Bill > HB0387

This bill prohibits healthcare providers in Tennessee from inquiring about a patient's firearm ownership, possession, or access to ammunition and accessories, with several specific restrictions. Healthcare providers are barred from asking patients about firearms before treatment, denying future treatment based on firearm ownership, entering firearm-related information into patient records (unless directly relevant to medical care or safety), or sharing such information with insurers. The bill defines healthcare providers broadly, excluding psychiatrists and psychologists, and requires that if a provider does ask about firearms, they must inform patients they have no obligation to respond. Violations are considered unethical conduct and can result in disciplinary action by the provider's licensing authority, including a mandatory fine of $1,000 per violation. The law also explicitly protects patients from discrimination based on their constitutional right to own firearms. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes a severability clause ensuring that if any part of the law is found invalid, the rest of the law can still be enforced.

Health and Social Services

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0387&ga=114