HB 1665 prohibits healthcare providers in Tennessee from asking minors specific gender-related questions (such as whether a minor feels normal in their body or identifies as a different gender) without a parent being physically present, fully informed, and providing written consent. The bill applies to all healthcare settings covered under Tennessee law and requires such questions to be directly related to a minor's current medical or psychological treatment. Exceptions include emergency care, mandated reporting for abuse, and situations where a minor is emancipated or a parent themselves. The legislation also bars insurance companies from requiring these questions for payment or penalizing providers who don't ask them. It amends multiple Tennessee code sections (Titles 4, 33, 47, 56, 63, 68, 71) to enforce these requirements.
Tennessee's SB 1664 prohibits healthcare providers from asking minors questions about gender identity, gender confusion, or whether they feel "normal in their body" without a parent being physically present, fully informed, and providing written consent. The bill specifically bans questions like "Do you identify as a gender different from your sex?" unless directly related to diagnosing or treating a current medical or psychological condition. It also prevents health insurers from requiring such questions for payment or penalizing providers who don't ask them. The law applies to all healthcare providers and facilities serving minors under 18, with exceptions for emergencies, mandated child abuse reporting, and minors who are emancipated or parents themselves.
HB 927 clarifies that certain health insurance benefits (like dental or vision coverage, called "excepted benefits") do not need to be included in standard health insurance plans unless state law explicitly requires them. This affects health insurance providers and policyholders in Tennessee by removing an obligation to cover these specific benefits as part of standard coverage. The bill specifies that excepted benefits are exempt from requirements to cover specific people, providers, treatments, or conditions unless mandated by law. It applies to new or renewed insurance policies on or after July 1, 2025.
SB 1063 removes two notification requirements related to prior authorization for healthcare services in Tennessee. It eliminates the requirement for healthcare providers to notify patients when communicating with insurance companies about missing information for prior authorization, and it removes the requirement for insurance companies to notify patients when additional information is needed from the patient or provider. The bill directly affects healthcare providers, insurance companies, and patients by reducing administrative steps in the prior authorization process. These changes amend Tennessee Code sections 63-1-171 and 56-6-705, effective April 3, 2025.
HB 1074 removes two notification requirements related to prior authorization for healthcare services in Tennessee. It eliminates the obligation for healthcare providers to inform patients when communicating with insurers about missing information for prior authorization requests, and it removes the requirement for utilization review organizations to notify patients when providers fail to submit needed information within seven days. The bill directly affects patients, healthcare providers, and insurance entities by changing communication protocols during the prior authorization process. These changes amend Tennessee Code Sections 63-1-171(b) and 56-6-705(a), effective upon becoming law (Public Chapter 125, enacted April 8, 2025).
SB 440 clarifies that standalone dental and vision insurance plans (known as "excepted benefits") are not required to cover specific medical treatments, services, or conditions unless state law explicitly mandates it. This change directly affects health insurance plans offering these stand-alone benefits, removing an implied obligation to cover certain medical needs under those plans. The law applies to all new or renewed insurance policies issued on or after July 1, 2025, ensuring clarity for insurers and policyholders. It does not alter existing coverage requirements for standard health insurance plans.
