Republican

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

November 16, 2018 By Admin

(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.

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

August 30, 2018 By Admin

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

March 6, 2018 By Admin

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: Why I Support The Medical Cannabis Only Act

February 27, 2018 By Admin

MURFREESBORO- Perhaps the most controversial bill this session is the Medical Cannabis Only Act(MCOA). For many, it is controversial because of fear, or of ignorance, or of the unknown. For others, it is controversial because of what is known about cannabis and many of those facts become conflated when one focuses solely on the medical aspect. Regardless, when I first ran for office beginning in 2013, I developed and campaigned on the three pillars of my platform: Principles, Process, and Passion. I wanted to take a moment to explain my platform as it relates to the MCOA and explain how and why I support and signed on to the bill.

Principles:

There are three principles in my platform, and it is my goal to strike a perfect balance. I refer to them as the three rights.

The first right is “What is our right?” In other words, what is legal or what is Constitutional. Just because something is legal or even constitutional doesn’t necessarily mean it is the right thing to do. At one point, slavery was considered legal and constitutional. Strict authoritarian thought often leads one to enforce or even follow immoral laws. In addition, strict libertarian thought often leads one to focus strictly on their right, as opposed to, also, protecting the rights of others.

The second right is “What is right for the district(or state or country)?” What benefits the majority of the constituency or what does the majority of the constituency want. One would refer to this as populism or populist thought. One must realize, though, that just because the majority wants something, it does not mean that it is constitutional or even the right thing to do. We do not operate as a true democracy where there can be a tyranny of the masses, but we must protect individual liberty.

Last, but not least is “What is right?” In other words, what is the right course of action in my world view based on my background, my family, my faith, and my world view. Folks that only focus on this right would often be referred to as a theocrat or an ideologue. Obviously, I am neither.

Process:

When looking at issues, I try to put them through a four step process that with the end decision ultimately lining up with the three rights. Those steps are, premise, goals, options, and feasibility of those options.

One must first determine if the premise is true and if there is truly a problem that we are looking to address. Secondly, what are your goals of any legislation? Do you wish to completely fix the issue or only address part of the problem. Do you plan to only bring awareness?

The third step is to determine the possible options and the consequences of those options. Doing nothing is always an option. Lastly, what is the feasibility of those options? In other words, are there votes for that option? What is the fiscal impact of that option? Is the option a workable solution and able to be implemented?

Passion:

If one is able to take an issue through a process and have it line up with their principles, then they should be able to defend their position with a passion. I have taken the issue of medical use of cannabis or cannabis extracts through this process; hence, I am able to discuss the issue with a passion and have decided to support the Medical Cannabis Only Act.

The first option we always have is to do nothing. Obviously, of all options, this is the most feasible. However, this option, in my opinion, violates each of the three rights. When asked either with my survey, other surveys, or with individual conversations, a vast majority of the district supports the use of cannabis extracts for medical or research purposes, though not for recreational nor pseudo-medicinal purposes. MTSU grows and does research on all of the cannabis chemicals except THC. MTSU could be a state or even world leader in pharmaceutical or nutraceutical uses of cannabis extracts. Doing nothing goes against what is right for the district and retards progress for patients.

In addition, the Federal Government holds a hypocritical stance on cannabis that violates the 10th Amendment, the Commerce Clause, and the Due Process Clause of the Constitution. Doing nothing is consent to allowing these violations of our rights; thus violating the second right in my principles.

Lastly, doing nothing will continue to suppress much needed research, as well as place undue burdens on Tennesseans with medical conditions that have been shown to benefit from medicinal uses of cannabis extracts. Neuropathic pain, Crohn’s Disease, spasticity, and seizure’s are but a few conditions that have shown to benefit from cannabis extracts. While cannabis extracts are not a panacea, they can benefit some patients. Not acting on cannabis extracts violates my third principle of “what is right” as, in my opinion, providing options to patients and expanding research is the right thing to do.

The second and third options, respectively, are to either legalize the whole plant or have an expansive medical marijuana program like Colorado or other states. Without going into specifics, these options don’t line up with the three rights to bring them into balance, and neither option has the votes to gain any momentum in the General Assembly. While many folks may ruminate over these two options as a viable options to the Medical Cannabis Only Act, the bottom line is that neither option is one that is going to go very far in any committee.

The final option is to have a program like the Medical Cannabis Only Act. The act would allow cannabis extracts to be used in an oil based form for strictly defined medical purposes. Raw plant and flower use would still be illegal. The process for the patient would require receiving a specific diagnosis from a physician, a consultation with a pharmacist for medicine therapy management, and a card with dosing limits set by a commission. One could obtain the medicine from a dispensary, but only in communities that would allow dispensaries. The bill is permissive which means that counties would need to pass a referendum to allow and regulate participation in their communities.

Obviously, the steps to possible treatment is a bit more onerous than receiving and filling a prescription, but with the draconian and hypocritical stances from the Federal Government, the method is probably the most feasible method that can pass and be implemented.

Understanding that this option is feasible which satisfies part of my process, one must understand how it, also, satisfies the three rights. First, as previously pointed out, it is “right for the district”. The majority support the use of cannabis extracts for medicinal or research purposes. MTSU is currently doing research on cannabis as hemp with promising results. Most recently, I saw polls from a cross section of Senate districts that confirmed that Tennessee favored the use of cannabis extracts by a wide margin.

Secondly, the current posture of the Federal Government is that cannabis and all its chemicals are Schedule 1 drugs. Yet, every chemical is legal in Tennessee, as long as it isn’t grown from marijuana. Marijuana and hemp are the same plant except marijuana has greater than 0.3% THC. Synthetic THC is legal as a prescribed medication called Marinol.

In 1974, the Nixon Administration, with the Controlled Substance Act, placed cannabis into the Schedule 1 category which basically means that they believed it had no medical benefit and that it was too dangerous to study. Yet, the federal government has its own strain of cannabis that they market overseas and they allow research at Ole Miss. In addition, there are a multitude of patients that have had improved symptoms with cannabis based treatments. The Federal Government stance is hypocritical at best and unconstitutional at worst. We, as a state, can and should exert our 10th Amendment rights for patients in Tennessee. It is our right to do so and satisfies the second right.

Lastly, it is the right thing to do. Patients with cancer, Crohn’s Disease, neuropathic pain, seizures, and other disorders can benefit from cannabis extracts. I can give various examples of patients and constituents that I know that have their own personal stories. Some continue to suffer without our help. Some live in the shadows addressing their symptoms and play Russian Roulette with cannabis not knowing if they would get arrested or obtain some spiked with fentanyl.

One such patient whose life changed with cannabis based treatment is Alexis Bortell, the twelve year old from Texas who is suing the Federal government so that she can continue treating with her medications. She developed intractable epilepsy at the age of seven and, by age nine, had tried over 30 medical regimens. None worked. And she was suffering life-threatening seizures every day – often multiple times per day. Faced with a high-risk medication or experimental brain surgery, her family, with the guidance of physicians, opted to move to Colorado and try cannabis based therapy. By day 33, after she started a new regimen of cannabis with THC, Alexis’s seizures stopped completely, and she has been seizure free for nearly three years. Alexis went from suffering through multiple seizures a day to never having any seizures at all – and all after she started treating with cannabis. Though willing, due to Federal and Tennessee laws, she is unable to testify on behalf of the Medical Cannabis Only Act this week unless subpoenaed by Tennessee.

“My Dad and I spoke with Dr. Terry about my situation. I am living proof that treating with medical cannabis can change and save peoples’ lives. Except for the risks of not having my medicine and the federal and state restrictions, I live a normal and productive life. No more seizures. No more hospital visits. No more talk of experimental brain surgery. I’ve been told that there are around 70,000 Tennesseans with seizure disorders and about 5,000 of those are kids like me,” stated Alexis. “It takes courageous leaders like those supporting the Medical Cannabis Only Act to speak out on medical cannabis. I’m hoping that the other legislators have the courage to join them so I can come to Tennessee. I hear it is a beautiful state.”

Our daughter is nine, the same age as Alexis when the Bortell’s were faced with a difficult medical situation. I don’t know how anyone could look at their child and tell them that they either had to take a high risk medication that could kill them or have brain surgery knowing that there is potentially another option. The Bortell’s made the right decision. Tennesseans shouldn’t have to make that choice.

Folks, it’s the right thing to do to pass the Medical Cannabis Only Act. It’s the right time to do it, and the right bill to move forward.

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

January 22, 2018 By Admin

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 Hosts Speaker Beth Harwell For Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital Tour

November 16, 2017 By Admin

(MURFREESBORO), November 9, 2017 — State Representative Bryan Terry, MD (R-Murfreesboro) and administrative and operating room leaders from Ascension Health System hosted Tennessee House Speaker Beth Harwell (R-Nashville) for a tour of Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital yesterday.

The tour coincided with an announcement made by the Tennessee Health Services and Development Agency which paves the way for a $47 million investment related to expansion of the facility, as well as construction of a new surgical treatment center to be located on New Salem Highway.

As part of the project, St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital will add 72 new hospital beds — bringing its total to 385. Additionally, a new Clinical Decision Unit is planned near the current emergency room. When completed, it will provide an additional 25 beds for patients who require hospital stays of less than 24 hours. Construction has already begun and is expected to be completed by the summer of 2018.

“With the continued growth we are experiencing in Rutherford County and the increase in services provided by the hospital, I am pleased to see these critical upgrades made to our current health system,” said Representative Terry. “Additionally, I am grateful to Speaker Harwell for visiting with us and listening to the concerns and experiences of our physicians, nurses, and staff.”

The tour began with a visit to the perioperative area which includes a holding area, recovery room, as well as the main operating suite which houses 12 operating rooms. It included a stop in the emergency department, as well as the neonatal intensive care unit where Speaker Harwell listened intently to physicians and others about their experiences. Representative Terry — an anesthesiologist at the hospital and the Chairman of the House Health Subcommittee — believes the timing of the tour was excellent.

“Together, Speaker Harwell and I were able to better understand some of the challenges facing our thriving community which will enable us to potentially create new solutions to address some of these issues during the upcoming legislative session,” stated Terry.

“I would like to thank Representative Terry and the staff at Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital for providing an opportunity for me to see some of the remarkable progress this facility has made to accommodate the community’s astounding growth,” said Speaker Harwell. “It was also very powerful to hear firsthand experience from physicians, nurses, and staff related to the treatment of patients in acute or perioperative pain, as well as those facing opioid addiction.”

In recent years, Tennessee has experienced a startling increase in instances of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) related to the state’s continuing opioid crisis. NAS occurs when a baby is exposed to drugs in the womb before birth and can cause serious health issues. Approximately 90 percent of NAS pregnancies tend to be unplanned, and babies who are born with NAS usually require longer hospital stays at a cost of almost $48,000 in TennCare expenses in the first year of life.

“Since Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome is a major concern across our state, I appreciate the doctors, nurses, and staff who shared their valuable insight and experiences with me related to this troubling issue affecting some of our youngest citizens,” said Speaker Harwell. “Their powerful words and testimony will help all of us work to address a critical aspect of Tennessee’s opioid crisis.”

“The opioid issue is a concern in the medical community and at the Capitol. Being an anesthesiologist and a legislator, I am seeing its impact in both areas; finding solutions that protect legitimate patients while preventing the harm caused by abuses will require us to examine all options and work together as a legislative body in 2018 and in future years,” concluded Terry.

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.

Follow Dr. Terry on Facebook and Twitter.

Rep. Bryan Terry, MD To Serve On New Wellness Caucus

November 16, 2017 By Admin

(NASHVILLE) November 16, 2017 — State Representative Bryan Terry (R-Murfreesboro) today announced that he will serve on a new Wellness Caucus created by members of the Tennessee General Assembly and in collaboration with the Governor’s Foundation for Health and Wellness.

The caucus is chaired by State Representative Ryan Williams (R-Cookeville) and Senator Bo Watson (R-Hixson). It consists of 37 members — including 28 Republicans — from both the House and Senate who will study and propose new solutions to important health and wellness issues in communities across the state.

While Nashville is considered a health care hub for our entire nation, Tennessee still remains one of the least healthy states in the country. Approximately one in four adults smokes, and one in five high school students uses tobacco. Additionally, 33 percent of the state’s population is classified as obese, and type-2 diabetes and high blood pressure are at near-epidemic levels in all regions of the state.

Caucus members will help shape future public policy so that Tennesseans impacted by some of these adverse health conditions are able to make lifestyle changes that will improve their health and overall quality of life.

“I am honored to be asked to serve on this new Wellness Caucus,” stated Representative Terry, who is also Chairman of the House Health Subcommittee. “Many of the health problems we face in our district including the opioid epidemic, diabetes, and hypertension impact all regions of Tennessee. This caucus provides an opportunity for all members of the General Assembly — including those who do not currently serve on our health committees — to establish goals and shape the future landscape of health and well-being in our state.”

For more information about the Governor’s Foundation for Health & Wellness, please visit: http://healthierTN.com.

Follow Dr. Terry on Facebook and Twitter.

Rep. Bryan Terry Named “Champion of Prosperity”

November 6, 2017 By Admin

MURFREESBORO, Nov. 6, 2017– Representative Bryan Terry, MD (R-Murfreesboro) was presented with the Champion of Prosperity award from Americans for Prosperity-Tennessee recently at the GOP headquarters in downtown Murfreesboro. The award was earned by Rep. Terry and other Tennessee legislators who displayed a track record of defending taxpayers while promoting individual and business prosperity during the 2017 session.

“Americans for Prosperity-Tennessee is recognizing legislators across the state who stood up for Tennessee taxpayers in 2017,” stated James Amundsen, Deputy State Director Of AFP-TN. “Representative Terry has a long track record of being the taxpayer’s friend while advocating for income mobility, jobs, and less government. We are honored to present him with a ‘Champion of Prosperity’ award for 2017.”

During his tenure as state representative for District 48, has earned the reputation as a leader for hard working individuals, families and small businesses. During the 2017 session, he was the only legislator to appear on the 99.7 WTN gas tax town hall to argue against the tax hike and vote against the measure. In addition, in proving that he is willing to work for taxpayers, he offered three different amendments to the gas tax hike that would have saved taxpayers money or not cost taxpayers a dime while stabilizing transportation funding.

“Most people may not be aware, but the IMPROVE Act wasn’t just a gas tax hike. It had fourteen new or increased fees, four increased taxes on fuel, and six local tax increase options. While it offered some tax decreases that were positive, it certainly wasn’t pocketbook neutral to Tennessee families,” stated Rep. Terry. “Inflation has risen above expected rates due to the hurricane’s impact on gas prices, and the gas tax didn’t help. Tennessee is fortunate that consumer confidence is rising under President Trump and Tennessee is positioned well economically; thus, mitigating some of the negative effects of the tax hike.”

Rep. Terry says that working in small business and as an anesthesiologist, he has had experience with both lives and livelihoods in his hands. “Growing up and working in a third generation auto salvage family and now being a partner in a medical practice, I certainly know and understand the struggles of small businesses and employees. Whether dealing with the business side personally or listening to constituent concerns, my background in both the blue collar and white collar worlds helps me to be a better advocate for the district.”

Tennessee is ranked number one in small business growth, has the least debt per capita, and has the lowest state taxes. In addition, Tennessee’s unemployment rate is the lowest in recorded history while the average small business wages are $22.84 per hour which is well above the $15 per hour argued for by liberals and socialists.

“It’s truly an honor to receive this award. I’m proud to stand with the people of Tennessee and our business community to ensure we have prosperity for our individuals and hard working families,” said Rep. Terry.

Representative Bryan Terry, MD is the Chairman of the Tennessee House Health Subcommittee and serves on the full House Health and Civil Justice Committees. His office can be reached at 615-741-2180 or rep.Bryan.Terry@capitol.tn.gov.

Follow Dr. Terry on Facebook and Twitter.

Rep. Terry: Latest Updates on Gas Tax, Education, Healthcare & More

March 19, 2017 By Admin

NASHVILLE, March 17, 2017– The week of March 13th through 17 was a busy week as many exciting things occurred on and around the Hill. Unfortunately, I was unable to shoot a video update this week, but I’ve got some info on the week’s events. I plan to write up a separate update on President Trump’s visit.

On Monday, HB 960, the Reliable Care Act, was heard in Pensions and Insurance which is a joint House and Senate committee that hears bills that may have an impact on state employee pensions or insurance. It is my belief that the bill would have a positive impact, as employees on our state insurance would have reliable prescription coverage if HB 960 passes. The committee did not take any action on the bill, as we are still looking at potential amendments and my meeting with Insurance Commissioner McPeak had to be rescheduled until after the committee met. The Tennessee insurance commission is deferred on my bill which means they are neutral.

Additionally, on Monday, I worked with the Tennessee Education Association and the Department of Education to broker a deal on my teacher evaluation validity bill, HB 795. Last year, both agreed to work with me on the issue, but had yet been able to do so. This year, we are putting the plan to action. The Tennessee Code has a process in place for evaluation of teachers, but the manner, in my opinion, in which the evaluation process, rationale of action, and feedback from teachers is executed is incomplete which negatively effects the validity of the evaluations and the morale of teachers.

Currently, based on feedback from educators, there is a lot of miscommunication or poor communication from the Dept. of Education to our teachers and LEAs as it relates to evaluations. The TDOE does provide a very technical guide and report in a yearly basis, but the report just isn’t practical to any LEA, teacher, legislator, parent or student. Jointly, with the TDOE and the TEA, we are getting together a task force that will put together an executive summary on validity that will be more useful to teachers and LEAs than the current technical information the department puts out. We want the TDOE to present an easy to follow report on the evaluations that describes the past problems, current goals, and plans to improve the evaluations and testing. They will put this report together each year for LEAs, teachers, and legislators. Hopefully, teachers will find the report informative and be able to provide feedback to us and the department for future years. My teachers, parents and students know that I am dedicated to standing up for them on the testing and evaluation issue.

On Tuesday, HB 405 which allows health insurance credentialing of pharmacists, passed in the Insurance and Banking full committee. It, then passed through calendar and rules on Thursday and will be on the house floor next week. This bill does not expand the scope of practice for pharmacists, but will, finally, allow them to be credentialed with insurers in order to receive payment for some of the patient services they provide.

Perhaps the most action packed day was Wednesday March 15; otherwise known as the Ides of March. I had four bills in different committees that day. Three of the bills went through our Government Operations committee. HB 121, which allows administration of emergency medications for adrenal insufficiency in schools, passed Gov Ops on Wednesday and passed Calendar and Rules on Thursday. It will be heard on the House floor Monday of next week. HB 315, which I am carrying for the administration, also, passed Gov Ops and will go to Finance Ways and means.

A new bill that I am carrying is HB 815 which authorizes a bipartisan task force on government spending and accountability. The task force will be an independent, third party entity of Tennesseans that will look at investments, efficiency, and cost cutting measures for Tennessee. Our comptroller, Justin P Wilson, is very excited about the bill, as this task force has the potential to save our state millions. We are accountable to the people, and this is a perfect way to help our citizens have a voice. State Senator Steve Dickerson is the senate sponsor.

On Thursday, a simple, yet apparently contentious bill, HB 1111 by Chairman Farmer, was presented and passed on the House floor. In a nutshell, the bill basically says that unless a word is defined in our Tennessee code, the word is to have it’s natural meaning. I have referred to it as the “Is what is is bill” after former President Bill Clinton. We have a separation of powers. The legislative branch writes the law, and we either clearly define certain words or the words should have their natural meaning. The executive branch enforces the laws. The judicial branch interprets and applies the laws. Neither the judicial nor the executive branch have the authority to rewrite the laws nor change a law. The bill simply codifies existing state and federal case law.

I received several emails from both extremes on the bill, especially as the bill may impact various portions of our code. The correct course of action, if there is a particular section of the code that is in question, is that the judicial branch may strike down that section as unconstitutional or the legislative branch may either amend or rewrite that section of the code if that section of code becomes obsolete or incomplete. Circumventing the separation of powers is not the correct course of action, and that is what many extremists would like to do. I voted in the affirmative for no other reason than to enhance the separation of powers that has been upheld by existing case law.

On the gas tax front, the Senate amended the IMPROVE Act to decrease the gas and diesel taxes, phase them in, eliminate indexing, and increase the potential grocery tax cut. While those steps are improvements in the IMPROVE Act, the Senate proposal still isn’t pocketbook neutral to the average Tennessean and they have attempted to politicize the issue with target tax breaks.

In the House, the IMPROVE Act was rolled in committee due to the death of the father of Chairman Doss who is carrying the bill. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Chairman Doss during these tough times for his family.

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

With liberty,
Dr. Bryan Terry

Follow Dr. Terry on Facebook and Twitter.

Rep. Bryan Terry Introduces Reliable Coverage Act

February 10, 2017 By Admin

TN Patient & Provider Groups Applaud Legislation to Protect Against Unfair & Unsafe Prescription Coverage Reductions

The Reliable Coverage Act Helps Ensure Tennesseans Receive the Pharmacy Benefits They Are Sold During Open Enrollment

NASHVILLE – February 9, 2017 – An unexpected denial letter in the mail, a surprise bill at the pharmacy counter: many Tennessee consumers are discovering the prescription coverage benefits they signed up for are not the benefits they actually receive. It’s a problem new legislation aims to fix, according to the Tennessee Patient Stability Coalition, a coalition of 17 leading patient and provider groups. The coalition today applauded a bill that would require commercial health plans honor the terms of their prescription coverage plans for the duration of the contract year. The legislation, known as the “Reliable Coverage Act” (SB 991/HB 960), would protect consumers by preventing prescription coverage reductions outside of the open enrollment period.

“As both a physician and a consumer, I am proud to stand behind a common-sense bill that asks insurers to follow through on the benefits they offer during open enrollment,” said Sen. Mark Green (R-Clarksville), who, along with Rep. Bryan Terry (R-Murfreesboro), is sponsoring the legislation. “If insurers advertise and sell a certain level of prescription coverage, Tennesseans should be able to rely on that coverage for the remainder of the contract year.”

“Aside from consumer protection and fairness, the other big issue is that these plan changes can be unsafe,” said Terry, who is also a physician. “If you’re living with a serious health condition and your insurer changes your prescription benefits, then you can be switched to an entirely different drug with different side effects and degrees of effectiveness. This has a real-life impact on patients which can lead to exacerbating one’s condition or even hospitalization.”

Insurers may reduce prescription coverage after open enrollment in a variety of ways, including removing a medication from coverage altogether, increasing out-of-pocket costs for a medication or placing additional restrictions around access (such as requiring prior authorization). The practice of reducing drug coverage midyear has become known as “non-medical switching,” because it often forces patients to switch to an insurer-preferred medication, regardless of the potentially negative impact on their health.

“Arbitrarily forcing patients off a medication with no advanced warning and for no medical reason is both unfair and dangerous,” said Katherine Moffat, executive director of the Tennessee Academy of Physician Assistants, which is a member of the Tennessee Patient Stability Coalition. “Patients and their clinicians may work together for years, trying multiple medications, before they find one that works. These midyear coverage reductions can upend a patient’s hard-won stability, resulting in otherwise-avoidable symptoms, side effects and even relapse. Insurers should not be able to interfere with treatment in such a significant, potentially harmful way.”

Proponents of the bill point to studies that show non-medical switching may result in poorer health outcomes and, as a result, may actually increase overall health care costs. For example, one study found that patients with epilepsy who were switched off their original medication experienced more breakthrough seizures and sought more inpatient and emergency care than those were not switched. An analysis of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s, psoriasis and other autoimmune conditions who were switched found they incurred 37 percent higher medical costs than normal.

“We are hearing stories from consumers across Tennessee who are stable on a medication for years and then are suddenly forced off,” said Jeff Fladen, executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illnesss-Tennessee, also a coalition member. “With mental illness, treatment often looks more like an art than a science as the treatment provider tries various medications. It can take years to find the correct medications that enable an individual to keep symptoms at bay. People with mental illness may have to miss work as they struggle to find a new medication that works, which means lost productivity or even lost jobs and economic self-sufficiency. Then there’s the emotional impact of unexpectedly losing access to the drug you relied on. Simply put, it’s wrong.”

While the bill would prohibit insurers from reducing prescription coverage during the plan year, it would not impede insurers from adding medications to their formularies, including new generic products, or making changes necessary for safety reasons that are outlined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It also would not affect or prohibit generic substitution.

“The Reliable Coverage Act is a straightforward piece of legislation that will protect consumers from unnecessary, unfair reductions to their health plans,” said Shaina Smith, director of State Advocacy & Alliance Development for the U.S. Pain Foundation, which leads the Tennessee Patient Stability Coalition. “We thank Representative Bryan Terry and Senator Mark Green for realizing the lack of consumer protections in the state of Tennessee and putting together a thoughtful, bipartisan solution.”

A survey conducted by the coalition shows that unforeseen insurance coverage changes are a major problem in Tennessee. According to the survey, 58 percent of Tennesseans living with chronic illness said their insurance company made coverage changes during the plan year that reduced coverage of their prescription medication, and 67 percent of these were forced to switch treatments as a result. Of these:

66 percent reported that, after switching, their medication was less effective;
89 percent reported that the side effects were worse on the insurer-preferred drug;
44 percent said they never received any notice from their insurer detailing their plan’s formulary of the changes being made to it;
99 percent support legislation that would prohibit insurance companies from financially pressuring patients to switch their prescribed medication for non-medical reasons.

About the Tennessee Patient Stability Coalition

The Tennessee Patient Stability Coalition, made up of 17 patient and clinician groups, is dedicated to protecting consumers from the unfair insurance practice known as “non-medical switching,” which occurs when insurers reduce coverage of medications after the consumer has already signed on to the original plan terms. Coalition members include: AIMED Alliance, Alliance for Patient Access, Arthritis Foundation, Coalition of State Rheumatology Organizations, Global Healthy Living Foundation, Lupus and Allied Diseases Association, National Alliance on Mental Illness-Davidson County, National Alliance on Mental Illness-Tennessee, Patients Rising, The Arc of Tennessee, TN AIDs Action Network, TN Dermatology Society, TN Disability Coalition, TN Nurses Association, TN Physician Assistants, TN Rheumatology Society and the U.S. Pain Foundation, which leads the coalition. For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/pg/TNPatientStabilityCoalition/.

Follow Dr. Terry on Facebook and Twitter.