Tennessee Senate Bill SB2812

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 8; Title 56; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to payment for healthcare services.

Impact

By redefining how fee schedules are shared, SB2812 could significantly impact the healthcare regulatory landscape in Tennessee. Providers will be better informed about the financial terms of their agreements with insurers, which may foster improved negotiations and promote fairness in compensation for services rendered. This change is seen by proponents as a necessary step towards greater accountability in healthcare payments, which may enhance the overall healthcare experience for providers and patients alike.

Summary

Senate Bill 2812 aims to amend several sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated to improve the payment processes for healthcare services. The bill emphasizes transparency by mandating that healthcare providers receive their fee schedules within ten days of a written request. This legislative change is designed to aid providers in understanding their reimbursement rates, potentially leading to more efficient financial interactions between providers and insurance companies.

Contention

There are notable concerns surrounding the implications of the bill. Critics argue that while the intent is sound, there may be unintended consequences, such as increased administrative burdens on small practices that may not have the resources to manage frequent fee schedule requests. Additionally, some stakeholders fear that revealing fee schedules could lead to market competition that undermines fair pricing standards. The discussion around SB2812 highlights a tension between transparency initiatives and the complexities of healthcare reimbursement systems, raising questions about how best to balance the interests of providers and patients.