Senate Bill 1986 amends Tennessee law regarding anatomical gifts, specifically addressing the procedures and responsibilities of medical examiners and procurement organizations. The bill introduces new provisions that clarify the conditions under which anatomical gifts can be procured, emphasizing the need for express written authorization from the medical examiner prior to any removal. It outlines the medical examiner's authority to deny procurement if it may compromise forensic investigations or interfere with autopsy procedures. Additionally, the bill mandates that procurement organizations provide detailed information to the medical examiner before and after the procurement process, ensuring that all activities are documented in the autopsy report.

Furthermore, the bill establishes immunity for medical examiners and other individuals acting in good faith in compliance with the new regulations, protecting them from civil, criminal, or administrative liability related to the procurement of anatomical gifts. It also requires the chief medical examiner and organ procurement agencies to develop and file a protocol for situations involving anatomical gifts, which must be reviewed and updated as necessary. The changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 38-7-108(c), 38-7-108, 68-30-108(a), 68-30-108