Bill > SB1389

This bill amends Tennessee healthcare regulations to prohibit healthcare providers participating in TennCare (Tennessee's Medicaid program) or CoverKids (a state children's health insurance program) from refusing medical services to patients solely because the patient has declined a specific vaccine or immunization. The bill defines key terms such as "healthcare provider" and "enrollee" and establishes that providers cannot deny care based exclusively on a patient's vaccination status. The legislation includes important nuances: it does not apply to specialists in oncology or organ transplant services, and it prevents the TennCare bureau from reimbursing providers who violate this rule. The bill requires the TennCare director to develop administrative rules for implementing these provisions, including establishing a process for providers to seek administrative and judicial review if they are accused of violating the regulation. Notably, the bill allows the director to seek federal waivers as needed and will take effect on July 1, 2025, with the aim of protecting patients' healthcare access regardless of their vaccination choices.