Bill > HB0638

This bill prohibits healthcare providers participating in TennCare (Tennessee's Medicaid program) or CoverKids (a children's health insurance program) from refusing to provide medical services to an enrollee solely because the patient has declined a specific vaccine or immunization. The legislation defines key terms, including "healthcare provider" as any licensed professional authorized to provide medical care, and "enrollee" as a person enrolled in a medical assistance health benefit plan. Importantly, the bill stipulates that the TennCare bureau cannot reimburse providers who violate this provision, though it includes a nuanced approach that prevents penalizing an entire medical group if only one individual provider is non-compliant. The bill includes two specific exceptions for specialists in oncology and organ transplant services. Additionally, the legislation requires the director of TennCare to establish administrative rules for implementing these requirements, including mechanisms for providers to seek administrative and judicial review of potential violations. The law is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and the director is authorized to seek any necessary federal waivers to implement the legislation.

Government Affairs, Health and Social Services

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0638&ga=114