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Committee advances bill allowing family caregivers to be paid through TennCare home‑and‑community programs
Summary
House Bill 712 would direct TennCare and the Department of Disability and Aging to create standard procedures allowing qualified family members to be hired and paid as caregivers under home‑and‑community‑based services. Committee approved the bill unanimously.
House Bill 712, sponsored by Representative Hale and requested by the Tennessee Disability Coalition, passed the Government Operations Committee on a unanimous voice/roll call vote after members discussed scope and connections to related proposed legislation.
The bill asks TennCare and the Department of Disability and Aging to develop guidelines and processes for provider agencies to hire qualified family caregivers for home‑and‑community‑based services, and to standardize access so family members are not disqualified because of relationship status or residence. Representative Hale told the committee the measure "provide[s] a clear pathway for qualified family caregivers to be hired by home and community based services." The sponsor said the intent is to allow family caregivers who otherwise leave other employment to provide paid care.
Members praised the bill’s purpose. Representative Fritz thanked the sponsor and asked whether the measure is related to another pending bill; the sponsor said the two are not directly connected but carry similar goals of supporting caregiving families. Representative Hardaway asked whether beneficiaries would be eligible only through Medicaid (TennCare) or also through other reimbursements; Representative Hale replied the services are already covered by TennCare and the bill simply allows family members to be hired and paid.
The committee voted 14‑0 to move the bill out to the calendar and rules. Representative Hale said the bill would standardize hiring processes to reduce the need for family members to quit outside employment in order to provide paid care.
Key details from committee discussion: - The bill directs TennCare and the Department of Disability and Aging to develop hiring guidelines and processes for family caregivers. - Sponsor emphasized the bill standardizes access and eligibility so family caregivers are not excluded because of relationship or living arrangements. - Committee recorded a roll call vote of 14 ayes, 0 nays; bill moved to calendar and rules.
No fiscal note questions were raised in committee for this bill during the hearing, though members referenced fiscal notes in adjacent bills during the agenda.
