TennCare - As introduced, prohibits a healthcare provider who participates in the TennCare or CoverKids programs from refusing to provide healthcare services to an enrollee based solely upon the enrollee’s refusal to obtain a vaccine or immunization; prohibits the bureau from reimbursing a healthcare provider in violation of such prohibition; requires the director to adopt rules. - Amends TCA Title 33; Title 56; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71.
HB 638 prohibits healthcare providers participating in Tennessee's TennCare or CoverKids programs from denying services to enrollees solely because they refuse vaccines or immunizations. The bill requires the TennCare bureau to withhold reimbursement from providers who violate this rule and mandates the director to create implementing rules, including administrative review processes. Exceptions apply to oncology and organ transplant specialists. This law directly affects providers serving TennCare/CoverKids members and takes effect July 1, 2025.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 5, 2025
Last action Apr 21, 2025
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
18
Key actions
10
Committee
13
Apr 16, 2025
Lower · Passed
Rec. for pass; ref to Calendar & Rules Committee
lower
Apr 16, 2025
Lower · Passed
Placed on cal. Calendar & Rules Committee for 4/17/2025
lower
Apr 9, 2025
Lower · Passed
Placed on cal. Government Operations Committee for 4/14/2025
lower
Apr 7, 2025
Lower · Passed
Action def. in Government Operations Committee to 4/14/2025
lower
Apr 2, 2025
Lower · Passed
Placed on cal. Government Operations Committee for 4/7/2025
lower
Apr 1, 2025
Lower · Passed
Rec. for pass. if am., ref. to Government Operations Committee
lower
Mar 26, 2025
Committee
Rec for pass if am by s/c ref. to Health Committee
lower
Mar 26, 2025
Lower · Passed
Placed on cal. Health Committee for 4/1/2025
lower
Mar 19, 2025
Lower · Passed
Action Def. in s/c Health Subcommittee to 3/26/2025
lower
Mar 19, 2025
Lower · Passed
Placed on s/c cal Health Subcommittee for 3/26/2025
lower
Mar 12, 2025
Lower · Passed
Placed on s/c cal Health Subcommittee for 3/19/2025
lower
Feb 10, 2025
Committee
Assigned to s/c Health Subcommittee
lower
Feb 6, 2025
Committee
P2C, ref. to Health Committee- Government Operations for Review
lower
Feb 5, 2025
Introduced
Intro., P1C.
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Michele Carringer
RRepublican
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