Bill > HB0498

This bill creates an advisory task force on state reimbursement rates to evaluate and recommend annual adjustments to reimbursement rates for healthcare agencies in Tennessee. The task force will consist of nine members: three appointed by the House Speaker, three appointed by the Senate Speaker, and six ex officio non-voting members representing various state agencies like Labor and Workforce Development, Children's Services, Health, Mental Health, TennCare, and Disability and Aging. The appointed members will serve staggered initial terms of three and four years, with subsequent six-year terms. The task force is administratively attached to the Department of Labor and Workforce Development and will be responsible for examining healthcare workforce challenges, including analyzing provider agency costs, staff salaries, benefits, administrative expenses, and potential barriers to employment. They will elect a chair and vice chair, conduct at least one in-person meeting annually, and produce an annual report by August 1st (starting in 2026) with recommendations to relevant state officials, legislative committee chairs, the governor, and the commissioner of finance and administration. Importantly, the task force members will not receive compensation or travel expenses for their service. The bill takes effect immediately for appointing members and fully implements on July 1, 2025.

Health and Social Services

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0498&ga=114