AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 33; Title 56; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to medical assistance.
Impact
The bill's implementation is expected to bring about notable changes in the administrative practices surrounding the reporting of medical assistance. The ability to submit reports electronically may reduce paper waste, speed up the reporting process, and allow for quicker audits and reviews of medical assistance programs. This change aligns with trends across various government sectors towards digitization and improving accessibility for both governmental bodies and citizens engaging with medical assistance services.
Summary
Senate Bill 1442 aims to amend various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated concerning medical assistance. The bill specifically introduces provisions to allow for the annual report mentioned in previous legislation to be submitted electronically. This amendment is part of a broader effort to modernize and streamline reporting processes associated with medical assistance programs in Tennessee. By enabling electronic submissions, the bill seeks to improve efficiency in how medical assistance data is collected and reported to the state legislature.
Contention
While the bill primarily seems straightforward, any discussions surrounding it may center on broader implications of digitization in governmental processes. Stakeholders may express concerns regarding the security and privacy of data submitted electronically, as well as the potential for access disparities among different demographics who may rely on medical assistance. These points of contention could arise during legislative discussions, focusing on ensuring that technological advancements do not inadvertently disadvantage vulnerable populations.