State Representative

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.

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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.

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Rep. Bryan Terry: Final Tennessee Education Update of 2016

December 30, 2016 By Admin

*Rep. Bryan Terry Addresses Tennessee High School Students*

Murfreesboro, December 29, 2016– I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and have plans for a Happy New Year. Over the past month or so, a lot has gone on as I’ve prepared for the 110th General Assembly. Between meetings, research, bill preparation, and outreach initiatives, there has been a plethora of information gathered. Prior to session, I hope to address other topics in the coming weeks, but as I have been in several meetings surrounding education, I’d like to start there for a “District Debriefing”.

Not long after the election, I was offered the opportunity to job shadow a teacher at Cason Lane Academy. During the experience, I was able to observe the teachers interact with their students, participate in a Q&A with the students, and listen to teachers and their concerns. The teachers echoed the same sentiments that I have heard throughout the district as I spoke with my constituents. They understand the need for evaluations, but want the process to be fair, consistent, and valid. They are frustrated with constant testing which takes time away from teaching. Frequent changes in standards and curriculum impacts their planning and methods. And perhaps most concerning, many believe that the system is pushing students and teachers to become a statistic, as opposed to fostering individuality with freedom to make a difference. Our teachers love their profession, but, as I have seen in the medical profession, too much of the top down approach has impacted their morale.

Concerning K-12 education funding, I’ve had several meetings addressing budgetary items specifically related to education funding. A frequent topic of discussion amongst school boards and administrators is the Basic Education Program(BEP) formula and funding with complaints of underfunding, unfunded mandates, and unfairness of the system. Suffice it to say that the formula is fairly complex. The bottom line is that the state expects certain levels of quality, but essentially, for budgetary purposes, views each school district as one giant school. However, each school district has multiple schools and their own standards which complicates the funding issue.

As an example, suppose Black Fox has 25 students in 1st grade, and Northfield has 15. For quality, the state requires a 20:1 maximum ratio of students to teachers up to 3rd grade. Therefore, in this example, Northfield would need one teacher and Black Fox would need two. However, the state saw the Murfreesboro City School District as having 40 students, and would only provides BEP funding for two teachers. Whereas, the city, due to local zoning, must have three teachers in this scenario.

Last year, the General Assembly passed the BEP Enhancement Act, which improved funding and the formula. In the above example, it is my understanding that the state would now help fund a greater percentage towards three teachers instead of just funding for two. In my discussions around the Capitol, I believe that there will be improved funding this year in this year’s budget. However, as long as the state and school districts operate under different philosophies, there will be perceived and real disparities with funding.

With the election of Donald Trump and his subsequent appointment of Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education, I do expect some changes in both philosophy and policy from the federal level. What that will look like and how it impacts our state remains to be seen, but many are speculating about a push for an increase in school choice. Last year, Rep. Dunn brought forth legislation that would have offered opportunity scholarships(otherwise known as vouchers)to certain children in failing school districts. While the bill made it to the House floor, he withdrew the bill due to uncertainty of the vote. Many expect a similar bill to be filed again this year and unless there are major changes, it wouldn’t directly impact Rutherford County.

The school choice issue is a very contentious issue, and I witnessed that firsthand last session. I was very disappointed in the actions of many of those who were partisan ideologues on both sides of the issue as the bill moved forward last session. Those of us that value both liberty for students and parents, respect for our teachers, and understand the constitutional system of free public schools often found the rhetoric and hyperbole an impediment to a rational search for information and sound public policy. Since the election, I have already witnessed some disconcerting behavior from citizens, former candidates, and others related to this issue. As I did last session, I’ve adopted a wait and see attitude, and I will vet any proposed bill while filtering out the rhetoric and partisan nonsense when the time comes.

On the higher education front, earlier this month, I had the opportunity to meet the nominees for MTSU’s new education board that was set forth from the provisions of the Focus Act. The board will allow MTSU, and five other Tennessee universities to have more local control and autonomy. These nominees will need to be confirmed by the General Assembly. Here is a link to the nominees. http://www.mtsunews.com/haslam-local-governing-board/ If you have any issues or concerns, please, let me know prior to confirmation.

As K-12 funding is always an issue, so is funding for higher education. With respect to MTSU, I have met with Governor Haslam’s staff on this issue. How funding will be reflected in the new budget remains to be seen.

As always, it’s and honor and a privilege to serve as your representative, and I am humbled by your support. The best way to contact me is usually via email and I can be contacted at the Capitol at rep.Bryan.Terry@Capitol.TN.Gov or locally at BryanTerry4TN@gmail.com.

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Update From Dr. Bryan Terry April 4-8, 2016

April 11, 2016 By Admin

NASHVILLE, April 11, 2016– Unfortunately, this past week will not have a video update. As some of you may know, I was hospitalized around 5 AM Thursday morning and I usually shoot the videos on Thursday after Session. I have been discharged from the hospital and am recovering at home. Thanks to all those at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital for their care, and a special thanks to all the thoughts and prayers that have been extended to me and my family.

Here’s an update on what happened last week at the Capitol. My bills HB 1856 and 2125 passed on last Monday evening.

HB 1856 clarifies that Lisdexamphetamine can be used for its FDA approved use as a treatment for Binge Eating Disorder. BED is the most common eating disorder and this treatment will help physicians take care of patients with this disorder. The bill was supported by the Tennessee Psychiatric Association, Tennessee Medical Association, the Tennessee Chapter of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), and the Alliance for Patient Access.

HB 2125 will allow Rutherford County to participate in a Convenience Voting Center pilot program. The goal is to improve access to voting throughout our county, and decrease the cost for the county. It is estimated that this bill could save Rutherford County over $25,000 per election. The pilot program would start in 2018.

On Tuesday, I argued for my three budget amendments in the Finance, Ways, and Means Committee.

Amendment 113 would call for the funding of 2 full time positions for the Office of Open Records Counsel. This office is through the Comptroller’s office. Prior to going in to session, I worked with the Open Records office and Comptroller’s office on possible legislation. We discovered some significant room for improvement in transparency and responsiveness in government when dealing with these issues. The Comptroller’s office agreed with this need, and are supportive of the budget amendment. Of special note, after I filed the amendment, the Governor’s budget amendment recommends to fund at least one of the positions. We are hopeful that the other position will be approved to help with government transparency and accountability.

Amendment 147 calls for the Dept. Of Health to establish a statewide pilot program for mobile pregnancy ultrasound services across the three grand divisions. Currently, there are three pregnancy centers across the state offering free mobile pregnancy ultrasound services. The amendment would help fund that effort while giving reports back to the state on the number of future Tennesseans lives that have been saved.

Amendment 148 is, perhaps, the largest budget amendment offered by any representative. It addresses the issue with funding in the Dept. Of Transportation. The amount is for 150 million in recurring funds. I will, soon, release my findings with TDOT, but one must understand that Tennessee has 750 million in new recurring funds for the budget. We can budget some of the new funds for TDOT, find tax cuts, or spend it. I am opposed to spending all of the new funds this year, then asking Tennesseans for a tax increase next year.

My amendment sets back the money for use with TDOT with the legislative intent for the 110th General Assembly to find and fund a sustainable formula that protects the taxpayers and the economy.

On Wednesday, we debated and passed HB 1840 which is a bill that protects the rights of counselors. Our current situation sets up a First and Fourteenth Amendment Rights violation of counselors. You can view my statement on the issue in committee here: http://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default.aspx?BillNumber=HB1840.

While not ideal, I do believe that the bill corrects the rights violations of the counselors with minimal risk of rights violation to clients or patients. I attempted to get the sponsor on record in the chamber prior to the vote, but the question was called before my turn to speak. In the end, the sponsor agreed to work with me to correct any abuses of Liberty by counselors that may negatively affect the patient’s inalienable rights to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

As always, you can reach my office at 615-741-2180 or via email at rep.Bryan.Terry@Capitol.TN.gov

With Liberty,

Rep. Bryan Terry

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Rep. Terry: Last February 2016 Capitol Update

February 29, 2016 By Admin

NASHVILLE- Tennessee State Representative Bryan Terry (R-Murfreesboro) gives an update from the Capitol…

Check out my latest weekly update from the Capitol! Updates on the State Supreme Court, healthcare bills and more.

Posted by Dr. Bryan Terry on Sunday, February 28, 2016

Posted by Dr. Bryan Terry on Sunday, February 21, 2016

Rep. Terry: Planned Parenthood Update For Tennessee

November 20, 2015 By Admin

MURFREESBORO, Tenn., November 20, 2015– This week, Governor Haslam informed the General Assembly of the results of his administration’s research into Planned Parenthood (PP) and plans for legislation for the upcoming session. PP continues to be an issue placed among the forefront of concerns for our community since videos surfaced showing Planned Parenthood’s profiteering of aborted baby parts. Since the PP controversy, I have been in contact with other legislators and the Governor’s office on this matter on a frequent basis. I’d like to provide a brief update on what has occurred over the Summer and so far this Fall.

Over this last legislative Session, I inquired about the public funding for PP while their representatives provided testimony . At the time, PP stated that they didn’t receive public funding. During the discovery of national PP centers selling unborn baby parts, the public funding issue was revisited. As it turns out, while corroborating with Rep. Andy Holt and his staff over the summer, we were able to uncover state taxpayer dollars going to PP through TennCare, though apparently not technically for abortions. During their testimony, PP did admit to receiving federal taxpayer dollars during the committee hearing, but they were unable to confirm the amount.

Through corroboration with House Health Committee Chairman Rep. Cameron Sexton, we sent a formal letter of inquiry to PP. They did confirm that they received taxpayer dollars through TennCare, but denied the selling of any aborted tissue. Through Title 19, the Medicaid program, TennCare receives federal funding. Tennessee provides matching funds for TennCare at a ratio of one state dollar for every nine federal dollars. TennCare recipients can receive care from any provider that accepts TennCare. Because PP accepts TennCare, when Tennesseans on TennCare choose PP for services other than for abortion, Planned Parenthood receives payment from TennCare with a mixture of state and federal dollars.

It is my understanding that the state looked in to halting any TennCare dollars going to PP in the past, but were unable to do so without risking the loss of federal matching dollars for TennCare. Please note, it is, also, my understanding that TennCare dollars do not go to Planned Parenthood directly for abortion. That being said, any TennCare payments sent to PP still impacts their bottom line. Although, technically, PP receives Tennessee taxpayer dollars for services other than abortions, due to budgetary cost-shifting, any profit from TennCare payments could be construed as supporting abortion.

Over the Summer, the Government Operations Committee conducted a hearing to garner information from the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) about the regulatory environment surrounding abortions and how it relates to fetal tissue. I had been in contact with leadership and other legislators prior to the hearing. Following the hearing, I met with a representative from the Governor’s staff to discuss my concerns, the concerns of many in the district, as well as, options that we may consider. The meeting went well, and I have been in frequent contact with the Governor’s staff as he and his staff continue to look for solutions.

In addition to this meeting, I met with legal services to discuss some of my concerns surrounding the potential for selling aborted baby parts. Again, the Planned Parenthood facilities in Tennessee have denied doing this practice; however, I did discover an opportunity to improve upon accountability for patient care. I had a bill drafted and have been patiently waiting for Governor Haslam’s report. I am yet to present my bill to other legislators, but believe it may be a companion piece of legislation for Governor Haslam’s proposal.

In another instance, I worked with the Governor’s staff on addressing an issue with the Department of Health’s website as it relates to PP. Concerns arose from some constituents in that it was their belief that the website could be seen as Tennessee advertising for PP’s services. While county health care services are available online, I have worked to have the health care services presented in a neutral fashion. It should be noted that the TDH and the Governor’s staff responded to my request within a few hours.

On Wednesday, Governor Haslam released his report to the General Assembly. In it, the TDH has made filing a complaint against an abortion surgery center more accessible and transparent. The TDH has strengthened the record keeping requirements as it relates to the disposition of aborted remains. The requirement will provide a tracking mechanism to help ensure a proper and appropriate manner of disposition occurs.

Additionally, the TDH conducted unannounced inspections of four clinics. The report did not specify any specific violations nor issues with any compliance. I have asked for the results of the inspections. As of this moment, I have not had the opportunity to review the report.

Finally, Governor Haslam plans to propose legislation to improve the accountability and transparency for surgery centers performing abortions. Some measures include enhanced inspections, improved record keeping requirements, and prohibition of reimbursement of any costs associated with any transportation of aborted fetuses. As earlier stated, I have a bill that improves accountability for patient care. I will be working with our health committee and the Governor’s office on the legislation.

While finding solutions and addressing the issues presented by PP has provided various challenges, constituents should know that I will continue to work for the unborn in various ways, and that the Governor and his staff know where I stand on the issue.

In Rutherford County there is an organization in our community called Portico. Portico was formerly known as the “crisis pregnancy center”. You can read more about them HERE. Portico just received a mobile ultrasound unit in October to provide free ultrasounds for women in need. On October 6, I invited Governor Haslam and his staff to visit Murfreesboro in order to tour Portico’s facilities and see the new mobile ultrasound unit. During the luncheon, I reiterated that the many on the left often put forth the false narrative that there isn’t an alternative to abortion or PP. We have a facility in our own community that promotes women’s health, as well as, provides an alternative to abortion. If you are pro-life, please, check out Portico and help them out. Their mobile ultrasound will provide an invaluable service to women and the unborn, but since their services are free of charge, they need your financial help.

I believe I openness and transparency, and it is my hope that my updates help provide that service to District 48. As always, I am humbled an honored to be your state representative.

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Rep. Terry: It is time to pass constitutional carry- bill moving this week

March 9, 2015 By Admin

NASHVILLE, March 9, 2015– Several gun related bills will be moving through committee this week. Of note are two particular bills. One is HB 684/SB 784, the “Open Carry Firearms Freedom Act of 2015” by Rep. VanHuss and Sen. Beavers. The premise of the bill is to allow open carrying of a firearm to those lawfully able to possess a firearm.

Did you know that six states surrounding Tennessee allow for open carry without a permit?

These states include Alabama, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Kentucky, Virginia, and North Carolina. The Universities of Memphis, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, MTSU, among others send their athletic teams to these states for sporting events such as Vanderbilt vs Kentucky basketball and UT vs Alabama football. Literally, thousands of fans from Tennessee travel to these states to watch these events and yet, we have not heard one concern from legislators about Tennesseans or student athletes entering an open carry state.

Also, HB 535/SB780 by Rep. Womick and Sen. Beavers is a constitutional carry bill. It would allow anyone that is legally able to possess a firearm to carry the firearm either openly or concealed as a constitutional right guaranteed by the Second Amendment. Several states are already “constitutional carry”, and more are becoming so. Did you know that Arkansas became a constitutional carry state in 2013 when Act 746 was signed into law? Both Vanderbilt and the University of Tennessee have traveled to Arkansas for basketball games and again, not one peep of concern from any Tennesseans including the Presidents of the Universities, or any of our elected officials.

It seems quite clear that open carry or constitutional carry is not a big enough of a concern for any legislator to voice opposition to sending athletic teams to sporting events in states that have enacted Second Amendment supportive legislation. I would expect those same elected officials to not voice their concern when these bills go in front of the legislature. I will be one of the legislators voicing support for our Second Amendment rights.

Please, contact me at Rep.Bryan.Terry@capitol.tn.gov and I can get you more information or get you in contact with your State Senator or Representative to support pro Second Amendment legislation.

With liberty,

Dr. Terry

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Rep. Terry: Updates on an exciting and encouraging week at the Capitol

March 7, 2015 By Admin

NASHVILLE, March 7, 2015– The week of March 2nd through March 6th was one of the most exciting and encouraging weeks at the Capitol so far.

I am a primary co-sponsor on HJR94 the “Stand With Rand Act”. This is a bipartisan resolution that will urge congress to pass Senator Rand Paul’s (R-Ky.) and Senator Barbara Boxer’s (D-Cali.) “Invest In Transportation Act”. The legislation will create a tax holiday that will bring billions of American dollars back to our economy that will be used to fund infrastructure with NO new taxes on American citizens. Many are saying that Tennessee needs to increase the gas tax. I am an advocate for tax-payers. Therefore, if we can bring American tax-dollars home from overseas and fund infrastructure without increasing taxes, then this is an obvious choice. The resolution passed through committee.

Also, The Tennessee Federation of Republican Women honored Speaker Beth Harwell and First Lady Crissy Haslam and they asked me to sponsor resolutions on their behalf.

As always, I am humbled and honored to be your state representative.

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(VIDEO WITH FULL UPDATES)