Tennessee House Bill HB2295

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/2/26

Caption

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

Impact

If enacted, HB 2295 would lead to significant changes in how healthcare licensing is structured in Tennessee. The introduction of a graduate physician licensure could enable more healthcare providers to enter the workforce more quickly, thus alleviating some of the burden on existing practitioners and potentially improving access to medical care for residents. By establishing criteria for supervised practice, the bill aims to maintain quality of care while expanding the pool of available medical professionals.

Summary

House Bill 2295 focuses on amending the Tennessee Code Annotated, particularly concerning healthcare. The central aim of the bill is to explore the feasibility of establishing a graduate physician licensure program by the Department of Health. This would allow graduates from allopathic medical schools, who have passed their licensing examinations but have not yet completed a residency program, to practice medicine under the collaboration and supervision of licensed physicians. This initiative seeks to address potential shortages in medical practitioners by leveraging the capabilities of qualified individuals ready to contribute to healthcare services.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 2295 appears to be generally supportive, as it addresses practical healthcare workforce needs. Advocates for the bill stress the importance of innovative solutions to enhance healthcare delivery, especially in rural and underserved areas. However, there may also be concerns regarding the quality of care provided by newly licensed graduate physicians without full residency training, suggesting a need for careful implementation and oversight.

Contention

A notable point of contention regarding HB 2295 lies in the balance between expanding access to healthcare and ensuring patient safety and quality. Critics may voice concerns about allowing individuals without completed residency training to practice medicine, arguing that residency programs are crucial for developing the full range of skills necessary for independent practice. The bill's success will depend on addressing these concerns effectively while demonstrating the potential benefits of increasing the healthcare workforce through alternative pathways.