WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1899

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 William Slater

Tennessee bill increases unrelated resident limits in small senior care homes from 3-4 to 5-6 persons per facility tier, potentially expanding capacity but raising care quality and staffing concerns.

H. Placed on Consent Calendar for 4/20/2026
#hospitalsandhealthcarefacilities
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1899

Legislative bill overview

HB 1899 increases the resident capacity thresholds for Tennessee's tiered home for the aged licensing system, allowing tier 1 facilities to house up to 5 unrelated persons (instead of 3) and tier 2 facilities up to 6 unrelated persons (instead of 4). The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 68, Chapter 11, which governs residential care facility regulations.

Why is this important

Homes for the aged provide affordable housing and care for elderly and vulnerable populations. These capacity changes directly affect how many residents these facilities can serve, potentially influencing operational economics, care quality, staffing ratios, and the availability of such housing options in Tennessee communities.

Potential points of contention

  • Care quality concerns: Increasing resident capacity without corresponding staffing or facility infrastructure requirements could strain care quality and staff workload, particularly if facilities operate at reduced per-resident budgets.
  • Regulatory enforcement gaps: The bill does not appear to address oversight mechanisms, inspection frequency, or complaint resolution processes that become more important as facilities grow larger.
  • Housing affordability trade-off: While higher capacity may reduce costs per resident, it could incentivize conversion of small community homes into larger commercial operations, potentially reducing the intimate care environment these facilities traditionally provide.

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

Sign in to ask a question.