Rep. Esther Helton-Haynes

Maddy summaryHB 70 requires TennCare health benefit plans (renewed or issued on or after July 1, 2025) to cover and reimburse biomarker testing for preeclampsia in pregnant women. This directly affects pregnant women enrolled in Tennessee's Medicaid program (TennCare) and the health insurance carriers providing their coverage. The bill mandates that testing must be ordered by a physician, conducted by the prenatal care provider using FDA-approved methods, and follow clinical guidelines. It also allows TennCare to create rules and seek federal approval to ensure Medicaid coverage for this testing.

Maddy summaryThis Tennessee bill establishes a new Professional Music Therapy Advisory Committee to regulate the practice of music therapy within the state. The committee, composed of five licensed music therapists appointed by the governor, will issue licenses to qualified practitioners and enforce rules against unqualified individuals or unethical conduct. To become a licensed professional music therapist, individuals must hold a valid license from this committee and adhere to standards that define music therapy as the clinical use of music interventions for therapeutic goals. The legislation also clarifies that music therapy does not include the screening, diagnosis, or assessment of medical or psychological disorders.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends laws governing retail tourism development districts in Tennessee to clarify how financial incentives are calculated and distributed. It restricts the definition of eligible costs by excluding ongoing management fees, commissions paid to affiliated entities, and lease termination fees for businesses relocating into the district. Additionally, the legislation defines specific conditions under which rent discounts count as direct assistance, limiting these benefits to leases signed before July 1, 2022, and excluding any discounts accruing on or after July 1, 2027. These changes apply to all costs submitted for reimbursement on or after July 1, 2011, and affect businesses and property owners participating in these district programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires temporary healthcare staffing agencies operating in Tennessee to report specific details to the state's health facilities commission. By December 31 of each year, these agencies must submit notice identifying their business entity and any individuals who control the company. The law updates existing statutes to formalize this annual reporting requirement, ensuring the commission has current information on staffing providers.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Tennessee's laws regarding nursing education to require public colleges and universities offering practical nursing programs to provide at least 1,296 clock hours or the equivalent in credit hours. The legislation updates multiple sections of the state code to ensure these educational standards are met for future nursing students. Additionally, the bill changes reporting requirements so that certain annual reports must be sent to the governor, the legislative librarian, and other officials. These changes directly affect public institutions of higher education that train practical nurses and the administrative processes for tracking their progress.