Tennessee House Bill HB1315

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23
• Refer: 2/2/23
• Refer: 2/28/23
• Refer: 3/8/23
• Refer: 3/21/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 63, Chapter 10 and Title 71, Chapter 5, relative to weight management.

Impact

A significant aspect of HB1315 is the provision requiring the bureau of TennCare to make anti-obesity medication available to recipients, regardless of their age, if such medication is deemed medically necessary. This amendment to Title 71 of the Tennessee Code signifies a shift towards increased access to weight management resources for individuals covered by TennCare, aiming to combat obesity more effectively within the state. This change could potentially reduce the stigma around obtaining weight management assistance and facilitate more comprehensive care.

Summary

House Bill 1315 aims to amend the Tennessee Code by expanding the scope of collaborative pharmacy practice agreements to include weight management services. The bill reflects an effort to address obesity in the state by allowing pharmacists to participate in the management of patient weight. This initiative is part of a growing recognition of the role that pharmacy professionals can play in healthcare outside traditional realms, providing patients with access to weight management resources directly from their pharmacies.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB1315 may include debates on the appropriateness of utilizing pharmacy professionals for weight management guidance, as well as concerns regarding the potential financial implications for TennCare and state budgets. Critics could argue that while the bill expands access to necessary services, it might also stretch the capabilities of pharmacies or lead to an over-reliance on medication rather than lifestyle changes. Supporters, on the other hand, may advocate that such measures are necessary to address rising obesity rates and that pharmacists are well-positioned to provide such interventions.