Bill > HB2259

This bill clarifies protections for information shared by healthcare providers and organizations with patients or their families regarding quality improvement activities, which are processes used to identify and address issues in patient care. Specifically, it states that a good-faith disclosure of information related to a quality improvement committee's (QIC) activities to a patient or their family does not waive the existing legal protections for that information, meaning it remains confidential. The bill also clarifies that healthcare providers are not required to disclose QIC findings in legal or administrative proceedings, and participation in these reviews must remain confidential unless federal law requires otherwise. Furthermore, it allows for "open discussions" between healthcare providers and patients or their families after an adverse healthcare incident, which is defined as an outcome of patient care resulting in death or physical injury. These open discussions are protected from being used as evidence in legal proceedings and are not considered admissions of liability, provided they are conducted in good faith. However, participants must be informed of their right to legal counsel, and the bill outlines specific conditions for these discussions, including written notification about statute of limitations and requirements for waiving confidentiality.

Health and Social Services

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/Default?BillNumber=HB2259&ga=114