Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam is shown in this file photo.NASHVILLE – A judge won’t block emergency rules covering people who dispense advice on the new health insurance exchange in Tennessee that launches today.
Chancellor Russell T. Perkins ruled Monday evening that the state’s rules would not immediately do irreparable harm. He scheduled the next hearing on the lawsuit filed by the Tennessee Justice Center for Oct. 9.
The judge did say, however, that he was concerned certain language in the rules might cause “unintended consequences” and directed the defendants to “interpret these rules as strictly consistent with the federal rules … while we get this sorted out.”
The case filed on behalf of the League of Women Voters and several individuals argued that the state’s rules requiring background checks for advisers was too broad and could affect a wide range of people trying to help others gain coverage.
League representative Patricia Post said after the hearing that she would have preferred the restraining order but is pleased the judge did raise some concerns.