AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 33; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to suicide.
Impact
The enactment of SB1653 is anticipated to improve data collection and awareness surrounding mental health issues and suicide rates in Tennessee. By mandating comprehensive reporting, it seeks to provide lawmakers and health officials with better tools to analyze suicide trends, direct resources effectively, and formulate preventive measures. This measure could also foster greater transparency in mental health statistics, potentially leading to more informed policy-making and health interventions.
Summary
Senate Bill 1653 aims to amend various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated to enhance the reporting requirements related to suicide statistics within the state. Specifically, it requires the department of mental health and substance abuse services to compile and submit an annual report detailing the total number of attempted and completed suicides in Tennessee. The report must also include demographic details such as age, race, ethnicity, and income of each individual whose suicide attempt or completion was recorded, along with historical trends comparing the earlier years' statistics.
Contention
While the bill is designed to bolster public health efforts, the potential for contention may arise around the sensitivity of the data reported. Privacy concerns regarding how demographic data will be shared and used could be a focal point of debate. Additionally, stakeholders may discuss the adequacy of resources allocated to mental health services in light of the new reporting requirements, questioning whether simply collecting data translates into actionable insights and improvements in the care provided.