Two of TMA’s priority measures were postponed this week due to delays caused by budget hearings and new opposition from stakeholders.

A carry-over bill from last session, TMA’s physician wellness legislation (SB734/HB628) sponsored by Sen. Richard Briggs, MD (R-Knoxville) and Rep. Tom Leatherwood (R-Arlington) was first on the Senate Commerce & Labor Committee calendar this week. Despite a strong vote count and anticipated approval of the measure, four budget hearings from various state agencies lasted the duration of the hearing, causing the chair to defer the bill one week. It has been re-calendared for next Tuesday, Feb. 27 at 1:00 pm CT. With all concerns from relevant stakeholders alleviated, it is expected to pass out of the committee easily.

In the lower chamber, TMA’s insurer clawbacks bill (SB2328/HB2076) sponsored by Sen. Ken Yager (R-Kingston) and Rep. Brock Martin (R-Huntingdon) stalled in the House Insurance Subcommittee due to newly raised concerns by insurance companies. As filed, the bill sets forth requirements for recoupment of overpayment on improperly adjudicated claims to ensure due process and transparency for physician practices. TMA worked with the payers before the legislative session began to negotiate the terms of the bill, eventually conceding to requests to reduce the requirement to give advance notice of recoupment from 60 days to 30 days, and increasing the timeline in which an insurer may recoup monies from 6 months to 12 months.

Despite supposed consensus on the bill language, health plans are now identifying additional issues with the legislation as filed, likely as a delay tactic. However, both bill sponsors are committed to the language previously agreed upon and intend to move forward as drafted. The bill has been reset for the House Insurance Subcommittee calendar on Tuesday, March 12 at noon CT. TMA members will have the opportunity to lobby lawmakers with jurisdiction over this bill at our annual Day on the Hill set for March 5.

Even as two of TMA’s proposals stall, the Dr. Benjamin Mauck Act (SB1709/HB1628) carried by Sen. Joey Hensley, MD (R-Hohenwald) and Rep. Scott Cepicky (R-Culleoka) is progressing nicely through the legislative process. Having already passed the House committees, the measure is set to be considered in the Senate Judiciary Committee next Tuesday, Feb. 27 at 3:00pm where it is expected to face opposition from several key senators. TMA has invited Dr. Mauck’s family to testify on the bill, but members are encouraged to contact lawmakers to express support and ask for a favorable vote. Using the talking points included in our call-to-action linked below, reach out to the members listed. If you are a constituent of any of these members, you can send an email through our grassroots platform.

• Chair, Sen. Todd Gardenhire (R-Chattanooga) – sen.todd.gardenhire@capitol.tn.gov
• V. Chair, Sen. Dawn White (R-Murfreesboro) – sen.dawn.white@capitol.tn.gov
• 2^nd V. Chair, Sen. Paul Rose (R-Covington) – sen.paul.rose@capitol.tn.gov
• Sen. Sara Kyle (D-Memphis) – sen.sara.kyle@capitol.tn.gov
• Sen. London Lamar (D-Memphis) – sen.london.lamar@capitol.tn.gov
• Sen. Jon Lundberg (R-Bristol) – sen.jon.lundberg@capitol.tn.gov
• Sen. Kerry Roberts (R-Springfield) – sen.kerry.roberts@capitol.tn.gov
• Sen. John Stevens (R-Huntingdon) – sen.john.stevens@capitol.tn.gov
• Sen. Brent Taylor (R-Memphis) – sen.brent.taylor@capitol.tn.gov

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ANESTHESIOLOGY ASSISTANTS

 A bill that would expand the type of advanced practice providers available in Tennessee cleared its first major hurdle on Wednesday

SB453/HB1146 by Sen. Richard Briggs, MD (R-Knoxville) and Rep. Greg Vital (R-Harrison) would establish a licensure process for certified anesthesiologist assistants (CAAs) under the auspices of the Board of Medical Examiners. Scope of practice for CAAs is similar to that of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) who are both permitted to practice under the supervision and delegation of an anesthesiologist. Currently, CAAs are authorized to practice in 19 states.

The measure was introduced by the Tennessee Society of Anesthesiologists during last year’s session to help address urgent and persistent staffing shortages by supplementing the number of providers qualified to assist with anesthesia care. However, strong opposition by the CRNAs has proved to be a significant obstacle to its passage. While the bill successfully cleared the Senate Health & Welfare Committee on Wednesday, its posture in the House is effectively immobile. It is unclear whether the proposal will gain enough traction this session to become law.