Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

Tennessee Senate Bill SB1548

Introduced
3/13/23  
Chaptered
5/24/23  

Caption

AN ACT to amend Chapter 187 of the Private Acts of 1945; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to the ownership and operation of a non-profit hospital by Blount County, Tennessee.

Impact

The bill will significantly impact state laws governing the operations of non-profit hospitals in Tennessee, specifically addressing local governance issues. By empowering Blount County to manage its hospital, the legislation is seen as a means to enhance healthcare services tailored to local needs. It ensures that the community retains a level of control over hospital operations while also providing flexibility in management. Additionally, it includes a provision to maintain the hospital's existing name, 'Blount Memorial Hospital', as a tribute to veterans, thereby establishing a connection to local history and identity.

Summary

Senate Bill 1548 focuses on the ownership and operation of a non-profit hospital by Blount County, Tennessee. The legislation amends existing laws to grant the county the authority to construct, purchase, own, and manage a non-profit hospital. This allows the county to either directly manage the hospital or hire a non-profit corporation to do so through a structured management agreement. The bill ensures that the management entity does not own the hospital's assets but holds them in trust for the county, reinforcing the county's ultimate ownership and authority over the hospital's operations.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB1548 appears largely supportive among local stakeholders advocating for enhanced healthcare accessibility in the county. Policymakers and community members believe this bill aligns with public interest by enabling Blount County to respond better to residents' healthcare needs. However, there are concerns among some legislative members and advocacy groups regarding the potential implications of prioritizing non-profit entities over broader public oversight in hospital management.

Contention

Among the notable points of contention in discussions regarding SB1548 are the implications of diminished state oversight on non-profit hospital management and the balance of power between local authorities and state governance. Critics fear that while local control is important, overly broad delegations of authority to local entities may lead to inconsistent healthcare quality or inequity in service delivery within the region. Furthermore, the requirement for all related signage to reflect the hospital's historic name provokes debate about maintaining tradition versus evolving with community needs.

Companion Bills

TN HB1560

Crossfiled AN ACT to amend Chapter 187 of the Private Acts of 1945; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to the ownership and operation of a non-profit hospital by Blount County, Tennessee.

Previously Filed As

TN SB2708

AN ACT to amend Chapter 107 of the Private Acts of 1957; as amended by Chapter 2 of the Private Acts of 1987; Chapter 63 of the Private Acts of 1993 and Chapter 144 of the Private Acts of 1998; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to the Williamson County Hospital.

TN HB2646

AN ACT to amend Chapter 107 of the Private Acts of 1957; as amended by Chapter 2 of the Private Acts of 1987; Chapter 63 of the Private Acts of 1993 and Chapter 144 of the Private Acts of 1998; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to the Williamson County Hospital.

TN HB2665

AN ACT to amend Chapter 350 of the Private Acts of 1945; as amended by Chapter 246 of the Private Acts of 1974; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to the county attorney of Haywood County.

TN SB2728

AN ACT to amend Chapter 350 of the Private Acts of 1945; as amended by Chapter 246 of the Private Acts of 1974; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to the county attorney of Haywood County.

TN HB2654

AN ACT to amend Chapter 833 of the Private Acts of 1949; as amended by Chapter 171 of the Private Acts of 1957; Chapter 28 of the Private Acts of 1957; Chapter 122 of the Private Acts of 1975; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to the charter of the Town of Sardis.

TN SB2713

AN ACT to amend Chapter 833 of the Private Acts of 1949; as amended by Chapter 171 of the Private Acts of 1957; Chapter 28 of the Private Acts of 1957; Chapter 122 of the Private Acts of 1975; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to the charter of the Town of Sardis.

TN HB1440

AN ACT to amend Chapter 467 of the Private Acts of 1951; as amended by Chapter 233 of the Private Acts of 1976; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to Morgan County.

TN SB1463

AN ACT to amend Chapter 467 of the Private Acts of 1951; as amended by Chapter 233 of the Private Acts of 1976; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to Morgan County.

TN HB2122

AN ACT to amend Chapter 677 of the Private Acts of 1949; as amended by Chapter 434 of the Private Acts of 1968; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to the county attorney for Hamblen County.

TN SB2595

AN ACT to amend Chapter 677 of the Private Acts of 1949; as amended by Chapter 434 of the Private Acts of 1968; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to the county attorney for Hamblen County.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.