Image Credit: Canva
The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –
Legislation mandating that insurance companies selling policies for medical transition in Tennessee must also include coverage for detransitioning has been signed into law and became effective earlier this month.
HB0754/SB0676, sponsored by Representative Jeremy Faison (R-Cosby-District 11) and Senator Brent Taylor (R-Memphis-District 31), also requires that gender clinics and insurance entities report information regarding detransition procedures to the Tennessee Department of Health.
Bill sponsors in both chambers had to reiterate to those opposed to the legislation that HIPPA laws were not in danger of being violated. Amendments clarified that all reportable information would be in the form of clinical data only with nothing identifiable being traced back to specific individuals or providers.
The legislation was a carryover bill from last year and fiercely opposed by protestors who tried to derail the business of the House by breaking out in song on at least one occasion.
While opponents claimed that the state wanted a list of trans people, Faison stated on the House floor that it is important for state officials to look at the science.
“Research and collecting data gives us the ability to study trends, outcomes, and effectiveness of treatment without knowing who the patient is,” said Faison regarding the kind of de-identified information that would be given to the state.
About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
