Bill > SB0152

This bill establishes a legal framework for patients with severe chronic diseases or terminal illnesses to access investigational stem cell treatments in Tennessee. The legislation defines key terms, including "investigational stem cell treatment" as an adult stem cell treatment that is still under clinical trial and not yet FDA-approved, and "severe chronic disease" as a condition with significant functional impairment or severe pain that cannot be cured. To be eligible, patients must have a physician who has considered all FDA-approved treatment options and determined they are inadequate, and who then recommends a specific investigational stem cell treatment. The bill requires patients to provide informed consent before receiving the treatment, with provisions for consent on behalf of minors or those lacking mental capacity. Importantly, the bill protects physicians from license revocation solely for recommending such treatments and prohibits governmental entities from interfering with patient access to these treatments. The Tennessee Commissioner of Health is tasked with creating rules that specify which medical conditions qualify as severe chronic diseases or terminal illnesses, ensuring a structured approach to implementing this experimental treatment pathway while safeguarding patient rights and medical standards.

Health and Social Services

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0152&ga=114