LEGISLATIVE

A central part of TMA’s advocacy mission is state-level government relations, and the advocacy team works with state lawmakers and other organizations to achieve members’ legislative priorities as defined by the Legislative Committee, Board of Trustees and House of Delegates. Our lobbyists review hundreds of bills each year to identify measures that promote or threaten good healthcare policies and then organize member physicians and organizations to help carry out TMA’s support or opposition.

Review some of the major legislative wins TMA has achieved on your behalf or in your defense.

2025 Legislative Priorities

TennCare Provider Remedy Plan

TennCare exists as a safety net program to protect our most vulnerable citizens, yet current reimbursement rates make it difficult for physicians and medical practices to financially afford to participate. TMA will work to protect access to TennCare for the publicly-insured by improving provider rates and network adequacy.

Prior authorization notice

In 2022, the Tennessee General Assembly passed legislation requiring both health care providers and health plans to notify patients when further information is needed to obtain a prior authorization approval. The law not only confuses patients, but it creates unnecessary administrative burden for the entity that has not requested anything— most often the physician. TMA will amend the current statute to clarify that only the entity requesting additional information be responsible for notifying the patient.

Lethal Fetal Anomalies

A 2024 TMA survey showed that nearly 83% of physician respondents feel the Human Life Protection Act does not offer sufficient legal protections to lawfully terminate pregnancies to save the life or prevent irreversible impairment of major bodily function of the mother. TMA will work to further clarify the law by codifying specific situations in which termination may be medically necessary, such as fetal anomalies that are incompatible with life outside the womb.

Please send all press inquiries to communications@tnmed.org.