Tennessee Senate Bill SB0735

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to graduate physicians.

Impact

By allowing graduate physicians to practice under the supervision of licensed physicians, SB0735 seeks to expand the healthcare workforce in areas where it is most needed. This legislation is particularly significant for medically underserved rural populations. The bill allows these graduate physicians to prescribe controlled substances in limited contexts, under careful supervision, thereby enhancing their ability to deliver comprehensive primary care. Consequently, this could lead to improved healthcare outcomes in areas that have been deprived of adequate medical resources.

Summary

Senate Bill 0735, known as the Graduate Physicians Act, addresses the pressing issue of healthcare accessibility in Tennessee, particularly in rural and underserved areas, where a physician shortage is a critical concern. The bill introduces a new category of medical practitioners, termed 'graduate physicians', who are medical school graduates that have not yet completed a residency. These individuals will have the ability to provide primary care services under a structured arrangement with licensed, practicing physicians. This collaborative practice aims to harness the potential of graduate physicians to alleviate some of the burden caused by the shortage of fully licensed doctors.

Conclusion

Overall, SB0735 reflects a pragmatic approach to solving healthcare access issues, balancing the need for more healthcare providers with the assurance of collaborative oversight. The Act represents a critical step towards better healthcare access in Tennessee, acknowledging the importance of graduate physicians in bridging the healthcare delivery gap, particularly in rural settings. The effectiveness of this approach will depend on careful implementation and ongoing evaluation to assure patient safety and care quality.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, the bill has faced some opposition and scrutiny regarding the quality of care and the potential risks associated with supervised practice. Critics express concerns that allowing graduate physicians to prescribe medication and practice without completing a residency may compromise patient safety and care quality. They argue that the lack of a residency enhances the risks related to inexperience, particularly concerning the prescribing of controlled substances. Supporters, however, emphasize the urgent need to fill healthcare gaps and note that the collaborative model ensures oversight from licensed doctors while aiming to address workforce shortages.