Tennessee House Bill HB2093

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/24
• Refer: 3/6/24
• Refer: 3/26/24
• Refer: 4/3/24
• Engrossed: 4/16/24
• Enrolled: 4/24/24
• Passed: 5/21/24
• Chaptered: 5/28/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 33; Title 53; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to buprenorphine.

Impact

The legislation modifies existing regulations to define more clearly how many patients can be treated under buprenorphine prescriptions. By establishing a clear boundary on patient loads, the bill seeks to prevent potential burnout and overextension of providers, which could ultimately lead to a decline in care quality. Moreover, the provisions for those working in accredited facilities suggest a move towards encouraging higher standards of patient care, promoting facilities that meet national accreditation benchmarks and ensuring better treatment outcomes for opioid-dependent patients.

Summary

House Bill 2093 aims to amend several sections of the Tennessee Code regarding the prescription and supervision of buprenorphine, which is a key medication used in treating opioid addiction. The bill introduces new patient limits for healthcare providers who prescribe buprenorphine, allowing them to treat up to 100 patients at a time, or 250 if they operate within certain accredited facilities. This dual limit is designed to enhance the management of opioid treatment by ensuring that healthcare providers do not overextend their capacity, thus aiming to maintain a higher quality of care for patients.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 2093 appears to be supportive, particularly among those who advocate for improved regulations in opioid treatment settings. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary step to ensure that patients receive the attention and care they need without overwhelming healthcare providers. However, some concerns were raised regarding the feasibility of such limits, including how they may impact access to care for patients in regions with fewer healthcare providers.

Contention

Notable points of contention relate to the potential implications of introducing strict patient limits on healthcare providers. Critics argue that limiting the number of patients could inadvertently reduce access to medications for individuals in need, especially in areas where opioid addiction is prevalent and treatment options are limited. This contention highlights the ongoing struggle to balance the need for effective treatment with the importance of quality care in a field that continues to evolve amid the opioid crisis.