SB 359
FISCAL NOTE
Fiscal Review Committee
Tennessee General Assembly
February 1, 2025
Fiscal Analyst: Chris Higgins | Email: chris.higgins@capitol.tn.gov | Phone: 615-741-2564
SB 359
SUMMARY OF BILL: Authorizes the Board of Medical Examiners (BME), during an
informal initial application interview in an executive session, to issue a license under a private
advocacy order requiring the applicant to maintain advocacy of a peer assistance program approved
by the BME. Establishes that an individual practicing under a private advocacy order who fails to
maintain the advocacy of a peer assistance program may be subject to disciplinary action by the
BME.
FISCAL IMPACT:
NOT SIGNIFICANT
Assumptions:
• Pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-1-169, a health licensing board shall enter into an
executive session for any discussion or deliberation of licensee or prospective licensee
health conditions, including mental health conditions and substance use disorders, revealed
during an application process.
• The BME currently makes referrals of physicians to a peer assistance program when a
rehabilitation program is deemed appropriate as a part of a disciplinary action.
• The proposed legislation would allow an individual to practice under a private advocacy
order while maintaining advocacy of a peer assistance program, if approved by the BME.
• The BME will conduct any necessary executive sessions and take any disciplinary action in
the course of its regular business.
• Any impact to the expenditures or licensing revenue of the BME as a result of licenses
being issued under private advocacy orders is estimated to be not significant.
CERTIFICATION:
The information contained herein is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.
Bojan Savic, Executive Director