Tennessee agencies can hire parents and spouses as paid caregivers

In Tennessee, agencies that work with TennCare may hire a parent, spouse or other family or household member as a paid caregiver. The family member must meet the same qualifications as any other hire. This comes from Public Chapter 182 of 2025.

What's changing

Under Public Chapter 182 of 2025, TennCare-contracted provider agencies may employ family members and household members as paid caregivers. That includes parents and spouses. They must meet the same qualifications as any other person the agency hires.

The law is new enough that front-line staff may not know about it. An agency cannot turn down an applicant for:

• Being family.
• Living in the home.
• Being a parent or spouse.

Who it affects (and who it doesn't)

This affects Tennessee families on CHOICES and Employment and Community First (ECF) CHOICES who want a parent, spouse or household member paid for authorized caregiving hours.

It does not change the authorized hours themselves. It is about who may be hired to work them.

Key dates

There is no date to act on for this update.

What you can do

1. Ask your support coordinator, in writing, which TennCare-contracted agencies in your county will employ a parent or spouse as the paid caregiver.
2. In your request, name the law: Public Chapter 182 of 2025.
3. Keep a copy of what you send and any answer you get.

Not yet enrolled? Call the TennCare Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Help Desk at 1-877-224-0219.