AFP Tennessee Commends Governor Lee for Suspending Regulations, Increasing Health Care Access

Mar 20, 2020 by AFP

NASHVILLE, TN – Americans for Prosperity-Tennessee (AFP-TN) today commended Governor Lee for issuing an executive order that expands access to health care by removing regulations and red tape.

Tori Venable, AFP-Tennessee’s State Director, issued the following statement:

“Governor Lee’s decision to use his emergency power to eliminate unnecessary red tape and increase access to critical health care services will help every Tennessean, especially the most vulnerable. These are common-sense steps that put our state in a better position to meet the health care needs of Tennesseans. We thank Governor Lee for removing barriers and unleashing health care innovations that will make an impact on this public health emergency.”

Background:

Americans for Prosperity on March 17 issued a guidance memo for state-based reforms that policymakers should adopt to help respond to the spread of COVID-19 and expand access to critical health care services for those who need it.

The memo included reforms that lifts regulatory barriers on telehealth and scope of practice restrictions for nurses and non-physician providers, helping health care professionals deliver more health care within patients’ homes and allow medical professionals to provide services for a larger number of patients online.

The memo also included calls for renewing licenses, permits, and registrations for health professionals, helping health professionals fully provide their service and increasing access to health services.