Image Credit: capitol.tn.gov
The Tennessee Conservative Staff –
The Tennessee Senate moved forward with legislation that would prevent hospitals from restricting visitation rights of those who are designated to hold power of attorney for a patient.
The Senate Health and Welfare Committee considered Senate Bill 1641 (SB1641), sponsored by Senator Mark Pody (R-Lebanon-District 17) on Wednesday.
If passed, 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.
Pody began with an amendment that rewrites the bill. He noted that after working with the Tennessee Hospital Association, there was an agreement made to clarify the wording of the bill by adding “hospital” in two places. The added wording did not change the function of the legislation.
After passing that amendment, Chairman Rusty Crowe (R-Johnson City-District 3) opened the floor for questions. When there were none, Crowe then instructed the clerk to take a roll call vote.
Eight of the nine committee members were present, with all eight voting in favor of the bill. Senator Jeff Yarbro (D-Nashville-District 21) was not in attendance at the meeting.
The bill will now be referred to the Senate Calendar Committee for scheduling to be heard and to receive a final vote on the Senate floor.
However, the companion House Bill 1883, sponsored by Representative Kip Capley (R-Summertown-District 71) is just at the beginning of its legislative journey having been assigned to the House Health Subcommittee but not yet appearing on their calendar upon publication of this article.
SB1641 and HB1883 must both be approved by their respective chambers and be signed by Speakers Randy McNally and Cameron Sexton before being transmitted to Governor Lee for passage into law.
