Tennessee bill enables family caregivers to provide paid home care services

The House Government Operations Committee convened on March 24, 2025, to discuss significant legislative proposals aimed at enhancing support for family caregivers in Tennessee. The primary focus of the meeting was a bill introduced by the Tennessee Disability Coalition, designed to create a clear pathway for qualified family caregivers to be hired by home and community-based services.

The bill outlines two main objectives. First, it mandates that TennCare and the Department of Disability work collaboratively to establish clear guidelines and processes for provider agencies to employ family members as caregivers. Second, it seeks to standardize access to these services, ensuring that family members are not disqualified based on their relationship to the care recipient, their living situation, or the specific services and programs in which the recipient is enrolled.

During the discussion, committee members expressed support for the bill, highlighting its potential to alleviate the financial burden on family caregivers who often have to leave their jobs to provide care. Representative Fritz, the bill's sponsor, clarified that the services in question are already funded by TennCare, and this legislation would simply allow family members to be compensated for their caregiving roles.

Committee members also inquired about the bill's financial implications, noting that it does not have a fiscal note attached. Representative Hardaway asked whether the bill would make caregivers eligible for Medicaid or private reimbursement, to which Fritz responded that the bill facilitates the hiring of family members without altering the existing funding structure.

After addressing all questions, the committee moved forward with the legislative process, indicating a strong interest in supporting family caregivers in Tennessee. The meeting concluded without further discussion on additional agenda items, emphasizing the importance of this bill in providing necessary support to families caring for loved ones with disabilities and chronic illnesses.