Tennessee House Bill HB0055

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/23
• Refer: 1/12/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 56-7-120, relative to the assignment of benefits to healthcare providers.

Impact

The bill's modifications to the current statute could have substantial implications for healthcare delivery in Tennessee. By simplifying the assignment of benefits, the bill could enhance the efficiency of transactions between patients and their healthcare providers. This could empower providers by clarifying their rights and responsibilities regarding patient benefits, and it aims to foster a more straightforward understanding of the benefits assignment process, which could ultimately benefit patient care.

Summary

House Bill 55 aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Section 56-7-120, which pertains to the assignment of benefits to healthcare providers. The proposed changes involve significant modifications that include deleting certain existing subdivisions and subsections within this provision. This amendment seeks to potentially streamline processes related to how benefits are assigned and clarified within the healthcare provider context, thereby impacting both providers and patients.

Contention

Despite the potential benefits, there may be concerns regarding the implications of removing certain statutory provisions, which could impact patient rights and the existing balance of obligations between providers and insurers. Some stakeholders may argue that the deletions could lead to unintended consequences, such as a reduction in protections for patients or complexities in the enforcement of patients' rights to their benefits.

Notable_points

Overall, House Bill 55 reflects a broader trend of legislative efforts aimed at reforming healthcare laws to make them more favorable to providers while potentially limiting some patient protections. As the bill progresses, it will be essential for lawmakers to consider the voices of various stakeholders, including healthcare advocates, insurance companies, and patients, to ensure a balanced approach to healthcare regulation in Tennessee.