WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 657

Health Care - As enacted, allows a healthcare provider to petition a relevant board after completing a peer assistance or treatment program contract to remove information from the public-facing licensure verification website regarding the adverse action and the order by the relevant board after five years from the completion date of that program or contract indicated in such order; authorizes the division of health related boards to promulgate rules to effectuate such petition process. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 63 and Title 68.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Tim Hicks

Allows healthcare providers to petition licensing boards to remove adverse action records from public websites after five years of completing treatment programs.

Pub. Ch. 100
#healthcare
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 657

Legislative bill overview

HB 657 allows healthcare providers who complete peer assistance or treatment programs to petition their licensing board to remove adverse action records from public-facing licensure verification websites after five years. The bill requires the Division of Health Related Boards to establish rules governing this petition process for license reinstatement and disciplinary record management.

Why is this important

Healthcare provider licensing information is crucial for public safety and informed decision-making by patients and employers. This law creates a mechanism for professional rehabilitation and record clearance while balancing public access to disciplinary history with opportunities for providers to rebuild their careers after completing mandated treatment programs.

Potential points of contention

  • Patient safety vs. rehabilitation: Removing adverse action records from public view may limit patients' access to a provider's disciplinary history, potentially obscuring patterns of prior misconduct or substance abuse issues
  • Transparency concerns: The five-year window may be insufficient for serious violations, and "public-facing" removal doesn't clarify whether records remain accessible to healthcare institutions conducting credentialing
  • Inconsistent enforcement: Rules created by the Division could vary in stringency, and unclear standards for what constitutes adequate program completion may lead to inconsistent petition approvals across different healthcare professions

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

Sign in to ask a question.