Tennessee Senate Bill SB2048

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/26

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 24; Title 29, Chapter 26 and Title 50, Chapter 6, relative to opinions as to medical findings.

Impact

The implementation of SB2048 is expected to broaden the scope of expert testimony in civil cases, allowing more healthcare providers to contribute their expertise when required. This change could enhance access to expert medical opinions and potentially reduce litigation delays caused by a lack of available expert witnesses in certain civil cases. However, the exemption for workers' compensation and health care liability claims means that the bill's impact will not extend into these critical areas, where standards for expert testimony remain stringent.

Summary

SB2048 seeks to amend existing laws in Tennessee regarding who may provide expert medical testimony in legal proceedings. The bill specifically allows licensed nurse practitioners and licensed physician assistants, who meet the qualifications under the Tennessee Rules of Evidence, to testify about various medical issues such as diagnoses, treatment provided, and the reasonableness of charges related to medical care. Importantly, this bill targets civil actions but explicitly excludes health care liability actions and workers' compensation claims from this provision, thus maintaining certain protections within those specific areas.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB2048 appears mixed among stakeholders. Proponents argue that allowing nurse practitioners and physician assistants to testify as experts will make it easier for patients to seek justice in civil lawsuits and that it reflects the evolving nature of healthcare delivery. Conversely, there are concerns from some legal and medical professionals who believe that the quality of expert testimony could be compromised if non-physicians are allowed to serve in these roles, fearing it may lead to insufficient legal standards in important health-related cases.

Contention

A significant point of contention regarding SB2048 revolves around the qualifications and experience required for nurse practitioners and physician assistants to act as expert witnesses. Critics caution that without rigorous standards, there could be variability in the expertise provided, possibly affecting case outcomes. Additionally, the bill's exclusion of workers' compensation claims raises questions about why these particular cases were singled out, indicating that there may be deeper discussions needed regarding the roles of various healthcare providers in the legal realm.