Maddy summaryThis bill reclassifies small group homes for the elderly in Tennessee into two distinct categories based on the number of unrelated residents they house. Homes with three or fewer residents are designated as Tier 1 and will be licensed and regulated by the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, while homes with four or more residents become Tier 2 and fall under the authority of the Health Facilities Commission. The legislation also updates rules regarding medication administration, allowing unlicensed staff to handle medications in Tier 1 homes but requiring a licensed medical professional in Tier 2 homes. Additionally, Tier 2 homes must secure approval from local zoning, building, and fire safety authorities before receiving a state license.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis law updates the rules for international medical school graduates who want to practice medicine in Tennessee. It changes the requirements for these doctors to obtain special licenses by requiring them to complete a one-year post-graduate training program approved by the American Medical Association. The bill also allows these physicians to get licensed if they have already been licensed under specific existing Tennessee laws. These changes take effect on January 1, 2025, and apply to healthcare providers seeking to work in the state.
Maddy summaryThis law requires the Tennessee Department of Health to submit its annual report on tobacco and vapor products to the General Assembly and the public in an electronic format. The report must be published on the department's official website to make the information easily accessible to everyone. This change applies to the existing reporting requirements found in several state codes regarding tobacco and vaping.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires TennCare health plans to cover mental health services and treatment to the same extent as they cover treatment for alcoholism and drug dependence. It directly affects health insurance carriers and vendors that administer coverage for people enrolled in Tennessee's medical assistance program. The law mandates that these plans apply identical coverage rules, reimbursement limits, and benefits to mental health care as they do for substance use disorders. Changes to the state insurance code take effect on July 1, 2024, and apply to all policies and contracts entered into on or after that date.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for Tennessee's specialty license plates by changing the deadline for vehicle owners to submit required documentation from 30 days to 45 days. The change applies to all existing and new specialty plate programs, giving applicants more time to provide necessary information when registering their vehicles. By extending this timeframe, the legislation aims to streamline the process for drivers seeking these customized plates without altering the types of plates available or the fees associated with them.