Bill > SB1681

This bill mandates that hospital emergency departments in Tennessee must provide an appropriate medical screening examination to any pregnant woman who presents with symptoms of active labor or an emergency medical condition, which is defined as a condition that could seriously jeopardize the health of the woman or her unborn child, impair bodily functions, or cause organ dysfunction without immediate medical attention. Hospitals are prohibited from transferring such a patient unless her condition has been stabilized, or if stabilization is not possible, the transfer must be recommended by a physician or qualified medical professional who certifies that the benefits of transferring outweigh the risks, and the transfer must be to a facility capable of providing the necessary care. The bill also clarifies that hospitals cannot delay examinations or treatment to inquire about a patient's insurance or payment status and protects employees who report violations, while imposing significant civil penalties and licensing sanctions on hospitals and individual healthcare professionals who fail to comply with these provisions, with specific exceptions for on-call physicians who refuse to appear.

Health and Social Services

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB1681&ga=114