Bill
Bill > HB2523
TN HB2523
TN HB2523AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 63, Chapter 1, Part 9, relative to health care for pregnant patients.
summary
Introduced
02/03/2026
02/03/2026
In Committee
02/05/2026
02/05/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
114th General Assembly
Bill Summary
As introduced, enacts the "Maternal Health Care Protection Act," which prohibits the exercise of a healthcare provider's right of conscience under the Medical Ethics Defense Act from allowing the provider to refuse to participate in or pay for pregnancy-related healthcare procedures, treatments, or services that are within the scope of the provider's license and professional obligations; prohibits the exercise of such right from allowing a healthcare institution or healthcare payer to adopt or enforce a policy, guideline, or contractual provision that results in the denial of pregnancy-related healthcare procedures, treatments, or services. - Amends TCA Title 63, Chapter 1, Part 9.
AI Summary
This bill, known as the "Maternal Health Care Protection Act," amends Tennessee law to clarify that a healthcare provider's right of conscience, which allows them to refuse certain medical procedures based on moral or religious beliefs, cannot be used to deny or refuse participation in pregnancy-related healthcare. Specifically, it prohibits healthcare providers from refusing to participate in or pay for services within their professional scope, and it prevents healthcare institutions (like hospitals) and healthcare payers (like insurance companies) from enacting policies that would deny these services to pregnant patients. The bill also defines "pregnancy-related healthcare procedures, treatments, or services" to include emergency care, treatment for pregnancy complications, care to prevent serious risk to the patient's life or health, and standard obstetric and postpartum care, and defines "pregnant patient" broadly to include anyone who is pregnant or believed to be pregnant.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Sponsor(s) Added. (on 02/23/2026)
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/Default?BillNumber=HB2523&ga=114 |
| Fiscal Note - SB2510 | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Fiscal/SB2510.pdf |
| BillText | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Bill/HB2523.pdf |
Loading...