Government Relations
The TMA is committed to protecting the interests of physicians and their patients in a number of arenas. Our Government Affairs Division works to advance public policy and legislation that will benefit patient care as well as improve the practice climate for our members. At the direction of the Committee on Legislation, the TMA takes our members’ priorities and concerns directly to state lawmakers. We propose and support important measures and fight to block or mitigate legislation our members feel would be detrimental to the health of Tennesseans. The division also works directly with lawmakers at the federal level in collaboration with the AMA government affairs team.
2012 TMA Legislative Package
At its October 15, 2011, meeting, the TMA Board of Trustees approved the following legislative package for the 2012 session that begins on Tuesday, January 10, 2012.
Legal Issues
- *Constitutional amendment to authorize the General Assembly to establish caps on non-economic and punitive damages.
- Work collaboratively with ER physicians to raise the legal standard from ordinary to gross negligence for all EMTALA-related services.
- Provide liability protection for providers who must report meth-related burns and clarify reporting parameters.
- Amend TN Freedom of Information Act to protect the identity of prescribers when public insurance program (TennCare, State Group Insurance) prescribing data is requested to be disclosed.
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Scope of Practice
- Interventional pain management by mid-levels- remaining from 2011 session
Public Health
- Smoking in cars in presence of children- remaining from 2011 session
Regulatory
- Establish a legislative task force to determine the procedures and process necessary to initiate BME independence - passed the House in 2011, awaiting Senate approval.
Pharmacy
- Permit medical examiners access to the Controlled Substances Monitoring Database
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*The package is highlighted by a resolution proposing a Constitutional amendment that must be approved by consecutive General Assemblies in order to appear on the November 2014 ballot. If enacted by the legislature and approved by the voters, the Constitution would be amended to endorse the right of the legislature to establish caps on non-economic and punitive damages in medical malpractice and other civil cases. Without such authorization, the courts could potentially overturn on constitutional grounds, as has occurred in some states, the hard-fought 2011 tort reform victories that included the $750,000/$1,000,000 caps on non-economic damages.
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We Need Your Help!
TMA advocacy works only when physicians are involved; after all, you are the constituent.
Relationships between TMA members and their legislators are the cornerstone to building trust that leads to success for doctors and patients.
Now is the time to contact your legislator. They need to hear from you on issues that matter.
Do you know your elected officials?
Get Involved! Contact us today.
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Legislative Resources
Tools and ResourcesLearn the tricks of the trade for being a good advocate, gain knowledge of the inner workings of government and legislative processes or just find out who your lawmakers are.
Govt. LinksFind quick links to many important government websites, important General Assembly Committee information and much more.