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TN SB1389
TN SB1389AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 33; Title 56; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to healthcare providers.
summary
Introduced
02/06/2025
02/06/2025
In Committee
Crossed Over
04/16/2025
04/16/2025
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
114th General Assembly
Bill Summary
As introduced, prohibits a healthcare provider who participates in the TennCare or CoverKids programs from refusing to provide healthcare services to an enrollee based solely upon the enrollee’s refusal to obtain a vaccine or immunization; prohibits the bureau from reimbursing a healthcare provider in violation of such prohibition; requires the director to adopt rules. - Amends TCA Title 33; Title 56; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71.
AI Summary
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.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (10)
Bo Watson (R)*,
Paul Bailey (R),
Janice Bowling (R),
Joey Hensley (R),
Jack Johnson (R),
Mark Pody (R),
Steve Southerland (R),
John Stevens (R),
Page Walley (R),
Ken Yager (R),
Last Action
Re-refer to S. Cal Comm (on 04/22/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB1389&ga=114 |
| Fiscal Memo for SA0238 (6046) | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Fiscal/FM1058.pdf |
| Amendment 2-0 to SB1389 | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Amend/SA0239.pdf |
| Amendment 1-0 to SB1389 | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Amend/SA0238.pdf |
| Fiscal Memo for SA0239 (3566) | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Fiscal/FM0631.pdf |
| Fiscal Memo for SA0238 (6046) | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Fiscal/FM0979.pdf |
| Fiscal Note - HB0638 | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Fiscal/HB0638.pdf |
| BillText | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Bill/SB1389.pdf |
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