Tennessee House Bill HB1108

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23
• Refer: 2/2/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 63 and Title 68, relative to the employment of physicians by hospitals and hospital affiliates.

Impact

The proposed changes could significantly affect the healthcare landscape in Tennessee, particularly in how hospitals engage with various types of physicians. Under the existing regulations, radiologists, anesthesiologists, pathologists, and emergency physicians faced restrictions that could limit their employment options within hospitals. By amending these sections, the bill would facilitate a more integrated approach to healthcare staffing within hospitals and may enhance the availability of specialists in these critical fields.

Summary

House Bill 1108, introduced by Representative Travis, aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated related to the employment of physicians by hospitals and their affiliates. The bill specifically targets sections within Title 63 and Title 68, which govern the practice of medicine and healthcare regulations in Tennessee. The amendments will remove existing stipulations regarding certain physician categories that were previously excluded from employment by hospitals, thus expanding the scope of permissible physician employment under state law.

Contention

While the bill aims to improve hospital staffing flexibility, it may also raise concerns among some stakeholders regarding the potential consequences on physician autonomy and the quality of healthcare delivery. Opponents of such amendments might express fears that broadening employment opportunities for hospitals could lead to conflicts of interest or reduce the quality of care, especially if hospitals prioritize financial considerations over medical standards in their hiring practices. These contentions are likely to be a focal point in discussions as the bill progresses through the legislative process.