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SB 259

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 Mark Pody

Grants parents full access to minors' medical records including confidential treatments, and allows school staff to provide basic first aid supplies to students.

Signed by Senate Speaker
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Bill Summary · SB 259

Legislative bill overview

SB 259 expands parental access to children's 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 modifies multiple Tennessee codes governing health, education, and family law.

Why is this important

This legislation directly affects the balance between parental rights and medical privacy protections for minors. It impacts healthcare provider confidentiality practices, school nurse protocols, and potentially affects minors seeking treatment for sensitive health conditions. The changes could have significant implications for how healthcare providers, schools, and families interact around children's medical decisions.

Potential points of contention

  • Medical privacy and confidentiality: Healthcare providers traditionally maintain confidentiality for certain treatments (mental health, reproductive health, substance abuse) to encourage minors to seek care; broader parental access could deter some minors from seeking necessary treatment
  • Scope of "treatments available without parental consent": The bill's reference to treatments legally available to minors without consent (which vary by condition and state) creates potential ambiguity about which records must be disclosed
  • School first aid provisions: While minor wound treatment seems straightforward, defining "minor cuts, scrapes, bumps, and bruises" and liability questions around school employees providing care could create implementation challenges

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

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