Tennessee House Bill HB2573

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/24
• Refer: 2/1/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 33; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to healthcare providers.

Impact

The notable amendment within HB2573 allows various entities, including community mental health centers, federally qualified health centers, and rural health clinics, to receive reimbursement for mental health services conducted by trainee psychologists. This change aims to expand the number of qualified practitioners available to treat complex mental health issues, which is critical as Tennessee faces increasing demands for mental health services. The enhanced reimbursement capabilities could lead to more comprehensive care and improved health outcomes across the state.

Summary

House Bill 2573 amends several sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated to enhance the role of doctoral-level psychology trainees in mental health services. The primary aim of the bill is to improve access to qualified mental health professionals in Tennessee, specifically addressing shortages in underserved areas. By facilitating third-party reimbursement for services rendered by provisional and temporary licensed psychologists, postdoctoral fellows, and psychology interns, the legislation seeks to broaden the scope of mental health care available under state programs such as TennCare.

Contention

Despite the bill's intentions, there may be points of contention regarding the qualifications and supervision standards needed for the psychological trainees mentioned. Critics might raise concerns on whether the reimbursement for services from less experienced practitioners could compromise the quality of care. Additionally, there may be debates surrounding funding allocations within existing healthcare frameworks, as more reimbursement for these psychological services could impact the overall financial structure of health programs within the state.