House Bill 1828, also known as Senate Bill 1966, amends Tennessee Code Annotated to require criminal background checks for certain licensed medical professionals upon renewal of their licenses. Specifically, the bill mandates that the board initiate a background check for individuals licensed to practice medicine, nursing (including licensed professional nurses, registered nurses, and licensed practical nurses), and osteopathic medicine. The checks will utilize a method outlined in Section 63-1-116(a)(1) and will be the financial responsibility of the applicants, with payments directed to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation in accordance with Sections 38-6-103 and 38-6-109.

The new provisions are added as subsections to existing laws governing medical and nursing licensure, ensuring that background checks are a standard part of the renewal process. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and will apply to all renewal applications submitted on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 63-6-210, 63-7-114, 63-9-107