Healthcare (Medical Licensing)

in committee · Tennessee · House Apr 6, 2026

HB 1590: 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.

HB 1590 extends the expiration date of Tennessee's Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact to June 30, 2034, allowing occupational therapists to practice across state lines under the compact until that date. The bill amends Tennessee Code to establish this specific termination date for the compact and other governmental entities created in 2032, both expiring on June 30, 2034. This change does not alter current licensure requirements but sets a clear timeline for the compact's continuation, requiring future legislative action to extend beyond 2034. The compact enables therapists to work in multiple states without obtaining separate licenses in each.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExtends interstate practice for occupational therapists, improving access to healthcare services without altering licensure requirements.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Apr 24, 2026

SB 1848: Controlled Substances - As enacted, authorizes additional healthcare providers to directly administer buprenorphine mono or buprenorphine without the use of naloxone; adds that prescribing a buprenorphine product to nursing mother or prescribing an injectable mono product does not restrict certain healthcare providers from prescribing a buprenorphine product for the treatment of opioid use disorder without naloxone. - Amends TCA Title 53, Chapter 11.

SB 1848 amends Tennessee law to expand access to buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder by allowing more healthcare providers (beyond physicians) to directly administer buprenorphine without naloxone, acting within their scope of practice. The bill specifically permits prescribing to nursing mothers and patients with documented adverse reactions to naloxone, and clarifies that prescribing injectable forms doesn't restrict providers from prescribing buprenorphine without naloxone. These changes aim to streamline treatment options while maintaining safety protocols for specific patient groups. The bill modifies Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 53-11-311(b)(1) and (c)(2).

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands access to buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder by allowing more healthcare providers to prescribe without naloxone, improving patient access to critical care.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Medical Licensing Substance Abuse

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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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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

signed · Tennessee · House Apr 24, 2026

HB 1984: Controlled Substances - As enacted, authorizes additional healthcare providers to directly administer buprenorphine mono or buprenorphine without the use of naloxone; adds that prescribing a buprenorphine product to nursing mother or prescribing an injectable mono product does not restrict certain healthcare providers from prescribing a buprenorphine product for the treatment of opioid use disorder without naloxone. - Amends TCA Title 53, Chapter 11.

HB 1984 expands access to buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder by allowing more healthcare providers to directly administer buprenorphine mono or buprenorphine without naloxone, as long as they act within their scope of practice. It specifically permits prescribing these medications to nursing mothers and patients with documented adverse reactions to naloxone, and clarifies that prescribing injectable forms doesn’t restrict providers from later prescribing non-naloxone buprenorphine. The bill amends Tennessee’s pharmacy law (TCA Title 53, Chapter 11) to remove barriers for these specific scenarios. This directly affects healthcare providers (like nurse practitioners or physician assistants) and patients seeking opioid treatment, particularly nursing mothers and those with allergies to naloxone.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands access to buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder by allowing more healthcare providers to prescribe without unnecessary restrictions, improving patient access to addiction treatment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Medical Licensing Substance Abuse

signed · Tennessee · House Mar 24, 2025

HB 404: Sunset Laws - As enacted, extends the professional music therapy advisory committee of the board of examiners in psychology to June 30, 2027. - Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 29 and Title 63, Chapter 11.

HB 404 extends the professional music therapy advisory committee under Tennessee's psychology board until June 30, 2027. This bill updates Tennessee Code Sections 4-29-246 and 4-29-248 to formally maintain the committee's existence, preventing its automatic termination. The committee, which advises the Board of Examiners in Psychology on music therapy licensure, is directly affected by this extension. The change ensures continuity for this advisory body without altering any substantive licensing rules.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExtends advisory committee for music therapy licensure, maintaining mental health service framework without automatic termination.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing

signed · Tennessee · Senate May 15, 2025

SB 644: Nurses, Nursing - As enacted, requires the board of nursing to permit a student to enroll in a practical nursing program offered by a public institution of higher education governed by the Tennessee board of regents if the student meets the qualifications for a high school diploma or its equivalent and meets other requirements; requires the board of nursing to permit a student enrolled in a practical nursing program to sit for the national council licensure exam for practical nurses (NCLEX-PN) upon completion of a practical nursing program. - Amends TCA Title 49 and Title 63.

SB 644 modifies Tennessee's nursing regulations to expand access to practical nursing programs at public colleges. It requires the Board of Nursing to allow students meeting high school diploma or equivalent qualifications to enroll in these programs and permits them to take the NCLEX-PN exam upon completion. The bill also mandates a minimum of 1,296 clock hours for practical nursing programs and requires public colleges to offer pre-nursing courses starting in high school. These changes directly affect prospective practical nurses and public institutions of higher education governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands higher education access by requiring public colleges to admit students with high school diploma to nursing programs and mandates pre-nursing courses in high school, enhancing educational pathways.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands nursing program access and licensure requirements, directly increasing healthcare workforce capacity and improving patient access to nursing services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Healthcare Workforce Medical Licensing

in committee · Tennessee · Senate Apr 8, 2025

SB 1054: Medical Occupations - As introduced, limits a foreign training license of limited duration to an internationally licensed physician who meets certain listed criteria. - Amends TCA Title 63.

SB 1054 creates a temporary "foreign training license" for internationally trained physicians in Tennessee who meet specific criteria. To qualify, applicants must hold an AMA-approved medical degree (or board-approved equivalent), complete 3 years of postgraduate training in an approved country (or have 7 years of practice), maintain good standing in their home country's licensing system, and secure employment with a Tennessee healthcare provider. The license is tied to that specific employer and requires 2 years of active practice in Tennessee before transitioning to a full license. This bill directly affects internationally licensed doctors seeking to practice in Tennessee without U.S. medical training.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates temporary license for foreign-trained physicians, expanding healthcare workforce and improving patient access in Tennessee.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Medical Licensing

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Apr 28, 2025

SB 789: Medical Occupations - As enacted, makes various changes relative to marriage and family therapist licensure. - Amends TCA Title 33 and Title 63.

SB 789 amends Tennessee's licensure rules for marriage and family therapists to clarify student and trainee roles, update supervisor qualifications, and revise associate license requirements. It allows students in accredited programs to use titles like "marital therapy intern" under supervision, expands the definition of "approved supervisor" to include more licensed mental health professionals, and requires associate license holders to pass a licensing exam within nine months while practicing under supervision. The bill also specifies that associate license holders must display their status as "associate licensed marriage and family therapist" (AMFT) and cannot claim full licensure. These changes directly affect therapy students, trainees, and practitioners seeking licensure in Tennessee.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareClarifies licensure for mental health therapists, enabling more practitioners and improving access to mental health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing

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in committee · Tennessee · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 1040: Boards and Commissions - As introduced, creates the Tennessee board of sign language interpreting. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 63; Title 68, Chapter 1, Part 1 and Title 71, Chapter 4, Part 21.

HB 1040 would create the Tennessee Board of Professional Sign Language Interpreters to license interpreters serving deaf, deaf-blind, and hard-of-hearing residents. The board would establish rules for issuing, suspending, or revoking licenses and set professional standards for interpreters. It requires the board to include representation from the deaf community (two members) and licensed interpreters (two members), plus one academic representative. This directly affects interpreters seeking licensure and Tennesseans who rely on sign language interpretation for communication access in healthcare, employment, and public services.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates licensing board for sign language interpreters to ensure qualified services for deaf/hard-of-hearing students, directly enhancing educational access in schools.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates licensing standards for sign language interpreters, directly improving healthcare access for deaf/hard-of-hearing patients by ensuring qualified communication support in medical settings.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing

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