This bill requires the department of health ("department") to collaborate with a Tennessee organization approved by the board of medical examiners ("board") that is accredited as a sponsor of continuing medical education to create a continuing education program for the purpose of providing healthcare professionals with information or training relative to public safety that includes, but is not limited to, the following:
(1) Identifying and reporting individuals who may need emergent or non-emergent treatment related to their mental health;
(2) The emergency and non-emergency involuntary admission process, including the duty or authority established under existing law to involuntarily detain, evaluate, or admit an individual to an inpatient treatment facility;
(3) Safety in healthcare settings, including how to protect staff and patients from threats of mass violence and active shooters; and
(4) Maintaining HIPAA compliance while completing any necessary communication, writing, or reporting during the emergency and non-emergency involuntary admission process.
This bill requires the program to be accessible to all healthcare professionals online. The program must be a minimum of two hours of continuing education credit, and the healthcare professional licensing boards under this title must count the program toward the boards' continuing education requirements.
APPROVAL AND IMPLEMENTATION
This bill requires the program to be approved by the board prior to implementation, and for the department to implement the program described in this bill within six months of the bill taking effect.
UPDATES TO CURRICULUM
This bill authorizes the department, upon approval by the board, to periodically update any curriculum developed pursuant to this bill to account for new research and information.
ON MARCH 7, 2024, THE HOUSE ADOPTED AMENDMENT #1 AND PASSED HOUSE BILL 2122, AS AMENDED.
AMENDMENT #1 requires the department to make the program available on the board's website within six months of board approval as required by the bill.