Image Credit: TN General Assembly
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
A bill seeking to provide parents with greater transparency about their children’s medical treatments is scheduled to be heard in committees of both chambers of the legislature on Wednesday this week.
SB0295/HB0853 would ensure that a child’s parent, legal guardian, or custodian may, “access all mental health treatment, medical, rehabilitation, and prescription records resulting from treatment”, including records related to any treatments performed on minors without parental consent.
Additionally, the legislation would prohibit a healthcare provider from giving a vaccination or performing a medical treatment on a minor, outside emergency medical treatment, unless the provider first receives informed consent from the parent or legal guardian.
Local education agencies would still be allowed to provide basic first aid care like bandages, gauze, or ice packs in the treatment of minor cuts, scrapes, and bruises, but the bill makes clear that parents have the right to obtain any and all records for any medical treatments, prescriptions, or rehabilitations issued to their child.
The legislation is carried by Sen. Mark Pody (R-Lebanon-District 17) and Rep. Michele Reneau (R-Signal Mountain- District 27 and is a carryover bill from last year’s session.
After being general subbed in the Senate last year, Sen. Pody has placed the bill back on notice as the House version has progressed.
On Wednesday, SB0295 will be heard in the Senate Education Committee while HB0853 is scheduled for the House Health Subcommittee. To contact committee members about this bill, use the information below:
Senate Education Committee– SB0295 to be heard Wednesday, March 4
SB0295 expands parental access to their child’s healthcare records.
Sen.dawn.white@capitol.tn.gov; sen.bill.powers@capitol.tn.gov; sen.raumesh.akbari@capitol.tn.gov; sen.rusty.crowe@capitol.tn.gov; sen.ferrell.haile@capitol.tn.gov; sen.joey.hensley@capitol.tn.gov; sen.adam.lowe@capitol.tn.gov; sen.mark.pody@capitol.tn.gov; sen.kerry.roberts@capitol.tn.gov
House Health Subcommittee– HB0853 to be heard Wednesday, March 4
HB0853 expands parental access to their child’s healthcare records.
Rep.brock.martin@capitol.tn.gov; rep.ron.gant@capitol.tn.gov; rep.tim.hicks@capitol.tn.gov; rep.timothy.hill@capitol.tn.gov; rep.tom.leatherwood@capitol.tn.gov; rep.sam.mckenzie@capitol.tn.gov; rep.bo.mitchell@capitol.tn.gov; rep.bryan.terry@capitol.tn.gov; rep.ryan.williams@capitol.tn.gov
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
