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SB 1354

Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services, Dept. of - As introduced, directs the department to develop and implement a suicide prevention program; requires the department to submit a report to legislative committees with jurisdiction over health-related matters on this program and any suggestions from the department based upon the research conducted from the previous calendar year. - Amends TCA Title 33; Title 63 and Title 68.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Raumesh Akbari

Tennessee directs mental health agency to create suicide prevention program and report annually on progress and research findings to legislature.

Assigned to General Subcommittee of Senate Health and Welfare Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 1354

Legislative bill overview

SB 1354 mandates Tennessee's Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to develop and implement a statewide suicide prevention program. The bill requires the department to submit annual reports to relevant legislative committees detailing the program's progress and research-based recommendations for improvement.

Why is this important

Suicide is a leading cause of death in Tennessee, and a coordinated statewide prevention program could standardize interventions across regions, improve screening and intervention protocols, and provide data-driven insights into what works. Annual reporting creates accountability and ensures the legislature can assess effectiveness and adjust funding or strategy based on evidence.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding not specified: The bill mandates a new program without explicitly appropriating funds, potentially requiring the department to redirect existing resources or operate with insufficient capacity
  • Vague implementation standards: The bill doesn't define specific program components, target populations, or measurable outcomes, leaving implementation details entirely to departmental discretion
  • Data privacy concerns: Collecting suicide prevention data and research may raise questions about patient privacy protections and how confidential information is handled in legislative reports

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

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