Tennessee Law Protects Healthcare Workers' Conscience Rights

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has signed the Medical Ethics Defense Act into law, granting health care professionals, institutions, and insurance companies the right to refuse participation in procedures or treatments that conflict with their moral, ethical, or religious beliefs. The law, passed along party lines in the state legislature, also protects whistleblowers and prohibits state retaliation against providers for expressing their beliefs. Supporters argue the law safeguards medical professionals from 'moral injury' and encourages more individuals to enter the field without fear of being forced into actions against their conscience. Critics, however, contend that the measure could undermine patient care by allowing providers to deny services based on personal beliefs. Tennessee joins several other states with similar conscience protections for healthcare workers. The law immediately took effect upon the governor's signature.