Bill > HB0364

This bill, known as "Emma's Bill," amends Tennessee's TennCare (the state's Medicaid program) regulations to require a more comprehensive approach to determining medical necessity. Specifically, when evaluating medical services and funding, the state's healthcare bureau must now consider a patient's overall medical condition beyond just seeking the least costly treatment option. The bill mandates a holistic medical review that includes assessing factors such as the patient's mobility, cognitive awareness, communication ability, need for nursing supervision, and reliance on life-sustaining equipment like ventilators. By adding a new subsection to the existing law, the bill ensures that patients with complex medical needs will have their full health circumstances evaluated when determining medical services and funding, rather than being limited strictly to cost-based considerations. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and represents an effort to provide more personalized and comprehensive healthcare decision-making for patients with significant medical challenges.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0364&ga=114