Tennessee House Bill HB7048

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 8/18/23
• Refer: 8/22/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 33, relative to individuals authorized to complete certificates of need.

Impact

By enabling qualified mental health professionals to take actions previously limited to physicians, HB7048 is designed to streamline the process of emergency mental health interventions. The bill seeks to alleviate some of the burdens on the healthcare system, especially during crises when swift action is crucial. Furthermore, this legislative change could significantly improve the responsiveness of mental health services, potentially reducing the strain on hospitals and emergency services as they relate to psychiatric emergencies.

Summary

House Bill 7048 proposes amendments to the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically targeting the powers of licensed psychologists and physician assistants in the context of emergency mental health services. The bill allows licensed psychologists designated as health service providers to perform actions typically reserved for physicians under certain circumstances. This extension of authority aims to address the urgent needs in mental health situations, ensuring timely interventions when traditional medical professionals are unavailable.

Contention

Despite its well-meaning objectives, HB7048 may raise concerns regarding the qualifications and training of those who will be granted this enhanced authority. Opponents might argue that allowing psychologists and physician assistants to perform duties traditionally reserved for medical doctors could lead to inconsistencies in mental health care. Critics are likely to emphasize the need for rigorous training and oversight to ensure that these professionals can competently manage such responsibilities without compromising patient safety.