The certificate of need requirement for MRI and PET machines expires on Dec. 1, 2025. After that, each unit of such major medical equipment will be required to be licensed by the State of Tennessee Health Facilities Commission (HFC). Each license will be required to be renewed annually thereafter on the anniversary date of issuance.

The HFC recently posted a notice of rulemaking, outlining the proposed licensure procedures and standards for these machines. The proposed rules may be accessed here.

The rulemaking hearing is scheduled for Aug. 5, 2025 at 9:00 AM CST in the Poplar Room at 665 Mainstream Drive, Nashville, Tenn. To present comments at the hearing, one must sign-in on the sign-up sheet for public comment which will be available on the day of the hearing. Written comments will be accepted via email only until July 31, 2025, at 5 P.M. CST. The email address to submit comments is Scott.Faragher@tn.gov.

Any physician or medical practice currently having, or contemplating the acquisition of, MRI or PET machines should carefully review these proposed rules and file comments addressing any concerns or suggestions for improvement.