Tennessee Senate Bill SB2167

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/2/26
• Engrossed: 3/2/26
• Enrolled: 4/1/26
• Passed: 4/14/26
• Chaptered: 5/5/26

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 52, Chapter 5, Part 6 and Title 71, Chapter 5, relative to statewide planning and policy council.

Impact

The amendments proposed in SB2167 primarily affect Title 52 and Title 71 of the Tennessee Code, which outline the functions of advisory councils in relation to state healthcare programs. By involving the director of long-term care services in the council, the bill enhances the input of those directly managing long-term care services. Additionally, the directive for the appointment of a council member from the contracted managed care organizations strengthens the representation of these bodies within the overarching planning and policy discussions, potentially leading to more informed decisions regarding healthcare management in Tennessee.

Summary

Senate Bill 2167 aims to amend portions of the Tennessee Code Annotated related to statewide planning and the policy council overseeing healthcare services in the state. The bill specifically updates the roles and responsibilities within the healthcare advisory council by ensuring that representatives from the bureau of TennCare, inclusive of its long-term care services, are directly involved. This shift indicates a legislative intent to more closely align state healthcare policies with the TennCare program, which provides health insurance to eligible low-income individuals and families.

Contention

The main points of contention surrounding SB2167 relate to the degree of influence that managed care organizations will have in the decision-making process. Critics may argue that increasing the representation of these organizations within the advisory council could lead to conflicts of interest, where the priorities of healthcare providers overshadow patient needs. Moreover, as TennCare is a significant and complex system, any changes in governance may raise concerns among healthcare advocates about the accessibility and quality of care for vulnerable populations in the state.