Tennessee House Bill HB0567

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/23
• Refer: 2/1/23
• Refer: 3/21/23
• Refer: 3/28/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 71, relative to maternal health services.

Impact

The pilot program is set to run for three fiscal years, from 2023 to 2026, and will ensure that those who qualify receive these necessary services up to twelve months postpartum. This initiative seeks to address the challenges that many mothers face in accessing consistent obstetric care, particularly in underserved areas of the state. It includes provisions for funding the devices necessary for remote monitoring, illustrating a commitment to improving maternal healthcare through innovative solutions.

Summary

House Bill 0567 aims to amend Tennessee Code Annotated to enhance maternal health services by establishing a pilot program that provides remote maternal health services for eligible TennCare recipients. These remote services will leverage digital technologies to collect and transmit health data to healthcare providers for monitoring and recommended care during pregnancy. The remote services include various monitoring technologies such as fetal heart rate monitoring and ultrasound, which are crucial for managing high-risk pregnancies.

Contention

Despite the benefits, there may be concerns regarding the reliance on technology for maternal healthcare. Critics could argue that not all patients may have the necessary access to digital devices or the internet, which could create disparities between those who can benefit from the program and those who cannot. Additionally, the bill's implementation may be affected by the director of TennCare being authorized to seek reconsideration for a federal waiver, which could face political and regulatory hurdles that may delay or complicate the rollout of these services.