Tennessee House Bill HB2022

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/24
• Refer: 1/25/24
• Refer: 2/6/24
• Refer: 2/13/24
• Refer: 2/21/24
• Refer: 2/27/24
• Engrossed: 3/5/24
• Enrolled: 3/20/24
• Passed: 4/2/24
• Chaptered: 4/8/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 5; Title 7; Title 56; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to an assessment on ground ambulance service providers.

Impact

The implementation of HB 2022 is projected to lead to revisions in the regulatory landscape for ground ambulance providers. This means that the financial mechanisms supporting these services may be restructured, potentially improving the sustainability of emergency medical services. By establishing a clear assessment on ambulance service providers, the bill may secure necessary funding and encourage better resource allocation, thus enhancing the overall response capabilities of local EMS agencies.

Summary

House Bill 2022 aims to amend several titles within the Tennessee Code Annotated concerning ground ambulance service providers. The bill seeks to establish a framework for an assessment that is expected to impact funding and regulatory practices surrounding ambulance services in the state. The initiative is likely intended to ensure that ground ambulance services are adequately supported and capable of delivering essential emergency services to communities across Tennessee.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 2022 appears largely supportive, particularly among those concerned with healthcare and emergency services. Stakeholders, including healthcare providers and service organizations, have generally expressed optimism toward the bill, seeing it as a crucial step in fortifying the operational framework that underpins ambulance services. However, there may also be some concerns about the implications of the assessment on the fiscal responsibilities of service providers and their overall viability.

Contention

Despite its supportive reception, HB 2022 is not without contention. Some stakeholders may debate the necessity and scale of the assessment, questioning whether it could impose additional financial burdens on ambulance services already operating under constrained budgets. There may also be discussions around how the proposed amendments will interact with existing state laws and whether they may inadvertently create disparities in service funding across different regions.