For his work with health care legislation, as well as his dedication to children's issues, Representative Bryan Terry, MD (R-Murfreesboro) was awarded Legislator of the Year by the Tennessee chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics at the annual TNAAP meeting on September 25 in Nashville. During the ceremony, the TNAAP President Michelle Fiscus, MD and emcee Allen Coffman, MD recognized Dr. Terry and praised him in particular for his work with Senator Richard Briggs, MD for their joint effort to pass HB440.

HB440 became law in May. The law, which had failed to pass for ten years, provides for an expedited process for physician credentialing with insurance companies during which time patients will be able to see physicians and pay only in-network costs.

"This law helps improve access and decrease costs for patients. With the growth of Tennessee and Rutherford County, this law will help us provide quicker and cheaper care to our community," said Terry. "I was proud to be able to carry the bill and obtain unanimous support in the House when the legislation had previously failed."

Terry also received unanimous support and praise for his Mission Tennessee for Veterans law. The program allows for health care providers in the Tennessee National Guard to provide health care services in Tennessee armories much like one would during mission work.

"Health care providers go on medical missions around the world. Our military goes on missions around the world. Why not allow for these kind of mission services in Tennessee? We have veterans and others in need and this is a positive step forward for health care for Tennesseans," stated Terry.

Terry was a leading voice for childhood causes including passing a resolution to bring awareness to childhood apraxia of speech which is a neurological speech disorder.

"Early recognition and intervention with speech therapy can have a dramatic impact on the lives of affected children. Without treatment, these children can face long term issues with communication, self esteem, and even bullying," said Terry.

Another issue Terry highlighted was the Fetal Center at Vanderbilt. Terry recognized the health care professionals at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt with a resolution honoring their work with intrauterine surgery for spina bifida.

"We have providers in our state performing surgery in the womb on babies as young as five months gestational age. It is truly remarkable with what they are doing. There are politicians out there advocating for the killing of babies in the womb, and here we have a program in Tennessee where we are operating on them to improve their lives before they are born," remarked Terry.

In the county, Terry worked with high school students during their school year. He provided students in the Central Magnet School Contemporary Issues class the opportunity to debate some legislation and follow the legislation as it progressed through the General Assembly. Terry co-sponsored the Right to Try Act on their behalf. "Right to Try" is now Tennessee law.

"Ultimately, it's about making a difference for our children and the next generation," said Terry. "It's been my goal to help with outreach and one of the best ways to do that is to get our youth involved."

About Rep. Terry:

Representative Bryan Terry, MD serves District 48 which is the Eastern half of Rutherford County. He serves on the Full and Sub Health Committees, as well as the Consumer and Human Resource Committee. He was elected by his colleagues to serve as the Republican chairman of the Bipartisan Freshman Caucus. He has been selected to represent Congressional District 4 on the Bilateral Session Steering Committee as the Tennessee General Assembly looks to host the first Bilateral Session in the nation in which state and federal officials meet in public to discuss issues for Tennessee.

He may be contacted at Rep.Bryan.Terry@Capitol.TN.gov.