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 This procedural bill amends Tennessee Code sections related to the council's structure (specifically deleting an outdated reference in TCA 4-29-247 and adding the council as a defined entity in TCA 4-29-252).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.
SB 1598, the "Freedom from Medical Debt Act," requires Tennessee's state treasurer to contract with a nonprofit to repay medical debt for eligible residents. It directly affects Tennessee residents with household incomes at or below 400% of the federal poverty level or those owing medical debt equal to 5% or more of their annual income, provided the debt has been outstanding for over 120 days. The bill mandates that healthcare providers cannot report medical debt to consumer credit bureaus after July 1, 2026, and requires nonprofits to purchase debt at fair value while removing negative credit reporting upon repayment. The state treasurer is not liable for payments, and the nonprofit handles all financial obligations.
HB 1550 expands Tennessee school policies to allow public and nonpublic schools to administer any prescribed form of epinephrine (not limited to auto-injectors) for students experiencing life-threatening allergic reactions. The bill requires schools to maintain epinephrine in at least two secure locations and permits school nurses or trained staff to use school-stored epinephrine when a student lacks personal medication or a prescription on file. It clarifies that physicians and school staff administering epinephrine under this policy are not liable for harm unless there was intentional disregard for safety. The law amends Tennessee Code Sections 49-50-1602(f) and 68-140-501(1) to remove the restriction to "epinephrine auto-injectors" and replace it with "epinephrine." This directly affects schools, students with allergies, and school medical personnel.
SB 1966 requires Tennessee's medical, nursing, and osteopathic licensing boards to conduct criminal background checks on health care professionals when they renew their licenses. This applies specifically to doctors, nurses, and osteopathic physicians seeking license renewal. The background checks must use a state-approved method, and applicants must pay all associated costs. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, for all renewal applications submitted on or after that date.
