SB 1389 prohibits healthcare providers participating in Tennessee's TennCare or CoverKids programs from refusing to treat patients solely because they decline vaccines or immunizations. It requires the state to stop reimbursing providers who violate this rule and mandates the TennCare director to create implementing regulations. The law excludes oncology and organ transplant specialists from the prohibition. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, with rules to be established under state administrative procedures.
This resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to Tennessee's Constitution, granting individuals the right to refuse any medical treatment - including procedures, medications, vaccinations, or other interventions - without being forced to undergo it, even during a state emergency. It would directly affect all Tennesseans by establishing a new constitutional right to medical autonomy. The amendment requires the Tennessee General Assembly to create laws implementing this right, though it does not specify how such laws would operate.
HB 387 prohibits Tennessee healthcare providers from asking patients about firearm ammunition or accessory ownership, possession, or access. It also bans denying treatment or discriminating against patients based on firearm ownership, and requires written notice if an inquiry occurs. Violations result in disciplinary action by the provider’s licensing board and a $1,000 fine per violation. The law applies to most healthcare providers (excluding psychiatrists/psychologists) and takes effect July 1, 2025. It directly affects patient-provider interactions in medical settings across Tennessee.
HB 783 authorizes Tennessee local governments (counties, cities, or metropolitan areas) to regulate sober living homes - residences for adults recovering from substance abuse without formal treatment - to ensure they comply with federal fair housing and disability laws. Key provisions include requiring these homes to be at least 1,000 feet from schools/daycares, allowing local zoning rules, and mandating clinical referrals from licensed healthcare providers before residency. The law directly affects sober living home operators, residents, and local governments implementing these rules. It becomes effective immediately upon the governor’s signature (May 21, 2025), updating Tennessee housing codes to balance local oversight with federal civil rights protections.
This resolution urges the U.S. Congress to require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to include veterans who received certain COVID-19 treatments (administered under Emergency Use Authorization before full FDA approval) and anthrax vaccinations as qualifying exposures under the PACT Act. It directly affects veterans exposed to these treatments during service, potentially expanding their access to VA healthcare and benefits previously reserved for those with toxic exposures like burn pits. The resolution also calls for Congress to investigate the military's administration of these substances, including whether they were given without proper consent or approval. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change VA policy but advocates for legislative action to address veterans' health concerns.
SB 440 clarifies that standalone dental and vision insurance plans (known as "excepted benefits") are not required to cover specific medical treatments, services, or conditions unless state law explicitly mandates it. This change directly affects health insurance plans offering these stand-alone benefits, removing an implied obligation to cover certain medical needs under those plans. The law applies to all new or renewed insurance policies issued on or after July 1, 2025, ensuring clarity for insurers and policyholders. It does not alter existing coverage requirements for standard health insurance plans.
HB 1349 requires county medical examiners to test decedents involved in mass shootings resulting in four or more deaths for psychotropic drugs (medications treating mental health conditions or affecting mood/behavior). It mandates that examiners share anonymized drug data - without identifying information - to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and the Department of Health. The Health Science Center must study drug interactions and submit quarterly reports to legislative committees on this data. This bill directly affects medical examiners, health agencies, and the research conducted on drug-related incidents in Tennessee.
SB 1146 requires county medical examiners to test decedents involved in mass shootings (resulting in four or more deaths) for all drugs, including psychotropic medications used for mental health conditions. It mandates anonymized data sharing with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and the Department of Health, prohibiting disclosure of identifying information. The health science center must study drug interactions and submit quarterly reports to legislative health committees. The law, effective July 1, 2025, applies to medical examiners, health agencies, and the University of Tennessee, while requiring compliance with privacy laws.
SB 955, now known as the "Medical Ethics Defense Act," protects Tennessee healthcare providers from being forced to participate in or pay for medical procedures that conflict with their conscience. It defines "conscience" as sincerely held ethical, moral, or religious beliefs and prohibits discriminatory actions - like termination or penalties - against providers who refuse specific procedures based on those beliefs. The law also safeguards providers who report violations of this act, preventing retaliation for whistleblowing. This applies to healthcare professionals, institutions, and payers but excludes procedures governed by federal law (such as emergency care under EMTALA).
HB 1198 requires Tennessee health insurers and TennCare to allow patients to try biosimilar drugs (cost-effective copies of brand-name medications) before covering the original branded drug. It amends state law to permit health carriers to mandate a biosimilar trial for equivalent branded prescriptions, removing prior requirements for generic drug trials. The bill also directs TennCare’s pharmacy committee to consider biosimilar drugs when recommending medications for the state’s preferred drug list. These changes aim to reduce prescription drug costs by increasing biosimilar adoption, as stated in the bill’s legislative findings.
