NEWS – Page 3

WATCH: Rep. Bryan Terry Interviews With News 5 On Opioid Crisis

August 24, 2017 By Admin

NASHVILLE, Aug. 24, 2017– This week, Tennessee State Rep. Bryan Terry (R-Murfreesboro) and State Sen. Steve Dickerson (R-Nashville) sat down with News Channel 5 for an extensive interview over the opioid crisis Tennessee is facing. Watch the interview below.

Segment 1

Segment 2

Segment 3

Segment 4

Bryan Terry, MD serves as Chairman of the House Health Subcommittee, as well as a member of the House Health and Civil Justice Committees. He lives in Murfreesboro and represents House District 48, which includes the eastern half of Rutherford County. Terry can be reached by calling (615) 741-2180 or emailing: Rep.Bryan.Terry@capitol.tn.gov.

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Physician Legislators Bryan Terry & Steve Dickerson Take Aim at Tennessee’s Opioid Crisis

August 7, 2017 By Admin

(NASHVILLE) Aug. 7, 2017— With Tennessee and the entire United States in the middle of an opioid crisis, State Representative Bryan Terry, MD (R-Murfreesboro) and Senator Steve Dickerson, MD (R-Nashville) are working on new legislation in order to curb unlawful production and distribution of powerful opioids like fentanyl, sufentanil, and carfentanil.

Fentanyl is 100 times more potent than morphine; sufentanil and carfentanil are respectively 1,000 and 10,000 times more potent than morphine. Terry and Dickerson are both anesthesiologists who have extensive experience working with these drugs in their medical practices. They understand the appropriate uses for each, as well as potential side effects and dangerous risks associated with them.

“The budgetary funding proposal brought forth by President Trump and Congress, as well as the Opioid Task Force created by Tennessee House Speaker Beth Harwell (R-Nashville) has raised awareness of the severity of opioid abuse and the health risks associated with these drugs for our residents,” said Representative Terry. “As Chairman of the Health Subcommittee and the only member of the House who has extensively used these medicines in treating patients, I am looking at ways to help address this growing epidemic.”

“No one in the Tennessee General Assembly understands these medications better than Dr. Terry and I,” said Senator Dickerson. “When they are used properly, these medications provide tremendous benefits to patients; when they end up on streets in our communities across Tennessee, they become very dangerous. This new legislation enables us to address our state’s opioid crisis from a new angle.”

While fentanyl and sufentanil are readily available in hospitals across Tennessee, they and carfentanil are reportedly being manufactured in other countries and brought into the United States illegally where they are sold to Tennesseans. There are reports of these opioids being used to lace heroin, cocaine, and marijuana. This can increase the risk of addiction, death, and babies born with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). Recently, a Tennessee drug bust resulted in the confiscation of over 100,000 pills containing fentanyl.

“Not only do we have an opioid problem from prescription drugs in Tennessee but we have an addiction problem as well,” said Representative Terry. “We need to work on that end of the equation; however, if we don’t also address high-powered narcotics like fentanyl and sufentanil on the streets, then we won’t be working on all sides of this issue.”

Terry stated that the legislation he and Dickerson are working on is currently in draft form, and they are waiting to file it. In the meantime, they will continue to work with the Opioid Task Force, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police (TACP), medical organizations, and the governor’s staff in an effort to find comprehensive solutions to address this dangerous epidemic.

“With the opioid crisis paralyzing Tennessee, my colleagues and I will leave no stone unturned as we work to combat this serious issue,” said Speaker Harwell. “Representative Terry and Senator Dickerson’s knowledge and expertise will help us find solutions once and for all, and I appreciate their efforts in helping us address this matter.”

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State Rep. Bryan Terry Encourages Residents To Utilize Annual Sales Tax Holiday

July 27, 2017 By Admin

(NASHVILLE) July 27, 2017— With the beginning of a new school year right around the corner, State Representative Bryan Terry (R-Murfreesboro ) is encouraging the families who live in House District 48 to utilize the state’s annual sales tax holiday to save on items such as clothing, school and art supplies, as well as computer purchases.

The state’s annual Tax Free Weekend is set for July 28-July 30. It begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 28 and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 30. The holiday was established by the Tennessee General Assembly in 2006 and has been held every year since; Tax-free purchases include clothing valued at $100 or less, school supplies costing $100 or less, and computers priced at $1,500 or less.

“Our annual sales tax holiday is a great way for the families of our community to meet their family’s needs and save more of their hard-earned money,” said Representative Terry. “This event, also, helps provide an opportunity to support our local businesses and grow the economy right here in Rutherford County.”

The sales tax holiday comes at an opportune time, as the gas tax hike just took effect July 1. “Over the last several years, we have worked hard to cut several taxes for Tennesseans. Unfortunately, and even with a 2 billion dollar surplus, we weren’t able to stop the gas tax hike,” explained Terry who fought against the hike. “The cost of school supplies can truly restrict a family’s budget,” Terry continued. “And now, with the gas tax hike impacting budgets even more, it is my hope that this opportunity will give our families a little more financial flexibility.”

For more information about the state’s Tax Free Holiday, please visit: https://www.tn.gov/revenue/article/sales-tax-holiday

Representative Bryan Terry serves as chairman of the House Health Subcommittee, as well as a member of the House Health and Civil Justice Committees. He lives in Murfreesboro and represents House District 48, which includes the eastern half of Rutherford County. He can be reached by calling (615) 741-2180 or emailing Rep.Bryan.Terry@capitol.tn.gov.

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Rep. Bryan Terry Appointed To Tennessee Maintenance Of Certification Task Force

July 17, 2017 By Admin

Task force to review certification process of Tennessee physicians and providers

(NASHVILLE) — Tennessee House Speaker Beth Harwell (R-Nashville) today appointed State Representative Bryan Terry, MD (R-Murfreesboro) to the Tennessee Maintenance of Certification Task Force.

This task force was created with the passage of House Bill 413 sponsored by House Republican Caucus Chairman Ryan Williams (R-Cookeville) during the 2017 legislative session. It consists of three members each from both the House and Senate who will review the State of Tennessee’s overall medical board certification process for providers, as well as the maintenance of certification by hospitals, insurance companies, and all entities that credential the state’s physicians.

Additionally, the task force will make recommendations to the House Health Committee and Senate Commerce and Labor Committee for improving the current process and review alternatives that can be created to replace maintenance of certification, including a revision of continuing medical education.

“Representative Terry’s knowledge and expertise in the health care industry will make him a tremendous asset to this special task force whose work will streamline our state’s health care certification process,” said Speaker Harwell. “The dedication and diligence of my colleagues in this important area will have a tremendous benefit for patients, providers, and physicians in communities throughout Tennessee.”

“It is an honor to be appointed to this important task force by Speaker Harwell,” said Representative Terry. “As a licensed physician, I understand that the proper certification, training, and education can make all the difference when it comes to providing the best care possible for citizens across our community and state. Our work on the Maintenance of Certification Task Force will ensure that the safety of our patients won’t be jeopardized while protecting the rights and practices of providers.”

Explaining the need for the task force, Terry stated, “The current process places undue and unnecessary requirements on some physicians while placing other physicians under a completely different set of standards. This creates a violation of the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment. This task force should look to rectify this injustice while improving access and quality.”

For more information about House Bill 413/Public Chapter No. 438, please visit the Tennessee General Assembly website at: http://publications.tnsosfiles.com/acts/110/pub/pc0438.pdf

Bryan Terry, MD serves as Chairman of the House Health Subcommittee. He is also a member of the House Health and House Civil Justice Committees. Terry lives in Murfreesboro and represents House District 48, which is the eastern half of Rutherford County. He can be reached by email at: Rep.Bryan.Terry@capitol.tn.gov or by calling (615) 741-2180.

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State Reps Terry & White Host 4th Annual Empowering Women Event – July 10

June 30, 2017 By Admin

MURFREESBORO, June 29, 2017– — State Representative Bryan Terry, MD (R-Murfreesboro) announced that he and State Representative Dawn White (R-Murfreesboro) are hosting the Fourth Annual Empowering Women Event on July 10.

It takes place at the Sportscom Meeting Room (2310 Memorial Blvd.) in Murfreesboro beginning at 5:30 PM. The event is designed to inform women how they can become more involved in government at the local and state levels and also provides an opportunity to learn more about how they can make a positive impact on policy, procedures, and economic development.

This year’s featured keynote speaker is Scottie Nell Hughes, a journalist and former spokesperson for President Donald Trump. Republican Women of Rutherford County President Andrea Norberg, as well as Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) College Republicans President April Carroll will also address the audience.

Rep. Terry, known for his commitment to outreach, began holding the free event in 2014 as an opportunity to not only inform women in the community about opportunities to get involved and make a difference, but also to help provide the tools needed to be successful.

“This event is a great way for the women of House District 48, Rutherford County, and surrounding areas to find out how they can become more involved in our state’s political process and economic development,” said Representative Terry. “I am grateful to Representative White for her support and partnership in serving as a co-host, and I know our speakers will do an exceptional job in order to ensure the evening is a tremendous success.”

Rep. White, a co-host since 2015, currently serves as both the treasurer and secretary of the Tennessee House Republican Caucus. Her experience in state leadership is an asset to Tennessee and to Rutherford County and will also add valuable insight to the event.

“I was fortunate that my parents taught us about the importance of getting involved in our community and performing our civic duties,” said Representative White. “I am grateful to now be in positions where I can share my knowledge and experiences with the women who live in our community and hope to inspire and encourage them to make a difference in Rutherford County and our state.”

For more information about the Fourth Annual Empowering Women Event, click HERE.

Dawn White serves as House Republican Majority Secretary & Treasurer. She is also a member of the House Business & Utilities Committee, as well as the House Education Administration & Planning Committee and Subcommittee. White lives in Murfreesboro and represents House District 37, which includes part of Rutherford County. She can be reached by email at Rep.Dawn.White@capitol.tn.gov or by calling (615) 741-6849.

Rep. Bryan Terry And Others Honor Nashville Predators Fan “Catfish Jake”

June 3, 2017 By Admin

Rep. Bryan Terry Honors Predators Fan Catfish Jake

NASHVILLE, June 3, 2017– Members of the Tennessee House of Representatives, led by State Representative Bryan Terry, MD (R-Murfreesboro), are honoring the Nashville Predators and their fans with a proclamation of support.

The proclamation will be presented to Predators fan Jacob Waddell before game three of the Stanley Cup Final on Saturday evening. Waddell made news headlines earlier this week for throwing a catfish on the ice during game one in Pittsburgh back on Monday night. With the Nashville Predators down two games, House members want the Predators and their fans to know that they appreciate their passion and stand with them as the team returns to the ice in Smashville.

Although the Tennessee General Assembly has already concluded the 2017 legislative session and many members are home for the summer, more than 60 signed on to the proclamation in bipartisan support, including House Speaker Beth Harwell (R-Nashville) and State Representative Bill Beck (D-Nashville).

“The Predators have the most passionate fan base in all of hockey,” said Representative Terry. “I think Jacob proved the extent of that passion and support when he threw the catfish on the ice Monday night. Throughout the playoffs, the team has asked fans to ‘Stand with us’, and we are standing with fans like Jacob Waddell to back the Western Conference Champions.”

In 1952, an octopus was thrown on the ice in support of the Detroit Red Wings to signify the eight wins they needed to capture Lord Stanley’s Cup. Sixty-five years later, tossing a catfish onto the ice has become a rallying cry for Predators fans. Following the incident Monday evening, Waddell was escorted from PPG Paints Arena and charged with disorderly conduct, disrupting a meeting, and possession of an instrument of a crime. Eventually, all charges were dropped.

“I think cooler heads prevailed in Pittsburgh; after all, it is a tremendous sports town and is the home to some of the greatest teams and moments in sports history. The Steel City’s storied past includes the 1979 ‘We Are Family’ Pirates, the 1972 Steelers, who were known for Franco Harris and the ‘Immaculate Reception,’ as well as their four hockey championships,” explained Representative Terry who works in the same medical facility as Waddell. “I am sure that in the end, the fans, the police, and even the Pittsburgh Mayor appreciated Jake’s passion for the Predators and the Legend of the Catfish.”

Rep. Terry will present the proclamation to Waddell at 4 PM Saturday evening. The presentation will take place at Losers Bar and Grille in Nashville prior to the start of game three. An additional copy of the proclamation will be given to the team.

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Rep. Bryan Terry: Update on 2017 TN-Ready Testing

May 30, 2017 By Admin

In recognition of Antibiotic Awareness Week, Rep. Bryan Terry, MD teaches students about antibiotics at Central Magnet High School in Murfreesboro.

NASHVILLE, May 30, 2017– As many students and parents know by now, the TN Ready test scores will not be factored into the grades of Rutherford County students this year. When the news came out, there were some upset parents, students, and teachers. I’ve received some questions about the situation, and did some research on the issue. There are still some questions, but hopefully, I can provide some useful information. The article in the Tennessean provides some info on the issue, as well.

First, as you may know, I ran a bill that required the TN Dept. Of Education to put forth a report on the validity of evaluations. With TN Ready scores as a metric in the computing of the evaluations, the tests have a direct impact and must be as valid as possible. Testing can be correlated with improved outcomes, however, the tests really cannot be proven to be a completely valid measure, especially in the first year.

There are five forms of evidence for validity:

Evidence based on test content:
Evidence based on response processes:
Evidence based on internal structure:
Evidence based on relations to other variables:
Evidence based on consequences of testing:

Transparency and history of testing can improve items 1, 3, and 4. Without a baseline test, it is difficult to know whether the test content, the structure of the test, or the consistency of the test is valid. For these reasons, honestly, I wouldn’t want this year’s TN Ready to count on my child’s grade. It really shouldn’t count against teachers or schools, either. That being said, consequences of testing, such as the scores actually counting for a grade, will improve the validity of the test and evaluation. Even if the scores don’t count this year, the fact that students believed that the scores were going to count should improve long term validity of the process.

Response processes has to do with behaviors, attitudes, effort, and confidence in the testing. Many of these factors are beyond the control of the teachers such as whether or not the student tries on the test, had breakfast, parents are divorcing, etc. In addition, as I have said before, perception is reality, and the perception is that the TN Ready test isn’t actually ready and parents, students and teachers are losing confidence in the system……if there was any confidence to begin with.

Last session and this session, I had conversations with the TDOE about these issues, my concerns, and the concerns of many constituents. The bottom line is that a good idea executed poorly results in a bad outcome. We can debate about whether the testing and evaluations are a good idea or not, but the perception, as well as the reality, is that there has been poor execution of the testing process. Understanding the failings of the process and correcting the problems are of utmost importance if the state expects to have student, teacher and school improvement.

Based on some of the media reports, it appears as if the TDOE is shifting the responsibility to LEAs, while LEAs are pointing to the state or the testing vendor for the testing issue this year. The TDOE sent me the following response:

All of the department’s timelines are on track.
In February, we shared with superintendents that scores would be available beginning the week of May 22 if they submitted their testing materials by the deadlines published by our assessment vendor, Questar, and communicated by the department.
Test scores are scored on a “first in first out” basis. Scores will be available on a rolling basis as they are processed by Questar.
The overall timeline is similar to what districts have experienced in the past. Scores are usually available 2-3 weeks after the close of the testing window, which was on May 5.
Pursuant to Chapter 256 of the Public Acts of 2015, districts may choose to exclude students’ test scores from the student’s grade if scores are not received at least five instructional days before the end of the school year.

While this is a positive response with some explanations, there are several more questions that arise. Based on the response, one can infer that LEAs were given a window to give the tests, and it is my understanding that they were given a 3 week window. Secondly, one can infer that the state knew or expected many of the tests, especially those administered late in the testing window, to not be graded in time so they could be used as part of a student’s final grade. Finally, if some students were tested at the start of the 3 week window, while students in other parts of the state are tested later, aren’t those later students and teachers being afforded extra prep time for the test?

I followed up again with the TDOE on the issue. The TDOE stated that they wanted to give the LEAs the flexibility on when to administer the tests, as well as allow districts the ability to hold their report cards until the scores were returned, if they wished. In my opinion, Rutherford County and Murfreesboro City schools, by testing later, afforded their students and teachers a better opportunity to perform better on the test. It is, also, my opinion that it was prudent to not include the TN Ready test scores due to the above mentioned validity concerns.

In addition to the timing problem, one of my biggest complaints has been the communication breakdown on the testing process. The TDOE informed me that parents and LEAs were provided with information, several times, about this year’s TN Ready. HERE is the link they provided. While this link is fairly informative, I’m still not sure many parents or teachers ever saw or reviewed the information.

I asked, “What is being done to ensure the tests are returned in time next year?” The response was as follows:

“We anticipate online testing will improve timelines. Currently, we are losing at least 7-10 days of potential scoring time with shipping and delivery, and that is a time-consuming process for districts, as well. It can be longer if there are issues with shipping, such as bad weather, a delivery truck breaking down, missed pick-up dates, not having enough labels, etc. In addition, we, now, need to hand-score parts of the assessment, which necessitates having testing documents back as soon as possible. Online assessment means the student responses are immediately available to score.

While we believe we were clear and communicated multiple times that raw scores would be available in late May, we will strive to ensure everyone is clear on that timeline next year and make any process adjustments that are needed to help the raw score return process go more smoothly.”

I know this information won’t change what has already occurred, but my constituents, parents, teachers and, most importantly, students need to know that someone is at the Capitol holding people accountable and fighting to improve the situation.

The end result of my bill was an agreement with the TDOE and the TEA to provide a report on the evaluation process which will review the past problems, discuss the intent, and provide information on changes. Hopefully, it will help students, parents, teachers and LEAs to better understand the process, problems, and changes while allowing for feedback. It is a government of, by, and for the people, and my aim is to ensure “we the people” have that voice.

With Liberty,

Rep. Bryan Terry

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Rep. Bryan Terry Appointed To National Health & Human Services Committee

May 16, 2017 By Admin

NASHVILLE, May 16, 2017– State Representative Bryan Terry, MD (R-Murfreesboro) has been appointed to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Health & Human Services Standing Committee.

The NCSL Health & Human Services Standing Committee enables lawmakers and key staff members from all 50 states to gain valuable experience about how each state shapes public health policy. The committee, also, provides an opportunity to share best practices, and manage the legislative institution.

Members serve for a period of two years, and appointments are made by presiding officers and staff directors in each state. During their term, committee members get a closer look at some of the health issues facing other states, but do not make policy recommendations on these internal state issues. They are allowed to develop policy on state-federal issues in order to assist with the NCSL’s efforts to help reform health care in our nation’s capital.

“As a physician and an elected lawmaker, I am honored to represent the State of Tennessee and District 48 as a member of this prestigious committee,” said Chairman Terry. “With federal health care changes on the horizon from the Trump administration, as well as the health care challenges facing Tennessee, this appointment affords me the opportunity to help make a greater impact for Tennesseans. I look forward to sharing critical information about our successes on important health related issues that we have faced in recent years. Together, I know this committee can continue to affect policy change at both the state and federal levels.”

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Rep. Bryan Terry: Updates on infant protection, opioid crisis, healthcare, education & infrastructure

May 8, 2017 By Admin

NASHVILLE, May 8, 2017– This is one of the last updates from Capitol Hill before Session ends for the year. Here are a few things of note that have happened lately.

BUDGET PASSES HOUSE AFTER DEBATE

After a day of often heated discussions, the House passed a 37 billion dollar balanced budget on May 5th. The budget will go to the Senate to adopt on May 8. Constitutionally, we are required to pass a balanced budget which the budget is. Tennessee is one of the best run states in the nation with the least debt per capita. When one looks across the United States and see other states with massive deficits, one can truly look at Tennessee’s surplus as proof of Tennessee being on solid footing. However, having a massive surplus doesn’t necessarily mean that we have to spend all of the surplus or start new spending programs.

With new fees and increased taxes associated with the gas tax proposal, as well as having a 2 billion dollar surplus, many Republicans, including myself, felt like the state had over-collected taxes on our citizens. Therefore, the right thing to do was to return some of the funds to the counties or at least not spend all the surplus revenue.

Aside from a huge spending increase, philosophically there were two issues I had with the budget. First, as I have previously stated, with a two billion dollar surplus, we shouldn’t increase taxes and start new programs. Secondly, the budget included taking 55 million from the General Fund to give to the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) to jumpstart the IMPROVE Act/ gas tax hike.

Folks, all throughout the gas tax hike debate, proponents of raising the gas tax based their argument on gas and diesel tax being a user fee. They were adamant against using General Fund monies to support TDOT. With the monies previously raided from the transportation fund repaid in the budget, why then would one raid 55 million in non-user fee monies to give to TDOT?

A budget battle ensued, but in the end all sides agreed that the 55 million dollars should be returned to the counties and the county taxpayers. Ultimately, the money was returned for use on county roads with Rutherford County getting over 1 million returned to our county taxpayers. Everyone knew that we must have a balanced budget, and in negotiations, the question is always “What will get you to ‘Yes’ or ‘neutral’?” In principle, the Senate agreed, but they must now vote on the budget May 8th. Kudos to all for setting aside differences to come together for a solution.

EDUCATOR’S BILL OF RIGHTS, HEARING PROTECTION, AND SPORTS MEDICINE

On Monday May 1st, three bills that I co-sponsored passed on the House floor. First, was the Educator’s Bill of Rights(HB 174). One provision in the bill is that educators shall not be required to spend their own money to equip a classroom. Another provision is that educators have a right to defend themselves from violence. The bill passed unanimously.

The Hearing Protection Act, in simple terms, removes firearm suppressors from the list of banned weapons in Tennessee. From a Federal law standpoint, Tennesseans will still need to take the Federal steps necessary to obtain the suppressor. However, if and when Federal law on suppressors changes, Tennessee will be in a better position to support our 2nd Amendment rights.

Last, I sponsored the “Visiting Sports Team Act” which grants limited medical privileges to team doctors who are traveling with their sports team. The bill will allow team physicians who are traveling with a team that is part of a national organization like the NCAA or NFL to treat their players and coaches in a limited fashion without requiring a Tennessee license. If the player or coach required emergency or more extensive treatment, a Tennessee licensed physician with hospital privileges at a local hospital would then assume patient care.

INFANT PROTECTION, PHYSICIAN LICENSURE, AND 2nd AMENDMENT RIGHTS

On Wednesday, the House passed several bills that I co-sponsored including the Tennessee Infants Protection Act(HB 1189). The bill defined unborn infant viability at 24 weeks gestation and banned abortion after that point with some exceptions. In addition, it requires proof of non-viability prior to an abortion after 20 weeks gestation. Almost all abortions in Tennessee occur prior to 20 weeks and the bill mirrors an Ohio law that has never been challenged as being unconstitutional.

All rational Tennesseans agree that at some point during pregnancy, there is life. Even the courts have ruled that an event that results in the death of a woman and her unborn will be viewed as two deaths. For some, the point of life is at conception. While for others, it is later on in pregnancy. With current technology, the Tennessee Infant Protection Act is basically saying that Tennessee is going to protect the unborn at the point of viability. While many agree that infants should be protected at other points in pregnancy, constitutionally, this bill is a sound and positive step to saving the unborn.

I, also, co-sponsored the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (HB 664) which passed unanimously on Wednesday. As of right now, many states allow reciprocity for medical license requirements. For example, I have a Tennessee medical license, and Georgia may accept our requirements. However, I would still have to go through the paperwork and fees associated with a Georgia license. In a compact, my active Tennessee license would now be active in other states in the compact. Where this helps Tennessee is that, due to physician shortages, we can utilize physicians who live in surround states who would like to work extra and decrease the wait times for Tennesseans.

HB 508 which helped protect our 2nd Amendment rights, also passed on Wednesday. Cities were abusing our 2nd Amendment rights and placing citizens at risk via a perceived loophole in the Guns in Parks law. The bill placed certain conditions and restrictions on municipalities if they did not allow firearms into certain locations and venues. In addition, it placed penalties on those municipalities if they did not protect citizens and damages occurred. While not a perfect bill, it was most definitely a step in the right direction for our 2nd Amendment rights.

EDUCATOR PROTECTION, OPIOID CRISIS, AND MEDICATION THERAPY MANAGEMENT

On Thursday, before the budget battle, three bills that I co-sponsored passed the House. HB 1186, the Tennessee Educator Protection Act, provides protection against meritless lawsuits during the course of their duties educating our students. It, also, ensures that educators can file civil charges against those who bring false accusations against educators or other causes with intent to harm.

With our opioid crisis, HB 1207 will grant the Health department the authority to identify high risk opioid prescribers who will then be required to comply with certain educational training standards, as well as provide information to their patients on the risks of opioid addiction. In addition, the managed care organizations in TennCare will be required to provide information on neonatal abstinence syndrome(NAS) which is caused by opioid addiction during pregnancy. The goal is to identify, treat, and help prevent opioid addiction and NAS in Tennessee.

HB 628 sets up a TennCare pilot program for Medication Therapy Management(MTM). MTM has been found useful as a cost saving measure in other states. MTM incorporates pharmacists in the medication management which should help optimize outcomes for patients; thus, leading to cost savings in the TennCare program.

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As always, I’m honored and humbled to be the state representative for District 48.

With Liberty,

Rep. Bryan Terry, MD

Rep. Bryan Terry: Updates on Budget, Child Predators, Education & more

May 1, 2017 By Admin

NASHVILLE, May 1, 2017– The week ending April 28 offered the beginning of the end of this year’s session at the General Assembly. Special thanks to Cade Cothren of the TNHouseGOP for contributing to this update for District 48.

2017-2018 Budget Amendment Introduced

With the IMPROVE Act/gas tax passing, Governor Bill Haslam has introduced his budget amendment for the fiscal year 2017-2018. We will be discussing and debating the amendment and the various appropriations that are in the proposal.

One topic of discussion surrounding the budget involves the Copeland Cap. The Copeland Cap is a spending limit law enacted under the leadership of Rep. David Copeland and voted in by the citizens of Tennessee in 1978. Basically, the law states that Tennessee cannot increase the spending in the budget at a rate greater than the income growth in Tennessee. If Tennesseans have to tighten our belts, then government should, too.

The issue this year is that we have a two billion dollar surplus which is a very positive sign, but we are still recovering from the Obama economy. If we utilize all the revenue, including padding the rainy day fund, the budget will likely bust the Copeland Cap. I am awaiting an answer from the Comptroller’s office on whether the rainy day fund counts or not against the cap. Regardless, we will be debating the budget next week, and it is my understanding that it will require two separate votes on the budget and a vote on any spending above and beyond the Copeland Cap.

With the General Assembly just approving a gas tax hike and now looking to spend above the Copeland Cap, it should make for some lively debates at the Capitol and in our districts. Those who like to tax and spend might have to do some explaining to #WeThePeople.

Legislation Allows American Sign Language To Satisfy Foreign Language Requirements

This week, the House passed legislation that allows American Sign Language to be used to satisfy foreign language requirements in Tennessee high schools.

House Bill 462, known as the American Sign Language bill, was initiated by Molly Ridgeway — a nonverbal student at Maryville College — and her boyfriend, Joshua Anderson.

The legislation allows any high school student who enrolls in an American Sign Language course to use the credit they earn to satisfy foreign language requirements needed for graduation. Currently, more than 180 colleges and universities accept American Sign Language as a foreign language credit from incoming high school graduates.

Estimates show there are approximately 500,000 Tennesseans who are deaf or hard of hearing, many of whom use sign language to communicate. Supporters of the legislation hope the bill will help to improve communication between verbal and nonverbal Tennesseans and lead to job growth for future nonverbal educators. Forty other states have already passed similar measures.

I was proud to be able to co-sponsor this bill for several reasons. First, my Great Aunt Idella was deaf. She helped take care of my sister and me when I was younger. Until she passed away a few years ago, she and I used to write each other letters. She was adept at reading lips, but the world would have been more functional for her if others could converse via sign language.

Secondly, with the bill originating from students and the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature, it is truly a bill of #WeThePeople. The bill is a testimony to self governance and is worthy of citizens taking notice.

The full text of House Bill 287 can be accessed by visiting the Tennessee General Assembly website at: http://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/110/Bill/HB0462.pdf.

House Lawmakers Encourage Tennessee Students To Celebrate Freedom

This week, House lawmakers passed legislation that helps Tennessee students learn the principles of freedom in our nation’s founding documents.

House Bill 287 designates the week of September 17 as “Celebrate Freedom Week” in Tennessee public schools. The week-long celebration will coincide with Constitution Day each September 17 and help students learn more about the original intent, meaning, and importance of documents like the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and United States Constitution.

While these items are already included in social studies curriculum across the state, “Celebrate Freedom Week” gives educators additional opportunities to create special lesson plans and affords additional time during the school year to teach students about the historical significance of these documents and other important events.

The goal of the legislation is to help further empower current and future generations of Tennessee children to appreciate U.S. historical documents and better understand their importance in our country’s history.

General Assembly Creates Additional Protections Against Child Predators

House members unanimously passed legislation this week to create additional protections against child predators.

Communities across Tennessee already rely on the state’s sex offender registry to track and monitor convicted offenders who have moved into permanent residences upon release from prison.

House Bill 404 enables law enforcement officials to monitor offenders convicted of child rape or a child sexual predator offense who may not have a permanent address by requiring them to enroll in a satellite-based monitoring and supervision program. Anyone in Tennessee who has been convicted of a crime against a child on or after July 1, 2017 that does not have a permanent or secondary address must enroll in the program and remain in it for the duration of their parole term.

Stop Child Predators, a Washington-based nonprofit dedicated to preventing child exploitation and other crimes against children, estimates that 1 in 5 girls are exploited before they reach adulthood.

The new monitoring system will allow law enforcement to determine if probation or parole has been violated by showing the location of the sexual offender, regardless of whether they have a permanent address. This legislation adds an additional layer of protection for Tennessee children against predators.

The full text of House Bill 404 can be accessed by visiting the Tennessee General Assembly website at: http://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0404&ga=110.

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As always, I am humbled and honored to be the State Representative for District 48.

With Liberty.

Dr. Bryan Terry