Tennessee House Bill HB0566

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/23
• Refer: 2/1/23
• Refer: 3/29/23
• Refer: 4/5/23
• Refer: 4/17/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 7; Title 33; Title 53; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to measures to prevent overdose deaths.

Impact

The introduction of HB 0566 is expected to significantly impact public health legislation by formalizing the operational framework for overdose fatality review teams. It empowers these teams to investigate fatal overdoses thoroughly and to collect relevant information while adhering to confidentiality laws. Through these reviews, the bill aims to not only identify systemic gaps leading to drug overdoses but also to recommend actionable changes in local and state policies, benefiting public health resources and strategies. This legislative adjustment signals a committed response to the growing crisis of substance use disorders in Tennessee.

Summary

House Bill 0566, known as the 'Overdose Fatality Review Act', seeks to address the critical public health issue of drug overdoses within Tennessee. The bill proposes the establishment of multidisciplinary and multiagency overdose fatality review teams across counties and regions in the state. These teams will be responsible for examining circumstances surrounding fatal overdoses and making policy recommendations to improve prevention efforts. By fostering collaboration among various sectors—including public health, social services, and law enforcement—the bill aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of overdose incidents and enhance preventive strategies.

Contention

Despite its objectives, HB 0566 may face criticism regarding privacy and the handling of sensitive health information. Concerns may arise about how data is collected and shared among team members, particularly in relation to maintaining confidentiality under state and federal laws. Critics could highlight potential legal challenges associated with the scope of information that the review teams can access, particularly regarding sensitive medical data. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the proposed recommendations by these teams in substantially reducing overdose rates may be scrutinized, creating a lively debate among stakeholders about the implications and efficacy of the measures introduced in this bill.