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SB 2031

Healthcare Liability - As introduced, creates a civil cause of action against a healthcare professional by a person who suffered an injury that resulted from certain medical procedures if the reason the person, or the person's parent, guardian, or legal representative, consented to the medical procedure was due in whole or in part to coercion by the healthcare professional. - Amends TCA Title 29; Title 63 and Title 68.

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

Establishes civil lawsuits against healthcare professionals whose alleged coercion influenced patient consent to medical procedures, expanding provider liability in Tennessee.

Transmitted to Governor for action.
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Bill Summary · SB 2031

Legislative bill overview

SB 2031 creates a new civil lawsuit right for patients who claim they were coerced by healthcare professionals into medical procedures. The bill allows injured patients (or their representatives) to sue for damages if coercion played any role in their decision to undergo treatment. It amends Tennessee's healthcare liability and medical practice laws.

Why is this important

This legislation directly affects the legal liability exposure for doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers by introducing a new category of lawsuits. It also shapes patient protections by establishing coercion as actionable harm in medical decision-making—an area traditionally governed by informed consent doctrine rather than explicit coercion statutes.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition ambiguity: "Coercion" is not clearly defined in the summary, creating uncertainty about what constitutes actionable coercion versus persuasion, medical urgency, or standard clinical judgment
  • Burden on healthcare providers: Broad language ("in whole or in part") could expose providers to liability even when coercion was a minor factor, potentially chilling honest patient communication about medical recommendations
  • Litigation explosion risk: Healthcare systems may face increased defensive medicine practices and higher malpractice insurance costs, which could be passed to patients
  • Vulnerable population concerns: The inclusion of minors with parent/guardian consent may restrict parental medical decision-making authority, raising questions about how to balance child welfare with autonomy protections

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

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