SB 1395 changes how state-funded nursing home care grants are paid. It requires payments to be made either monthly or quarterly directly to the nursing home resident or their legally authorized representative, not to the nursing home facility itself. This applies to all recipients of these specific grants under Tennessee law, ensuring funds go directly to individuals who need care. The bill amends multiple sections of the Tennessee Code to implement this payment method change, effective July 1, 2025.
HB 502 expands TennCare coverage to include diagnosis (including genetic testing) and treatment for Kleefstra syndrome, a rare genetic disorder affecting development and multiple body systems. It requires TennCare to provide this coverage in the same manner and extent as for autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), and other similar genetic disorders, when medically necessary. This applies to all enrolled individuals with Kleefstra syndrome and covers therapies, medications, assistive devices, and interventions aimed at improving quality of life. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor in April 2025.
SB 463, the "Freedom to Grow Our Tennessee Families Act," requires health insurance plans in Tennessee to cover fertility diagnostic care, fertility treatment, and fertility preservation services starting January 1, 2026. It mandates coverage for up to three complete oocyte retrievals with unlimited embryo transfers (per medical guidelines) and prohibits exclusions based on medical history (like cancer treatment), use of donor gametes, or protected characteristics like race or disability. The bill explicitly excludes coverage for "experimental fertility procedures" as defined by medical standards. This directly affects enrollees with fertility needs, ensuring comprehensive coverage under their health insurance plans.
SB 1414, effective May 5, 2025, strengthens Tennessee's alignment with the federal 340B drug discount program by prohibiting drug manufacturers from restricting access to 340B drugs or imposing unfair requirements on participating entities. The bill directly affects 340B entities (such as community health centers and hospitals) and their contracted pharmacies, banning actions like denying 340B drug access, demanding extra health data, or applying stricter audit rules than for non-340B providers. Key provisions require manufacturers to comply with federal 340B rules and prohibit interference with 340B entities' drug choices or contracts. Violations carry a $50,000 civil penalty per violation, enforceable by the state commissioner or attorney general. The law explicitly states it does not override applicable federal 340B regulations.
SB 241 requires inpatient mental health facilities in Tennessee to notify the court that ordered a patient's involuntary commitment when the patient becomes eligible for discharge. The court can then hold a hearing within 21 days to decide whether to release the patient or return them to the hospital based on the facility's recommendation. This bill directly affects patients under involuntary commitment, mental health facilities, and the courts handling these cases. The law, set to take effect July 1, 2025, modifies existing procedures in Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 33, and Title 52.
SB 1342 requires Tennessee's Council on Children's Mental Health Care to submit annual reports starting June 30, 2026, detailing the status of the state's children's mental health system and service delivery. The reports must include a current list of all state and federally funded mental health programs for children, along with recommendations for improving coordination between agencies and addressing treatment gaps. The council must share these reports with the governor, state agency commissioners, and legislative leaders. This bill does not create new programs but mandates regular, comprehensive assessments to inform state-level decision-making on children's mental health services.
HB 465 extends the time for health care professionals to challenge licensing denials from 30 to 60 business days. It directly affects individuals, applicants, licensees, certificate holders, or registrants in health-related fields who receive a notice from a licensing authority denying an application or renewal due to a prior criminal conviction. The bill amends Tennessee law (Titles 39, 40, 63, and 68) to change the filing deadline for petitions in Davidson County chancery court. This change takes effect on July 1, 2025, providing more time to address licensing decisions.
SB 1426, known as "Lucca's Law," requires TennCare managed care plans to cover medically necessary treatments for children diagnosed with PANDAS (pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections) and PANS (pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome). It mandates coverage for antibiotics, behavioral therapies, immune-modulating drugs, plasma exchange, and IV immunoglobulin therapy, with no higher copays or deductibles than other similar treatments. The law also prohibits denying or delaying coverage based on prior treatment history or different diagnostic labels, and requires coverage to be provided without lifetime limits. This applies to all TennCare managed care organizations starting January 1, 2026, and specifies that PANDAS/PANS must be coded as autoimmune encephalitis until new medical codes are established.
HB 661, the "Comprehensive Assault Crime Intervention Act," requires judges to mandate counseling for individuals convicted of assault offenses. It specifies that defendants must complete certified batterer's intervention programs (minimum 26 weeks, 3 hours per session, with a 6:1 participant-to-counselor ratio) or substance abuse treatment as part of sentencing. The bill also mandates annual 12+ hour domestic violence training for judges and court staff. These provisions directly affect assault defendants and court personnel, focusing on rehabilitation and consistent judicial handling of domestic violence-related cases.
SB 401 ensures minors enrolled in Tennessee's TennCare Medicaid or CoverKids program remain eligible until age 18, starting July 1, 2026, without requiring rechecks of their eligibility. The bill prohibits the TennCare division from removing minors from coverage except in specific cases like parental request, death, moving out of state, income exceeding limits, or enrollment fraud. The TennCare director must submit a federal waiver request by December 31, 2025, to implement this change. This directly affects minors under 18 currently covered by these programs, guaranteeing continuous healthcare access through age 18.
