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Committee advances bill easing respite exemption amid opposition from adult-day providers
Summary
SB 15-81 would expand a respite exemption—raising participant caps and weekly hours—to let faith-based and other organizations provide limited respite care. Licensed adult-day providers warned the change removes oversight and poses risks; proponents cited caregiver relief and access in rural areas. Committee approved the measure.
Senator Veil presented SB 15-81, a proposal to expand the respite-care exemption by increasing allowable participants from 15 to 20 and weekly service hours from 12 to 16 for qualifying programs. Supporters—many faith-based and community organizations—said the modest expansion will give caregivers necessary relief and increase access in areas without adult-day facilities.
Opponents, including the Tennessee Association of Adult Day Services, urged caution, saying the bill would expand an exemption without licensing, inspections, and minimum standards: "There is no licensure, no inspections, no enforceable safety standards and no regulatory accountability," the association's representative testified. Committee members expressed sympathy for both access and safety concerns but ultimately voted to advance the bill (committee recorded 9 ayes).
