Bill > HB1311

This bill makes several changes to Tennessee's health-related licensure laws. It removes the requirement that health-related board licenses must be signed by board members before issuance and authorizes board presiding officers to divide boards into panels of at least three members to conduct contested case hearings or disciplinary matters. The bill expands the types of records healthcare providers must make available for department inspection by explicitly including patient billing records, and allows these records to be requested with either patient authorization or through a written request from department investigators. Additionally, the bill clarifies confidentiality provisions by specifying that identifying information related to disciplinary charges (such as complainant or patient details) can only be disclosed in response to a law enforcement subpoena. The legislation also updates requirements for respiratory therapist licensure, specifically detailing the credentials and educational preparation needed to become a certified or registered respiratory therapist, with credentials to be verified by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). The changes aim to streamline administrative processes, enhance investigative capabilities, and standardize professional licensing requirements in Tennessee's healthcare sector.

Health and Social Services

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB1311&ga=114