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Bill to strengthen network adequacy and DCI oversight advances unanimously
Summary
House Bill 19-30 would expand Department of Commerce and Insurance authority to examine carrier networks, require transparency of examination results, and address specialty hospital access; the subcommittee voted 7–0 to advance the measure after testimony from anesthesiology representatives.
Chairman Vaughn (identified in the agenda as sponsor) presented House Bill 19-30, which updates network adequacy examinations for regulated health plans and empowers the Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI) to inspect, collect documents, and make timely determinations on material changes to provider networks.
Dr. Philip Hauser of the Tennessee Society of Anesthesiologists testified in support, recounting that carriers had dropped multiple private anesthesia groups in 2024 and that the DCI lacked adopted rules and documentary authority to fully investigate the earlier complaint. "We found that they were unaware of the health insurer's decision to drop over 758 clinicians in 1 specialty," Hauser said, arguing the bill fills implementation gaps from the 2023 law. Bonnie Bruce (US Anesthesia Partners) said the bill increases transparency by requiring DCI and carriers to publish ongoing examinations and results.
Committee members asked no substantive follow-up questions; the clerk announced 7 ayes and 0 nays and the subcommittee forwarded HB 19-30 to full Insurance.
