House Bill 638 amends Tennessee law to establish protections for enrollees in medical assistance health benefit plans regarding vaccination requirements. Specifically, it prohibits healthcare providers from refusing to provide services to enrollees solely based on their refusal or failure to obtain a vaccine for infectious or communicable diseases. The bill also stipulates that the bureau of TennCare will not reimburse providers who violate this provision until they are found to be in compliance. However, this requirement does not apply to specialists in oncology or organ transplant services.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the director of TennCare adopt necessary rules for implementation, including provisions for providers to seek administrative and judicial review if they are alleged to have violated the new regulations. The director is also authorized to pursue any federal waivers deemed necessary to enforce this section. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.