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HB 186

Medical Occupations - As enacted, requires the board of medical examiners to register an applicant as a registered surgical assistant if the applicant maintains current credentials as a surgical assistant issued by the American Board of Surgical Assistants and satisfies other necessary requirements; removes December 31, 2019, as the deadline by which an applicant for registration as a surgical assistant must register with the board in order to be registered on the basis of certain practical experience. - Amends TCA Title 63, Chapter 6.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by William Slater

Tennessee now allows surgical assistants with American Board credentials to register without meeting an expired 2019 deadline, streamlining licensing for qualified professionals.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 59
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Bill Summary · HB 186

Legislative bill overview

HB 186 streamlines registration for surgical assistants in Tennessee by allowing the Board of Medical Examiners to automatically register applicants who hold current credentials from the American Board of Surgical Assistants. The bill removes an expired December 31, 2019 deadline that previously restricted registration based on practical experience, effectively reopening registration pathways for experienced surgical assistants who missed the original cutoff.

Why is this important

This change addresses a practical barrier that prevented qualified surgical assistants from obtaining state registration after a deadline passed. By recognizing national board certification as sufficient qualification, the bill may expand the pool of registered surgical assistants available to healthcare facilities while reducing administrative burden on both applicants and the licensing board.

Potential points of contention

  • Retroactive eligibility: Removing the 2019 deadline allows individuals who previously missed registration to qualify now, which could create perceptions of inconsistent enforcement of prior regulatory timelines
  • National vs. state standards: Relying on American Board of Surgical Assistants credentials rather than state-specific requirements may concern stakeholders who prefer locally-tailored licensing standards
  • Workforce market impact: Expanding registered surgical assistant availability could affect employment or wage dynamics for existing credential holders, depending on labor market conditions

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

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