Tennessee House Bill HB2907

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/24
• Refer: 2/5/24
• Refer: 2/13/24
• Refer: 3/13/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 33; Title 39; Title 53; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to healthcare services.

Impact

The bill's enforcement would impact the statutory framework governing physician conduct, particularly in the realm of prescribing practices. By clearly defining boundaries on self-treatment and the treatment of immediate family, the legislation aims to reduce potential conflicts of interest that might arise when a physician's personal relationships overlap with their professional responsibilities. As such, it reinforces ethical practices within healthcare, emphasizing the need for objective decision-making in medical treatment.

Summary

House Bill 2907 seeks to amend several Titles within the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically aiming to regulate practices around healthcare services related to prescribing medications by physicians. Central to the bill is the stipulation that physicians are prohibited from prescribing or administering medication for themselves or their immediate family members, with limited exceptions for minor ailments or acute emergency situations. This is intended to ensure that personal biases do not influence professional medical judgments, thereby maintaining a standard of care that prioritizes patient health and safety.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB2907 revolve around its implications for healthcare accessibility and the autonomy of medical professionals. Critics may argue that these restrictions could inhibit timely care in emergencies where the physician is the only available medical personnel, potentially complicating life-saving interventions. Conversely, proponents assert that such measures are necessary to uphold the integrity of the medical profession and safeguard patients' welfare from potentially harmful biases in treatment.