TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Azya Thornton on Apr 11, 2025

A bill now heading to the governor’s desk could soon allow Tennessee physicians and insurance companies to deny patients certain medical treatments. HB1044/SB955 would permit doctors, nurses and insurance companies to refuse procedures that conflict with their moral or religious beliefs, according to WPLN News. The legislation, backed by the lobbying group Alliance Defending Freedom, mirrors similar proposals in Colorado, Idaho, Iowa and other states. However, Tennessee’s bill differs in that it does not require patients to be notified if their doctor or insurance provider no longer offers a service. Two Senate amendments clarified that the provisions do not apply when health care professionals perform procedures for individuals in imminent danger of harming themselves or others.