News and Updates

Tennessee Governor Signs Assisted Living Hospice Legislation

Gov. Phil Bredesen (D-TN) yesterday approved legislation that allows residents in Tennessee's assisted living communities to receive hospice services. The Tennessee House of Representatives and Senate had previously approved the legislation (SB 2614 and HB 2729) in their respective chambers by unanimous votes. The legislation will allow residents in assisted living communities to receive hospice services as long as a resident's physician certifies that appropriate hospice care can be provided at the community. The bill does not require providers to file a waiver with the Tennessee Department of Health.

From left: Franklin Farrow, Independent Healthcare Properties; Richard P. Grimes, President & CEO, ALFA; Dinah Bailes, Chair, TN-ALFA Advisory Board; Governor Phil Bredesen; Senator Diane Black; Chris Coates, TN-ALFA Advisory Board; Page Ensor, TN-ALFA Advisory Board; and Joyce Treadway, TN-ALFA Advisory Board..

Gov. Bredesen, in his remarks at the ALFA Tennessee Chapter's Advocacy Day held on March 12-13, expressed his support for this long overdue right of seniors and disabled citizens living in Tennessee's assisted living communities. The Tennessee Chapter of ALFA (TENNESSEE-ALFA) and ALFA express their sincere appreciation to Gov. Bredesen and legislation sponsors, Rep. JoAnne Favors (D-Chattanooga) and Sen. Diane Black (R-Gallatin), for their leadership on this issue.