TAKE ACTION NOW… JOIN TCA! CONTRIBUTE TO TCA PAC!
2025 Tennessee Legislature Adjourns
TCA Stands Strong in First Session of the 114th General Assembly
On April 22, Tennessee lawmakers officially adjourned the first session of the 114th General Assembly. Session will reconvene next January, allowing those bills that did not cross the finish line to remain eligible next year. With the passage of the $59.8 billion state budget and committee work wrapped in early April, legislators have returned to their home districts—bringing a close to a dynamic and impactful session for the chiropractic profession in Tennessee.
This was a year of record-setting representation for TCA and chiropractic. The TCA was more active than ever in amending language in bills brought forward by other groups that could have negatively impacted chiropractic care in the state. Additionally, TCA Executive Director Tiffany Stevens and TCA VP Dr. Richard Cole, set a new benchmark for TCA testimonies in one session, speaking on behalf of chiropractic. This was not only pivotal to our success passing the Animal Chiropractic bill but their consistent and informed presence positioned chiropractic physicians as strong, reliable voices in policy discussions—especially on issues affecting scope of practice and patient access to care. Likewise, our tremendous grassroots response was an incredible show of strength – all setting us on the front foot moving into 2026!
Key Legislative Focuses and Outcomes
Fair Pay Methodology Bill
OUTCOME: Remains in Committee
Despite frustrating hurdles and shifting support, TCA’s efforts around Fair Pay made significant progress. The House responded positively, driven in large part by engagement during Day on the Hill and the momentum built by our members and allies. However, Senate negotiations proved more challenging, with influence from the BCBS lobbying team impacting support. TCA continues to work diligently to reverse abstentions and opposition, ensuring clarity around the bill and the vital services our members provide. This issue remains a top priority heading into the second year of the session.
Animal Chiropractic Bill
OUTCOME: Passed
A significant and emotionally charged effort, TCA fought to protect chiropractic physicians with specialized training in animal care. Years after the TN Veterinary Board defined “chiropractic therapy” under their scope—without connection to chiropractic licensure—the profession has been seeking to reclaim the protection of the title of chiropractic. With strong leadership from those whose national expertise lent credibility and clarity, and passionate advocacy at the local level, we made critical inroads. Overcoming legal risks and fierce opposition, TCA’s effective testimony resulted in extraordinary committee wins and opened doors to new legislative allies. The bill has been signed by Governor Lee and is now law.
Ongoing Challenges and Future Action
TCA remains vigilant in working to prepare for opposition strategies to our agenda in the upcoming session such as the implications of new payer contracts, fiscal impact and others. These issues are being closely tracked, and we are working collaboratively with other impacted provider groups to stay proactive.
We are also engaging with the TN Board of Chiropractic Examiners to support the rules process, ensuring that Tennessee adopts high standards and guidelines to protect chiropractic integrity and animal patient access.
Looking Ahead
The groundwork laid this session—from educating lawmakers to expanding our coalition—will serve us well in 2026.
The relationships built and lessons learned provide a strong foundation to revive and drive our bills, refine strategies, and continue fighting for what’s best for chiropractic care in Tennessee.
It may be surprising to some that less than 5% of TN DCs currently contribute to the TCA PAC Fund, when you consider the numerous chiropractic champions who have supported our bill this year and who we will need to support it next year. Election season has begun. Just think of what we could accomplish if every DC contributed to this effort!
TCA Member and TCA PAC Fund Contributor Benefit: Click Here to view a full 2025 Legislative Report with summaries and outcomes of key bills impacting the chiropractic profession in Tennessee.
_____________________________________
Do you know your Senator and Representative?
Contact them and let them know you can be their resource on matters impacting chiropractic care and your community. Inform the TCA of your legislative connections!
Click here to find your legislators!
National Legislative Efforts: Act to Impact Medicare Modernization Act
National Legislation Reintroduced to Improve Access to Chiropractic Services
Bipartisan legislation to allow patients to have life-changing access to Medicare coverage of chiropractic services has been reintroduced and is gaining support in the U.S. Congress.
U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) reintroduced the Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act, which would expand Medicare coverage of chiropractic services to ensure patients enrolled in the program can access care as a non-drug alternative for pain management. Additionally, it would expand Medicare coverage to include x-rays and other diagnostic services needed to determine and prescribe appropriate chiropractic treatments.
The TCA will be sharing updated doctor and patient resources & easy email templates once they are available to help in supporting this effort!
Support Chiropractic Advocacy – Back the TCA PAC Fund
The TCA PAC supports candidates running for State House or Senate, and helps to strengthen current relationships that are invaluable to the future of the profession in Tennessee.
Did you know that currently less than 3% of TN DCs give to TCA PAC Fund, fueling advocacy efforts for the entire profession?
Soon, our legislative champions from this session will be calling for our support – you can help us show them appreciation – become a TCA PAC contributor!
Our giving levels offer the flexibility to donate the amount of your choice with monthly and one-time options. No amount is too small – Every gift makes a big impact! (Contributions to the TCA PAC are not tax deductible.)
TCA Membership Dues At Work For You!
Member support enables a long list of TCA accomplishments such as the valuable work mentioned above. Think of how much more we could do if we had the support of all licensed DCs in TN…
The TCA has a responsibility to our members as the only voice for doctors of chiropractic in Tennessee and we use that platform to relentlessly advocate for good public policy. We need a strong effort moving forward to address the ongoing insurance inequities and defense to our scope, among other TCA objectives.
For roughly the cost of one dinner out a month, TN doctors who are not currently members can join and show their support plus, reap a wealth of benefits.
TCA Chiropractic Advocacy Resources
Why is the TCA Unique When it Comes to Lobbying?
Our legislators as decision-makers do not always have experience or access to information on how their constituents and patients of chiropractic might be affected. It is our job as chiropractic advocates to educate our elected officials and be certain that they have the information they need to make the best decisions possible.
There is no shortage of paid lobbyists and special interests groups who aggressively try to influence Tennessee legislators; however, the TCA is the only statewide association advocating for chiropractic in the midst of numerous lobbyists for other provider groups, business interests, insurers and others. While our strong team of TCA lobbyists speaks out for chiropractic on “the Hill”, state legislators are most responsive to their constituents – people who vote in their districts. They also feel the need to know that a specific issue is a priority in their community, and it takes the people who live and work in the community to sway them.
Why is Lobbying Necessary?
The Tennessee Chiropractic Association encourages informed and active participation in government, with the aim to ensure that chiropractic physicians’ voices are an important part of political dialogue on issues impacting the profession.
As sessions become more and more fast-paced, we cannot be guaranteed that legislators have had the opportunity to fully review every bill that comes before them for their vote. It is our job as chiropractic advocates to educate our elected officials and be certain that they have the information they need to make the best decisions possible.
Why do Legislators Need to Hear from You?
Tennessee’s state senators and representatives come from diverse backgrounds; many are not healthcare experts and may have no chiropractic experience, yet they must vote on these issues when a bill comes before them. As a healthcare expert, you are uniquely qualified to help your elected representatives understand the practical implications of healthcare policy proposals. It is vital that legislators hear from you.
Click here to find your legislators.
What Can I Do?
It is the TCA’s goal to promote and secure passage of our legislative objectives by the state’s legislators. To focus the tremendous grassroots power of the chiropractic profession, your TCA has developed a Legislative Ambassador network. The aim of the program is to ensure that each and every member of the General Assembly has continual contact with, and input from, his/her local Doctors of Chiropractic. If you have a personal or good working relationship with one of Tennessee’s House or Senate Members or would like to initiate one, we want to know as this can be critical in the communication process to urgent legislative issues. The goal is never threaten or antagonize, but to build a relationship and influence discussion on the basis of your knowledge and understanding of the issue.