How to Access Legal Resources on TMA’s New Website

TMA recently transitioned to a new website and the method to access a Law Guide topic or Legal Resource has changed a bit. When you click on a hyperlink in a story below, you will be directed to the Legal home page. The first box you see states that Membership Login is required.

1. Click on the Log in to Info Hub bar and enter your Username and Password.

2. On the left side menu bar, click on Resources.

3. If you are accessing a Law Guide, click on Law Guide (the first box).

4. For a horizontal view and to alphabetize the topics, click on the 2nd green box on the far right near the top of the page

and then click on “Title” in the first column.

Email legal@tnmed.org or call 615-460-1645 if you have any problems accessing a legal resource. 

Overtime Pay Ruling

A Texas federal judge recently issued a ruling to permanently block a rule from the U.S. Department of Labor regarding eligibility for overtime pay. The judge held that the rule set to go into effect on 1/1/25 improperly bases overtime eligibility pay on the salary of a worker rather than the job duties of a worker. This ruling could be appealed to the 5^th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. There has been no comment from the Department of Labor regarding its intent to appeal the judge’s decision. An article providing more detail on this ruling may be accessed by clicking here.

Prior Authorization

The prior authorization process with insurance plans is a burden for physician practices and can disrupt patient care. TMA worked during the 2023 session of the General Assembly to pass the Prior Authorization Fairness Act. This Law Guide topic, Prior Authorization for Insurance Plans, provides detail on this new law that is effective 1/1/2025.

Advance Directives

Tennessee’s Health Care Decisions Act regulates advance directives (i.e., DNR, feeding tube, assisted breathing) and appointment of a health care agent for a patient. Review our Law Guide topic, Health Care Decisions Act, for a full discussion of this law. Click here to access the Advance Directive Form and Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment Form on the website for the Tn Health Facilities Commission.

Credentialing Law Guide

For several years, TMA advocated for passage of legislation to allow physicians going through the credentialing process to be reimbursed for services provided during the process. TMA members need to review our Guide to the 2015 Credentialing Law to be aware of the nuances in this law in order to take advantage of its benefits.

Minors and Vaccines

Passed by the 2023 Tennessee General Assembly, the Mature Minor Doctrine Clarification Act states that a healthcare provider may NOT provide a vaccination to a minor without the informed consent of a parent or legal guardian. There are many potential pitfalls for physicians and our Law Guide topic, Minors and Vaccine Consent, will help you avoid them. Member login required.

Disruptive Patient Policy

Normally when terminating a patient from a practice, TMA advises that the patient receive notice 30 days prior to the termination. There is an exception and this is for a patient that is violent or threatens violence. In order to be prepared for this situation, review the Law Guide topics Physician-Patient Relationship and Disruptive Patient Policy.