Bill > HB1044

This bill, known as the "Medical Ethics Defense Act," amends Tennessee law to provide robust protections for healthcare providers' rights of conscience and free speech. The legislation defines key terms like "conscience" as sincerely held ethical, moral, or religious beliefs and establishes comprehensive protections for healthcare providers who object to participating in medical procedures, treatments, or services that conflict with their personal or institutional beliefs. The bill prevents healthcare providers from being subjected to discriminatory actions, civil lawsuits, or criminal prosecution for exercising their right to refuse participation based on conscience, with specific exceptions for emergency medical situations and imminent patient danger. Additionally, the bill includes whistleblower protections, ensuring that healthcare providers cannot be penalized for reporting potential violations of medical ethics or safety concerns, and establishes free speech protections that prevent government entities from reprimanding or revoking licenses based on protected speech, unless the speech directly causes physical harm. If a healthcare provider believes their rights under this act have been violated, they may pursue civil action and potentially recover damages, injunctive relief, and attorney's fees. The law aims to balance healthcare providers' personal beliefs with patient care, providing a legal framework for conscientious objection in medical settings.

Health and Social Services

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB1044&ga=114