(a) There is created the state health planning division of the department of health. It is the purpose of the planning division to create a state health plan that is evaluated and updated at least annually. The plan guides the state in the development of healthcare programs and policies and in the allocation of healthcare resources in this state.
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Terms Used In Tennessee Code 68-11-1622

  • Department: means the department of health. See Tennessee Code 68-11-1602
  • Person: includes a corporation, firm, company or association. See Tennessee Code 1-3-105
  • State: when applied to the different parts of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the several territories of the United States. See Tennessee Code 1-3-105
  • State health plan: means the plan that is developed by the state health planning division pursuant to this part. See Tennessee Code 68-11-1602
(b) It is the policy of this state that:

(1) Every citizen should have reasonable access to emergency and primary care;
(2) The state’s healthcare resources should be developed to address the needs of Tennesseans while encouraging competitive markets, economic efficiencies, and the continued development of the state’s healthcare industry;
(3) Every citizen should have confidence that the quality of health care is continually monitored and standards are adhered to by healthcare providers; and
(4) The state should support the recruitment and retention of a sufficient and quality healthcare workforce.
(c) The planning division is administratively staffed by the department of health in a manner that the department deems necessary for the performance of the planning division’s duties and responsibilities, which may include contracting for the services provided by the division through a private person or entity.
(d) The duties and responsibilities of the planning division include:

(1) To develop and adopt a state health plan, which must include, at a minimum, guidance regarding allocation of this state’s healthcare resources;
(2) To submit the state health plan to the governor for approval and adoption;
(3) To hold public hearings as needed;
(4) To review and evaluate the plan at least annually;
(5) To respond to requests for comment and recommendations for healthcare policies and programs;
(6) To conduct an ongoing evaluation of this state’s resources for accessibility, including, but not limited to, financial, geographic, cultural, and quality of care;
(7) To review the health status of Tennesseans as presented annually to the planning division by the department of health, the department of mental health and substance abuse services, and the department of disability and aging;
(8) To review and comment on federal laws and regulations that influence the healthcare industry and the healthcare needs of Tennesseans;
(9) To involve and coordinate functions with state entities as necessary to ensure the coordination of state health policies and programs in this state;
(10) To prepare an annual report for the general assembly and recommend legislation for their consideration and study; and
(11) To establish a process for timely modification of the state health plan in response to changes in technology, reimbursement, and other developments that affect the delivery of health care.
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