Healthcare

HJR 69 is a non-binding resolution urging Tennessee to adopt a comprehensive plan to address chronic disease. It proposes four key areas: reforming food access (e.g., restricting junk food in SNAP benefits, increasing healthy food availability), integrating health education in schools, improving government health standards (like banning toxins and updating FDA processes), and requiring nutritious meals in state facilities. The resolution directs state officials to support these principles and participate in an annual "Make Tennessee Healthy" summit. It does not create new laws but calls for policy shifts to reduce preventable health issues affecting Tennesseans.

HB 383 requires Tennessee's health commissioner to add alpha-gal syndrome - a rare meat allergy triggered by tick bites - to the state's official list of reportable diseases by July 1, 2025. Healthcare providers must then report diagnosed cases to the Department of Health under existing rules. This bill directly affects medical professionals who will need to submit these reports and public health officials who will track the condition. The law amends Tennessee Code Titles 4, 63, and 68 to implement this change, effective March 26, 2025.

SB 282, the "Individualized Investigational Treatment Act," creates a legal framework for patients with life-threatening or severely debilitating illnesses to access personalized medical treatments (like gene therapies or vaccines tailored to their genetic profile) when standard FDA-approved options have been exhausted. It directly affects eligible patients (who must meet specific criteria including physician attestation and written informed consent) and eligible facilities (those complying with federal human subjects protections). Key provisions require detailed written consent covering all treatment options, risks, and financial liability, while clarifying that insurers, health plans, and providers are **not obligated** to cover these treatments or related costs (TCA §§ 63-6-1304(a)-(d)). The law takes effect July 1, 2025, and explicitly states that heirs cannot be held liable for unpaid treatment debts if a patient dies during treatment (TCA § 63-6-1305).

HB 404 extends the professional music therapy advisory committee under Tennessee's psychology board until June 30, 2027. This bill updates Tennessee Code Sections 4-29-246 and 4-29-248 to formally maintain the committee's existence, preventing its automatic termination. The committee, which advises the Board of Examiners in Psychology on music therapy licensure, is directly affected by this extension. The change ensures continuity for this advisory body without altering any substantive licensing rules.