Amends TCA Title 58 and Title 63.

This bill provides limited exemptions to this state's licensure and certificate requirements for certain health professionals (listed below) who have a current license or certificate to practice in another state, commonwealth, territory, or the District of Columbia. In order to qualify for the exemptions, the health professional must be engaged in the practice of healthcare through a program in partnership with federal Innovative Readiness Training and be:<br /> <br /> (1) An active or reserve member of the armed forces of the United States;<br /> (2) A member of the national guard;<br /> (3) A civilian employee of the United States department of defense;<br /> (4) An authorized personal services contractor with the department of defense or coast guard per federal law; or <br /> (5) A healthcare professional otherwise authorized by the department of defense.<br /> <br /> The exemptions will only apply if the health professional's practice is required by the Innovative Readiness Training program pursuant to military orders and the services provided are within the health professional's licensed scope of practice. This bill does not permit the health professional to engage in the practice of healthcare except as part of federal Innovative Readiness Training.<br /> <br /> The health professionals eligible for this exemption are:<br /> <br /> (1) Chiropractors;<br /> (2) Dentists;<br /> (3) Physicians;<br /> (4) Nurses;<br /> (5) Optometrists;<br /> (6) Osteopathic physicians;<br /> (7) Psychologists, psychological examiners, senior psychological examiners, and certified psychological assistants;<br /> (8) Licensed behavior analysts and licensed assistant behavior analysts;<br /> (9) Veterinarians and veterinary technicians;<br /> (10) Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants;<br /> (11) Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants;<br /> (12) Physician assistants;<br /> (13) Orthopedic physician assistants;<br /> (14) Professional counselors; and<br /> (15) Clinical pastoral therapists.<br /> <br /> ON FEBRUARY 11, 2019, THE SENATE ADOPTED AMENDMENT #1 AND RESET SENATE BILL 53, AS AMENDED.<br /> <br /> AMENDMENT #1 clarifies that the exemptions authorized by this bill will only apply if the health professional's practice is within the scope of practice of a licensee in this state.<br /> <br /> ON FEBRUARY 14, 2019, THE SENATE FURTHER CONSIDERED SENATE BILL 53, AS AMENDED, RECONSIDERED ITS ACTION IN ADOPTING SENATE AMENDMENT #1, WITHDREW AMENDMENT #1, ADOPTED SENATE AMENDMENT #3, AND PASSED SENATE BILL 53, AS AMENDED.<br /> <br /> AMENDMENT #3 makes this bill's exemption from Tennessee licensure requirements for licensees of other jurisdictions while participating in the federal Innovate Readiness Training applicable to all medical professions that are regulated by a health related board that is attached to the division of health related boards of the department of health.<br /> <br /> This amendment specifies that the exemptions authorized by this bill will only apply if the services provided by the medical professional are within the scope of practice for the individual's respective profession in this state.<br /> <br />