AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 33 and Title 68, relative to measures to curtail substance abuse.
Impact
The passage of SB0799 is expected to have a significant impact on public health law in Tennessee. By enabling the Department of Health to share de-identified data, health officials can better assess the situation surrounding opioid overdoses and allocate resources more effectively. This data-sharing provision is positioned to aid in planning and implementation of targeted interventions, allowing for more strategic and potentially effective responses to the ongoing challenges posed by substance abuse in the state.
Summary
Senate Bill 799, also known as SB0799, aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Titles 4, 33, and 68, to introduce measures aimed at curtailing substance abuse within the state. One of the main provisions of the bill allows the Department of Health to disclose de-identified data collected under current regulations for the purpose of enhancing opioid overdose response efforts and the availability of related resources throughout Tennessee. This initiative reflects a response to the opioid crisis that has affected many communities and seeks to improve public health outcomes regarding substance use disorders.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SB0799 appears to be generally supportive, particularly among public health advocates and officials who recognize the importance of addressing the opioid crisis with actionable data-driven strategies. The unanimous vote in favor of the bill (95 yeas to 0 nays) during the floor vote suggests a strong bipartisan consensus on the necessity of the measures proposed in the legislation, reflecting a collective recognition of the serious nature of substance abuse issues in Tennessee.
Contention
While SB0799 was passed without opposition, potential points of contention may arise regarding the ethical considerations around data sharing, even in its de-identified form. Some individuals and organizations might express concerns about privacy and the implications of using health data, especially in light of the sensitive nature of substance abuse. However, the bill's supporters are likely to argue that the benefits of improved public health responses far outweigh any privacy concerns, emphasizing the bill's role in saving lives and improving health outcomes across communities in Tennessee.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 7; Title 33; Title 53; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to measures to prevent overdose deaths.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 7; Title 33; Title 53; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to measures to prevent overdose deaths.