Tennessee Senate Bill SB0025

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/2/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 33; Title 36; Title 37; Title 49; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to healthcare treatment of minors.

Impact

The enactment of SB0025 would significantly affect existing laws pertaining to minors' healthcare rights. By enabling parents to review all health and medical records of their children, including those related to treatments without parental consent, it changes the dynamics of healthcare confidentiality and parental rights. The implications of this change could lead to increased involvement of parents in the treatment processes of minors, particularly in sensitive areas such as mental health.

Summary

Senate Bill 25 (SB0025) seeks to amend several sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated, focusing on the healthcare treatment of minors. It primarily aims to enhance parental access to their children's medical records, including mental health treatment and rehabilitation records. The bill modifies existing statutes to ensure that parents, legal guardians, or custodians can access all related health records for unemancipated minors, even when the treatment has been provided without parental consent. This amendment is seen as a way to empower parents to be fully informed about their children's health and treatment options.

Contention

Notably, this bill may spark debate regarding the balance between a minor's rights to privacy and the parents' rights to informed decision-making. While supporters argue that this legislation promotes parental oversight and health management, critics might contend that it undermines the confidentiality of minors, particularly in cases where they seek treatment for sensitive issues like mental health or sexual health without parental involvement. As such, the bill might create friction between advocates for children's rights and those prioritizing parental authority.