Tennessee House Bill HB2060

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/24
• Refer: 1/29/24
• Refer: 3/20/24
• Refer: 3/27/24
• Chaptered: 5/9/24
• Passed: 5/9/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 33 and Title 53, relative to the treatment of opiate addiction.

Impact

The proposed changes under HB2060 are expected to enhance access to treatment for individuals suffering from opiate addiction by regulating the types of facilities that provide such treatments. Specifically, the bill removes certain exclusions for healthcare facilities and clarifies the practices related to buprenorphine, allowing more flexibility in treatment options. By stipulating that healthcare providers must be credentialed with TennCare and managed care organizations, the bill aims to improve accountability and efficacy in the treatment process for opioid use disorder.

Summary

House Bill 2060 aims to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Title 33 and Title 53, concerning the treatment of opiate addiction. The bill introduces changes to the definitions and regulations surrounding nonresidential office-based opiate treatment facilities and establishes clearer guidelines for the use of buprenorphine in treating opioid use disorder. The goal of the bill is to streamline treatment options and ensure that healthcare providers are effectively credentialed to manage opioid dependency through medication-assisted recovery programs.

Sentiment

Initial responses to HB2060 reflect a predominantly supportive sentiment among health professionals and advocacy groups focused on addiction treatment. Supporters argue that the bill is a significant step forward in addressing the opiate crisis by enhancing the infrastructure for treatment. There is acknowledgment that providing clear guidelines and expanding eligibility for treatment facilities can help reduce barriers that patients face in accessing care. However, some concerns remain about the implications of these changes for facilities that might struggle to meet the new requirements.

Contention

Notable points of contention revolve around the balance between increasing accessibility of treatment and maintaining quality and safety in care. Critics may argue that while expanding treatment availability is vital, it should not come at the cost of regulations that ensure patient safety. There may also be debates regarding the adequacy of the state's healthcare systems in accommodating these expanded treatment protocols without compromising the quality of care. The discussion highlights the ongoing challenge of effectively managing the public health crisis of opiate addiction while safeguarding the integrity of treatment programs.