On March 28, 2025, the Tennessee State Legislature introduced Senate Bill 282, a significant piece of legislation aimed at expanding access to individualized investigational treatments for patients suffering from life-threatening or severely debilitating illnesses. The bill seeks to address the growing demand for alternative treatment options when conventional therapies have proven ineffective.

Senate Bill 282 defines key terms such as "institution," "life-threatening or severely debilitating illness," and "written, informed consent," establishing a framework for how these treatments can be administered. A central provision of the bill mandates that patients must provide written, informed consent before receiving any investigational treatment. This consent must include detailed information about currently approved treatments, the specific investigational treatment being sought, potential outcomes, and a release of liability for healthcare providers and manufacturers involved.

The bill also stipulates that patients will be responsible for all costs associated with the investigational treatment, including any expenses incurred by their estate. Additionally, it clarifies that health plans are not obligated to cover these treatments unless required by law or contract, and that eligibility for hospice care may be affected if patients pursue curative investigational treatments.

Debate surrounding Senate Bill 282 has been notable, with proponents arguing that it provides hope for patients with limited options, while opponents raise concerns about the potential risks and financial burdens placed on vulnerable individuals. Critics emphasize the importance of ensuring that patients fully understand the implications of pursuing such treatments, particularly regarding the possibility of hastened death or new, unanticipated symptoms.

The implications of this bill are significant, as it could pave the way for more personalized medicine approaches in Tennessee, potentially influencing similar legislative efforts in other states. Experts suggest that while the bill may offer new avenues for treatment, it also raises ethical questions about patient autonomy and the responsibilities of healthcare providers.

As the legislative process continues, stakeholders from various sectors, including healthcare, legal, and patient advocacy groups, are closely monitoring the developments surrounding Senate Bill 282. The outcome of this bill could reshape the landscape of investigational treatments in Tennessee, impacting both patients and healthcare providers in the state.