Bill > HB0782

This bill amends Tennessee's healthcare laws to expand and establish Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) in the state. PACE is a comprehensive healthcare program designed to help frail, elderly individuals receive integrated acute and long-term care services while potentially avoiding nursing home placement. The bill directs the TennCare bureau to authorize a new PACE program as a pilot in one of Tennessee's two grand divisions where such a program did not exist in 2024. Prospective PACE applicants must submit a detailed letter of intent, including proposed service areas and location, and provide a market analysis demonstrating an unmet need for the program. The bill requires the director to ensure applicants meet federal eligibility criteria and mandates that managed care organizations consider PACE as an alternative to nursing facility referrals. Additionally, the legislation allows an existing PACE program in a specific county to expand its service area into certain contiguous counties with predefined population ranges. The TennCare bureau is required to provide annual reports on PACE programs to state legislative leaders, and the director is authorized to create rules to implement these provisions. The act will take effect immediately upon becoming law, with the goal of improving healthcare options for elderly Tennessee residents.

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

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0782&ga=114