Senate Bill 853 revises the regulations surrounding certificates of need for healthcare institutions in Tennessee. The bill introduces new definitions, including a redefined term for "healthcare institution," and allows nursing homes to increase their licensed bed capacity without needing a certificate of need under certain conditions. It also exempts Tennessee state veterans' homes from obtaining a certificate of need. The bill outlines a new application process that includes a letter of intent and establishes a timeline for submissions, emphasizing the need for independent review of application information. Additionally, it specifies that the Health Facilities Commission will only oversee certificates of need issued to healthcare institutions as defined on June 30, 2025, with entities not classified as such after this date being exempt from these regulations.

The legislation also includes significant deletions of existing subdivisions and sections related to the current framework for certificates of need, streamlining the language and clarifying definitions associated with healthcare facilities. Key amendments involve the removal of references to "certificate of need" requirements in multiple sections, ensuring consistency across the code. The provisions of the bill will take effect immediately upon becoming law, with most changes set to be implemented on June 30, 2025, allowing for a transition period.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 68-11-1601, 68-11-1602(10), 68-11-1602, 68-11-1602(18)(B), 68-11-1607, 68-11-1609(c), 68-11-1609, 68-11-1609(h), 68-11-1609(i)(1)(B), 68-11-1626, 34-6-201(4), 34-6-201, 42-8-101(1), 42-8-101, 63-6-204(l)(1)(A)(iii), 63-6-204, 63-6-601(2), 63-6-601, 68-11-201(40)(A), 68-11-201, 68-11-202(e)(1)(A), 68-11-202, 68-11-202(e)(1)(B), 68-11-205(g)(1)(A)(iii), 68-11-205, 68-11-206(c), 68-11-206, 68-11-277(c)(7), 68-11-277, 68-11-1802(a)(8), 68-11-1802