NEWS

State Rep. Bryan Terry to introduce “Pathway to Prosperity” legislation next year

September 10, 2020 By Admin

Measure aims at support working individuals, families as they move off of assistance.

(Nashville, Tenn.) – State Rep. Bryan Terry, MD (R-Murfreesboro) is preparing to introduce “Pathway to Prosperity” legislation for the 2021 legislative session in efforts to support Tennesseans currently enrolled in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.

The “Pathway to Prosperity” legislation will provide an alternative path with incentives for TANF recipients to receive education, training, and workforce skills as they receive their TANF benefits. It looks to help address the benefits cliff that often prevents citizens from improving their individual economic standing.

“We are looking to transform the program where instead of government providing a hand out, we can provide a hand up to those who find themselves in these difficult circumstances,” stated Rep. Terry. “Tennesseans have a limited amount of time with which they can receive TANF benefits, and we know most also have a limited window of opportunity to change their financial trajectory. We want to help individuals avoid the benefits cliff and provide them with a pathway to prosperity during this narrow timeframe.”

In 2019, it was discovered that the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) had built up a federal funding reserve within the TANF program of $732 million dollars. Subsequently, House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville) and Lt. Governor Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge) appointed a Joint House and Senate working group to investigate the TANF program and make recommendations for utilization of the funds. Rep. Terry was asked by his House and Senate colleagues to chair this working group.

Under Dr. Terry’s leadership, the group discovered that the state had inappropriately allocated $221 million in state funds, and they established a corrective action plan for DHS. “Pathway to Prosperity” was developed from the working group process as a pilot program by Chairman Terry and DHS. They are currently working with the Lee administration to make this part of the administration’s legislative package for 2021.

“We had planned to run the legislation this past session, but with the emergencies related to the tornado and the COVID-19 pandemic, we needed to see if the TANF funds could serve a more immediate need,” Rep. Terry added. “While we have been out of session, have continued to monitor the program and work with DHS, the administration, and Speaker Sexton on this issue. I believe we are now in a position to implement this plan and help our most vulnerable achieve upward income mobility.”

Currently, TANF recipients are eligible for cash assistance for up to 60 months. While recipients may receive other assistance, such as childcare or help with transportation, there isn’t an incentive for recipients to improve their marketable employment skills while on TANF. If passed, the legislation would provide recipients with an enhanced cash benefit if they showed progress towards a degree, training, or apprenticeship.

“The benefits cliff is often a barrier to income mobility for workers and an employment challenge for businesses that are looking to hire,” said Speaker Sexton. “This Pathway to Prosperity legislation is precisely the type of conservative solution that we envisioned when the TANF Working Group was first established. Chairman Terry understands the complex dynamics involved with recipients, TANF, DHS, and the business community. I appreciate the working group’s efforts, as well as Dr. Terry’s leadership, which has helped us create this innovative solution.”

Currently, Tennessee receives a $191 million dollar grant each year as part of the federal budget to assist the Department of Human Services as they implement the TANF program. Because of Tennessee’s fiscal stability and economic standing, the state has seen a considerable decrease in the number of citizens utilizing TANF benefits. As such, Tennessee transitioned from spending well over their grant amount to only utilizing around $70 million per year. The additional unspent $121 million annual allotment has resulted in almost $800 million in reserve funding that can only be utilized through the program.

“These are essentially Tennessee taxpayer monies that the federal government has collected and placed aside for our state to use for TANF benefits. I see this Pathway to Prosperity legislation as an investment into our future; we are looking to utilize these funds to create a return on investment where we can get a win-win-win situation. Tennesseans can encounter income mobility and job security. Businesses will have highly-skilled employees, and less individuals will remain dependent on the government, which benefits our taxpayers,” concluded Terry.

Rep. Bryan Terry, MD serves as the Chairman of the Health Committee and as Chairman of the TANF Working Group. He lives in Murfreesboro and represents District 48 which is the eastern half of Rutherford County. He can be reached via email at rep.Bryan.Terry@Capitol.TN.Gov or via phone at 615-741-2180.

Small Business Advocacy Group Endorses Dr. Bryan Terry For State House

September 1, 2020 By Admin

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Aug. 31, 2020) – The NFIB Tennessee PAC, the political action committee of the state’s leading small business advocacy organization, has endorsed State Rep. Bryan Terry, MD (R-Murfreesboro) in the 48^th District State House race. The NFIB Tennessee PAC is comprised exclusively of NFIB members.

“Our members support the candidates who they believe will support small business, and Rep. Terry has shown us that he truly understands the challenges facing Tennessee’s job creators,” said Jim Brown, the National Federation of Independent Business’ state director for Tennessee. “Dr. Terry is committed to creating and maintaining an environment where small businesses can grow and create jobs.”

“I am honored to have secured the support of the NFIB Tennessee PAC as I look to continue serving the citizens of District 48,” said Rep. Terry. “Our small businesses are the backbone of our local and statewide economies, and now more than ever, they need our support. I will never stop fighting for additional resources — both now and once this pandemic subsides — that contribute to their long-term success and future sustainability.”

The NFIB Tennessee PAC endorsement is critical to candidates’ campaigns. Small business owners and their employees vote in high numbers and are known for actively recruiting friends, family members, and acquaintances to go to the polls. NFIB Tennessee PAC’s political support is based on the candidates’ positions and records on small business issues.

To learn more about NFIB in Tennessee, visit www.NFIB.com/TN and follow @NFIB_TN on Twitter.

Rep. Terry Works to Have Health Coverage Honored for Unemployed

April 29, 2020 By Admin

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Bryan Terry, MD(R-Murfreesboro) called on Governor Lee and the Department of Commerce and Insurance to ensure that the newly unemployed have their surgical health insurance coverage honored because of the moratorium on elective procedures. Due to an unintended consequence of banning elective procedures, many Tennessee patients may have paid premiums and had valid insurance during the ban, but then they had their surgery delayed. Now that they are unemployed, they may get stuck with the bill through no fault of their own. Rep. Terry is working to correct that.

On March 23, Governor Lee issued Executive Order 18 which banned all elective surgeries in Tennessee to conserve personal protective equipment(PPE). Prior to and during the ban, insurers have been approving elective surgeries through a process called “prior authorization”. It is a process by which insurers agree to pay for the procedure or surgery of the insured. While Governor Lee did urge insurers to uphold their coverage commitments to Tennesseans, unfortunately, many Tennesseans have lost their job or their employers have not been able to continue paying premiums. This means that the insurance policy that was valid prior to or during the ban may no longer be valid. This situation places patients, providers, and facilities in a bind.

Explained Rep. Terry, “Through no fault of their own, we have newly unemployed individuals who needed surgery and had valid insurance, but now they are in a situation where they are at the mercy and grace of the insurers. Premiums were paid. Providers were willing to operate, but the COVID-19 pandemic halted their medical care. The state needs to ensure that these patients and providers aren’t punished by a government decision. Those commitments need to be honored.”

Many patients who were scheduled to have necessary, but elective medical or dental procedures before Gov. Bill Lee’s executive order halting all non-emergency procedures may now be left to cancel or pay out of pocket for previously approved procedures unless action is taken to address the issue. While some insurance companies are offering extensions for these prior authorizations or grace periods to catch up on premiums, there isn’t any guarantee that patients won’t receive a bill or providers won’t be reimbursed.

In a letter to Lee and Hodgen Mainda, Commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Terry suggested a recoupment moratorium could be put in place for surgeries approved prior to or during the halting of elective surgeries brought through Executive Order 18. Terry said this would not only help patients, but also hospitals and medical or dental practices that have experienced major financial setbacks as a result of the cancellations and postponements of elective surgical procedures.

“TennCare has frozen their termination process and they are going to honor those commitments to patients. Private insurance carriers who took the premiums should do the same,” said Terry. “I understand that Governor Lee urged a grace period and some insurers have said they will comply. But patients and practices need guarantees during these uncertain times. They do not need additional financial burdens and hardships when they are complying with Executive Orders.”

Terry said that he is working with Commissioner Mainda, Speaker Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville), and Insurance Chairman Robin Smith (R-Hixson) on the issue and has offered guidance and solutions. “With over 400,000 newly unemployed, as well as businesses that need time to catch back up after they reopen, the state doesn’t know how big of a problem that this is. With the state reopening elective surgery on May 1st, time is of the essence and this issue needs to be addressed properly and expeditiously by the state.”

Rep. Bryan Terry, MD represents District 48 which is the eastern half of Rutherford County. His office can be contacted at 615-741-2180 or Rep.Bryan.Terry@Capitol.Tn.Gov

Rep. Bryan Terry Works to Make Telemedicine Permanent State Health Practice

April 16, 2020 By Admin

Chairman Bryan Terry With House Speaker Cameron Sexton

State Rep. Bryan Terry, Tennessee House Work to Make Telemedicine Permanent in State’s Health Practices

(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) — As the aggressive Covid-19 pathogen spreads across Tennessee, State Representative Bryan Terry, MD (R-Murfreesboro) and the House of Representatives continue to put our patients first by creating conservative health care solutions that increase access to high quality services, while lowering overall costs.

Before temporarily recessing on March 19, members approved House Bill 1699, sponsored by State Rep. Robin Smith (R-Hixson) and co-sponsored by Rep. Terry with an 88-0 bi-partisan vote. This initiative paves the way to increase the electronic delivery of care in Tennessee through telemedicine. The legislation defines provider-based telemedicine by adding a private location that a patient deems appropriate to receive services. This bill has been carefully vetted to prioritize Tennessee patients having access to their own health providers.

“As Chairman of the House Insurance Committee and sponsor of this legislation, I believe this conservative solution to health care delivery in Tennessee will provide an extraordinary benefit to our citizens, whether in response to this virus pandemic or by meeting the needs of Tennessee patients in their homes or place or work,” said Rep. Smith. “It is an honor to partner with Speaker Sexton and Chairman Terry to utilize innovation and increase access to quality health services for more of our citizens through telemedicine.”

House Bill 1699 protects existing tele-health arrangements that do not require an existing doctor-patient relationship. It also creates a structure for all providers to use telemedicine with established patients who have been seen in their practice in the last 18 months for follow-up care at home, in their place of work or other mobile locations as long as the provider has access to the relevant public record. Chronically ill patients with ailments such as diabetes and congestive heart failure will benefit from the inclusion of remote patient monitoring which is currently a service provided by Medicare.

“This legislation will help many of our citizens who can’t visit a doctor’s office for a well visit or in a non-emergency situation to address an important health need,” said Rep. Terry. “Access and affordability are vital to our health care system and leveraging technology like telemedicine can help our Tennessee patients have improved health and outcomes.”

House Bill 1699 also includes a key provision for payment parity among doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants because providers and hospitals should be equally reimbursed by insurance companies for the services they provide. This measure, preceding the emergency actions of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to prioritize telemedicine and its reimbursement during the Covid-19 outbreak, incorporates existing technology in the care of Tennesseans on an ongoing basis, leveraging successful outcomes already achieved in response to the urgent pandemic.

House Bill 1699 is a key component of the Republican CARE Plan, which is designed to transform health care in Tennessee through Consumerism, increasing Access, improving Rural health systems, and Empowering patients. First introduced in 2019, the plan uses free market concepts to reshape health care through patient-centered solutions that enable Tennesseans and their loved ones to make informed decisions about the type of care they need, not providers or insurance companies.

“The electronic delivery of specialized care through telemedicine will drastically improve patient safety by reducing the likelihood of Covid-19 exposure in the weeks and months ahead,” said Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville). “This innovative concept will also untangle our current monopolistic approach to health care in Tennessee by increasing access to resources – especially in our rural communities – so we can better serve citizens.”

Consultants who have recently conducted evaluations on several rural hospitals receiving grants under the Rural Hospital Transformation Act have also strongly endorsed this initiative. Under the Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development (TNECD) , the grant program funds evaluations of current practices being conducted at these facilities to ensure they are able to continue serving their communities. Telemedicine was cited by 92 percent of hospitals enrolled in the state program as an opportunity to sustain their rural hospital.

“Experts that have partnered with TNECD to evaluate our rural facilities believe a successful telemedicine program is a vital component to a sustainable business model,” added Chairman Smith. “Telemedicine aligns with the overall goal of the Rural Hospital Transformation Act, and I am pleased this tool will soon improve operational efficiency within more of our rural hospitals so they can continue to effectively address the unique needs in the communities they currently serve.”

Telemedicine has provided a tremendous benefit and safe alternatives to inpatient visits under the current circumstances. Utilizing this innovative tool will help continue to flatten the virus curve and reduce an anticipated surge of patients in Tennessee. House Bill 1699 will also ensure this effective tool remains a key part of health care delivery for all Tennesseans.

For more information about House Bill 1699, click HERE.

COVID19: Mandatory Shelter In Place, Displaced Healthcare Workers, More

April 2, 2020 By Admin

Governor Bill Lee has taken several actions over the last couple of days dealing with orders for citizens to remain home, displaced healthcare workers, medicaid, personal protective equipment, mental health, and more. Below are some summaries.

Thursday, April 02, 2020 | 02:15pm

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Governor Bill Lee will sign Executive Order 23 requiring that Tennesseans stay home unless they are carrying out essential activities as data shows an increase in citizen movement across the state.

“Over the last few weeks, we have seen decreases in movement around the state as Tennesseans socially distance and stay at home,” said Gov. Lee. “However, in recent days we have seen data indicating that movement may be increasing and we must get these numbers trending back down. I have updated my previous executive order to clearly require that Tennesseans stay at home unless they are carrying out essential activities.”

Data from the Tennessee Department of Transportation analyzed traffic patterns for March 2020. While safer at home measures and further restrictions on businesses showed a steep drop-off in vehicle movement from March 13-29, data beginning on March 30 indicates travel is trending upwards, again.

The Administration also analyzed data from Unacast to understand cell phone mobility and determine movement trends among people. Unacast indicates the movement of Tennesseans is trending toward pre-COVID-19 levels.

“The month of April stands to be an extremely tough time for our state as we face the potential for a surge in COVID-19 cases,” said Lee. “Every Tennessean must take this seriously, remain at home and ensure we save lives.”

The executive order remains in effect until April 14, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. Gov. Lee will address these measures in the press briefing today at 3 p.m. CDT.

Wednesday, April 01, 2020 | 06:30pm

Today, Governor Bill Lee provided an update on Tennessee’s efforts regarding COVID-19 relief.

Gov. Lee’s daily press conferences can be viewed live each day this week at 3 p.m. CDT here. Gov. Lee has also established a website specific to COVID-19 updates which can be found here.

Key Updates

The Child Abuse Hotline continues to operate and has never been down during this crisis. The Department of Children’s Services hotline staff continue to follow the same protocols to ensure all reports of child abuse and neglect are screened and investigated. Child Protective Services investigators are continuing to conduct in-person visits as well. For more information go here.

Personal Protective Equipment Procurement

Unified Command Group has made significant gains in Tennessee’s efforts to secure personal protective equipment for health care workers and critical personnel across the state. More than 18,000,000 PPE items totaling over $45 million have been acquired.

Each of Tennessee’s 95 counties has received a shipment of PPE from Unified Command, with the vast majority of supplies continuing to be delivered to rural areas with Unified Command reporting 80-90% of supplies.

Tennessee has also reached a critical threshold with the creation of face shields through 3D printing efforts at higher education institutions – 10,000 face shields have been produced thus far with more on the way.

Surge Planning

Unified Command has worked with the Army Corps of Engineers to ensure Tennessee has thousands of additional hospital beds available should our health care institutions become overwhelmed by a surge in hospitalizations. These back up plans are actively being assessed in major cities in partnership with the Army Corps of Engineers and hospitals.

The state is also placing an urgent call to health care workers who are currently displaced or furloughed. Unified Command is launching a website for those individuals to sign up and be a part of our surge planning. Health care workers of all levels are encouraged to engage.

Administration Actions

Medicaid 1135 Waiver

TennCare has received approval for a 1135 waiver request to address any potential strain on Tennessee’s health care safety net and care for the uninsured.

With this waiver, Tennessee will gain several flexibilities targeted toward providers and designed to ensure sufficient health care services are available through this pandemic. Many of these flexibilities will be implemented immediately, with others implemented if and when needed.

For more information on TennCare actions related to COVID-19 go here. For more information on the approval of the 1135 waiver go here.

Tuesday, March 31, 2020 | 05:15pm

Today, Governor Bill Lee provided an update on Tennessee’s efforts regarding COVID-19 relief.

Gov. Lee’s daily press conferences can be viewed live each day this week at 3 p.m. CDT here. Gov. Lee has also established a website specific to COVID-19 updates which can be found here.

Key Updates

Statewide Safe at Home Order
Tonight at 11:59 p.m. the statewide safer at home order begins which restricts businesses that cannot possibly safely operate during COVID-19. Businesse like barber shops, salons, recreational and entertainment outfits are to remain closed until April 14, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. The order, at the same time, provides for the continuation of essential businesses throughout every county. More information regarding essential businesses is available here. Tennesseans in non-essential roles are urged to stay at home during this time.

PPE Procurement and Distribution

25 companies and universities have made significant donations of personal protective equipment (PPE) to the State of Tennessee to assist health care workers and those on the front lines.

These donations, in conjunction with the aggressive supply procurement of Unified-Command has enabled the administration to connect with all 95 counties, assess needs and mobilize supplies.

Companies and non-profits who are ready to help with supplies and other innovations are urged to contact Launch Tennessee. Since the announcement yesterday, Unified Command’s partnership with Launch Tennessee has already netted 100 companies who are willing to get to work in fighting this pandemic.

Data Communication

Unified Command in conjunction with the Department of Health will be releasing three new numbers in the daily reporting: negative results by county, projected number of patients who have recovered from COVID-19 and deaths identified by county. This information is available here.

Administration Actions

Mental Health Support

To serve individuals who need professional behavioral health help during the COVID-19 pandemic, Tennessee’s behavioral health providers and the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services have been working closely over recent weeks to ensure seamless delivery of services.

These groups have been working to expand telehealth services, implement daily conference calls to address needs as they arise, and increase collaboration to procure necessary PPE for front-line mental health workers who continue to interface with patients.

The United States Department of Health and Human Services has awarded Tennessee a grant to provide mobile behavioral health care units for rural counties in East and West Tennessee. These mobile units will expand services Tennessee provides through partnerships with non-profits.

Tennessee’s front-line crisis services system is well-equipped to meet the needs of Tennesseans. Available resources include a 24-7 crisis phone line (855-CRISIS-1 or 855-274-7471), mobile crisis for both adults and children and youth, crisis walk-in centers, crisis stabilization units, and crisis respite.

To meet the ongoing/non-emergency mental health needs of Tennesseans who are uninsured and have no means to pay, the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and 15 community behavioral health providers offer the Behavioral Health Safety Net which meets the essential mental health needs of Tennesseans 18 years of age and older who are at or below 138% Federal Poverty Level. These vital services are available in all 95 counties.

Monday, March 30, 2020 | 05:00pm

Today, Governor Bill Lee provided an update on Tennessee’s efforts regarding COVID-19 relief.

Gov. Lee’s daily press conferences can be viewed live each day this week at 3 p.m. CDT here. Gov. Lee has also established a website specific to COVID-19 updates which can be found here.

Administration Actions

Executive Order 22 – Statewide Safer at Home Order

Today, Gov. Lee issued Executive Order 22, implementing safer at home guidelines in every Tennessee county to further mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The order goes into effect Tuesday, March 31 at 11:59 p.m. CDT and will extend to April 14, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. CDT. This is not a mandated shelter in place, but instead urges Tennesseans who are in non-essential roles to remain at home.

The executive order restricts businesses that cannot safely operate during COVID-19 including businesses like barber shops, salons, recreational and entertainment outfits. It also provides for the continuation of essential businesses throughout every county to protect the economy.

Unified Command Engaging Entrepreneurs

Unified Command announced a partnership with LaunchTN to work directly with Tennessee businesses and entrepreneurs who are willing to switch production to make lifesaving PPE and medical supplies, as well as other important health care functions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID19 Update: Taxes, School Closures, Unemployment, Healthcare Licenses, Real ID, More

March 27, 2020 By Admin

As the Coronavirus situation evolves in Rutherford County, Governor Lee continues to take wide-reaching actions dealing with business taxes, emissions testing for tag renewal, Real-ID, school closures, licensing for nurses, physicians and other professionals, unemployment, and more.

Below are some summaries. You can find more information HERE.

Thursday, March 26, 2020 | 05:00pm

Governor Bill Lee provided an update on Tennessee’s efforts regarding COVID-19 relief.

Gov. Lee’s daily press conferences can be viewed live each day this week at 3 p.m. CDT here. Gov. Lee has also established a website specific to COVID-19 updates which can be found here.

Key Updates

COVID-19 Unified Command

On March 23, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee established the COVID-19 Unified Command, a joint effort to be led by Commissioner Stuart McWhorter, to streamline coordination across the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), Tennessee Department of Health and Tennessee Department of Military. This group launched a website today which includes helpful resources, FAQs, and local and global data related to COVID-19.

Public Service Announcement Campaign

Today, the State of Tennessee launched a public service announcement campaign that urges all Tennesseans to adopt preventive health measures to slow the spread of coronavirus. “Do your part, stay apart” features Governor Bill Lee, First Lady Maria Lee and dozens of music artists, athletes and sports organizations who collectively reach millions of Tennesseans. View Governor and First Lady’s video here. Additional information can be found here.

Administration Actions

Unemployment

Tennessee is experiencing an unprecedented number of unemployment claims through the Department of Labor & Workforce Development. Since last week, Tennessee has received 39,096 claims and counting compared to 2,702 the week prior, a 1,300% spike in unemployment.

The state is spearheading a public-private partnership with the Tennessee Grocers and Convenience Store Association, Tennessee Retail Association, and Hospitality TN to create the Tennessee Talent Exchange powered by Jobs4TN.gov.

The goal of the exchange is to quickly match Tennesseans who are out of work due to COVID-19 with companies currently experiencing a surge in business and making immediate hires. The Department of Labor & Workforce Development has modified the state’s workforce development website to quickly post job openings and match job seekers with employers. Additional information can be found here.

Executive Order 20

Today, Gov. Lee signed Executive Order 20 to ensure Tennessee can further mobilize health care workers to fight COVID-19.

The executive order accomplishes the below actions, among others:

· Loosens restrictions around retired medical professionals to help get qualified individuals back in the workforce.

· Temporarily suspends continuing education requirements so professionals can continue working through the pandemic.

· Calls for the availability of phone assessments for individuals with mental illness or emotional disturbances.

· Expands telemedicine efforts so that all licensed providers may utilize telemedicine during COVID-19 as long as they are practicing within their normal scope of practice.

Wednesday, March 25, 2020 | 05:00pm

Governor Bill Lee provided an update on Tennessee’s efforts regarding COVID-19 relief.

Gov. Lee’s daily press conferences can be viewed live each day this week at 3 p.m. CDT here. Gov. Lee has also established a website specific to COVID-19 updates which can be found here.

Key Updates

Tornado Disaster Recovery

FEMA has approved Tennessee’s disaster declaration for the remaining counties. All affected counties are now covered: Benton, Carroll, Davidson, Putnam, Smith and Wilson. Additional information can be found here.

Administration Actions

CDC Funding

The CDC has pledged $10 million for Tennessee’s efforts to fight COVID-19. Tennessee has purchased additional testing capacity and supplies per guidance from the CDC.

In looking at the testing response of other states, Tennessee continues to be a proportional leader compared to states much larger in the region.

Child Care and Human Services

The Department of Human Services has deployed on the $10 million emergency response and recovery grants for existing child care facilities. A church, gym, or non-profit can open an emergency temporary child care facility by registering with the Department of Human Services. Additional information can be found here.

Gov. Lee has directed the Department of Human Services to personally reach out to each existing child care facility in the state to help organizations secure supplies.

Tuesday, March 24, 2020 | 06:00pm

Governor Bill Lee provided an update on Tennessee’s efforts around COVID-19 relief.

Gov. Lee’s daily press conferences can be viewed live each day this week at 3 p.m. CDT here. Gov. Lee has also established a website specific to COVID-19 updates which can be found here.

Key Updates

National Guard Mobilization

Gov. Lee has mobilized the National Guard to assist with expanded testing efforts. 250 personnel, including 150 medical personnel, are preparing to assist 35 remote assessment facilities in rural areas.

State Employee Workforce

State employees who are currently working from home within the Alternative Workplace Solutions program (AWS) should remain working from home until April 24.

School Closures and Educational Resources

Gov. Lee extended statewide school closure to April 24, 2020.
The Department of Education has secured a partnership with PBS to offer instructional content on television while students are at home.

Administration Actions

Franchise & Excise Tax Deadline Extended

The filing deadline for franchise and excise taxes has been delayed until July 15, 2020. Taxpayers will have until July 15 to file returns and make any payments, including quarterly estimated payments, originally due in April. Additional information can be found here.

Real ID and Emissions Testing

Drivers Services has suspended issuing REAL ID through May 18, 2020 as the federal government waived the deadline for REAL ID.
Emissions testing requirements have also been waived through May 18, 2020.
Additional information can be found in the governor’s executive order here.

Utilities

The Attorney General, in consultation with the Lee Administration, has filed an emergency petition asking the Tennessee Public Utility Commission to prohibit utilities from disconnecting service for non-payment during the state of emergency. More information can be found here.

Insurance Premiums

Gov. Lee has directed the Department of Commerce and Insurance to issue guidance to insurance providers requesting as much flexibility as possible for employers and individuals during this crisis. Additional information can be found here.

Rep. Bryan Terry: Clinical Cannabis-Research & Medicinal Developments

March 3, 2020 By Admin

As the world embraces the benefits and science surrounding cannabis based treatments, Tennessee patients look to our General Assembly with the hope that they, too, could utilize the medicinal properties in the chemicals in cannabis. Chairman Bryan Terry, MD (R-Murfreesboro) has filed The Clinical Cannabis Authorization and Research Act which provides such a pathway for Tennesseans. The Act would allow Tennesseans, under medical direction, to participate in a statewide clinical cannabis program where the foundation is formed by medical research and patient safety.

From its seeds, to the whole plant, to the chemicals extracted from the plant, cannabis has been utilized for medicinal purposes for centuries amongst various cultures. The World Health Organization referenced the evidence based medical research available on cannabis to state that cannabis does, in fact, have medicinal value, and recommended removing the restrictive classification of cannabis in order to promote more research and development of cannabis based treatments. Today, over two thirds of the states in America recognize the clinical value of cannabis and have exerted their 10th Amendment rights to help patients by providing them an alternative to the black market. Yet, Tennessee continues to languish in draconian policy by denying Tennesseans the ability to participate in research and development of cannabis based treatments, as well as prohibiting patients from their right to determine their own health care decisions. The Clinical Cannabis Authorization and Research Act looks to change all that.

“The World Health Organization, Federal judges, and a multitude of scientists, researchers, and medical professionals, to name a few, have opined about the medicinal value of the chemicals in cannabis,” stated Terry. “Unfortunately, outdated laws and unconstitutional treaties relying on erroneous information brought forth a prohibition of cannabis on all uses, including medical treatments and research. States are correcting this injustice across the nation and standing up for patients. It’s time Tennessee does so, as well.”

Tennessee is currently ranked third in the nation in an illicit marijuana market behind California and Kentucky. Much of the black market is generated by legitimate patients who, in looking for alternative treatments for things like chronic pain or other debilitating diseases, put their lives and livelihood at risk in search of relief. Other Tennessee patients, who could benefit, but do not go to the black market, either continue to suffer or look for relief in another state. The bill, as it is drafted, decriminalizes patients by offering a clinical pathway whereby patients can enroll in a clinical cannabis program that includes research and use of non-smokable cannabis based modalities under medical supervision. Once passed, having a safe alternative for patients should decrease the demand on the black market.

“Criminal justice reform is a big issue coming from the administration and on the national level. It is my belief that most elected officials do not want to criminalize patients, and this bill is a positive step towards reforming an archaic and cruel system that harms patients,” explained Terry. “If we, as a state, are going to be serious about criminal justice reform, we need to ensure that we are sending criminals to jail and not patients.”

The Clinical Cannabis Authorization and Research Act authorizes medical treatments in the form of oils, pills, breathing treatments, patches, creams, and known medical modalities. It explicitly prohibits recreational forms of cannabis including smoking, vaping, candies, or anything marketed towards children. Cannabis flower, which is the portion of the plant most known for being smokable, is only allowed for utilization in extracting the chemicals to make the medicines. The bill does not allow for the raw flower to be sold.

In addition to focusing on extract only medical modalities, the bill bases its safety and decriminalization regulations on current science and criminal statutes. Dosage and possession monthly limits of non-flower THC containing medical modalities mirror those of known medical standards and Tennessee statutes. One half ounce of cannabis flower on the black market may contain up to 2800 mg of THC which correlates to some off-label uses of lab made THC medicines. If purchased on the street, that amount of flower may last a patient a month, but it, also, carries the risk of a simple possession charge which is a Class A misdemeanor. In essence, the bill decriminalizes the possession of non-smokable, non-recreational cannabis based medicines for patients that enter the medical and research based program.

“Having spoken with many legislators including legislators from other states that have reformed medical cannabis, patients, medical providers, and researching the science, I’m convinced that we have developed a program that is beneficial for Tennessee patients and can pass our General Assembly,” concluded Terry.

HB 2454 is scheduled to be presented on Tuesday, March 3 in the Facilities, Licensure, and Regulations Committee.

Rep. Terry Continues to Fight for Students with Academic Freedom Act

March 1, 2020 By Admin

Informally known as the “Academic Freedom Act”, HB 2438, proposed by State Rep. Bryan Terry, MD (R-Murfreesboro), seeks to provide students with an avenue to address grievances related to free speech violations in the classroom. Even with the Campus Free Speech Protection Act, co-sponsored by Terry in 2017, students still feel as though their free speech is restricted, fearing that their grades or treatment in the classroom by professors may be impacted if they voice their true opinion. The bill aims to resolve these concerns.

Known as a champion for students, Terry has taken up the issue on behalf of both high school
and college students through previous pieces of legislation and initiatives. In the past, Terry has
sponsored the Right to Try Act for Central Magnet School students and the Racial Profiling Prevention Act on behalf of MTSU students. And when the voting rights of Tennessee college students were being stripped, Terry was the legislator who answered the call. When students shared concerns over repercussions they experienced when voicing their opinion in class or on an assignment Terry stepped up for students.

“One of the main reasons I ran for office is to make a positive difference in our state for the future of my children and their generation. When these issues arise, I look to help them take a stand,” Terry said. “With the cost of college and the other stressors in life, our students shouldn’t have to be on guard and feel intimidated in a classroom about their political beliefs.”

A 2018 survey published on behalf of Yale University’s William F. Buckley, Jr. Program found that 53 percent of students felt intimidated to share their ideas, opinions, or beliefs in class if they were different than those expressed by their professors. Additionally, the survey found that 52 percent of students felt their professors used class time to express their own political or social views not related to course content.

“When I talk to Tennessee students, they echo the same concerns found in the Yale survey. It can be difficult to speak up in class or even find the right words when writing a paper,” Terry said. “But when one has to be concerned about offending their professor and risk getting alower grade, that is an unhealthy learning environment,” explained Terry. “In the end, if a student receives a lower grade based on their expressed beliefs, that is discrimination.”

Though Tennessee enacted the Campus Free Speech Protection Act in 2017, that act did not put forth any specific enforcement in the event that a student faced discrimination in their coursework for expressing a political view. The “Academic Freedom Act” amends current statute to allow students a remedy if they face discrimination for their views in the form of a cause of action against the offending institution.

“Proving discrimination occurred against a student who expressed a political opinion is a high bar to attain. But if the discrimination occurs and negatively impacts a student and their life trajectory, the institution should be held accountable. This bill does just that,” concluded Terry. HB 2438 has been placed on notice in the Higher Education Subcommittee. Rep. Bryan Terry, MD represents District 48 which is the eastern half of Rutherford County. His office can be contacted at 615-741-2180 or Rep.Bryan.Terry@Capitol.Tn.Gov

Rep. Bryan Terry’s Take: The TANF Issue

February 19, 2020 By Admin

A few months ago, it was discovered that Tennessee had accumulated $732 million in a Temporary Assistance for Needy Families(TANF) reserve fund available for utilization by the state in the form of a recoupment grant. These are federal funds that the state has available to use in a fiscally responsible manner to assist Tennesseans under certain circumstances. As the TANF process is in the form of recoupment, the state must first spend state funds within certain parameters under federal guidelines, then get reimbursed from the federal government.

As a background, Tennessee is eligible for $191 million in TANF recoupment funding each year. However, one must understand that in order for Tennessee to be eligible for the $191 million in TANF recoupment grant funding, the state must first spend a “Maintenance of Effort”(MOE) amount which is roughly $88 million in state funds. Once Tennessee has spent the MOE, additional state dollars spent on TANF may be recouped from the $191 million.

Unappropriated and non-recouped dollars from the annual allotment go into a reserve dedicated to Tennessee. Though our state has utilized TANF funds to assist needy Tennesseans, the unused portion has grown while Tennessee has been only using about a third of what is available. Over time, the reserve has built up to $732 million. The growth of the reserve led to the concern that the Tennessee Department of Human Services(TDHS) wasn’t utilizing the funds in an effective manner for Tennesseans.

With this concern in mind, Speaker Cameron Sexton appointed me to serve on a joint bipartisan and bicameral TANF Working Group to look into the issue. I was subsequently elected to chair the group. Goals set forth for the TANF Working Group included providing an action plan of recommendations for the utilization and distribution of the TANF funds in a fiscally responsible manner. Other goals included improving communication between TDHS, the administration and the legislature as it relates to feedback about the fiscal accountability and effectiveness of the program.

We began investigating what had transpired to bring about such a large reserve and had the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury office open an inquiry into the funding. Though on the surface the issue sounded fairly simple, as we began to investigate, we discovered multiple layers of complexity leading to a much more elaborate situation. What we have learned thus far is eye opening and an opportunity for Tennessee to make some positive changes.

First, Tennessee spent state funds above the MOE to the tune of $221 million dollars. It’s a common practice for states to spend above the MOE to bypass certain federal regulations or avoid fines. However, if the state meets all the regulations and thresholds, recouping the funds should be a priority. Unfortunately, it appears as if Tennessee did not recoup the overspent state dollars. At this point, it is unclear as to whether Tennessee can recoup the overspent state funds or if so, how much could be recouped. Our TANF Working Group has made this a priority step for DHS.

Second, as the economy improved, the TANF rolls dropped from around 61,000 Tennesseans to approximately 21,000. Though Tennessee increased the cash assistance benefit amount, more and more of the $191 million per year was not utilized. Adequate processes were not in place to ensure that all state dollars were recouped, and the process in place to explore fiscally responsible alternative uses for TANF funds was lacking. Additionally, functional communication to the General Assembly concerning the growth of the unused funds was missing. Instead, the reserve continued to accumulate to $732 million.

Legislators, constituents, and most importantly, taxpayers have a right to be irate and begs the question “If this is occurring in one department, what is going on in the others?” The good news is that our Working Group, which was bipartisan and bicameral, functioned in a productive manner. We investigated the issue and put forth initial recommendations for corrective action by DHS, which included recouping Tennessee taxpayer money, changing the culture and processes of the department, and improving communication between the department and the legislature.

One of our recommendations was to open a spring enrollment for 2Gen grant applications with a ceiling on the total grant amount, a priority list for utilization, and a process for reporting back to our group. The grant application process opened this week and can be accessed at the Tennessee Department of Human Services website.

Understanding that citizens often mistrust government is one of the reasons why I ran for office. I’ll continue doing my part by holding government accountable and working to ensure our tax dollars are utilized effectively.

Rep. Bryan Terry Rated Among Most Conservative In Tennessee

January 27, 2020 By Admin

Representative Bryan Terry, MD (R-Murfreesboro) earned the Award for Conservative Excellence, the top designation from the American Conservative Union(ACU) which was
published this past week. He has been invited to the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) annual meeting to be held in National Harbor, Maryland to accept the award.

“Whether it is standing for the sanctity of life, our Second Amendment rights, our liberties, or sound fiscally conservative policy that enhances our economy, I’m honored to be recognized for
taking the concerns of District 48 to Nashville and producing positive results,” stated Rep. Terry.

The honor from the ACU follows previous recognition Rep. Terry received for his legislative
efforts by Club for Growth and the TN Legislative Report Card. With Club for Growth, Rep.
Terry’s score ranked second amongst all legislators including both House and Senate members.
Whereas, with TN Legislative Report Card, Rep. Terry was named a “model public servant”.

“I appreciate the awareness these various groups bring forth by recognizing the efforts, work,
and results many legislators put forward. Helping citizens be informed is of vital importance, but
in the end, what really matters is the opinion of the constituency,” explained Rep. Terry. “I’ll
continue to value the faith that our community places in me and I’ll keep working for the
betterment of our district and the state of Tennessee.”

Rep. Terry represents District 48 which is the eastern half of Rutherford County. He serves as
the Chairman of the House Health Committee and serves on the Insurance and Calendar and
Rules committees. He, also, serves on the TennCare, Mental Health and Substance Abuse,
Public Health, and Facilities, Licensure, and Regulations subcommittees.