Board of Examiners of Psychology
Legislative Updates - 2019
If you wish to review any of the following Public Chapters in their entirety, please visit:
https://sos.tn.gov/division-publications/acts-and-resolutions.
This act states that an entity responsible for an AED program is immune from civil liability for personal injury caused by maintenance or use of an AED if such conduct does not rise to the level of willful or wanton misconduct or gross negligence.
This act took effect on March 28, 2019.
This act amends the Prevention of Youth Access to Tobacco and Vapor Products Act by limiting the places in which one may use vapor products. The act defines vapor products and prohibits the use of such products in a number of locations including child care centers, group care homes, healthcare facilities (excluding nursing homes), residential treatment facilities, school grounds, and several other areas. Several locations have specific exceptions set forth in the statute.
This act took effect on April 17, 2019.
The majority of this act pertains to boards governed by the Department of Commerce and Insurance. One small section applies to the health related boards. Currently, the health related boards have an expedited licensure process for military members and their spouses. Previously, a spouse of an active military member had to leave active employment to be eligible for this expedited process. This act removes that requirement. This section applies to all health related boards. The Commissioner of Health is permitted to promulgate rules, but rules are not needed to implement the act.
This act took effect July 1, 2019.
This act allows healthcare professionals to accept goods or services as payment in direct exchange of barter for healthcare services. Bartering is only permissible if the patient to whom services are provided is not covered by health insurance. All barters accepted by a healthcare professional must be submitted to the IRS annually. This act does not apply to healthcare services provided at a pain management clinic.
This act took effect April 30, 2019.
This act creates civil liability for the unlicensed practice of psychotherapy. A provider must have a license under Title 63 in order to treat a mental health disorder and practice without a license is illegal (though some exemptions are listed in the act). The act does not expand or restrict the scope of practice for any person holding a license under Title 63.
This act took effect July 1, 2019.
This act permits law enforcement agencies to subpoena materials and documents pertaining to an investigation conducted by the Department of Health prior to formal disciplinary charges being filed against the provider. This bill was brought by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
This act took effect May 22, 2019.
*Insurance Legislation*
Multiple acts were passed during the 2019 legislative session that affect healthcare plans and insurance and create certain obligations on providers and facilities. A few pieces of legislation include Public Chapter 407 and Public Chapter 239. Healthcare providers and facilities are encouraged to review these to make sure they meet their statutory obligations.