Bill > HB1203

This bill amends Tennessee healthcare licensing laws to allow certain professional boards (specifically for medical licensing) to issue licenses under a "private advocacy order" during an initial application interview. Under this provision, a license applicant may be required to participate in a peer assistance program if the board determines the applicant has a condition that could impair their professional practice. The private advocacy order is not considered a license restriction, but failure to maintain participation in the peer assistance program can result in disciplinary action. Importantly, these private advocacy orders are confidential and not subject to public records requests, unless the practitioner fails to maintain program advocacy, at which point the order becomes a public record. The bill applies to multiple licensing boards and takes effect immediately upon becoming law, with the stated purpose of protecting public welfare by ensuring practitioners receive necessary support and monitoring when potential practice impairments are identified.

Health and Social Services

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB1203&ga=114