Healthcare (Licensing)

HB 2555 shortens the timeline for Tennessee's Board of Physician Assistants to process license applications from out-of-state applicants. It reduces the processing deadline from 45 to 35 days for decisions or requests for additional information. This change directly affects physician assistants licensed in other states seeking to practice in Tennessee. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, applying to applications submitted on or after that date.

SB 2399 redefines Tennessee's counseling licensure categories by creating a new "limited practice professional counselor" designation and eliminating the separate license for this category. The bill amends multiple Tennessee Code sections to update terminology, requiring all future applications for this specific license type to meet new standards (including coursework in mental disorder diagnosis and two years of supervised clinical experience). It terminates the issuance of "limited practice professional counselor" licenses effective July 1, 2028, and mandates that existing holders of this license must convert to a "licensed professional counselor" by that date. The bill directly affects counseling professionals seeking licensure or currently holding the limited practice designation under Tennessee law.

SB 2446 establishes Tennessee's participation in the "Interstate Massage Compact," creating a multistate licensing pathway for massage therapists. It directly affects licensed massage therapists seeking to practice in multiple participating states, while improving public access to services and safety. Key provisions include forming an interstate commission to manage licensing, share disciplinary information between states, and allow therapists to practice across state lines with a single license. The compact also specifically aims to support military members and spouses relocating, and requires therapists to maintain continuing competence. This bill does not replace existing state licensing but adds a new, streamlined option for cross-state practice.

SB 1936 creates a new licensing system for facilities providing nonresidential care to medically dependent children under 20 who require technology-based nursing care (e.g., ventilators or feeding tubes). These "prescribed pediatric extended care centers" must serve four or more unrelated minors and provide care for no more than 12 hours per day. The bill requires TennCare (Tennessee’s Medicaid program) to seek federal approval to cover services from these licensed centers. It defines key terms like "medically dependent minor" and sets requirements for facility licensing, including background checks and facility zoning compliance.

HB 1887 creates a state licensure process for "prescribed pediatric extended care programs" (PPECs) in Tennessee, which provide nonresidential care to medically dependent or technologically dependent minors (under age 20) requiring ongoing, technology-based medical services (like ventilator support). The bill requires facilities operating these programs to obtain a license, limits care to 12 hours per day (not 24-hour care), and mandates that TennCare submit a federal Medicaid waiver request to cover services provided by licensed PPECs. It directly affects vulnerable minors with complex medical needs, their families, and PPEC operators seeking to provide these specialized services. The law amends Tennessee health, insurance, and social services codes to establish licensing standards, facility requirements, and oversight for these programs.