Tennessee Senate Bill SB0871

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/5/25
• Engrossed: 3/27/25
• Engrossed: 3/28/25
• Enrolled: 4/28/25
• Passed: 5/9/25
• Chaptered: 5/15/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 33; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to health care.

Impact

If enacted, SB 871 will establish a framework for evaluating and enhancing health care services across the state. The findings and recommendations produced by TACIR will inform potential legislative changes aimed at improving health care accessibility, quality, and outcomes for residents. This could lead to significant alterations in the way health services are structured and delivered within Tennessee, aligning more closely with other states that have shown positive health outcomes through similar evaluations.

Summary

Senate Bill 871 aims to amend the Tennessee Code by directing the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR) to conduct a comprehensive study on the continuum of care within the state. The bill recognizes the need to optimize health care services and aims to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of care provision through strategic recommendations. By comparing Tennessee's continuum of care to those in other states, the bill seeks to identify areas for improvement based on best practices in health policy.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 871 is largely supportive, as stakeholders in health care and policy areas recognize the importance of conducting thorough analyses of health care systems. Proponents argue that this bill will allow for data-driven decision-making that can lead to better health services for citizens. However, there is also an undertone of caution among critics who may be concerned about the implications of potential changes to existing health care laws and practices based on the study's recommendations.

Contention

While SB 871 garners bipartisan support, points of contention may arise concerning the specific recommendations TACIR may propose after its study. Stakeholders could debate how those recommendations might impact existing health care programs and funding mechanisms. The potential challenge lies in balancing recommendations with practical implementation, ensuring that any changes to health care delivery do not inadvertently disrupt current services or access for vulnerable populations.