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House approves medical-ethics bill shielding providers’ conscience and speech, critics warn of potential misuse
Summary
House members passed legislation that protects health-care providers' conscience objections and free-speech protections and offers whistleblower coverage, while critics raised concerns about possible discrimination and enforcement limits.
The Tennessee House passed Senate Bill 955 (considered as House Bill 1044 on the floor) after extended debate over conscience protections, free-speech safeguards and limits to prevent discrimination.
Committee chair Representative Terrence (Chairman Terry on the floor) said the measure — described in debate as a "medical ethics" or "medical ethics defense" act — contains three core protections: conscience protection for providers who decline to perform or assist in services that violate their beliefs; whistleblower protection for…
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