Tennessee House Bill HB2385

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 38; Title 50; Title 56 and Title 63, relative to law enforcement officers.

Impact

If enacted, HB2385 would significantly impact the operational procedures of law enforcement agencies throughout Tennessee. It introduces new documentation requirements that officers will need to comply with, ensuring that all incidents involving the administration of epinephrine are recorded and tracked. This change aims to foster better communication between law enforcement and local emergency medical services, ultimately leading to improved patient care during emergency situations.

Summary

House Bill 2385 is a piece of legislation aimed at amending specific sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated that pertain to law enforcement officers. The primary focus of the bill is to establish clear protocols when law enforcement officers administer epinephrine. This amendment requires such officers to file detailed reports documenting the event, which must include information such as signs, symptoms, therapies, responses, and the eventual disposition of the administered treatment. By formalizing this procedure, the bill seeks to enhance accountability and improve data collection regarding emergency medical responses.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB2385 appears to be generally positive, as it aligns with ongoing efforts to improve emergency response protocols. Stakeholders in the law enforcement and medical fields recognize the importance of documenting such medical interventions. However, there may be concerns about the administrative burden that extensive reporting could impose on officers, possibly leading to apprehension among law enforcement personnel regarding the implementation of these new requirements.

Contention

While HB2385 itself has not sparked significant public controversy, there are underlying tensions related to the balance between effective emergency care and the administrative responsibilities placed on law enforcement officers. Critics might argue that these added responsibilities could detract from officers' primary duties. Discussions on the potential ramifications of this bill may include debates on resource allocation and whether the benefits of improved documentation outweigh the costs associated with increased administrative work.