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SB 223

Medical Occupations - As introduced, requires a person who is licensed to practice a healing art; who was an officer in the commissioned medical corps of the army, the navy, the air force, or the public health service of the United States; and who was subsequently discharged, instead of honorably discharged, to register with the appropriate board licensing that profession. - Amends TCA Title 63.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Ed Jackson

Requires Tennessee medical boards to register, rather than automatically deny, licensed practitioners with other-than-honorable military medical discharges, expanding veteran healthcare access.

Assigned to General Subcommittee of Senate Health & Welfare Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 223

Legislative bill overview

SB 223 requires medical professionals who served as officers in U.S. military medical corps and received other-than-honorable discharges to register with Tennessee's licensing boards, rather than being automatically barred from practice. Currently, such individuals may face licensing denials based solely on discharge status without formal registration requirements.

Why is this important

This bill addresses access to healthcare and professional opportunity for military veterans with service-related discharges. It could affect an unknown but potentially meaningful population of trained medical professionals whose discharge circumstances may not reflect their clinical competence, while also raising questions about whether registration adequately protects public safety versus blanket prohibitions.

Potential points of contention

  • Discharge status versus fitness to practice: Other-than-honorable discharges can result from serious misconduct or administrative circumstances unrelated to medical competence. Critics may argue the bill doesn't distinguish between these reasons, potentially compromising patient safety oversight.
  • Registration versus full licensure: The requirement for "registration" rather than standard licensure may create a lower or unclear accountability standard, raising questions about what regulatory oversight actually applies to these practitioners.
  • Equity for veterans versus uniform standards: Supporters may view this as correcting unfair treatment of service members, while opponents may contend uniform standards without military-status exceptions better serve public protection.

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

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