The first of TMA’s priority bills to be taken up this session cleared the House Health Subcommittee on Wednesday after adopting an amendment to repeal the law altogether.

As originally filed, SB1063/HB1074 by Sen. Shane Reeves (R-Murfreesboro) and Rep. Johnny Garrett (R-Goodlettsville) would have updated a 2022 law that required both physicians and health insurance entities to notify patients when additional information is required to make a prior authorization determination. TMA’s bill language would have specified that only the entity requesting the information be required to notify the patient, rather than both entities. The intent was to reduce unnecessary administrative burden for physicians who seldom require additional information to process prior authorizations, while simultaneously alleviating confusion amongst patients who do not know which entity to respond to when contacted.

Through working with the sponsors and other stakeholders, the decision was made to repeal the law entirely, in large part due to TMA’s comprehensive prior authorization bill that passed in 2023 which rendered the communications timeline component effectively obsolete.

While the bill still has a few more hurdles to go, the shift in direction was lauded by all stakeholders involved and marks the first legislative win this session. The measure is set to be taken up in both the Senate Commerce & Labor Committee and House Health Committee next Tuesday, at 1:00pm and 1:30pm, respectively.

CHILD IMMUNIZATIONS

A bill seeking to eliminate vaccine recommendations for children was rolled in the House Population Health Subcommittee on Tuesday pending an amendment from TMA.

As filed, SB1030/HB1156 by Sen. Janice Bowling (R-Tullahoma) and Rep. Susan Lynn (R-Mt. Juliet) would remove the responsibility of parents or legal guardians to ensure children in their care receive immunizations recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the American Academy of Pediatrics. A similar measure was filed last year, but died in the final weeks of session due to disagreement between the Senate and House sponsor about whether to adopt TMA’s amendatory language.

In coordination with the Tennessee Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, TMA has offered the same amendatory language it provided last year in hopes of striking a balance between allowing for statewide authority while preserving widely-accepted medical standards. As drafted, the amendment would defer vaccine recommendations to the state commissioner of health as advised by a statewide advocacy organization representing multi-specialty physicians. In other words, immunization recommendations for children would come directly from TMA.

The amendment has been accepted by the House sponsor and will be formally adopted when the bill is heard in the subcommittee next week at 12:00pm.

DOCTORS’ DAY ON THE HILL

TMA’s annual policy briefing and lobby day is next Tuesday, March 4. Those wishing to attend should register by the deadline TODAY, Feb. 28 at 5:00pm CT to ensure they receive all day-of communications.

In preparation for Capitol Hill advocacy, TMA has compiled all Day on the Hill resources into an online toolkit where members can access helpful information ahead of the event. This includes the schedule for the day, maps of Cordell Hull, talking points, lobbying tips, frequently asked questions and more. Members are encouraged to review these materials ahead of time, in addition to downloading the Tennessee General Assembly app.

Registrants will receive their appointment schedules from either TMA or their regional county medical society staff. Be on the lookout for these emails Monday or Tuesday of next week.

For additional questions about Doctors’ Day on the Hill, contact TMA’s Grassroots and TMA PAC Manager, Joey Alongi, at joey.alongi@tnmed.org.

We look forward to welcoming you there!