Tennessee House Bill HB1205

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23
• Refer: 2/2/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 34, Chapter 6, Part 2 and Title 68, relative to persons authorized to make health care decisions for patients.

Impact

The bill is aimed at enhancing the autonomy of patients and their appointed representatives in healthcare settings. Among the significant changes, it stipulates that healthcare providers must accommodate requests for information and in-person visits from those with power of attorney. Furthermore, it delineates protocols that should be followed for patient transfers and treatment decisions, thereby impacting how healthcare facilities operate when it comes to patient rights and responsibilities.

Summary

House Bill 1205 proposes amendments to the Tennessee Code Annotated specifically concerning the regulation of healthcare decisions made on behalf of patients. The bill emphasizes the rights of individuals holding a durable power of attorney for healthcare to access medical information, review medical records, and be involved in the health care decision-making process. New provisions ensure that these individuals have rights to timely information and that their requests regarding patient care are prioritized under certain conditions.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB1205 is the concern regarding the balance between patient safety and patient autonomy. Some stakeholders may argue that the new regulations could potentially hinder the ability of healthcare providers to make swift decisions in emergencies if they are required to accommodate the demands of persons with power of attorney. Additionally, the amendments to visitation rights during emergencies or invasive procedures could be seen as controversial, as they touch upon both the rights of patients and the operational protocols of healthcare facilities.