Healthcare

in committee · Tennessee · House Apr 15, 2026

HB 1887: Disability and Aging, Dept. Of - As introduced, creates a licensure process for prescribed pediatric extended care programs; requires TennCare to submit a waiver to the federal centers for medicare and medicaid services seeking approval to provide coverage and benefits for those who receive services from a prescribed pediatric extended care program. - Amends TCA Title 52; Title 56 and Title 71.

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.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates licensure for pediatric care programs and requires TennCare to seek federal Medicaid waiver for coverage, expanding access to medically dependent minors.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Children's Health Medicaid Medical Licensing Tags Licensing People with Disabilities

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in committee · Tennessee · House Apr 21, 2026

HB 1949: Public Funds and Financing - As introduced, requires that monies from the opioid abatement fund that are disbursed to nonprofit organizations for statewide, regional, or local opioid abatement and remediation purposes be disbursed as a combination of advance payment and reimbursement grants. - Amends TCA Title 9, Chapter 4, Part 13 and Title 33, Chapter 11.

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.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates structured funding (50% advance, 50% reimbursement) for opioid abatement programs, directly supporting public health initiatives and treatment services under healthcare policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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signed · Tennessee · Senate Apr 6, 2026

SB 1532: Sunset Laws - As enacted, extends the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact to June 30, 2034. - Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 29 and Title 63, Chapter 13, Part 5.

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.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExtends multi-state licensure for occupational therapists, improving cross-state access to healthcare services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing

in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 25, 2026

SB 1977: Probation and Parole - As introduced, specifies that if the trial judge finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant has violated conditions of probation and suspension of sentence for a felony offense by engaging in conduct that constitutes a drug offense, then for the first instance of such a violation, the trial judge must order the defendant to attend a substance abuse treatment program and must not revoke the defendant's probation and suspension of sentence. - Amends TCA Title 40, Chapter 35.

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.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates substance abuse treatment over probation revocation for first drug-related violations, prioritizing rehabilitation and reducing punitive measures per criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates substance abuse treatment for first-time drug offense probation violations, prioritizing healthcare access over probation revocation per TCA §40-35-311(h).95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Judges Probation & Parole Substance Abuse

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Apr 7, 2026

SB 1796: Insurance, Health, Accident - As introduced, directs the commissioner of commerce and insurance to publish and submit to the general assembly on or before October 1, 2026, a report containing data on alleged statutory violations by pharmacy benefits managers during the previous fiscal year for failing to meet requirements for timely reimbursements to pharmacies; the report must include data on the number of alleged violations reported, the commissioner's findings from any ensuing investigations, and any penalties imposed for findings of violations. - Amends TCA Title 56, Chapter 7, Part 31 and Title 56, Chapter 7, Part 32.

SB 1796 requires Tennessee's Commissioner of Commerce and Insurance to publish a report by October 1, 2026, detailing alleged violations of pharmacy reimbursement laws (specifically §56-7-3124) by pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) during the prior fiscal year. The report must include the total number of reported violations, the commissioner's investigation findings, and any penalties imposed for violations. This bill directly affects PBMs (who manage prescription drug benefits for insurers) and pharmacies that may face delayed reimbursements, by mandating transparency in enforcement actions without creating new penalties or requirements.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires timely pharmacy reimbursements by PBMs, protecting pharmacy operations and ensuring patient access to medications through enforcement of existing laws.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SB 1626: Insurance, Health, Accident - As introduced, requires that a health plan, or an insurer offering a health plan, include coverage for clinical genetic testing for an inherited gene mutation for an individual with a personal or family history of cancer that is recommended by a healthcare professional, and evidence-based cancer imaging for an individual with an increased risk of cancer as recommended by National Comprehensive Cancer Network clinical practice guidelines. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 56 and Title 71.

SB 1626 requires Tennessee health insurance plans to cover clinical genetic testing for inherited cancer risks (for individuals with personal or family cancer history) and evidence-based cancer imaging (for high-risk individuals), as recommended by healthcare providers or National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. This applies to all health insurers in Tennessee, directly affecting patients seeking these specific cancer prevention and early detection services. The law mandates that this coverage must be provided without cost-sharing (no deductibles, copays, or coinsurance). The requirement takes effect for plans issued, amended, or renewed on or after July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for cancer genetic testing and imaging, expanding patient access to preventive care as recommended by medical guidelines.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 3, 2026

SB 1722: Insurance, Health, Accident - As introduced, prohibits a health insurance issuer or managed health insurance issuer from reimbursing for testing services a medical laboratory that is eligible to participate as an in-network participating provider at a rate less than the CMS clinical laboratory fee schedule for medical labs in this state; permits a managed health insurance issuer to require such lab to meet the performance metrics required of in-network labs. - Amends TCA Title 56, Chapter 7, Part 23.

SB 1722 requires Tennessee health insurance companies to pay non-network medical laboratories (that are eligible to join an insurance network) at least the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) clinical laboratory fee schedule rate for covered lab tests. It also allows insurers to set the same performance standards for these non-network labs as they do for in-network providers. The law will take effect on July 1, 2026, and applies to health insurance and managed health insurance issuers in Tennessee.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurers pay non-network labs at CMS clinical lab fee schedule rate, ensuring fair reimbursement and supporting lab access to healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Medicaid Medicare

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signed · Tennessee · Senate May 27, 2026

SB 1681: Hospitals and Health Care Facilities - As enacted, prohibits a hospital emergency department, including a satellite emergency department, from denying to a woman who presents at such facility and purports or, if incapacitated, appears to be pregnant and experiencing active labor, other symptoms associated with active labor, or an emergency medical condition, an appropriate medical screening examination within the capability of the emergency department, including ancillary services routinely available to the emergency department, to determine whether or not an emergency medical condition or active labor exists; makes other related changes. - Amends TCA Title 63 and Title 68.

SB 1681 requires Tennessee hospital emergency departments to provide an immediate medical screening examination to any pregnant woman presenting with active labor or an emergency medical condition. It prohibits transfers before stabilization (as defined by federal EMTALA standards) unless the woman or her authorized representative provides written consent after being informed of risks and benefits. The bill applies directly to hospitals and pregnant women seeking emergency care, mandating that facilities offer appropriate treatment or transfer under specific conditions. Violations may result in penalties and licensing sanctions, as the law amends Tennessee Codes Title 63 and Title 68.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates immediate screening for pregnant women in labor, prohibits unsafe transfers, and protects patient rights under emergency care standards per EMTALA.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals

died · Tennessee · Senate Feb 2, 2026

SB 2020: Insurance, Health, Accident - As introduced, prohibits health insurance entities from downcoding reimbursement claims from healthcare professionals except in limited circumstances; makes certain other changes related to health insurance claim adjudication. - Amends TCA Title 56, Chapter 7.

SB 2020 would prevent Tennessee health insurance companies from reducing payments for healthcare services (downcoding) except in specific, limited situations, requiring them to provide the treating provider's identification and credentials when doing so. It extends the validity of prior authorizations for essential treatments like mental health care, cancer therapies, opioid medications, and preventive services, reducing the need for repeated approvals for patients. The bill also prohibits insurers from using artificial intelligence tools alone to deny care, mandating that licensed physicians must review and approve such decisions based on individual patient history. This legislation would directly affect healthcare providers, insurers, and patients in Tennessee by streamlining payment processes and ensuring medical decisions are made by qualified professionals.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProhibits insurer downcoding without provider ID transparency, extends prior authorizations for mental health/cancer care, and protects healthcare professionals' reimbursement - directly improving access and provider rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Mental Health Substance Abuse

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in committee · Tennessee · House May 27, 2026

HB 2075: Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services, Dept. of - As enacted, enacts the "HOPE Treatment Act." - Amends TCA Title 9; Title 33; Title 53; Title 63 and Title 68.

HB 2075, the "Helping Open Pathways to Effective (HOPE) Treatment Act," proposes to establish a framework for Tennessee to conduct clinical trials of ibogaine - a Schedule I drug with potential for treating opioid use disorder, PTSD, depression, and other conditions - by amending state laws. The bill creates a process for "cohorts" (groups including drug developers, research institutions, and hospitals) to submit detailed proposals to the Department of Mental Health for FDA-approved trials, requiring specific plans for participant recruitment, safety protocols, and breakthrough therapy designation. It directly affects Tennessee's mental health department, healthcare institutions, and pharmaceutical developers seeking to advance ibogaine research. The bill does not fund trials but enables state participation in federal clinical pathways, aiming to accelerate FDA approval for ibogaine as a medical treatment.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes framework for clinical trials of ibogaine (a potential treatment for opioid use disorder/PTSD) under mental health services, advancing treatment options and research in mental health/substance abuse care.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Substance Abuse

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