HB 1993 prohibits health insurance issuers and managed health insurance issuers from reimbursing non-network medical laboratories for testing services at rates below the federal CMS clinical laboratory fee schedule in Tennessee. It requires these insurers to pay eligible labs at the CMS rate while allowing them to mandate that non-network labs meet the same performance metrics required of in-network laboratories. This bill directly affects health insurance companies, medical laboratories (particularly non-network providers), and patients who select labs for testing under insurance plans, as it standardizes reimbursement rates and ties lab performance to payment. The policy changes take effect July 1, 2026, and amend Tennessee Code Annotated Title 56, Chapter 7, Part 23.
HB 1836 increases the reimbursement rate for ambulance services under TennCare from 67.5% to 110% of the federal Medicare program's allowable charges for participating providers. It also deletes the Ground Ambulance Service Provider Assessment Act, removing a requirement for ambulance providers to pay an annual assessment. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026, and specifies that any remaining funds in the ambulance service assessment revenue fund after June 30, 2026, must stay in the fund until expended. This change directly affects ambulance service providers participating in TennCare.
HB 1775 requires Tennessee health plans and insurers to cover two specific cancer-related services without out-of-pocket costs: genetic testing for inherited cancer risks (for individuals with personal or family cancer history, as recommended by a doctor) and evidence-based cancer imaging (for high-risk individuals per National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines). This applies to all health plans issued, amended, or renewed on or after July 1, 2026. The bill directly affects insurers by mandating coverage and patients with cancer risk factors by removing cost barriers to these screenings. It does not alter existing health savings account rules but ensures these preventive services are fully covered under the plan.
HB 2049 establishes the State Uterine Fibroids Commission, composed of 11 members including healthcare professionals, hospital representatives, patient advocates (with uterine fibroids or related conditions), and two legislative appointees. The commission will evaluate existing efforts, advise the governor and health department on policies, research state regulations related to uterine fibroids and related conditions, and hold annual public hearings. It must submit annual reports to health committees by December 31 each year. The commission directly affects women diagnosed with uterine fibroids, endometriosis, or polycystic ovary syndrome by creating a formal advisory body focused on their health needs.
SB 1610 amends Tennessee law to allow Putnam County and incorporated cities within the county meeting specific 2020 census population thresholds (366,200-366,300 for the county, 79,800-79,900 for cities) to regulate sober living homes for substance abuse recovery. The bill enables these local governments to establish rules for such homes while requiring compliance with the Fair Housing Act and Americans with Disabilities Act. It does not create new regulations but defines which jurisdictions can implement them. The key provision adjusts the legal definition of "local government" in state code to include these specific areas.
SB 2081 expands a Tennessee law that prohibits health insurance plans from requiring step therapy (trying less expensive treatments first) before covering approved cancer drugs. It removes the current restriction that only applied to "stage 4 advanced metastatic cancer or metastatic blood cancer," instead applying the prohibition to **all cancer diagnoses**. This means cancer patients in Tennessee with insurance plans covering cancer treatment cannot be forced through step therapy protocols before accessing approved drugs. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, for new or renewed insurance policies.
HB 1887 creates a state licensure process for "prescribed pediatric extended care programs" (PPECs) in Tennessee, which provide nonresidential care to medically dependent or technologically dependent minors (under age 20) requiring ongoing, technology-based medical services (like ventilator support). The bill requires facilities operating these programs to obtain a license, limits care to 12 hours per day (not 24-hour care), and mandates that TennCare submit a federal Medicaid waiver request to cover services provided by licensed PPECs. It directly affects vulnerable minors with complex medical needs, their families, and PPEC operators seeking to provide these specialized services. The law amends Tennessee health, insurance, and social services codes to establish licensing standards, facility requirements, and oversight for these programs.
HB 1949 requires that nonprofit organizations receiving opioid abatement funds from Tennessee's opioid abatement fund must be paid through a 50% advance payment (for recurring costs like staff wages) and 50% reimbursement grant structure. This applies to nonprofits working on statewide, regional, or local opioid prevention and treatment programs. The bill amends Tennessee law to mandate this payment method, ensuring nonprofits have upfront cash for essential operations while requiring documentation for reimbursement. It directly affects organizations administering opioid-related services funded by the state.
SB 1532 extends the expiration date of Tennessee's Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact to June 30, 2034. This bill directly affects occupational therapists in Tennessee and participating states, as the compact allows them to practice across state lines without obtaining separate licenses in each state. The key provision amends Tennessee law to prevent the compact from terminating on its original date, ensuring continued multi-state licensure authority. This change maintains existing practice flexibility for occupational therapists without creating new requirements or altering current licensing processes.
SB 1977 (Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-35-311(h)) modifies probation rules for felony offenders who violate probation by committing a drug offense. It requires trial judges, for the first violation of this type, to order substance abuse treatment instead of revoking probation - based on a preponderance of evidence. This applies directly to individuals on probation for felony drug offenses who breach probation terms. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and aims to prioritize treatment over immediate probation revocation for first-time violations.
