Health

Tennessee SB0343 allows licensed paramedics to officially determine and pronounce death starting January 1, 2027. This change updates several sections of Tennessee law related to health and medical practices. The bill aims to enhance the role of paramedics in emergency medical situations.

TN SB0343 is a senate bill in the Tennessee 114th General Assembly, sponsored by Paul Bailey (R), currently “Passed” since May 18, 2026.

We track 9,160 Tennessee bills this session, 196 of them sponsored by Paul Bailey.

Supporters of SB0343 argue that this bill empowers paramedics, enabling them to make critical decisions at the scene of emergencies. By allowing paramedics to pronounce death, the bill streamlines processes and can lead to more efficient use of medical resources during emergencies.

Critics of SB0343 express concerns about the adequacy of training for paramedics to make such significant determinations. There are fears that allowing paramedics to pronounce death could lead to potential misjudgments and ethical dilemmas in life-and-death situations.

The bill SB0343 pertains to health care, specifically allowing licensed paramedics to make determinations and pronouncements of death. The sponsor, Paul Bailey, has a diverse portfolio primarily focused on the trucking industry and related businesses. His personal financial interests do not include any direct involvement in health care, medical devices, or mental health services, which are the primary subjects of the bill. As such, there is no clear financial benefit to him from the enactment of this legislation.

Unlike federal analysis based on campaign donations, state analysis examines legislators' personal financial interests — their jobs, businesses, and investments.

Items marked "AI-researched" are generated from public sources but have not been independently verified. Verified data is sourced from official legislature websites and disclosure filings.