House Bill 828, also known as Senate Bill 922, mandates the commissioner of health to conduct a comprehensive study aimed at enhancing career pathways for individuals with medical training as noncommissioned officers in the U.S. armed forces, specifically in the field of primary care. The study will focus on identifying administrative barriers in current laws, evaluating educational requirements for licensure that align military training with state standards, and providing recommendations for integrating military-trained medical professionals into roles such as physicians, nurses, and physician assistants. Additionally, the commissioner will explore strategies for recruiting veterans into the primary care workforce. The findings and recommendations must be submitted to legislative leaders by December 31, 2025.

The bill emphasizes the importance of utilizing existing departmental resources for the study and aims to facilitate a smoother transition for military-trained individuals into healthcare roles, thereby addressing potential workforce shortages in primary care. The act will take effect upon becoming law, underscoring its urgency in improving healthcare provider accessibility in Tennessee.