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Bill to guarantee physician‑ordered directed or autologous blood donations fails after hospitals warn of operational conflicts
Summary
Representative Barrett's bill to require hospitals and blood banks to accept physician‑ordered autologous or directed blood donations unless medically contraindicated drew opposition from the Tennessee Hospital Association over operational confusion; after testimony from both sides the committee rejected HB2166.
Representative Barrett presented HB2166 to ensure patients could obtain physician‑ordered autologous or directed blood donations and to limit hospital or blood bank refusal to cases of medical contraindication or incompatibility with safety standards. The Tennessee Hospital Association (Ben Voitus) told the committee that current statute (68‑32‑103 referenced in testimony) already provides clarity and that mandating acceptance could create operational confusion, particularly when hospitals contract with specific blood banks. Liz James, a pharmacist and founder of a nonprofit, testified in support and said some Tennessee patients have been denied options for directed donation; she argued respecting patient values can preserve trust and keep patients in‑state for care.
Committee members asked for clarification about the amendment language and whether hospitals could still refuse in emergency or safety cases. The sponsor argued the bill codified existing practice and would prevent executive‑level decisions from overriding physician orders. The clerk announced the nays had it and HB2166 failed in subcommittee.
