Legislation
The Tennessee Department of Health’s Suicide Prevention Program was established by the Suicide Prevention Act of 2018 (effective January 1, 2019 – June 30, 2021). This legislation authorized the creation of a program within the Tennessee Department of Health that would increase the department’s capacity to provide data-driven recommendations and support the implementation of statewide suicide prevention strategies and programs. While the Suicide Prevention Act of 2018 formally sunset in 2021, TDH’s Suicide Prevention Program continues its work primarily through funding provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Grant.
Effective July 1, 2019
This bill requires institutions of higher education to develop and implement a suicide prevention plan for students, faculty, and staff, and to provide the suicide prevention plan to students, faculty, and staff at least one time each semester.
Effective July 1, 2016
The bill expands suicide prevention efforts in Tennessee schools. It requires all Local Education Agency (LEA) employees, not just teachers and principals, to attend annual suicide prevention training, addressing prevention, intervention, and postvention. Each LEA must adopt a student suicide prevention policy, developed in consultation with mental health professionals and community stakeholders. The Tennessee Department of Education will provide a model policy for LEAs to use or adapt. The bill also limits liability for actions related to the training or policies.
Effective May 31, 2025
This bill requires the Tennessee Department of Health to release an annual report detailing the total number of attempted and completed suicides in the state from the previous year. This report will be submitted electronically to all members of the General Assembly within seven days of its publication.