Removal of Outdated APRN Practice Restrictions in Tennessee

Dear Tennessee APRNs,

We are at a pivotal moment for the future of healthcare access in Tennessee.

Governor Lee has publicly called for the removal of outdated practice restrictions on Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) and Physician Assistants (PAs) as a necessary strategy to address Tennessee’s growing healthcare crisis. This acknowledgment from the Governor reflects what nurses, clinicians, and rural communities across our state have long known: removing unnecessary barriers to practice is an evidence-based solution that expands access, strengthens care delivery, and supports workforce sustainability.

Importantly, the removal of APRN and PA practice restrictions was included as a key component of Tennessee’s Rural Health Transformation Application, which directly contributed to the awarding of more than $200 million in federal funding to help transform healthcare delivery across the state. This funding represents both an opportunity and a responsibility to follow through on the reforms outlined in the application.

The Coalition for Access to Care for Tennessee strongly supports the Governor’s pledge. As outlined in the attached statement, modernizing practice regulations for APRNs and PAs is supported by decades of evidence demonstrating safe, high-quality care, improved access in rural and underserved communities, and more efficient use of healthcare resources. These reforms are not about professional politics. They are about patients, access, and ensuring Tennesseans can receive timely care where they live.

Now is the time for ACTion.

We urge you to contact your state legislator today and voice your support for removing unnecessary APRN and PA practice restrictions as part of Tennessee’s healthcare transformation. Legislators need to hear directly from the clinicians and advocates who understand the realities facing patients and communities across our state.

To make advocacy easy and effective, resources are available on our website, including:

·       A ready-to-use email template for contacting legislators

·       Social media campaign posts

·       Key talking points to support your outreach

You can access these tools at: www.accesstocaretn.com

This is a critical moment for unity, clarity, and sustained advocacy. By speaking together, we can help ensure that the Governor’s commitment is translated into meaningful policy change that expands access to care for all Tennesseans.

Thank you for your continued leadership, engagement, and commitment to advancing healthcare access across Tennessee.

Sincerely,

The Coalition for Access to Care for Tennessee