Senate Bill 1681 aims to enhance medical facility procedures for pregnant women experiencing emergency medical conditions or active labor in Tennessee. The bill introduces a new section to the Tennessee Code Annotated, defining key terms such as "emergency medical condition," "specialized capabilities or facilities," and "stabilize," all in alignment with the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA). It mandates that hospital emergency departments must provide appropriate medical screening examinations to pregnant women who present with symptoms of active labor or an emergency medical condition. If a condition is identified, hospitals are required to either stabilize the patient or arrange for a transfer to another facility, ensuring that informed consent is obtained if the patient or their representative refuses treatment or transfer.

Additionally, the bill prohibits hospitals from denying care based on a patient's insurance status and protects healthcare professionals from penalties for refusing to authorize transfers when a pregnant woman’s condition has not been stabilized. It establishes enforcement mechanisms, allowing the health facilities commission and the department of health to investigate violations, with potential civil penalties for hospitals and physicians who fail to comply with the new requirements. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and will apply to conduct occurring on or after that date.