Tennessee Senate Bill SB1385

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/25
• Engrossed: 3/3/25
• Enrolled: 4/8/25
• Passed: 4/21/25
• Chaptered: 4/29/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 68, relative to medical laboratories.

Impact

The implementation of SB1385 will modify the current framework under which medical laboratories operate in Tennessee. By allowing laboratory supervisors the option to be on-call rather than present, the bill could lead to increased efficiency within laboratory operations. It could also potentially reduce overhead costs associated with requiring supervisors to be onsite, which may help smaller labs stay competitive in the healthcare market. The law’s enforcement is poised to shift the dynamics of supervision requirements, balancing operational needs with patient safety and compliance.

Summary

Senate Bill 1385, also known as the act to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 68, addresses regulations pertaining to medical laboratories in Tennessee. The bill mandates that every medical laboratory must have a medical laboratory supervisor available for consultations whenever testing is conducted. However, the bill clarifies that the supervisor is not required to be physically present on the lab's premises during these hours. This change aims to enhance operational flexibility for laboratories while maintaining the availability of supervisory expertise when necessary.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB1385 has been largely supportive among legislators, as evidenced by the unanimous approval in a recent legislative vote (95 yeas, 0 nays). Supporters view the bill as a positive step towards modernizing healthcare services in Tennessee, particularly in making processes more efficient without sacrificing safety. Nonetheless, there are underlying concerns from healthcare advocates about ensuring that patient care standards remain high and that the absence of onsite supervisors does not compromise lab operations.

Contention

While the passage of SB1385 seems straightforward, some stakeholders may challenge the decision to allow medical laboratory supervisors to work off-site. Critics might argue that having a supervisor physically present is essential for maintaining high-quality oversight of laboratory practices, particularly given the critical nature of accurate medical testing. The balance between regulatory compliance and operational efficiency is a key point of discussion, highlighting the ongoing debate in healthcare regarding how best to ensure quality while adapting to changing operational needs.