, provided the non-opioid has been FDA-approved for pain management for at least nine months. The bill applies to all insurance policies covering inmates, including those through TennCare or private insurers, and amends multiple Tennessee Code titles related to healthcare coverage. It takes effect January 1, 2027, and does not prevent insurers from favoring one opioid over another or one non-opioid over another.
SB 1701 requires Tennessee's Department of Health to establish a database tracking demographic information (such as race and age) and treatment options for women diagnosed with uterine fibroids, to be available by January 1, 2027. The database will be used solely for research and must protect patient privacy under confidentiality laws. Additionally, the department must publish existing educational resources online highlighting racial disparities in diagnosis and non-hysterectomy treatment options to increase public awareness of uterine fibroids. This bill directly affects women with uterine fibroids and healthcare providers by improving access to relevant health information.
