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HB 1375

Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services, Dept. of - As introduced, enacts the "Tennessee Mental Health Volunteer Alliance Act." - Amends TCA Title 33; Title 49; Title 63 and Title 68.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by John Clemmons

Tennessee legislation creates formal volunteer alliance program for mental health and substance abuse services to extend capacity and community reach.

Taken off notice for cal in s/c Population Health Subcommittee of Health Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 1375

Legislative bill overview

HB 1375 enacts the "Tennessee Mental Health Volunteer Alliance Act," which creates a framework for coordinating volunteer efforts in mental health and substance abuse services across Tennessee. The bill amends multiple sections of Tennessee law (Titles 33, 49, 63, and 68) to establish this new volunteer alliance program within the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.

Why is this important

Mental health and substance abuse services face significant capacity challenges in Tennessee, and volunteer programs can extend service reach into underserved communities. The bill attempts to formalize and structure volunteer engagement to supplement paid professional services while addressing workforce shortages in behavioral health.

Potential points of contention

  • Volunteer accountability and liability: Questions about how volunteers are trained, supervised, and held accountable when delivering mental health services, and who bears liability for errors or harm
  • Professional standards erosion: Concerns that expanding volunteer roles could undermine professional licensure standards or allow under-qualified individuals to perform clinical assessments
  • Funding and resource allocation: Uncertainty about whether the program receives adequate funding for coordination and training infrastructure, or if it diverts resources from paid mental health positions
  • Equity and access: Risk that volunteer-dependent services create a two-tiered system where underserved areas receive lower-quality volunteer-staffed services while better-resourced areas maintain professional staffing

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

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