Members of the Tennessee Medical Association’s (TMA’s) component medical societies convened for their 2025 Legislative Dinners ahead of the second session of the 114^th Tennessee General Assembly. The dinners served as a forum where physicians could engage in discourse with lawmakers regarding policy that impacts healthcare in Tennessee.

Societies who hosted dinners included the Knoxville Academy of Medicine, Stones River Medical Society, Consolidated Medical Assembly of Northwest Tennessee, Nashville Academy of Medicine, Memphis Medical Society, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society, Montgomery County Medical Society, Bradley County Medical Society and Region 8 (Northeast Tennessee). Notably, the Region 8 dinner drew more than 70 attendees, signifying the strength of organized medicine not only in the region, but also in the state. The Williamson County Medical Society will hold their dinner today, Jan. 6^th.

Topics of discussion across the state included prior authorization reform and the need for higher TennCare Reimbursement. Physicians emphasized the association’s opposition to scope of practice expansion for Optometrists, Psychologists, APRNs, Physician Assistants and Pharmacists, an issue that will be addressed in the upcoming session. Lawmakers and physicians also shared conversation regarding the prohibition of systemic downcoding of Claims by insurers, a topic that is important for lawmakers to learn about from physicians.

The 2025 Legislative Dinners strategically positioned TMA for a strong kickoff to the upcoming session, as organized medicine finds success when physicians engage in grassroots advocacy. TMA members will soon have the opportunity to continue these vital discussions at TMAs annual Doctors’ Day on the Hill on Tuesday, March 3 in Nashville. Make plans to attend and register at tnmed.org/day-on-the-hill.

To learn more about your local Legislative Dinner and how to attend at the end of 2026, reach out to your local component medical society.