Tennessee House Bill HB2144

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/24
• Refer: 1/31/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 63 and Title 68, relative to pharmacies.

Impact

Should HB2144 be enacted, it would revise existing statutes to better accommodate the operational realities of modern pharmacies and allied healthcare facilities. A significant change includes the ability to license ambulatory surgical treatment centers, reflecting an increasingly integrated approach to healthcare practice, whereby surgical centers can also manage pharmaceutical operations. This amendment aims to ensure compliance with both state and federal laws, promoting a cohesive system for healthcare delivery within Tennessee.

Summary

House Bill 2144 seeks to amend Titles 63 and 68 of the Tennessee Code Annotated concerning the regulation and licensure of pharmacies and pharmacy-related entities. The bill introduces provisions that allow the state board to license and register not only pharmacists and pharmacies but also pharmaceutical wholesalers, distributors, pharmacy technicians, and ambulatory surgical treatment centers under certain conditions. This move is aimed at streamlining the oversight of pharmacy regulations and ensuring that these facilities operate under a unified regulatory framework, which proponents argue would enhance patient safety and care efficiency.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding HB2144 appears to be generally positive, particularly among healthcare providers and regulatory experts who see the bill as a necessary adaptation to the evolving landscape of healthcare services. Supporters laud the bill's focus on regulatory efficiency and improved patient access to pharmacy services. Conversely, some scrutiny exists regarding the implications of expanded regulatory authority on smaller pharmacies, with concerns about increased fees and bureaucratic burdens potentially affecting their business viability.

Contention

Notable points of contention include whether the bill might lead to higher operational costs for pharmacies due to additional licensure requirements and fees instituted by the state board. Critics worry that the regulatory expansions could disproportionately impact smaller pharmacies, elevating the financial strain on them, while larger entities might absorb such costs more effectively. The balance between ensuring robust regulatory oversight and maintaining fair operational conditions for all pharmacy providers thus remains a pivotal topic in discussions surrounding HB2144.