To download a PDF of our priorities, click here.
SCOPE OF PRACTICE
TMA continues to fight inappropriate scope of practice expansion by mid- level healthcare providers. Our strong advocacy has defeated APRNs and PAs' attempts to change state laws toward achieve independent practice. TMA remains steadfast in advocating for policies that improve and strengthen interprofessional relationships, not weaken them. We believe physician-led, team-based healthcare is the best model for patient safety and quality of care, and we’re committed to keeping Tennessee physicians as the supervising professionals in patient care.
Learn More
BALANCE BILLING
TMA leads a coalition of hospital-based physicians to protect patients from narrow networks created by insurance companies by supporting SB001. To this end TMA is supporting a provider-friendly bill developing from Sen. Bo Watson and Rep. Robin Smith. Their vision promotes a fair independent resolution process while holding harmless a patient who has done their due diligence. The bill is based off Georgia’s successful model. The bill encourages payers to offer fair in-network rates to providers and keep out-of-network and non-participating facilities to a minimum or be forced into loser pays arbitration.
Learn More
GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION FUNDING
CMS ruled in summer 2020 that Tennessee must redesign its formula for funding graduate medical education slots through TennCare. The upcoming change has the potential to jeopardize all of Tennessee’s residents and over $50 million dollars in medical education funding. TMA is focused on gaining a seat at the table for further discussions on resident funding, preserving the slots currently funded.