Senator Joey Hensley Highlights Healthcare Legislation Passed in 2026

State Senator Joey Hensley is highlighting several healthcare measures approved during the 2026 session of the Tennessee General Assembly.
Hensley, who represents Senate District 28 including Giles, Lewis and Marshall counties, Maury County and part of Williamson County, said lawmakers took steps to reduce healthcare regulations, increase competition and expand access to treatment.
Among the measures approved was legislation continuing Tennessee’s phaseout of Certificate of Need requirements for healthcare facilities.
Under the new law, Certificate of Need requirements for most acute care hospitals will end July 1, 2030, with the state moving toward a licensing-based system.
Certificate of Need requirements for satellite emergency departments and cardiac catheterization services will end July 1, 2028, with licensing requirements applying to those facilities and services.
Lawmakers also approved legislation ending Tennessee’s Certificate of Public Advantage agreement governing hospital consolidation in Northeast Tennessee, with a transition period and continued pricing protections.
Another measure, the FAIR Rx Act, places new restrictions on common ownership or control involving pharmacies, pharmacy benefit managers and health insurance companies.
Hensley also highlighted legislation allowing physician assistants to delegate certain medication administration duties to qualified medical assistants and legislation expanding the procedures qualified optometrists may perform.
Other measures expand step therapy exemptions for cancer patients, allowing more patients to receive physician-prescribed treatments without first being required to try alternative medications.
Hensley also highlighted legislation establishing standards for certain stem cell and regenerative medicine therapies, including informed consent and requirements governing the sourcing, storage and handling of stem cells.