Tennessee House Bill HB2862

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/24
• Refer: 2/5/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 63 and Title 68, relative to anesthesiology.

Impact

If enacted, HB2862 will likely have implications on how anesthesiology practices are monitored and evaluated in Tennessee. By requiring the Department of Health to gather and scrutinize specific data, the bill could influence both state healthcare policies and educational training programs for future anesthesiologists. This could improve the availability and quality of anesthesiological care throughout the state, which is essential for various medical procedures.

Summary

House Bill 2862 aims to address the practice of anesthesiology within Tennessee by mandating a comprehensive report from the Department of Health by January 1, 2025. This report is to include critical data on the current number of practicing anesthesiologists, the number of residents engaged in anesthesiology training, the annual graduation rates from anesthesiology educational programs, and recommendations for increasing the number of anesthesiologists statewide. The intention behind this bill is to enhance the healthcare workforce in Tennessee, particularly in the field of anesthesiology.

Contention

While the current text of the bill does not elucidate points of contention, it reflects a recognition of the existing gaps within the state's anesthesiology landscape. Any opposition to this bill may stem from concerns over funding for the required report or how recommendations may shape future medical educational initiatives. Stakeholders within the healthcare community may have diverse opinions on the best strategies to address the staffing needs in anesthesiology.

Notable_points

The provision for the Department of Health to collect detailed statistics marks a significant step toward informed policy-making in Tennessee's healthcare system. The timeline for the report, set for early 2025, allows ample period for thorough investigation and data collection, suggesting a proactive approach to address potential shortages in anesthesiology. Moreover, the scheduled effective date of July 1, 2024, implies that stakeholders should prepare for implementation well in advance.