Shown verbatim: the complete text as captured from the official PDF posted by the Tennessee General Assembly, fetched 2026-09-25. Page and line markers are part of the official record; nothing is edited or removed. This is the chaptered version. The official bill page.
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Staie f/Jennessee
PUBLIC CHAPTER NO. 965
SENATE BILL NO. 343
By Bailey, Bowling, Seal
Substituted for: House Bill No. 398
By Williams, Keisling
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 29; Title 33; Title 56; Title 63; Title 68
and Title 71, relative to health.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE:
SECTION 1. Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 68, Chapter 3, Part 5, is amended by adding
the following as a new section:
(a) A paramedic, licensed pursuant to § 68-140-306, may make an actual
determination and pronouncement of death if the paramedic has successfully completed
training in the determination and pronouncement of death and the paramedic has attempted
to resuscitate the person in accordance with standards established by the emergency
medical services board.
(b) This section does not permit a paramedic to make the actual determination and
pronouncement of death of a patient who is in a hospital when the apparent death occurs.
(c) This section does not preclude a physician licensed pursuant to title 63, chapter 6
or 9, from directing a paramedic to cease resuscitative efforts.
SECTION 2. Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 68, Chapter 140, Part 3, is amended by
adding the following as a new section:
(a) A paramedic who intends to determine and pronounce death shall, before doing
so, complete a course of instruction in determining and pronouncing death.
(b) A paramedic who determines and pronounces death shall retain proof of
successful completion of the course required by subsection (a) and make the proof readily
available to the board or the board's designee upon request.
(c) A paramedic who fails to comply with the standards for determining and
pronouncing death set forth in this part or rules of the board may be subject to discipline by
the board.
SECTION 3. For the purpose of promulgating rules, this act takes effect upon becoming a
law, the public welfare requiring it. For all other purposes, this act takes effect January 1, 2027, the
public welfare requiring it.
SENATE BILL NO. 343
PASSED: April 20, 2026
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I RANDY
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SPEAKER OF THE SENATE
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CAMERQt!pEXTON,SPEAKER
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
APPROVED this {~~ day o f ~ 2026
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