Rep. Doc Kumar

Maddy summaryHB 1208 amends Tennessee law to allow pharmacists to provide weight management services through existing collaborative practice agreements with physicians. This change directly affects pharmacists in Tennessee who operate under such agreements and patients seeking weight management support through pharmacy settings. The bill adds "weight management services" to the list of authorized services in these agreements under Tennessee Code Annotated Title 63, Chapter 10. It does not create new requirements but expands current practice options for pharmacists. The bill is currently pending amendment after initial introduction.

Maddy summaryHB 1079 removes an outdated requirement for Tennessee's insurance commissioner to study whether state insurance laws hinder companies from covering individuals who used justified force (including deadly force) in self-defense or property protection. The bill deletes Section 56-1-108 of Tennessee Code, which previously mandated this study and a report to the legislature by March 1, 2012. This change eliminates a procedural obligation that was no longer needed, with no impact on actual insurance underwriting rules or policyholder coverage. The bill directly affects the Department of Commerce and Insurance by removing a specific reporting duty.

Maddy summaryHB 1080 extends the deadline for Tennessee insurance companies to remove an officer or director following a regulatory order from 30 to 35 days. This change directly affects insurance companies and their officers or directors who face action from the insurance commissioner. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 56-2-103(b) and related titles to implement this 5-day extension. The provision is a straightforward procedural adjustment with no other policy changes described in the bill text.

Maddy summaryHB 1078 removes an outdated reference to January 1, 2010, from Tennessee law regarding health insurance data reporting requirements. The bill updates the statute to eliminate this obsolete deadline without changing the existing obligation for health insurance companies to submit electronic claims data monthly to the commissioner of commerce and insurance or a designated entity. This procedural change ensures the law aligns with current practices but does not alter the ongoing data submission requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1077 updates Tennessee's insurance licensing rules by changing the biennial expiration date for business entity licenses from March 1 to March 15. It also removes an outdated reference about license validity periods for insurance producers licensed after 2007. These changes directly affect insurance businesses and agents operating under Tennessee's licensing laws. The bill amends specific sections of Tennessee Code (Titles 8, 56, 63, 68, and 71) related to insurance regulation.

Maddy summaryThis law changes how Tennessee verifies citizenship and work authorization for people applying for professional licenses, such as medical or commercial permits. Applicants must now prove they are U.S. citizens or legally authorized to work using the federal SAVE system, though certain visa holders can provide alternative documentation. Additionally, the bill allows temporary medical licensees to receive full, unrestricted licenses after two years of practice, removing previous restrictions on working at training facilities. These updates apply to various occupational boards and take effect on July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires pharmacies in Tennessee to inform patients about the lowest available cost for their prescription drugs before completing a sale. When a customer requests to fill or renew a prescription, pharmacists must make reasonable efforts to notify them of cheaper options, such as generic versions or discounts available through various programs and suppliers. The law applies to all authorized dispensers of prescription drugs and aims to increase transparency regarding pricing alternatives. By mandating this notification process, the legislation ensures patients are aware of potential cost savings before they finalize their purchase.