WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 1178

Disability and Aging, Dept. Of - As enacted, directs the commissioner and the director of TennCare to develop guidelines for service providers for hiring qualified family members as a family caregiver; specifies that the department and the bureau of TennCare shall not prohibit qualified individuals from employment as a family caregiver at a service provider agency based on certain listed criteria. - Amends TCA Title 52 and Title 71.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Raumesh Akbari

Tennessee law allows qualified family members to be hired and paid as caregivers, prohibiting state agencies from blocking employment based on family relationship status.

Pub. Ch. 182
#dept.of #disabilityandaging
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1178

Legislative bill overview

SB 1178 requires Tennessee's Department of Disability and Aging and TennCare to establish guidelines permitting qualified family members to work as paid caregivers for relatives receiving services through state programs. The law prohibits these agencies from blocking employment based on specified criteria, effectively opening paid family caregiving roles that were previously restricted or heavily regulated.

Why is this important

This legislation directly affects hundreds of thousands of Tennessee residents receiving long-term care services, particularly elderly and disabled populations relying on Medicaid (TennCare). It allows families to be compensated for caregiving work already being performed, potentially reducing out-of-pocket costs while keeping care within family networks. However, it raises questions about quality oversight, conflict of interest protections, and fiscal sustainability of state programs.

Potential points of contention

  • Quality assurance and accountability: Permitting family members as paid providers may reduce external oversight and create challenges in ensuring consistent care standards and preventing neglect or financial exploitation
  • Cost implications for TennCare: Expanding paid family caregiver positions could increase state Medicaid expenditures significantly, affecting program sustainability and budget allocation to other services
  • Conflict of interest safeguards: The law's effectiveness depends heavily on implementing guidelines that prevent abuse—such as inflated hours, unnecessary services, or financial pressure on vulnerable individuals—which requires robust enforcement mechanisms

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.