Repost: Originally published April 2, 2026
Image Credit: TN General Assembly
The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –
A bill that seeks to provide parents with greater transparency regarding their children’s medical treatments passed in the Senate Health and Welfare Committee on Wednesday along party lines. The 7 to 1 vote, with Senator Becky Massey (R-Knoxville-District 6) present but not voting, sends the legislation onto the Senate Calendar Committee.
Sponsored by Senator Mark Pody (R-Lebanon-District 17), Senate Bill 0259 as amended ensures that a child’s parent or legal guardian can access their child’s health and treatment records, including records regarding mental health, medical treatments, rehabilitation, prescription records, or for treatments provided to the child without parental consent. The legislation also amends current law to allow an employee of a LEA to provide bandages, gauze, or ice packs for the treatment of minor cuts, scrapes, bumps, and bruises.
The legislation closes a loophole that is preventing consistent application of the Tennessee Families’ Rights and Responsibilities Act that was passed two years ago.
