Senate Bill 1681 and House Bill 1943 aim to amend Tennessee law regarding medical facility procedures for pregnant women experiencing emergency medical conditions or active labor. The bill establishes definitions for terms such as "emergency medical condition," "specialized capabilities or facilities," and "stabilize," aligning them 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 pregnant woman is determined to have such a condition, the hospital must either provide necessary treatment to stabilize her condition or arrange for her transfer to another facility, ensuring that informed consent is obtained if the woman or her authorized representative refuses treatment or transfer.

Additionally, the bill prohibits hospitals from delaying medical examinations based on a patient's payment method or insurance status and protects healthcare professionals from penalties for refusing to authorize transfers of unstable pregnant women. It grants enforcement authority to the executive director of the health facilities commission and the department of health, allowing for civil penalties against hospitals and physicians who violate these provisions. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and applies to conduct occurring on or after that date.