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The Tennessee Conservative [By Rebecca Scott] –
The Tennessee Senate has passed Senate Bill 1641 (SB1641) that prevents hospitals from restricting certain visitation rights of those who are designated to hold power of attorney for a patient.
The legislation will guarantee that a person who holds power of attorney for a patient is able to visit that patient at least once a day for a minimum of one hour.
Now, the House’s version of the bill, House Bill 1883 (HB1883), must make its way through the Tennessee House.
HB1883, sponsored by Representative Kip Capley (R-Summertown-District 71), “creates the right of an attorney in fact designated to make healthcare decisions under a durable power of attorney for health care to conduct at least one in-person visitation with the principal for each day the principal is in a hospital; permits the hospital to require the attorney in fact to submit to non-invasive health and safety protocols; prohibits the visitation right from being terminated, suspended, waived, or otherwise limited during a declared disaster or state of emergency. – Amends TCA Title 34; Title 63 and Title 68.”
The bill has been placed on the House Health Subcommittee calendar for discussion on February 20, 2024.
Last year, Governor Bill Lee signed legislation that prevents individuals from being left to die alone in medical facilities within the state. That law, along with SB1641/HB1883, are designed to avoid patients being left to suffer or die alone as happened during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To voice your support, concerns, or opposition regarding HB 1883, contact the House Health Subcommittee before February 20.
David B. Hawk (R) – Chair – rep.david.hawk@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-7482
Tim Hicks (R) – rep.tim.hicks@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-1717
Darren Jernigan (D) – rep.darren.jernigan@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-6959
Tom Leatherwood (R) – rep.tom.leatherwood@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-7084
Brock Martin (R) – rep.brock.martin@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-7478
Bo Mitchell (D) – rep.bo.mitchell@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-4317
Paul Sherrell (R) – rep.paul.sherrell@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-1963
Bryan Terry (R) – rep.bryan.terry@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-2180
Ryan Williams (R) – rep.ryan.williams@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-1875
Rebecca Scott is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative.
You can reach Rebecca at Rebecca@tennesseeconservativenews.com