Bill > SB0764

This bill makes several significant changes to Tennessee's healthcare regulations, primarily focusing on physician employment and the establishment of a new licensing framework for anesthesiologist assistants. The bill amends existing laws to allow hospitals in counties with populations of 105,000 or fewer, or children's hospitals, to employ physicians with some restrictions, such as not interfering with medical treatment decisions or physician referrals. A new chapter is added to create a comprehensive regulatory structure for anesthesiologist assistants, including detailed requirements for licensure, scope of practice, and board oversight. The bill defines qualifications for anesthesiologist assistants, mandates that they work under the supervision of an anesthesiologist, and establishes rules for licensure, disciplinary actions, and professional conduct. Additionally, the bill updates provisions related to hospital employment of specialized physicians like radiologists, anesthesiologists, pathologists, and emergency physicians, with specific exceptions for research hospitals and certain population-based scenarios. The bill will take effect in stages, with some provisions becoming active in January 2026 and others in July 2025.

Health and Social Services

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0764&ga=114