TennCare Subcommittee advances pilot for remote monitoring of maternal hypertension and diabetes

The TennCare Subcommittee voted 7-0 on March 11 to advance House Bill 867, which would establish a pilot program administered by TennCare to provide remote patient monitoring (RPM) for pregnant and postpartum women with existing or gestational hypertension and diabetes.

Sponsor Representative Hicks told the subcommittee the program would “establish a pilot program for remote patient monitoring, RPM, of maternal hypertension and maternal diabetes in pregnant women and postpartum women.” He said TennCare would implement the program “in as many counties as possible across the state and ensure participation of at least 300 eligible women.”

The bill would use RPM devices to monitor blood pressure, weight and glucose “24/7 by a team of clinicians,” Hicks said, and rely on cellular connectivity so participants can access monitoring even without Wi‑Fi or a smartphone. He said the pilot is expected to run about three years and that sponsors want to prioritize rural counties.

Several committee members voiced support. Representative Parkinson said the bill is “absolutely needed.” Representative Sparks praised the sponsor’s focus on rural residents, and Representative Love said the measure could reduce maternal mortality rates, noting that an earlier maternal mortality review found that “85 percent of the deaths were preventable” and that a more recent report indicated “76 percent of those deaths could have been prevented.” Representative Feas. told the committee that “210,000 Tennessee women live in maternal health deserts.”

After limited discussion, the clerk reported the vote as “7 ayes and 0 nays,” and the subcommittee advanced House Bill 867 to the next step.

Committee business concluded with reminders that the final calendar is scheduled for March 18 and that the deadline to put bills on notice is tomorrow at 3:30 p.m., as announced by the chair.