TENNESSEE: TN Suicide Prevention Network Celebrates Passage of Tullis Act of 2017
July 07, 2017
A new law in Tennessee will require licensed behavioral health care professionals to complete two hours of suicide prevention training every five years. The bill was supported by the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network (TSPN), which is the public-private organization responsible for implementing the state’s suicide prevention strategy. Named after TSPN cofounders Kenneth and Madge Tullis, the bill aims to ensure that all behavioral health clinicians receive training in suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention. “This kind of training was always encouraged among professionals in our state, but not explicitly required,” said TSPN Executive Director Scott Ridgway. “Now, people in Tennessee can be assured of the knowledge that the behavioral health professional they work with, or the one they entrust their loved ones to, will be [able to] help them through a [suicidal] crisis.”
Spark Extra! Learn more about the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network.