State Representative Bryan Terry

Rep. Terry Continues to Fight for Students with Academic Freedom Act

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Informally known as the “Academic Freedom Act”, HB 2438, proposed by State Rep. Bryan Terry, MD (R-Murfreesboro), seeks to provide students with an avenue to address grievances related to free speech violations in the classroom. Even with the Campus Free Speech Protection Act, co-sponsored by Terry in 2017, students still feel as though their free speech is restricted, fearing that their grades or treatment in the classroom by professors may be impacted if they voice their true opinion. The bill aims to resolve these concerns.

Known as a champion for students, Terry has taken up the issue on behalf of both high school
and college students through previous pieces of legislation and initiatives. In the past, Terry has
sponsored the Right to Try Act for Central Magnet School students and the Racial Profiling Prevention Act on behalf of MTSU students. And when the voting rights of Tennessee college students were being stripped, Terry was the legislator who answered the call. When students shared concerns over repercussions they experienced when voicing their opinion in class or on an assignment Terry stepped up for students.

“One of the main reasons I ran for office is to make a positive difference in our state for the future of my children and their generation. When these issues arise, I look to help them take a stand,” Terry said. “With the cost of college and the other stressors in life, our students shouldn’t have to be on guard and feel intimidated in a classroom about their political beliefs.”

A 2018 survey published on behalf of Yale University’s William F. Buckley, Jr. Program found that 53 percent of students felt intimidated to share their ideas, opinions, or beliefs in class if they were different than those expressed by their professors. Additionally, the survey found that 52 percent of students felt their professors used class time to express their own political or social views not related to course content.

“When I talk to Tennessee students, they echo the same concerns found in the Yale survey. It can be difficult to speak up in class or even find the right words when writing a paper,” Terry said. “But when one has to be concerned about offending their professor and risk getting alower grade, that is an unhealthy learning environment,” explained Terry. “In the end, if a student receives a lower grade based on their expressed beliefs, that is discrimination.”

Though Tennessee enacted the Campus Free Speech Protection Act in 2017, that act did not put forth any specific enforcement in the event that a student faced discrimination in their coursework for expressing a political view. The “Academic Freedom Act” amends current statute to allow students a remedy if they face discrimination for their views in the form of a cause of action against the offending institution.

“Proving discrimination occurred against a student who expressed a political opinion is a high bar to attain. But if the discrimination occurs and negatively impacts a student and their life trajectory, the institution should be held accountable. This bill does just that,” concluded Terry. HB 2438 has been placed on notice in the Higher Education Subcommittee. Rep. Bryan Terry, MD represents District 48 which is the eastern half of Rutherford County. His office can be contacted at 615-741-2180 or Rep.Bryan.Terry@Capitol.Tn.Gov

Rep. Bryan Terry Rated Among Most Conservative In Tennessee

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Representative Bryan Terry, MD (R-Murfreesboro) earned the Award for Conservative Excellence, the top designation from the American Conservative Union(ACU) which was
published this past week. He has been invited to the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) annual meeting to be held in National Harbor, Maryland to accept the award.

“Whether it is standing for the sanctity of life, our Second Amendment rights, our liberties, or sound fiscally conservative policy that enhances our economy, I’m honored to be recognized for
taking the concerns of District 48 to Nashville and producing positive results,” stated Rep. Terry.

The honor from the ACU follows previous recognition Rep. Terry received for his legislative
efforts by Club for Growth and the TN Legislative Report Card. With Club for Growth, Rep.
Terry’s score ranked second amongst all legislators including both House and Senate members.
Whereas, with TN Legislative Report Card, Rep. Terry was named a “model public servant”.

“I appreciate the awareness these various groups bring forth by recognizing the efforts, work,
and results many legislators put forward. Helping citizens be informed is of vital importance, but
in the end, what really matters is the opinion of the constituency,” explained Rep. Terry. “I’ll
continue to value the faith that our community places in me and I’ll keep working for the
betterment of our district and the state of Tennessee.”

Rep. Terry represents District 48 which is the eastern half of Rutherford County. He serves as
the Chairman of the House Health Committee and serves on the Insurance and Calendar and
Rules committees. He, also, serves on the TennCare, Mental Health and Substance Abuse,
Public Health, and Facilities, Licensure, and Regulations subcommittees.

Representative Bryan Terry Fights To Support Tennessee’s Strong Economy

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(Nashville, Tenn.) — Throughout his time serving in the Tennessee General Assembly, State Representative Bryan Terry (R-Murfreesboro) has fought to make Tennessee an attractive destination for businesses and for families.

By supporting legislation that strengthens our business-friendly environments, cutting taxes, and eliminating burdensome, job-killing regulations, Terry and his Republican colleagues have ensured Tennessee’s unemployment rate remains near historic low levels — just 3.4 percent as of June 2019.

U.S. News recently ranked Tennessee No.1 in their report for Best States for Fiscal Stability while Business Facilities Magazine recognized Tennessee as having the best business climate.  

“Our conservative, job friendly policies are helping Tennessee attract and grow businesses.  We’re seeing businesses move to Tennessee from other states while also seeing Tennesseans open new businesses,” stated Terry.  “Business leaders are showing confidence in Tennessee and it is reflected in our strong economy.”

With low unemployment rates and a strong business climate, Tennessee’s average median household income is growing at the second fastest rate in the entire southeast.  The average private business hourly wage has grown in Tennessee and is hovering around $24 per hour without the regulatory endangerment of a $15 an hour minimum wage mandate. 

“Tennessee is rising to the task of better jobs and wages without resorting to added regulatory burdens and legislative mandates that are counterproductive. However, this is just one piece of the puzzle to improve the quality of life for Tennesseans,” stated Terry. “Families and businesses prioritize various attributes of a community or state when looking to grow a business or raise a family.  I am working diligently with my colleagues to address these other elements like health, safety, and quality education.”

While not often cited as the main deciding factor for family and business location, access to recreation and leisure activities often plays a pivotal role.  Industries such as leisure, hospitality, and tourism, tend to thrive in healthy economic areas like Tennessee. The tourism industry — which currently employs 189,757 citizens and accounts for 6 percent of all jobs — generated over $1.8 billion in state and local revenue alone last year. That is a $50 million increase for the state over the previous year.

“Our economy is firing on all cylinders right now, and new companies are relocating to Tennessee every day. Clearly, Tennessee tourism and the hospitality industry are key components to our overall success, and my colleagues and I will continue to support those employed through these and all of our industries. Under Republican leadership, Tennessee will remain the best place in the entire nation to live, work, raise a family, and retire,” Terry concluded.

Bryan Terry, MD serves as Chairman of the House Health Committee. He is also a member of the House Insurance and the House Calendar & Rules Committees, as well as the Facilities, Licensure & Regulations, Mental Health, Public Health, and TennCare Subcommittees. Terry lives in Murfreesboro and represents Tennessee House District 48, which includes a portion of Rutherford County. He can be reached by email at: Rep.Bryan.Terry@capitol.tn.gov or by calling (615) 741-2180.

Bryan Terry: Thanks District 48 Citizens, For Your Overwhelming Support!

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(Nashville, Tenn.) — State Representative Bryan Terry, MD (R-Murfreesboro) thanked the voters of District 48 for their overwhelming support during his successful re-election bid. Terry won by a landslide margin on election night and, also, garnered the highest percentage of votes of any state or federal candidate on the ballot in Rutherford County — including Governor-Elect Bill Lee. 

“My family and I are truly humbled and honored to be re-elected to serve our community during the 111th Tennessee General Assembly,” stated an enthusiastic Dr. Terry. “Our community supports efforts to improve education, health care, safety and jobs, as opposed to the extremist rhetoric and protesting that is divisive. I have worked to be the voice for all citizens of District 48, and I look forward to continuing to serve our incredible community.”

Dr. Terry will be serving his third term in the Tennessee House of Representatives for the area that encompasses the eastern half of Rutherford County and Middle Tennessee State University. As a member of the 110th General Assembly, he served as House Health Subcommittee Chairman and was instrumental in many health care improvements — not only in Rutherford County but across Tennessee.  During the crafting of Governor Haslam’s Tennessee Together plan, Dr. Terry led efforts to address the opioid crisis while working to ensure that legitimate patients were protected from unintended physical and financial consequences of any legislation. 

“My goals with this important initiative were to not only help address the opioid problem plaguing Tennessee, but, also, to ensure patients were able to receive proper treatment, while also protecting their pocketbooks from burdensome expenses,” said Terry. “We know we accomplished a significant part of these goals, but we still have more work ahead, and we are already looking at new solutions to further address this critical issue.”

In addition to the opioid crisis, Terry has worked to decrease prescription costs and also improve patient access.  He was instrumental in removing the gag clause on pharmacists, which previously prevented them from discussing less expensive payment options for prescription drugs. Ultimately, President Trump followed Tennessee’s lead by signing a federal law to prevent these same gag clauses. 

Recently, the Trump Administration and CMS offered states access to State Relief and Empowerment Waivers. These waivers will allow Tennessee the opportunity to revamp the health insurance market by providing patients with greater choice and less expensive plans.

“We have been working to stabilize the health insurance market and help improve access and options for patients.  Unfortunately, restrictions and regulations surrounding the Affordable Care Act, as well as roadblocks put forth by the Obama Administration have hindered our efforts to help our citizens,” stated Terry.  “With the new guidance from the Trump Administration, Tennessee will have the opportunity to address several health care concerns including protecting those with pre-existing conditions while providing more patient centered options.” 

During his tenure, Representative Terry has been known as a proactive advocate for education.  He believes the combination of a new governor and the turnover among House Education Committee members will present some new challenges but, also, exciting new opportunities in order to further improve the system. “Though Tennessee has taken steps forward in education, there are still concerns that need to be addressed including testing.  I look forward to continuing to be an advocate on behalf of our community as we strive to make improvements for our students, parents, and teachers,” stated Terry.

With the 111th General Assembly quickly approaching, Rep. Terry explained that he has already been working on legislation and issues for the upcoming session. “We have made remarkable progress improving Tennessee, but creating new solutions to address vital issues that will impact the future outcomes of our state is an ongoing process. I appreciate the strong partnerships I have with our citizens, local leaders, and my legislative colleagues. All of these play an important role in bringing forth innovative ideas that will move Tennessee from good to great. I am thankful to District 48 for the faith they have placed in me to continue to work for the betterment of all.”

Representative Bryan Terry, MD can be contacted at 615-741-2180 or via email at rep.Bryan.Terry@capitol.tn.gov. 

From Good To Great: Protecting Our Shared Values In Tennessee

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Dr. Bryan Terry

MURFREESBORO– In recent years, Tennessee has undergone a remarkable transformation. Gone are the days of high taxes, even higher unemployment rates, dismal education rankings, threats to our security, and a stagnant economy. All of these were the result of failed Democratic leadership in Nashville prior to 2010. A new era was ushered into our Tennessee General Assembly when Republicans became the state’s majority party in 2011. Now, Tennessee is a national leader on several fronts, and conservative lawmakers who share your Tennessee values are critical to ensuring our future success.     

It has been a privilege serving as your voice for our SHARED VALUES in Nashville over the last four years. During this time, I have supported measures that have improved Safety, decreased Healthcare costs, fortified our Agriculture community, enhanced Recreation and tourism, boosted Tennessee’s Education system, addressed the Diverse needs of our community, given a Voice to our citizens, lowered taxes and made government more efficient to boost Affordability, protected the Liberties afforded to us by our Constitution, strengthened protections for our Unborn children, promoted a vibrant Economy, and reinforced our Security.     

Shared values are at the heart of every single aspect of my service to the citizens of our community and Tennessee. Our families and their children deserve to live in safe neighborhoods, and that’s why I have strongly advocated for additional resources that back our local law enforcement, first responders, and military personnel.

My conservative colleagues and I, also, agree we must improve access and the quality of healthcare available to our citizens while lowering costs. Obamacare mandates and regulations have already jeopardized patients by driving up costs and decreasing access to providers and facilities.  House Republicans want to create a consumer-driven system that puts patients and their doctors in control of their health decisions without interference from the government or insurance providers. This can be accomplished through patient-centered reforms and innovative policies, as well as increasing competition, which will ultimately lower costs and improve access and the quality of care patients receive.  With the new guidance from the Trump Administration in the form of “State Relief and Empowerment Waivers”, Tennessee will will have the opportunity to properly address a healthcare system broken by the Obama Administration.

I believe in creating jobs, not inciting mobs. We need to continue creating environments where industries like agriculture, recreation and tourism, and other important sectors thrive. Current statewide unemployment has remained near record-low levels for more than an entire year, and locally, we have the third lowest rate in the state — just 2.9 percent. The average Tennessee household income has, also, grown at the fastest rate in the southeast region.

Because of the strategic investments made by Republicans in education — including more than $200 million in new K-12 funding and $55 million in teacher pay raises just this year alone — our students are the fastest improving across math, reading, and science in the entire nation. These types of efforts help us better address the diverse needs of our citizens by preparing our current and future workers with the education and training needed to attract and fill the quality jobs in Tennessee.  After all, Republican leaders want our current and future employees, entrepreneurs, and business owners to control their own destinies and excel at all levels of their careers.

In the years ahead, I will continue to give a voice to our citizens so they remain actively involved and engaged as we work on new solutions to meet their needs. While we have cut almost $1 billion dollars in taxes in recent years, we must continue to keep taxes low and government efficient. I will always fight to protect your individual liberties granted to us by our Constitution, safeguard our unborn children, back initiatives and the allocation of resources that allow for our continued economic growth and prosperity, and better secure Tennessee’s borders to keep dangerous drugs and violent criminals off of our streets.

These are very exciting times in our community, our region, and our state. We are on the verge of greatness, and I know that together, Tennessee will do more than just scratch the surface of its endless potential. Your continued partnership and support of House Republicans at the polls will ensure that Tennessee remains a model for our entire nation to follow!     

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.

 

Rep. Bryan Terry To Host Town Hall On Sept. 4 From 6-8 PM

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Representative Bryan Terry, MD (R-Murfreesboro) will be kicking off the Tennessee general election season with a special “Tuesday with Dr. Terry Meet and Greet Town Hall”.  The event is schedule to be held on Tuesday, September 4th from 6-8 pm at the Rutherford County GOP headquarters at 111 E. Main Street in Murfreesboro.

Rep. Terry, known for his openness and willingness to discuss issues with constituents at local events, at their doors, or on social media, has hosted several community events during his time in office including an education round table, Providers and Politics, and his Empowering Women Event.  He has, also, held several “Tuesday with Dr. Terry” events where he listens to constituents and provides information on legislative issues in an informal setting. He states that this event, though, will provide for an informal meet and greet followed by a more structured town hall setting.

“As a self governance trained elected official, helping constituents understand the issues and have their voice heard at the Capitol is a responsibility that I take to heart,” stated Rep. Terry.  “Regardless of the capacity, it’s opportunities like these that help our community, families, and individuals interact interact and help shape our republic.”

Dr. Terry was recently called a “model public servant” by the Tennessee Legislative Report Card in which he receive a perfect score of 100.  In addition, he has received awards for being a Taxpayer Hero, a Constitution Protector, and he was recognized for his efforts in Faith, Family, Freedom, and Fiscal Responsibility by Latinos for Tennessee.  He has been endorsed by the National Federation of Independent Business, the Tennessee Professional Firefighters Association, and Tennessee Right to Life.

“Elections are about choices.  Whether at the federal, state, or local level, this year, we have a choice of continued economic growth, improvement in jobs and education, and protecting our rights and liberties or people can choose failed liberal policies and reckless ideologies like socialism,” explained Terry.  “I’m offering the first option and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to discuss our community’s shared values and how we, working together, can continue to keep making a positive difference.”

Rep. Bryan Terry is the Republican nominee for District 48 in Tennessee which is the eastern half of Rutherford County.  More information on him and his positions can be found at BryanTerry4TN.com or on Facebook at @Dr.BryanTerry.

Rep Bryan Terry: Updates On Cannabis, Opioids, Landfill, Guns

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Rep. Bryan Terry, MD (District 48)

MURFREESBORO, MARCH 5, 2018, Last Monday, I signed on to the Medical Cannabis Only Act.  And on Tuesday, it passed the first hurdle which was the Criminal Justice Subcommittee.  Every chemical in cannabis is already legal in Tennessee right now. All chemicals except THC are grown at MTSU, and THC is dispensed as Marinol at pharmacies throughout Rutherford County and the state.  So, the chemicals are in the state, but unfortunately, they aren’t necessarily able to be used in an effective medicinal form or be used together. The MCOA would allow the chemicals to be used together and is for OIL ONLY, and not flower or raw plant.  

Overwhelmingly, doctors, pharmacists, and other constituents that speak to me are supportive of having the option of cannabinoids, especially in oil based form.  Even most politicians who aren’t willing to go public or feel that they must vote “no” acknowledge that if they were in a position of need, they would want the option.  Unfortunately, the swamp is still strong with fear mongering, cronyism, or a general lack of knowledge of the issue.

This week, my bills HB 1549, 1550, and 2002 made it through the committee process and will be on the House floor Monday night.  

1549 helps decrease the burden on highly qualified teachers at they proceed from an initial 3 year license to their 6 year license.  It has overwhelming bipartisan support.

1550 will allow Rutherford County to develop it own forensic autopsy center.  As one of the fastest growing counties in the country, the center will help provide a valuable service to our county and surrounding counties.

2002 will clean up our code to allow a newly approved long acting medication to be used to treat opioid addiction.  It will increase compliance, decrease diversion, and decrease relapse rates.

One item that I should bring to everyone’s awareness is that the House passed HB 2370 and I am a co-prime sponsor.

Currently, business or property owners have two options when it comes to firearms.  They must either allow firearm carry permit holders to carry concealed or openly in their business or property, or they must post a sign that denies one to carry a firearm.

Some property owners would like a third option which is that a carry permit holder may carry, but the owners just want it concealed.  HB 2370 will allow that option to occur. The bill increases the liberty and freedoms of both carry permit holders and property owners.

As many folks know, Rutherford County is looking at selling the landfill to Republic.  Currently MiddlePoint has a life expectancy of 6-10 years. If Republic gets the adjoining Rutherford County Landfill and its base footprint, the lifespan of MiddlePoint landfill will most likely be extended an additional 15 years(21-25 years).

Here is an important point that everyone in the community needs to know.  Wet sludge(human waste) has live bacteria, produces gas, and is responsible for much of the odor around the landfill.  Currently, Murfreesboro and Smyrna send wet sludge to MiddlePoint. Based on the original contract, they are allowed to do so.  The landfill in Clarksville is the ONLY other landfill that accepts wet sludge and they were given an exemption due to the flood damage to their drying facility.  Clarksville has until the summer of 2019 to dry their sludge or they lose their permit.

Folks, that means that in 2019, Murfreesboro and Smyrna will be the only municipalities still delivering wet sludge and MiddlePoint will be the only landfill still accepting the wet sludge.  As a community, how is that acceptable?

Representative Bryan Terry represents District 48 which is the eastern half of Rutherford County and can be reached at 615-741-2180 or vie email at Rep.Bryan.Terry@Capitol.TN.Gov.

Follow Dr. Terry on Facebook and Twitter.

Rep. Bryan Terry Introduces Measures To Tackle TN Opioid Crisis

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Rep. Bryan Terry Hosts Speaker Beth Harwell For Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital Tour
Rep. Bryan Terry Hosts Speaker Beth Harwell For Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital Tour

NASHVILLE, January 22, 2018– Representative Bryan Terry, MD (R-Murfreesboro), chairman of the Tennessee House Health Subcommittee, has filed legislation and has other legislation ready to be filed to address the opioid crisis facing Tennessee.  With the issue being multifaceted in nature, Rep. Terry is looking to touch various aspects of the problem with his legislation, as well as advocate for other aspects not necessarily requiring legislation.

While many look at prescribing habits leading to excess opioids in circulation as a leading cause of the problem, Rep. Terry explained that the problem runs much deeper.  “There are various cogs in the wheel driving the opioid crisis.  Failure to properly address legal and illicit access to opioids, addiction, treatment, lack of education, and government meddling has created a perfect storm leading to this problem.  While looking to address each aspect of the problem, we must ensure that we protect legitimate patients and legitimate providers.”

The first bill filed by Rep. Terry aims to provide a deterrent to the illegal manufacturing, sales, and distribution of potent opioids like fentanyl and sufentanil which are used in chronic pain and the perioperative period, and carfentanil which was developed as a large animal tranquilizer.  These drugs are often cited as being 100 to 10,000 times as potent as morphine.  “Potency and route of administration increase the speed of addiction.  Some of this is coming in from China via Mexico and finding its way to our streets.  While we have had some arrests in Tennessee, New York and Florida have had some high profile cases involving up to 32 million lethal doses,” explained Terry.  The bill increase the penalty for possession, sales, distribution, or manufacturing of these drugs to an A or B Class felony depending on the amount of lethal doses involved in the arrest.

On the prevention side, Rep Terry explained that as with many issues, the root of the problem is often found on the supply and demand curve.  “While looking to cut down on the illicit supply, we must look to address various aspects of demand.  Proper education on the risks, as well as decreasing barriers to alternative health care modalities that treat pain without opioids are vital to decreasing this problem.”

“Neuropathic pain, chronic pain syndromes, and even perioperative pain can be treated with nerve blocks or pain injections.  Our current system, especially within TennCare, is set up to incentivize the use of opioids over other modalities.  Incentivizing the use of cheap opioids over viable alternatives increases the risk of addiction and demand.  I will be offering a bill to change that,” explained Rep. Terry.

Another possibility that could decrease the use of narcotics is the medicinal uses of cannabinoids which are in cannabis.  “Crohn’s Disease, spasticity involved in MS, and other painful conditions can see benefit from cannabinoids which can potentially cut down narcotic usage without the recreational high often produced by smoking or ingesting.  It’s hypocritical that the federal government makes all cannabinoids Schedule 1 drugs, yet Marinol, which is synthetic THC is legal in all states including Tennessee.  Ignorance and fear is no way to govern, and that form of governance is hurting patients.”  Rep. Terry says he is supportive of research and medicinal uses of cannabinoids under the care of medical providers.  

Diversion is the process of taking opioids from a legal prescription and diverting the drugs to be used recreationally.  “Overprescribing and doctor shopping are two aspects that increase the risk of diversion.  I have legislation that will attack that on two fronts.  Currently, one can hold on to an opioid prescription for up to six months before it is filed in the system and filled by a pharmacist.  My bill will require a prescription to be on file with a pharmacy within seven days and filled within 60 days.  Secondly, some individuals do not want the entire prescription at one time.  The bill will allow for partial filling of an opioid prescription to cut down on the amount someone may want at their home.”  Rep. Terry says that he is working with the Tennessee Medical Association and Tennessee Pharmacist Association on the legislation.

Rep. Terry is, also, set to propose legislation for an opioid hotline within the Tennessee Department of Health which will provide whistleblower protection for those who come forth with information in good faith about potential abuses in the medical system.  Recently, 60 Minutes aired an expose on abuses of oversupplies of opioids to pharmacies or medical facilities.  In addition, local pill mills, mail order pharmacy facilities, and unscrupulous providers have led to an excess of opioids in the public.  The legislation looks to curb those unethical practices.

While prevention of demand and reduction of supply are two of the main components in solving the opioid crisis, treatment for those caught in the crosshairs is an important aspect of tackling the problem.  Rep. Terry is carrying a bill that would allow long acting injectable Suboxone be available in Tennessee for opioid addiction treatment.  “Folks, often, only have thirty days of inpatient treatment covered by insurance.  Unless someone is treated for up to ninety days or longer, the relapse rates are greater than ninety percent.  Injectable Suboxone that lasts thirty days will help decrease the rates and costs of relapse, and it will decrease diversion of the current pill form.  I know that Governor Haslam is looking at increased funding for treatment, and I have spoken to his administration about this treatment option.”

Representative Bryan Terry represents District 48 which is the eastern half of Rutherford County and can be reached at 615-741-2180 or vie email at Rep.Bryan.Terry@Capitol.TN.Gov.

Follow Dr. Terry on Facebook and Twitter.

Rep. Bryan Terry 2018 Legislative Preview: MTSU, Medical Marijuana, Healthcare, Education

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Rep. Bryan Terry Hosts Speaker Beth Harwell For Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital Tour

MURFREESBORO, January 7, 2018– I have been busy getting ready for the upcoming session.  I hope you enjoy and become more informed with my updates.  As we begin the 2018 session on January 9, here is my pre-session update.

The opioid crisis will be the biggest issue coming to the Health Subcommittee which I chair.  I was able to have a couple of opioid related bills jacketed this past week and I have some others waiting to get jacketed depending on a few more discussions.  I look forward to hearing the discussions and taking the lead on several aspects of this issue.  I am expecting a multitude of opioid related bills to come through my committee and may organize a special meeting to listen to all the potential bills.

Aside from the opioid issue, last week, I was corresponding with legislators, an attorney, and physicians from other states to on how they are tackling a particular bipartisan medical issue.  This issue has been going on for some time, and I have been working on a solution for a while.  Of all things, on New Years Eve, I was speaking to a democrat physician legislator about how his state was addressing the issue.  I’m working on drafting legislation on this issue, but can’t give specifics as it is too early and I may not be the one to carry the bill.

I, will, also, be carrying a bill with Dr. Briggs that should streamline a medical service to help decrease the morbidity and mortality of patients……more details to come later when we file the bill.

I will, also, be carrying at least one, if not more, bills related to education.  When they get filed, I will be able to go into more detail, but there are at least three bills that I will either carry or be a prime co-sponsor.  These issues directly impact Rutherford and Murfreesboro City Schools, and at least two of the bills were spurred on by problems related to testing that occurred in our county.  These bills, also, help address some of the concerns brought forth by our school boards during the education round table that I hosted.

I have, also, agreed to carry a bill with Senator Ketron that will directly impact MTSU.  When we file it, we will provide more information and details.  It will bring some jobs and an educational opportunity to the area.

Over the last several months, college students across the state have been bringing awareness to an injustice on their campus.  Working with these students, we hope to change the code to correct this injustice.  Yesterday, I was able to sit down with the student leader on this issue and we have the rough draft of the legislation in hand. I will be meeting with legal services this week to have it drafted.  Students are the largest constituency in many districts.  Students across the state know that I stand up for them every chance I get, and I look forward to being the voice of students on this issue.

As most people are probably aware, medical marijuana or cannabis based treatments will be discussed this session.  Senator Dickerson and Representative Faison held a task force this fall to discuss the issue and draft possible legislation.  Most recently in the news, Attorney General Jeff Sessions revoked the Obama era Cole Memorandum which, essentially, instructed federal prosecutors to not prosecute individuals in states who legalize forms of cannabis.  Congress has some bills to decriminalize or reschedule cannabis, but it is uncertain if they will act.  So, the impact of the revocation of the Cole memo on possible medical cannabis treatment legislation is yet to be determined.

Of note, however, is a federal lawsuit by a 12 year old girl by the name of Alexis Bortell against AG Sessions that is pending.  The lawsuit would essentially either reschedule or de-schedule cannabis as her civil rights are being violated due to her medical treatment.

As chairman of the health subcommittee and to further educate myself and, hopefully, other legislators and the public, I was able to conduct an exclusive one hour interview and follow up questionnaire with Alexis and her father, Dean.  I am awaiting permission from her legal team to release the questionnaire and more details from the interview.  In addition, Mr. Bortell has offered to testify before our General Assembly depending on the timing and the lawsuit.

What I can impart is the history of Alexis and her treatment with her seizure disorder.  

She lived in Texas, and began having seizures at the age of 7.  By age 9, she had been on multiple anti-seizure medications and had suffered many side effects from those medications.  Yet, she still had intractable seizures.

Faced with a lifetime of major medication side effects, intractable seizures, and a limited quality of life,  her parents were given two potential medical options.  Alexis could have a craniotomy which would involve surgery on her brain.  The part of the brain that would have involved surgery would impact her personality, ability to think or reason, and her memory.  Her other option was to move to another state and try cannabis based treatments.  If cannabis based treatment failed, she could then have surgery, but if she tried surgery first and it failed, she would be forever changed.  The family chose to move to Colorado and seek treatment there.

Alexis has been under a physician’s care and has participated in research projects while in Colorado.  She is perhaps the most researched and tested patient in America.  Of note, she currently takes two medications.  One is an oil that contains a high CBD to THC ratio that is her maintenance medication which she takes twice a day.  This oil is called Haleigh’s Hope.  The other is a higher THC cannabis based oral spray called Cannatol RX to treat auras which signal an impending seizure.  These auras present themselves to Alexis as a tingling sensation on her scalp or visual spots in her field of view.  She self administers the THC when the symptoms present and has access to the THC spray on school grounds at her school in Colorado.  

Since becoming stable on her medication on Day 33 of her treatment, she has been seizure free for nearly three years.  She has had to use the oral THC spray less than 20 times to prevent seizures. She is growing like an otherwise healthy girl with minimal if any side effects.  Aside from the limitations placed on her due to cannabis laws, she is able to lead a normal life.  One that she would not be able to lead if she still lived in Texas or even Tennessee.

Of note, there are around 70,000 Tennesseans with a seizure disorder.  Roughly, 5000 are minors like Alexis.  That translates to over 700 patients and 50 children in each legislative district who could potentially see the same medical benefits as Alexis without the major side effects of anti-seizure medications.  

In addition, I have heard candidates for legislative and gubernatorial office opine that big Pharma already has drugs to treat seizures or that we already have “medical marijuana” in a drug called Marinol.  In the case of Alexis and countless others like her, those medications either don’t control the seizures or they have severe side effects.  Marinol, the synthetic THC that is legal in Tennessee and every state, takes 30-45 minutes to take effect which isn’t fast enough to treat an impending seizure; whereas, the nasal and oral THC sprays works almost instantly.  

Sativex and Epidiolex are potential cannabis based FDA approved medications coming down the pipeline, yet neither medication would provide the ratios of THC to CBD necessary to treat patients like Alexis.  And neither would provide the flexibility to treat these patients as their metabolism changes during puberty.  

Ultimately, the action that our Tennessee General Assembly takes may very well depend on the action taken at the federal level, the result of the lawsuit, or the kind of legislation put forth by Senator Dickerson and Representative Faison.  Regardless, after speaking with the Bortell’s, it is clear that the current system is failing many patients.  Telling Tennesseans who are in the same position as Alexis to just keep suffering from medication side effects, move to another state, or have a partial lobotomy isn’t the answer.  

As always, it is an honor and a privilege to serve District 48 as your state representative.  Please, follow my updates on BryanTerry4TN.com, on Facebook at Dr. Bryan Terry, or on Twitter at @BryanTerry4TN.

With Liberty,

Rep. Bryan Terry, MD

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Rep. Bryan Terry Hosting December TN-Ready Forum With DOE & School Boards

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MURFREESBORO, November 2, 2017– Representative Bryan Terry, MD (R-Murfreesboro) has announced he will be moderating an education round table to be held Monday, December 4 at 5:00 pm at the Rutherford County School Board.  Tennessee Department of Education(TDOE) Commissioner Candice McQueen will be addressing both the Rutherford County and Murfreesboro City School Boards.

With education issues involving incorrect scoring of TNReady tests, evaluations, delayed information, and funding, the community, including students, parents, teachers, administrators and board members, have expressed concerns about the current situation at the state level.  Rep. Terry discussed the various concerns with the TDOE who agreed that a round table would be mutually beneficial to exchange information between the state and local levels and allow interested parties to provide and obtain feedback.

“I can express the concerns of the district, but I think it is a great opportunity for Commissioner McQueen to hear personally from our community and school boards.  Conversely, it is my hope that the Commissioner can provide a historical context while presenting the department’s vision and rationale of the current state of education followed by some explanations of what has transpired,” stated Terry.  “I am looking forward to open dialogue, feedback, and answers to questions from our boards and community.”

Although the event is a round table discussion between the school boards and the Department of Education, the event is open to the public. Rep. Terry said the event is an opportunity for the community to hear from both the state and local officials, as well as submit questions.  “Because of the limited time, the Department of Education likely won’t be able to answer or get answers to every question at the round table.  To ensure as many concerns as possible get addressed, we are asking anyone in the county to, please, submit questions or concerns to either Rutherford County School Board member Lisa Moore, Murfreesboro City School Board member Jared Barrett, or to my office to ensure someone someone addresses those concerns directly.”  

Questions or concerns can be submitted to rep.Bryan.Terry@Capitol.tn.gov, jared.barrett@cityschools.net or MooreL@rcschools.net.  The Rutherford County School Board is located at 2240 Southpark Drive, Murfreesboro TN 37128.

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