Tennessee Senate Bill SB0135

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/14/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 50, Part 16, relative to self-administration of prescribed medications.

Impact

If enacted, SB0135 is expected to have a significant impact on the administration of healthcare within schools in Tennessee. Schools will be required to maintain records related to the self-administration of prescribed medications, ensuring that proper authorizations are on file. This legislation represents a recognition of the need for students with seizure disorders to have appropriate access to their medications during school hours, which could lead to better health management and improved educational outcomes for affected students.

Summary

Senate Bill 135 (SB0135) aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated to allow students to possess and self-administer prescribed rescue seizure medication while on school property or at school-related events. This bill establishes clear guidelines that require students to follow the medication prescription as directed by a licensed healthcare provider. To enable this self-administration, the student's parent or guardian must provide a signed, written authorization, along with specific documentation from a healthcare provider detailing the medication's prescription, dosage, and administration guidelines.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB0135 may involve the concerns of liability for schools and their personnel. The bill includes provisions stating that schools and employees are not liable for injuries resulting from the self-administration of medication, provided parents acknowledge this in writing. This aspect of the bill could raise concerns among educators and parents about the potential risks involved in allowing students to self-administer medication and the implications for school policies on medication use that may need to be addressed.