SB 817 allows healthcare providers to prescribe and pharmacists to dispense asthma rescue inhalers to authorized entities (like schools, childcare centers, sports venues, and restaurants) under a pre-approved plan. Schools in Tennessee are encouraged to keep these inhalers in at least two accessible, secure locations (e.g., offices or nurse stations) for immediate use during asthma emergencies. The bill protects trained staff and schools from liability when administering the inhaler in good faith during emergencies, as long as they follow the healthcare provider’s standing protocol. It specifically amends Tennessee law to create these protocols for both general authorized entities and schools.
HB 495 sets maximum fees healthcare providers and third-party record release companies can charge when providing medical records to patients or other requesters. For paper copies, fees are capped at $25 for the first five pages, then 50 cents per page after that. For electronic copies, fees are limited to $5 for up to ten pages (25 cents per page after), with specific caps for radiology images and mailing costs. The bill requires providers to offer records electronically when available and prohibits third parties from exceeding these fee limits.
HB 760 authorizes healthcare providers to prescribe bronchodilator rescue inhalers to specific "authorized entities" (like schools, childcare centers, restaurants, and sports venues) for emergency use during asthma or respiratory distress episodes. It requires these entities to store inhalers in accessible, unlocked locations and train designated staff to administer them under pre-approved protocols. The bill also encourages all public schools and charter schools to maintain at least two inhalers in secure, accessible locations (e.g., offices or nurse’s stations) for student emergencies. Crucially, it provides legal protection for staff and entities who follow the protocols, shielding them from liability unless there was intentional disregard for safety. The law became effective May 2, 2025, after Governor’s signature.
This is a resolution (not a binding bill), formally urging the U.S. Congress to enact legislation that would expand veterans' access to treatments for traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It specifically references the Veterans' National Traumatic Injury Treatment Act (H.R. 3649), which would fund pilot programs for therapies like hyperbaric oxygen therapy alongside counseling. The resolution does not create new policy but requests Congress adopt such legislation to improve veteran care. It directly affects veterans with TBI or PTSD by advocating for broader treatment options.
SB 680 requires Tennessee local schools (including public charter schools) to include specific diabetes information in health-related communications to parents of K-12 students, starting August 1, 2025. The bill mandates the Tennessee Department of Education, working with the Department of Health, to create and post free, downloadable resources on its website containing key facts about Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, risk factors, warning signs, screening guidance, and treatment planning recommendations. These resources must be provided to schools to share with parents when discussing immunizations, infectious diseases, or other health topics. The law took effect April 11, 2025, after being signed by the Governor.
SB 437 requires most health insurance plans in Tennessee to cover mental health and substance abuse services through a specific integrated care model called the Psychiatric Collaborative Care Model (PCCM), effective July 1, 2025. This model involves primary care providers, care managers, and psychiatric consultants working together to coordinate patient treatment using validated tools and regular assessments. Insurance plans may deny coverage only if they comply with existing state and federal mental health parity laws (including the MHPAEA) and medical necessity standards. The requirement applies to TennCare and CoverKids programs when services are deemed medically necessary by program guidelines.
SB 1178 requires Tennessee's Department of Disability and Aging and TennCare to create guidelines enabling family members to work as caregivers for people with disabilities. It prohibits Medicaid service providers from denying employment to qualified family caregivers based on factors like family relationship, residence, age, or guardianship status. The bill also prevents providers from reducing benefits for individuals with disabilities solely because their caregiver is a family member. These changes ensure family caregivers can work without discrimination under Tennessee's Medicaid programs.
SB 299 amends Tennessee's medical cannabis commission membership requirements to include a patient caregiver (or former caregiver of a deceased patient) and a subject matter expert in cannabis cultivation, processing, distribution, or medical prescription. The bill also updates the commission's reporting duties to explicitly allow it to provide policy recommendations to the legislature alongside its findings. These changes, effective April 15, 2025, directly affect how the commission is structured and the scope of its advice to lawmakers on medical cannabis policy.
SB 849 requires Tennessee medical and osteopathic boards to create an optional continuing education course on maternal mental health for healthcare professionals. It directly affects physicians specializing in obstetrics/gynecology, pediatrics, and psychiatry, as well as certain psychologists. The course must cover screening practices, types of maternal mental health disorders, evidence-based treatments, and when to consult a psychiatrist. Boards must update the curriculum periodically to reflect new research and accept course completion as credit toward required continuing education.
SB 449, the "Fertility Treatment and Contraceptive Protection Act," establishes legal rights for individuals in Tennessee to access fertility treatments and contraception without state prohibition. It defines "fertility treatment" broadly to include procedures like in vitro fertilization, genetic testing of embryos, and medication for fertility, while defining "contraception" to cover methods such as birth control pills, emergency contraceptives, and sterilization. The law explicitly states that Tennessee law does not prohibit these activities, overriding conflicting state laws. This act takes effect on July 1, 2025, directly affecting all residents seeking these health services within the state.
