House Bill 598 amends the Tennessee Code Annotated to create a legal framework for the prescription of medication that allows qualified patients to end their lives in a humane and dignified manner. The bill defines key terms such as "capable," "qualified patient," and "terminal disease," and outlines the process for patients to make a written request for such medication. It stipulates that capable adults diagnosed with a terminal disease can request this medication after being informed of their condition and alternatives. The bill requires confirmation of the diagnosis and the patient's decision-making capability by both the attending and a consulting physician.

Furthermore, the bill establishes regulations for healthcare providers involved in this process, including documentation requirements, waiting periods, and the necessity for counseling for patients with potential mental health issues. It protects healthcare providers from civil or criminal liability when complying with the law and clarifies that actions taken under this legislation do not constitute suicide or assisted suicide. The bill also mandates that providers who cannot fulfill a patient's request must transfer medical records to a new provider and allows them to prohibit participation on their premises with prior notification. Penalties for unlawfully altering requests for medication are classified as Class A felonies, and the bill includes provisions for severability. The act will take effect upon becoming law for rulemaking purposes, with full implementation scheduled for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 39-13-216(b), 39-13-216