Tennessee Senate Bill SB2135

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/29/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 63, Chapter 7, relative to psychiatric mental health nurses.

Impact

The introduction of SB2135 represents significant changes in how psychiatric mental health services are delivered in Tennessee. By granting these professional designations and expanding the scope of practice for certain qualified nurses, the bill aims to enhance access to mental health care, particularly in underserved areas. This change is intended to alleviate some of the burdens in the healthcare system by allowing more licensed professionals to provide essential services and prescribe medications independently.

Summary

Senate Bill 2135 aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated to establish designations for psychiatric mental health nurses, specifically creating titles for psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (APRN-PMHNP-BC) and psychiatric mental health clinical nurse specialists (APRN-PMHCNS-BC). The bill allows qualified nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists to diagnose, create plans of care, issue orders, and prescribe medications without needing to collaborate with a physician, provided they have significant full-time practice experience in their field. This legislation is expected to take effect on July 1, 2024.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding SB2135 appears to be supportive among nursing professionals and mental health advocates who argue that this change will lead to more effective and efficient mental health care. Proponents see the bill as a way to empower nurses and broaden their roles in treatment settings. However, there could also be concerns related to the adequacy of training and supervision, raising questions about ensuring patient safety and standardizing care across the state.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential risks associated with allowing nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists to prescribe medications autonomously. Detractors may voice concerns about the adequacy of training, especially in highly sensitive and complex areas of mental health. Ensuring that appropriate measures are in place for accountability and ongoing education for these practitioners will be essential to mitigate potential issues that might arise from this legislative change.