NASHVILLE - A health care advocacy group is suing to halt emergency rules enacted in Tennessee to require background checks for people giving advice on new insurance marketplaces going into effect next week.
The lawsuit was filed Friday on behalf of the League of Women Voters and several individuals by the Tennessee Justice Center.
Republican Gov. Bill Haslam has defended the background checks as a way to prevent scams and identity theft in a process that involves divulging personal information.
The lawsuit argues that the rules are overly broad because they apply not just to designated "navigators," but to anyone who might give advice on health insurance -- which could include family, clergy, civic organizations or other acquaintances and advisers.
The rules authorize a fine of $1,000 per violation.