Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

Tennessee Senate Bill SB0603

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 9; Title 12; Title 49 and Title 63, relative to limiting the application of DEI training.

Impact

The bill is expected to significantly change the operation of medical institutions and healthcare-related education in Tennessee. By restricting the incorporation of DEI training and materials, the bill may impact how students are educated about patient care and professional conduct in healthcare settings. It mandates annual certification for compliance and allows for legal actions against institutions that fail to adhere to the new requirements. Additionally, healthcare providers and educational institutions may face substantial civil penalties for violations, potentially amounting to $1 million for each offense.

Summary

SB0603, introduced in Tennessee, aims to amend various titles in the Tennessee Code Annotated to limit the application of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training within state-funded medical institutions and providers. Its primary goal is to ensure that curricula and training programs within these institutions focus on serving students and patients equitably, without incorporating ideologies that promote racial or other group differences. The bill stipulates that medical schools and related institutions cannot require prospective applicants or enrolled students to adhere to DEI principles as part of their admission or educational processes.

Contention

Debate surrounding SB0603 reflects a broader national conversation about the role of DEI principles in education and medical training. Proponents of the bill argue that it protects the integrity of medical education by preventing the influence of what they consider harmful ideologies. Conversely, opponents contend that eliminating DEI training could undermine the inclusivity and cultural competence essential for modern healthcare practices, particularly in diverse patient populations. The bill's implementation raises concerns about its potential repercussions for workplace readiness among graduates of healthcare programs, especially in acknowledging and addressing the needs of underrepresented groups.

Companion Bills

TN HB0571

Crossfiled AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 9; Title 12; Title 49 and Title 63, relative to limiting the application of DEI training.

Previously Filed As

TN HB0571

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 9; Title 12; Title 49 and Title 63, relative to limiting the application of DEI training.

TN HB0446

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 33; Title 49; Title 58, Chapter 3; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to veterans' rights.

TN SB0376

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 33; Title 49; Title 58, Chapter 3; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to veterans' rights.

TN HB0996

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

TN SB0911

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

TN HB0521

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4 and Title 63, Chapter 11, relative to music therapy.

TN SB0898

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4 and Title 63, Chapter 11, relative to music therapy.

TN SB2136

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 55; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to healthcare providers.

TN HB2318

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 55; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to healthcare providers.

TN SB2747

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

Similar Bills

TN HB0571

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 9; Title 12; Title 49 and Title 63, relative to limiting the application of DEI training.

KY HB570

AN ACT relating to the exercise of ethics and diversity within the medical profession.

LA HB459

Enacts the Life-Sustaining Care Act (RE INCREASE GF EX See Note)

RI S2262

Creates a protective legal shield for healthcare providers, precluding any civil/criminal action by other states/persons against healthcare providers involving persons seeking access to transgender and reproductive healthcare services provided in RI.

RI S0132

Department Of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities And Hospitals

RI S0147

Expands the deinstitutionalization subsidy aid program in the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals to include adoptive parent(s) or siblings(s).

RI S2230

Department Of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities And Hospitals

TN SB0585

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 29; Title 33; Title 34; Title 56; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to health care.