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SB 978

Statutes and Codification - As enacted, changes all TCA references from "adult day care" to "adult day services." - Amends TCA Section 4-3-1205; Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 18; Title 52, Chapter 8; Section 68-1-904; Title 68, Chapter 11, Part 2 and Title 71.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Steve Southerland

Tennessee bill replaces "adult day care" with "adult day services" across six code sections to standardize regulatory terminology statewide.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 87
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Bill Summary · SB 978

Legislative bill overview

SB 978 is a technical correction bill that systematically replaces the terminology "adult day care" with "adult day services" throughout multiple sections of Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA). The bill updates language across six major code sections covering regulatory, licensing, and administrative frameworks related to these programs.

Why is this important

Terminology changes in state code, while seemingly minor, standardize language used by regulatory agencies, service providers, and the public. This consistency reduces confusion in licensing requirements, program eligibility determinations, and compliance documentation. The shift to "services" language may also reflect evolving healthcare/social services industry standards that emphasize the therapeutic and support nature of these programs rather than custodial "care."

Potential points of contention

  • Semantic vs. substantive: Critics may question whether renaming programs without changing underlying regulations constitutes meaningful reform or is purely cosmetic terminology updating
  • Implementation burden: Service providers and state agencies must update forms, policies, and training materials to reflect terminology changes across multiple code sections
  • Unintended consequences: Broad terminology replacement across multiple titles could create temporary confusion about whether regulatory requirements actually changed or if only language was updated

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

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