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TCA Legislative Advocacy
The TCA is the only statewide membership service organization representing chiropractic in Tennessee. We believe protecting and promoting chiropractic is one of the most important functions of the TCA. In conjunction with our TCA Political Action Campaign contributors, our members’ grassroots efforts, and the work of our lobbyists, the TCA remains current with all issues affecting the profession and fosters relationships to ensure our members’ rights to practice and their patients’ right to care.
Review some of our major legislative wins the TCA has achieved on your behalf or in your defense.
2025 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.
TCA Member and TCA PAC Fund Contributor Benefit: Click Here to view a full 2025 Legislative Report
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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!
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.