SB0189: Provide $250 Grant for Voluntary STD Testing in College

TN Gen. Assy Bill: SB0189

Sponsor: Lamar

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Bill Summary

Purpose: Develop a program to encourage voluntary STD testing among full-time students.
Award: Provide a $250 grant to students who obtain testing for sexually transmitted diseases.
Agency Involved: Tennessee Higher Education Commission is responsible for program development.
Eligibility: Full-time students enrolled in public institutions of higher education in Tennessee.
Legislative Changes: Amends provisions in TCA Title 10, Chapter 7 and Title 49.

Risks & Considerations

The introduction of a grant program for students voluntarily obtaining testing for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) could have implications for public health and student wellness initiatives at Vanderbilt University. This program may encourage more students to get tested, potentially leading to early detection and treatment of STDs.
There is a potential risk of privacy concerns related to the handling of sensitive health information. Vanderbilt University will need to ensure that any participation in this program complies with privacy laws and regulations, such as HIPAA, to protect student data.
The program could require additional administrative resources to manage the distribution of grants and ensure compliance with the program’s requirements. This may necessitate adjustments in staffing or processes within the university’s health services or financial aid offices.
Vanderbilt University may need to consider how this program aligns with its existing health and wellness initiatives, potentially integrating it into broader efforts to promote student health and safety.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt University Student Health Center may see an increase in demand for STD testing services, requiring potential expansion of resources or partnerships with local health providers.
The Office of Financial Aid might need to develop new processes to manage the distribution of grants to eligible students, ensuring that funds are allocated efficiently and equitably.
Vanderbilt’s Public Health Programs could benefit from increased opportunities for research and community engagement related to STD prevention and education, potentially leading to new partnerships and funding opportunities.

Financial Impact

The implementation of this grant program may require additional funding from the state or reallocation of existing resources within the university. Vanderbilt University will need to assess the financial implications and potential impact on its budget.
There may be opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure additional funding or grants related to public health initiatives, particularly if the program demonstrates positive outcomes in terms of student health and wellness.
The program could lead to cost savings in the long term by reducing the prevalence of STDs among the student population, potentially decreasing healthcare costs associated with treatment and management of these conditions.

Relevance Score: 3 (The program presents moderate risks involving compliance and privacy considerations.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Financial Aid Office should evaluate the implications of the “Speak UP, Tennessee Scholarship Act” which provides scholarships for students demonstrating artistic excellence in spoken word poetry. This could impact the university’s recruitment strategies and financial aid offerings, particularly for students with artistic talents.
The Tennessee Higher Education Commission changes, including the addition of the executive director to the selection process for chief executive officers, should be monitored by Vanderbilt’s administration. Understanding these changes will be crucial for aligning with state-level governance and maintaining influence in higher education policy.
Vanderbilt’s Office of Institutional Research should prepare to contribute to the required reports on tuition discounts and waivers. This will involve evaluating the utilization, state financial support, and student academic outcomes, ensuring that Vanderbilt’s data is accurately represented and used to inform state policy.

Opportunities

The introduction of the “Speak UP, Tennessee Scholarship Act” offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Department of English and Creative Writing to engage with high school students excelling in spoken word poetry. This could include hosting workshops, competitions, or collaborative events to attract talented students to Vanderbilt.
The expanded authority of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission’s executive director presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Leadership to strengthen relationships with state education officials. By engaging in dialogue and collaboration, Vanderbilt can influence policy decisions and advocate for the university’s interests.
The focus on evaluating tuition discounts and waivers aligns with Vanderbilt’s commitment to affordability and access. The university can leverage this opportunity to showcase its efforts in providing financial support and improving student outcomes, potentially influencing state funding decisions.

Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures to align with new scholarship opportunities and state commission changes.)

Average Relevance Score: 2.4

Timeline for Implementation

N/A – There is no specific deadline or timeline provided in the legislation summary for this directive.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

Tennessee Higher Education Commission: Tasked with developing a program that awards full-time students at public institutions a $250 grant for voluntarily obtaining STD testing.
Public Institutions of Higher Education in Tennessee: These institutions are indirectly impacted as they participate in implementing and facilitating access to the grant program.

Relevance Score: 1 (Only two government bodies are directly or indirectly affected by the proposed legislation.)

Responsible Officials

Tennessee Higher Education Commission – Tasked with developing and implementing the program awarding $250 grants to full-time public institution students who voluntarily obtain sexually transmitted disease testing.

Relevance Score: 4 (This directive affects the agency head as it mandates key policy implementation by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.)