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HB 598

Right to Die - As introduced, creates a process whereby an adult suffering from a terminal disease may request medication for the purpose of ending the adult's life in a humane and dignified manner if certain requirements are met. - Amends TCA Title 32; Title 39; Title 56; Title 63 and Title 68.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Bob Freeman

Tennessee bill authorizing physician-assisted death for terminally ill adults failed subcommittee review amid ethical and religious objections.

Failed in s/c Population Health Subcommittee of Health Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 598

Legislative bill overview

HB 598 would establish a medical aid-in-dying process in Tennessee, allowing terminally ill adults to request life-ending medication under specified conditions. The bill amends multiple state codes governing medical practice, end-of-life care, and related regulatory frameworks.

Why is this important

Medical aid-in-dying remains one of the most ethically divisive policy issues in American healthcare. Tennessee's decision on this matter affects how the state balances individual autonomy at end-of-life with medical ethics, religious concerns, and safeguards against potential abuse. Currently, only 10 U.S. states permit some form of medical aid-in-dying.

Potential points of contention

  • Religious and moral opposition: Significant religious groups view intentional life-ending as conflicting with sanctity-of-life principles, creating potential conflict with Tennessee's population values
  • Safeguard adequacy: Disagreement over whether proposed requirements sufficiently protect vulnerable populations (elderly, disabled, economically disadvantaged) from coercion or premature decisions
  • Medical ethics concerns: Tension between the bill's purpose and traditional physician roles, with concerns about impacts on patient-provider trust and palliative care emphasis
  • Implementation complexity: Questions about which physicians participate, how psychiatric evaluation occurs, and whether protections against discrimination based on disability are sufficient

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

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