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SB 2083

Hospitals and Health Care Facilities - As introduced, increases from three to five the maximum number of nonrelated persons in a home for the aged to be considered a tier 1 home for the aged; increases from four to six the maximum number of nonrelated persons in a home for the aged to be considered a tier 2 home for the aged. - Amends TCA Title 68, Chapter 11.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Bo Watson

Tennessee bill increases maximum unrelated residents in small senior care homes from 3-4 to 5-6, potentially expanding care access while raising oversight concerns.

Transmitted to Governor for action.
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Bill Summary · SB 2083

Legislative bill overview

SB 2083 increases the maximum occupancy thresholds for small residential care facilities in Tennessee, allowing tier 1 homes for the aged to accommodate up to 5 unrelated residents (previously 3) and tier 2 homes to accommodate up to 6 unrelated residents (previously 4). This modifies Tennessee Code Annotated Title 68, Chapter 11, which governs licensing and regulation of these facilities.

Why is this important

This change directly affects the supply and economics of small-scale senior care housing. It allows operators to serve more residents per facility, potentially increasing access to affordable care alternatives to larger institutional settings, while also affecting regulatory oversight and staffing requirements that typically scale with resident numbers.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory burden and safety: Increasing capacity may strain staff-to-resident ratios and oversight capacity, raising questions about whether existing regulations (staffing, training, inspection frequency) remain adequate for larger cohorts
  • Operator profitability vs. care quality: Higher occupancy caps could incentivize cost-cutting rather than quality improvements, or conversely, enable financially sustainable small operations that currently struggle
  • Definition and enforcement: The distinction between "tier 1" and "tier 2" homes and how they're classified in practice may create loopholes or inconsistent application across counties

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

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