Tennessee Senate Bill SB2177

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 8; Title 49; Title 53; Title 56; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to medication in schools.

Impact

The bill amends various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated, which address the responsibilities of Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and the legal provisions surrounding the administration of medications in schools. It establishes clear protocols for the administration of opioid antagonists by qualified personnel—such as school nurses and resource officers—who act under medical protocol or standing orders from a licensed physician. The intent is to mitigate the risks associated with drug overdoses in schools while empowering school staff to act quickly and decisively in emergencies.

Summary

Senate Bill 2177 aims to enhance the response to drug overdoses in Tennessee schools by mandating that all public schools and public charter schools serving grades nine through twelve maintain an opioid antagonist, such as naloxone, on campus. By requiring these schools to keep an opioid antagonist readily available in a secure location, the bill seeks to ensure that trained personnel can respond swiftly to potential drug overdose incidents among students, thereby promoting student safety and public health awareness in the educational environment.

Conclusion

In summary, SB2177 represents a significant step forward in addressing the opioid crisis among youth by fostering a safer school environment. By equipping schools with the necessary tools and legal safeguards to respond to overdoses, the bill aims to save lives and promote responsible health practices within educational institutions. The ongoing discussions surrounding liability and the implications of such medical interventions are pivotal as the bill moves forward.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its proactive approach to drug overdose prevention, there are notable discussions regarding liability protections for school personnel and physicians who administer the opioid antagonist in emergency situations. The legislation specifies that neither the prescribing physician nor the administering school personnel will be liable for harm that may result from administering the medication, except in cases of intentional disregard for safety. This aspect of the bill is likely to prompt debate regarding the balance between encouraging swift action in emergencies and ensuring adequate protections for those executing the medical protocols.