Tennessee Senate Bill SB0817

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/4/25
• Chaptered: 5/8/25
• Passed: 5/8/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49; Title 53; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to bronchodilator rescue inhalers.

Impact

The legislation is expected to impact state laws significantly by formalizing the roles of both healthcare practitioners and educational institutions regarding the management of asthma emergencies. It encourages local education agencies (LEAs) and charter schools to maintain bronchodilator inhalers, thus promoting a proactive approach to student health. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions that shield those who administer these inhalers from liability in cases of ordinary negligence, ensuring that employees acting in good faith to aid individuals in distress are protected legally.

Summary

Senate Bill 0817 aims to amend existing Tennessee Code to enhance the availability and safe administration of bronchodilator rescue inhalers in authorized entities, particularly in schools. The bill allows healthcare practitioners to prescribe these inhalers for use in environments where asthma emergencies may occur, facilitating easier access for those in need. By establishing a structure that empowers designated personnel within schools and other organizations to administer these inhalers during emergencies, the bill seeks to improve response times and outcomes for students experiencing asthma attacks or respiratory distress.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB 0817 appears to be largely positive among supporters, who argue that the bill is a critical step toward safeguarding the health and welfare of students with asthma. Advocates note that timely access to a bronchodilator can be the difference between life and death in emergencies. However, there may be concerns among some stakeholders regarding the implications of liability protections and whether they might affect the accountability of those administering the inhalers.

Contention

Notable points of contention include discussions around the extent of training required for staff designated to administer bronchodilator inhalers and the adequacy of the proposed protocols for emergency situations. Another area of debate may center on how the bill’s provisions align with existing health and safety regulations within schools, as well as concerns about possible overreach in terms of prescribing powers for bronchodilator inhalers in various settings.