HB 1996 modifies Tennessee's cannabis possession laws by creating a medical exception and establishing tiered penalties for non-medical use. It permits possession only if cannabis was obtained directly from a licensed physician for a qualifying medical condition (as defined in TCA §68-7-101). For non-medical possession, it sets fines up to $100 for 1 ounce or less (with no jail time), and increases penalties for larger amounts or repeat offenses - up to $2,500 fines and 6 months in jail for third offenses of more than 1 ounce. The bill directly affects Tennessee residents who possess cannabis, distinguishing between medical use and non-compliant possession.
SB 1795 requires all health insurance plans in Tennessee renewed or entered after January 1, 2027, to cover specific treatments for acquired brain injury (ABI), including cognitive rehabilitation, neurofeedback therapy, and community reintegration services. It directly affects health insurers (who must provide this coverage) and patients with ABI (who gain guaranteed access to these treatments). The bill prohibits lifetime or unreasonable annual limits on these services and mandates insurers to create an expedited appeal process for coverage denials related to ABI care. This policy change ensures broader access to critical ABI therapies without arbitrary coverage restrictions.
HB 1665 prohibits healthcare providers in Tennessee from asking minors specific gender-related questions (such as whether a minor feels normal in their body or identifies as a different gender) without a parent being physically present, fully informed, and providing written consent. The bill applies to all healthcare settings covered under Tennessee law and requires such questions to be directly related to a minor's current medical or psychological treatment. Exceptions include emergency care, mandated reporting for abuse, and situations where a minor is emancipated or a parent themselves. The legislation also bars insurance companies from requiring these questions for payment or penalizing providers who don't ask them. It amends multiple Tennessee code sections (Titles 4, 33, 47, 56, 63, 68, 71) to enforce these requirements.
SB 1716 allows Tennessee public and nonpublic schools to administer any prescribed form of epinephrine (not just auto-injectors) to students experiencing severe allergic reactions. It updates school policy by removing the restriction to "epinephrine auto-injectors" in state law, enabling schools to use vials, syringes, or other forms maintained under physician protocols. Schools must keep epinephrine in secure, accessible locations and follow physician-approved standing protocols. The bill also clarifies that school staff and prescribing physicians won’t face liability for administering epinephrine in good faith during emergencies.
SB 1580 prohibits developers and deployers of artificial intelligence systems from advertising or claiming that their AI can act as a qualified mental health professional. This directly affects AI companies and developers who market their systems to the public. Violations are treated as deceptive practices under Tennessee's Consumer Protection Act, subject to a $5,000 civil penalty per violation. The law defines "artificial intelligence" broadly as systems capable of human-like reasoning and learning.
HB 2029 revises Tennessee's licensure requirements for dietitians and nutritionists, creating a new "Dietetics and Nutrition Practice Act" in Title 63. It requires licensure for medical nutrition therapy (like managing diabetes or kidney disease) but allows unlicensed providers to offer general nutrition advice (e.g., healthy eating tips for the public). The bill expands the governing board from five to nine members and defines key terms, such as "complex" cases needing licensed care versus "non-complex" situations. This directly affects dietitians, nutritionists, and healthcare consumers seeking these services in Tennessee.
HB 1730 would change Tennessee's medical malpractice law by removing a three-year deadline for filing lawsuits based on injuries discovered later. Currently, patients must sue within three years of the negligent medical act, even if they only discovered the injury afterward. This bill would allow lawsuits to be filed within one year of discovering the injury instead. It directly affects patients who learn about medical harm after the current three-year period has expired.
SB 2118 would restrict Tennessee's Medicaid program (TennCare) from covering or reimbursing medical procedures intended to help an individual live as a gender inconsistent with their sex assigned at birth or to treat gender dysphoria. The bill defines "medical procedure" to include surgeries and the prescription of puberty blockers or hormones. Exceptions are allowed for procedures treating congenital defects, precocious puberty, or physical injuries (but not gender dysphoria), and for existing treatments started before the law's effective date (with coverage ending March 31, 2027). The law would take effect July 1, 2026.
SB 2035 requires air medical communication specialists working for certain Tennessee flight programs to obtain certification within six months of starting their job. Specifically, they must be certified by either the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS) or the International Association of Medical Transport Communication Specialists. This applies to flight programs accredited by CAMTS under its current or future standards, or those using the IATCS certification pathway. The bill creates a new requirement for these specialists' qualifications, directly affecting accredited air medical transport programs in Tennessee. It takes effect upon becoming law.
SB 1724 allows jails in Tennessee to refuse accepting arrestees who require medical attention and were arrested for a non-violent misdemeanor (not a crime against a person). The arresting agency must arrange for a healthcare provider to evaluate the arrestee and obtain a release form confirming the person no longer needs medical care or can be confined. This applies specifically to misdemeanor offenses under Title 39, Chapter 13 (e.g., minor property offenses, non-violent violations). The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and amends Tennessee Code Sections 41-4-145 and related provisions.
