Tennessee Senate Bill SB2747

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 33; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to health care.

Impact

If enacted, SB2747 will significantly alter the legal landscape for healthcare providers and institutions in Tennessee. It will allow medical practitioners to decline to participate in specific medical procedures without fear of discrimination or penalties, effectively protecting them from adverse actions due to their conscience-based objections. This act also enables civil courts to impose penalties and grants new rights for wrongful termination claims or discrimination, promoting a greater degree of autonomy for healthcare professionals in their practice.

Summary

Senate Bill 2747, known as the 'Medical Ethics Defense Act,' aims to codify the right of conscience for medical practitioners, healthcare institutions, and healthcare payers in Tennessee. The bill emphasizes that such entities should not be compelled to participate in medical procedures or pay for services in conflict with their moral, ethical, or religious beliefs. This legislative move stems from an escalating concern regarding the infringement of the conscience rights of healthcare professionals and aims to provide legal safeguards against forced participation in activities they oppose on moral grounds.

Conclusion

In summary, SB2747 positions itself at the intersection of healthcare ethics, personal conscience, and legal rights. The discussions surrounding this legislation reflect a deeper societal conflict over the balance between individual rights and public health responsibilities, stirring essential questions about the future of healthcare practices in the state.

Contention

The passage of this bill is likely to evoke considerable debate among lawmakers and the public. Supporters argue that it is a necessary measure to uphold personal rights and the ethical integrity of medical practitioners, espousing the belief that individuals should not be coerced into compromising their ethical standards. Conversely, opponents express concern that such measures could lead to broader discrimination against patients seeking care, particularly in sensitive areas such as reproductive health or end-of-life care. They argue that it opens the door for healthcare providers to deny care based on personal beliefs, effectively undermining patient rights.