Tennessee Senate Bill SB1178

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/25
• Engrossed: 3/24/25
• Enrolled: 4/1/25
• Passed: 4/11/25
• Chaptered: 4/30/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 52 and Title 71, relative to family caregiving.

Impact

The legislation is set to enhance the accessibility of family members in caregiving roles within the TennCare system, which in turn could improve service provisions for individuals with disabilities. By facilitating family caregiver employment, the bill aims to bolster support systems for disabled individuals by allowing their families to take part in their care more actively. Moreover, it seeks to prevent any coercive measures that might dissuade service providers from hiring family caregivers, thus opening up more opportunities for families to engage in the caregiving process.

Summary

Senate Bill 1178 amends the Tennessee Code Annotated regarding family caregiving, particularly with respect to the employment of family caregivers for individuals with disabilities. The bill mandates the commissioner to develop guidelines that must be disseminated to Medicaid-participating provider agencies and published on the appropriate department's website. These guidelines ensure that family caregivers are not discriminated against based on their familial relationship with the individuals they are aiding, place of residence, age of the care recipient, or specific legal statuses such as guardianship.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 1178 appears to be largely positive, particularly among advocacy groups and families who may benefit from the provisions of the bill. Supporters contend that this measure empowers families and recognizes the critical role that family members play in caregiving. However, there may also be concerns regarding oversight of professional standards and the qualification of family caregivers, leading to discussions about the balance between familial involvement and maintaining high standards of care.

Contention

While the bill is aimed at providing more inclusive opportunities for family caregivers, the potential contention lies in the execution of the guidelines, particularly how they affect current employment standards within Medicaid-funded agencies. Some critics may question how the inclusion of family caregivers will mesh with regulations intended to ensure quality care, safety, and appropriate qualifications for caregivers. The discussion may also revolve around the adequacy of training and supervision, which could be essential to guarantee that vulnerable individuals receive the highest standard of care.