Tennessee House Bill HB2375

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/24
• Refer: 3/6/24

Caption

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

Impact

The amendment would require ongoing interaction between mental health departments and legislative oversight, potentially leading to more informed policymaking. It reflects an understanding of the importance of legislative awareness in mental health issues, which can enhance accountability and transparency in the sector. The bill's efficacy will partially depend on how well the reporting structures adapt to include this new layer of legislative scrutiny.

Summary

House Bill 2375 aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Title 33, which deals with mental health regulations. The bill proposes to include the legislative librarian in the list of recipients for quarterly reports that the department responsible for mental health is required to submit. This inclusion signifies a move towards greater legislative involvement in the oversight and reporting of mental health data and practices within the state.

Conclusion

Ultimately, HB2375 is positioned to bring about a new era of oversight in mental health in Tennessee. By emphasizing the role of the legislative librarian in quarterly reporting, it bridges the gap between mental health services and legislative accountability, although it does raise potential concerns regarding its implications for agency operations and effective mental health care delivery.

Contention

While the bill appears straightforward, there may be underlying tensions regarding the balance of oversight and operational autonomy for mental health agencies. Advocates for the bill might argue that increased legislative involvement is necessary for ensuring adequate mental health services and accountability. Conversely, opponents may raise concerns about the potential for bureaucratic entanglement that could hinder the effective functioning of mental health agencies, suggesting that the focus should remain on patient care rather than legislative reporting.