Tennessee Senate Bill SB2243

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/2/26

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 7; Title 24; Title 33; Title 38; Title 49; Title 53; Title 55; Title 56; Title 63; Title 68; Title 71 and Chapter 1042 of the Public Acts of 2024, relative to physician assistants.

Impact

The proposed changes in SB2243 could positively impact the functioning of physician assistants in Tennessee by reducing the waiting time for application approvals. This amendment may facilitate quicker integration of new personnel into the healthcare system, enhancing access to medical care for residents. However, the tighter deadline could also lead to concerns regarding the thoroughness of the application evaluation process, which may raise questions about the potential risk to patient care if necessary checks are compromised in the rush to meet application deadlines.

Summary

Senate Bill 2243 aims to amend several sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically targeting the regulations surrounding physician assistants. The primary focus of the bill is to alter the time frame in which specific applications related to physician assistants must be completed and submitted. By changing the requirement from forty-five days to thirty-five days, the bill seeks to streamline the application process, potentially easing the burden on both the medical professionals and the boards that oversee their licensing and practice.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB2243 include debates on the balance between expediting healthcare services and ensuring patient safety through a rigorous application process. Stakeholders, such as existing physician assistants, medical boards, and patient advocacy groups, may have differing views on whether the proposed thirty-five-day requirement adequately protects public health while promoting the expansion of healthcare services. The discussions may also reflect broader themes in healthcare policy, balancing rapid response to workforce needs against maintaining high standards for medical practice.