Tennessee House Bill HB0953

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/23
• Refer: 3/8/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 71, relative to services for persons with diabetes.

Impact

The implementation of HB 0953 is expected to enhance the quality of care provided to individuals with diabetes, particularly through the use of updated medical protocols. By mandating that these protocols be accessible on the bureau's website, the bill emphasizes transparency and accountability, ensuring that both healthcare providers and managed care organizations can swiftly access the most current treatment guidelines. Additionally, the requirement for timely updates to these protocols underscores a commitment to continuous improvement in healthcare delivery for diabetic patients.

Summary

House Bill 0953 aims to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Title 71, concerning services for persons with diabetes. The bill proposes to establish medical protocols based on evidence-based medicine that are authorized by the TennCare bureau. These protocols are intended to satisfy the standard of medical necessity, thereby ensuring that they are standardized across the board for consistency in care and treatment for diabetic patients.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 0953 appears to be largely positive, particularly among healthcare providers and advocates for diabetes care. Supporters express optimism that the bill will lead to better management of diabetes treatment, ultimately improving patient outcomes. However, there may be concerns regarding the practical implications of implementing these protocols across various healthcare settings, especially regarding their accessibility and application in real-time patient care scenarios.

Contention

One notable point of contention is the potential for the bureaucracy involved in updating and disseminating the medical protocols. While the bill mandates updates within a 48-hour window, there may be challenges in ensuring all stakeholders are sufficiently informed and that compliance with these updated protocols is achieved effectively. Furthermore, discussions may arise around whether the focus solely on evidence-based medicine might overlook individual patient needs and variations in treatment responses.