Senate Bill 1284 amends various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated related to health-related licensure, particularly focusing on the procedures for contested case hearings and the disclosure of medical records. The bill establishes that a quorum for contested case hearings and disciplinary matters within state agencies requires three or more members, allowing the presiding officer to form panels as necessary. It also mandates that healthcare providers and facilities must make their medical and practice records available to the Department of Health within ten business days of a request, provided that the request is accompanied by either patient authorization or a written request from health department investigators.

Additionally, the bill modifies the requirements for licensure as a registered or certified respiratory therapist, specifying that applicants must complete an approved respiratory care educational program and obtain relevant credentials from the National Board for Respiratory Care. It also clarifies the knowledge and skills acquisition for both types of therapists, ensuring that they are derived from recognized programs. The bill aims to streamline the disciplinary process and enhance the oversight of healthcare providers while ensuring compliance with record-keeping and licensure standards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 63-1-105, 63-1-117, 63-1-117(g), 63-26-115, 63-27-105, 63-27-106(a), 63-27-106, 63-27-107(a), 63-27-107