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Subcommittee rejects exemption for independent home‑care nurses after provider and regulator testimony
Summary
The subcommittee voted down a bill that would have exempted independent nurses who serve four or fewer patients from home‑care organization requirements, following testimony from independent nurses in favor and home‑care associations arguing it would create regulatory unevenness and enforcement challenges.
Chairman Powers presented House Bill 20‑88 to exempt independent nurses who serve a small caseload from requirements that apply to home‑care organizations and to require the Department of Health to provide secure storage for records. Two independent nurses testified in support, saying the exemption preserves patient choice and allows small‑scale providers to serve rural patients.
Myla Lehi You, a registered nurse who said she represents quality private duty care and the Tennessee Association for Home Care as a nurse, told the committee the bill "creates a significant regulatory imbalance" if two sets of rules operate in the same marketplace and argued that taxpayer‑funded storage of private provider records would be an inappropriate burden on the state. Regina Barnett, an independent nurse with decades of experience, said independent nurses already operate under Tennessee Board of Nursing oversight and provide continuity of care in rural areas. Supporters emphasized patient choice and early intervention examples; opponents warned the bill would undercut enforcement and create unfair competition. The committee voted the bill down (1 aye, 7 nays).
