The Health Subcommittee of the Tennessee State Legislature convened on March 26, 2025, to discuss several key legislative items, including House Bill 1141 and House Bill 638.

House Bill 1141, presented by Chairman Boyd, aims to address issues within the Health Facilities Commission, particularly concerning the timely completion of recertification surveys mandated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The bill proposes a statutory requirement for the commission to meet a 15-month deadline for these surveys, starting in February. Additionally, it instructs the commission to collaborate with CMS on a block grant waiver, a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country. The bill also includes provisions for reporting progress on this waiver and designates three assisted living industry groups to recommend qualified candidates for commission positions.

The committee voted unanimously in favor of House Bill 1141, allowing it to advance to the full Health Committee for further consideration.

Following this, House Bill 638, introduced by Chairlady Karinger, was also discussed. This bill seeks to eliminate healthcare discrimination based on personal immunization choices, drawing inspiration from a similar law passed in Texas in September 2023. The committee approved an amendment to the bill, which will now proceed through the legislative process.

Overall, the meeting highlighted significant steps toward improving healthcare regulations in Tennessee, particularly in the areas of facility oversight and patient rights regarding immunization. The next steps will involve further discussions and votes in the full Health Committee.