Bill > HB0413

This bill creates a new legal framework in Tennessee that allows patients with severe chronic diseases or terminal illnesses to access investigational stem cell treatments under specific conditions. The bill defines key terms such as "investigational stem cell treatment" as an adult stem cell treatment that is still in clinical trials and not yet FDA-approved, and "severe chronic disease" as a condition that causes significant functional impairment or severe pain but cannot be cured. Patients seeking such treatment must have their condition confirmed by their physician, who must have already considered all FDA-approved treatment options and determined they are unlikely to help. Before receiving the treatment, patients must provide informed consent, which can be given by a parent or guardian if the patient is a minor or lacks mental capacity. The bill protects physicians from disciplinary action by medical boards for recommending these treatments, provided they meet the standard of care, and prohibits governmental entities from interfering with patient access to these treatments. The Tennessee Commissioner of Health is required to develop rules specifying which medical conditions qualify as severe chronic diseases or terminal illnesses, ensuring a structured and controlled approach to accessing investigational stem cell treatments.

Health and Social Services

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0413&ga=114