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HB 204

Health Care - As introduced, changes from March 1 to January 15 the date by which the bureau of TennCare, in consultation with the perinatal advisory committee and with the assistance of relevant state agencies, must report to legislative committees concerning aspects of quality and outcomes in perinatal care for the last two available fiscal years or calendar years, as may be available. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 8; Title 14; Title 29; Title 33; Title 37; Title 39; Title 53; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Bryan Terry

Moves Tennessee TennCare's annual perinatal care quality report deadline from March 1 to January 15 to allow earlier legislative review of maternal and infant health outcomes.

P2C, caption bill, held on desk - pending amdt.
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Bill Summary · HB 204

Legislative bill overview

HB 204 moves the deadline for TennCare's perinatal care quality and outcomes report from March 1 to January 15 each year. The bill requires consultation with a perinatal advisory committee and relevant state agencies when preparing this biennial report on maternal and infant health metrics.

Why is this important

Perinatal health data informs policy decisions affecting maternal mortality, infant mortality, and prenatal care access in Tennessee. An earlier reporting deadline (January 15 vs. March 1) could allow legislative committees more time to review findings and act on recommendations during the legislative session, potentially accelerating responses to identified health disparities or quality issues.

Potential points of contention

  • Data availability timing: Moving the deadline earlier by 6 weeks may compress the timeframe for data collection, analysis, and quality assurance, potentially affecting report accuracy or completeness
  • Fiscal year alignment: The bill references "last two available fiscal years or calendar years"—unclear which calendar applies and whether January 15 provides sufficient time after fiscal year close for comprehensive reporting
  • Scope ambiguity: The bill amends 11 Tennessee Code titles but the summary doesn't detail what substantive changes occur beyond the deadline shift, making full legislative intent difficult to assess

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

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