Thursday, the Tennessee State Senate took a monumental step and passed the Right to Try bill, which follows the passage of the bill in the House. The bill was passed unanimously on a bi-partisan basis in the Senate, signaling strong support from both Republicans and Democrats.
"Today is an exciting day of hope for Tennessee's terminally ill. It's refreshing to see legislators from all over the political spectrum come together and do what is right for our neediest patients," said Beacon Policy Director Lindsay Boyd. "This bill will give terminally ill patients the hope they so badly want and deserve."
As the bill stands today, it will allow for patients who are terminally ill or who have an advanced illness to test new drugs or products while seeking recovery. If a patient dies while using the drug or method of treatment, a licensing board or disciplinary subcommittee shall not revoke or take any action against a healthcare provider's license even if the provider recommended the treatment to the patient.
Some doctors say the bill will likely open new advances in medicine or treatment plans in the state of Tennessee.
The bill will go back to the House early next week for approval of a minor change adopted by the Senate. It will then head to Governor Haslam to be signed into law.
Source:
The Beacon Center of Tennessee
