Tennessee House Bill HB0859

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/23
• Refer: 2/2/23
• Refer: 3/14/23
• Refer: 3/22/23
• Chaptered: 5/3/23
• Passed: 5/3/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 33 and Title 68, relative to measures to curtail substance abuse.

Impact

The implementation of HB 0859 is expected to significantly impact state laws related to public health and data privacy, allowing for a more transparent sharing of health-related data. By designating the existing language in the statute and adding provisions for the disclosure of de-identified data, the bill aims to mitigate the opioid crisis by improving response strategies. This change will likely lead to enhanced tracking of overdose events and more targeted public health interventions, which could influence future legislation addressing similar issues.

Summary

House Bill 0859 is a legislative measure aimed at addressing substance abuse in Tennessee, specifically focusing on the opioid crisis. The bill amends the Tennessee Code Annotated to allow the Department of Health to disclose de-identified data on opioid overdose incidents. This data disclosure is intended to enhance the state's response to the opioid epidemic by facilitating access to vital information that can inform public health initiatives and resource allocation throughout Tennessee.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding the bill has been generally positive, particularly among public health advocates who see it as a vital step towards improving the state's ability to tackle the opioid crisis. Proponents argue that increasing access to health data will empower healthcare providers and policymakers to make informed decisions. However, there are potential concerns regarding privacy and the ethical implications of disclosing health data, which may introduce some contention among stakeholders.

Contention

While the bill is largely supported due to its intended benefits for public health, the discussion has raised important questions about the balance between data sharing and privacy protections for individuals affected by substance abuse. Critics may argue that although the data is de-identified, there are still risks associated with data breaches or misuse of health information. Therefore, striking a balance between public health needs and individual rights in the context of health data will be crucial as the bill moves forward.