Bill > HB0979

This bill makes several significant changes to Tennessee's healthcare regulations, primarily focusing on physician employment and the introduction of a new professional category called anesthesiologist assistants. The bill amends existing laws to clarify and expand the conditions under which hospitals can employ physicians, particularly in smaller counties or children's hospitals. It establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for anesthesiologist assistants, including detailed licensure requirements, scope of practice, and supervision guidelines. The new provisions specify that anesthesiologist assistants can only practice under the direct supervision of an anesthesiologist, with strict limitations on their duties and responsibilities. The bill also introduces definitions for various medical specialties and sets forth conditions for physician employment, such as preventing employing entities from interfering with medical decision-making or patient referrals. Additionally, the bill removes an obsolete reporting requirement for health-related boards and sets different effective dates for various sections of the legislation, with some provisions taking effect in 2025 and others in 2026. The overall aim appears to be providing more clarity and flexibility in medical employment while maintaining patient care standards and professional oversight.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Health and Social Services

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0979&ga=114