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SB 1526

Sunset Laws - As enacted, extends the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact to June 30, 2034. - Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 29 and Title 63, Chapter 6, Part 4.

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

Tennessee extends its participation in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, allowing faster physician license reciprocity across states, until June 30, 2034.

Pub. Ch. 563
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Bill Summary · SB 1526

Legislative bill overview

SB 1526 extends Tennessee's participation in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) until June 30, 2034. The IMLC is a multi-state agreement that allows physicians to obtain expedited medical licenses in participating states without individual applications in each state. This bill essentially renews the state's commitment to this interstate compact framework.

Why is this important

The IMLC affects physician mobility and healthcare access across state lines. By extending participation, Tennessee allows its licensed doctors to practice in other compact states more easily and permits out-of-state physicians to practice in Tennessee with streamlined licensing. This impacts healthcare workforce distribution, telemedicine expansion, and patient access to specialists in rural or underserved areas.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory consistency concerns: Some argue that expedited licensing reduces the state's ability to individually vet physician credentials and may lower licensure standards compared to traditional state-by-state review processes
  • Scope of practice variation: The compact may create confusion about which physicians can practice what services across state lines, particularly regarding specialized procedures or telemedicine consultations
  • Sunset review effectiveness: A 2034 expiration date (8 years) may be too long to assess whether the compact adequately protects patient safety and state interests, versus shorter review periods that allow more frequent policy adjustments

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

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