AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 56; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to TennCare.
Impact
Furthermore, the bill stipulates penalties for TennCare or managed care organizations if an enrollee is retained in an emergency room due to administrative errors or delays. If the delay extends beyond 72 hours but less than 14 days, penalties will apply, and if it exceeds 14 days, TennCare must cover all associated emergency medical service costs retroactively. This aims to alleviate financial burdens on patients wrongfully kept in emergency rooms beyond justified medical necessity.
Summary
Senate Bill 2676 seeks to amend several sections of the Tennessee Code regarding the TennCare program. The principal aim of the bill is to establish limits on how long enrollees can remain in emergency departments. It mandates that no enrollee shall stay in such facilities for more than 72 hours unless medically justified by a healthcare professional. This provision is a significant move to improve patient flow and care management within emergency services in Tennessee.
Contention
Notably, the bill has raised discussions about the balance between necessary healthcare management and patient rights. Proponents argue that the bill will foster efficient healthcare delivery, minimizing unnecessary holding times in emergency rooms. However, critics are concerned about the implications for patient care, suggesting that administrative limits could unintentionally compromise medical decisions made in emergent situations. Ensuring that a patient's well-being is prioritized remains a central point of contention in the discussions surrounding the bill.