Tennessee Senate Bill SB0668

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/25
• Engrossed: 2/24/25
• Enrolled: 3/20/25
• Passed: 4/3/25
• Chaptered: 4/8/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 68, relative to deaths.

Impact

If passed, SB0668 will modify existing statutes under Title 68 related to deaths. The amendment emphasizes the role of the attending physician in the process, potentially enhancing the procedural integrity of death certifications. This could lead to increased clarity in understanding the medical responsibilities associated with death notifications and make sure that there are formal agreements documented to prevent disputes or inconsistencies regarding the cause of death.

Summary

Senate Bill 668 (SB0668) proposes an amendment to the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically targeting regulations surrounding the signing of death certificates. The bill requires that the attending physician agree in writing to sign the death certificate, and this written agreement must be present with the deceased at the place of death. This initiative appears to aim at ensuring proper documentation and accountability from the medical professionals involved in the end-of-life processes.

Contention

While the bill may appear straightforward, it could raise concerns among healthcare providers about the additional paperwork and formalities required at what is often a sensitive time for families. There may be discussions regarding the practicality of obtaining a written agreement at the time of death and whether this could delay necessary actions. Potential debates could also center around how such requirements could affect small-town or rural healthcare practices where access to attending physicians might be limited.