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HB 853

Children - As introduced, clarifies that a child's parent, legal guardian, or legal custodian may access and review all health and medical records of the child, including those records related to treatments available to unemancipated minors without parental consent; allows an employee of a local education agency to provide bandages, gauze, or ice packs for the treatment of minor cuts, scrapes, bumps, and bruises. - Amends TCA Title 33; Title 36; Title 37; Title 49; Title 63 and Title 68.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Michele Reneau

Tennessee bill expands parental access to all child medical records including confidential treatments, and permits school staff to administer basic first aid supplies.

Comp. SB subst.
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Bill Summary · HB 853

Legislative bill overview

HB 853 clarifies parental rights to access a child's complete medical records, including those related to treatments available without parental consent, and permits school employees to provide basic first aid supplies (bandages, gauze, ice packs) for minor injuries. The bill amends multiple Tennessee codes governing health, education, and child welfare.

Why is this important

This bill directly affects parental transparency in healthcare by expanding access rights to medical records that may have previously been restricted, particularly regarding certain treatments. It also removes potential barriers to school staff providing routine first aid, which could affect how schools handle minor student injuries and the liability implications involved.

Potential points of contention

  • Medical confidentiality vs. parental rights: The expansion of parental access to treatment records conflicts with existing health privacy laws designed to protect minors seeking care independently (such as reproductive health, mental health, or substance abuse treatment). Some argue this undermines adolescent privacy and could deter minors from seeking necessary care.
  • Scope of "treatments available without parental consent": The bill's language is broad regarding which treatments fall under this category, creating ambiguity about which specific medical records must be disclosed and potential disagreements over implementation.
  • First aid liability: Allowing non-medical school staff to provide first aid without explicit medical training could create liability concerns if injuries occur or if first aid is administered incorrectly, despite good intentions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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