Bill > SB1178

This bill aims to expand employment opportunities for family caregivers in Tennessee by directing both the state department of disability and aging and TennCare (Tennessee's Medicaid program) to develop guidelines that prevent discrimination against qualified family members who want to provide care services. The guidelines prohibit service providers from rejecting family caregiver employment based on factors like family relationship, residence, age of the care recipient, parental or spousal status, guardianship, or the specific Medicaid waiver program involved. The bill covers multiple waiver programs, including Employment and Community First Choices, Choices, the Katie Beckett program, and others. Providers must annually receive these guidelines, which must also be published on the respective websites. While family caregivers can be employed to provide long-term support and home and community-based services, they cannot be compensated beyond the benefits designated in the care recipient's person-centered planning document. The bill will take effect immediately for rule-making purposes and fully implement on July 1, 2025, with the goal of increasing flexible care options for individuals with disabilities by allowing family members to serve as paid caregivers.

Health and Social Services

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB1178&ga=114