Tennessee House Bill HB2291

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Refer: 3/5/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 33, relative to mental health.

Impact

The impact of HB2291 on state laws is primarily focused on improving the efficiency and responsiveness of mental health processes. By converting calendar days to business days, the bill acknowledges the operational realities of mental health providers and supports a more measured approach to compliance with regulations. This legislative change aims to provide both practitioners and patients with better access to mental health resources and services, potentially leading to enhanced care delivery.

Summary

House Bill 2291 is a legislative initiative aimed at amending Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 33, with a specific focus on mental health regulations. The primary change proposed by the bill is the modification of the timeframe for certain actions from 'fourteen (14) calendar days' to 'fourteen (14) business days'. This adjustment is designed to streamline processes related to mental health services and ensure that stakeholders have adequate time to respond to requirements and engage with the system effectively.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB2291 appears to be generally positive, as it seeks to address practical challenges faced in the realm of mental health. Stakeholders, including mental health advocates and service providers, are likely to appreciate the intention behind the bill, which is seen as a step toward facilitating timely interventions. However, there may be some concern regarding the adequacy of the amendment in addressing broader systemic issues within the mental health framework.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise around the implications of changing the timeframes for compliance and the potential effects on mental health case management. While the bill's intention is to enhance operational efficiency, critics might argue that simply adjusting timelines does not tackle underlying issues such as resource allocation and accessibility. Therefore, while the bill represents a focused effort to amend existing regulations, its effectiveness in addressing the broader challenges in mental health care remains to be seen.