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SB 1251

Health, Dept. of - As introduced, requires the report on drug overdoses by a student enrolled in grades K-12 to be reported to the public school officials within seven business days of the diagnosis or treatment of such a student. - Amends TCA Title 28; Title 29; Title 33; Title 38; Title 39; Title 53; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Adam Lowe

Requires healthcare providers to notify schools within 7 days when K-12 students are treated for drug overdoses, raising privacy, resource, and liability questions.

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Bill Summary · SB 1251

Legislative bill overview

SB 1251 would require healthcare providers to report drug overdoses involving K-12 students to public school officials within seven business days of diagnosis or treatment. The bill amends multiple Tennessee code sections, suggesting coordination across health, education, and law enforcement agencies.

Why is this important

Drug overdoses among school-age children represent a growing public health crisis. Early notification to schools could enable rapid intervention, counseling, and support services while also documenting patterns of substance abuse in student populations for prevention programming.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy concerns: Medical privacy laws (HIPAA, FERPA) create tension between public health reporting and student confidentiality; scope of reporting and data security procedures are unclear
  • Definition ambiguity: "Overdose" could encompass accidental poisonings, medication errors, or intentional misuse differently, affecting who gets reported and how schools respond
  • School resource burden: Schools would need protocols to receive, process, and act on health information without clear guidance on appropriate responses, counseling availability, or liability protections
  • Reporting chain complexity: Multiple amended code titles suggest involvement of various agencies, creating uncertainty about who reports to whom and potential duplication or gaps

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

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