Tennessee Senate Bill SB2011

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/24
• Chaptered: 5/1/24
• Passed: 5/1/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 53; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to the use of drugs for the treatment of pain.

Impact

The passage of SB2011 will have significant implications for healthcare providers and patients in Tennessee. It mandates that healthcare providers be reimbursed for non-opioid treatments under the TennCare medical assistance program, which expands access to alternative pain management solutions. Furthermore, it restricts managed care organizations from denying coverage for non-opioid medications simply in favor of opioids, thereby supporting a more balanced approach to pain management. This legislative change intends to align state practices with a broader public health strategy aimed at reducing opioid dependency.

Summary

Senate Bill 2011 aims to amend the Tennessee Code to facilitate the use of non-opioid drugs for pain treatment. This bill establishes that the division of TennCare shall adopt a state preferred drug list (POL) that ensures non-opioid medications are not disadvantaged compared to opioid medications. The goal is to promote the use of non-opioid alternatives in managing pain, thereby addressing the growing concerns surrounding opioid prescription and its potential for abuse. By ensuring that non-opioid drugs are treated equitably in terms of coverage, the bill seeks to enhance treatment options for pain management in the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB2011 appears to be largely positive among healthcare advocates and legislators concerned about the opioid crisis. Supporters view this bill as a critical step towards promoting safer, non-addictive pain management options. However, there may be contention regarding the implementation and effectiveness of ensuring that these non-opioid options are adequately covered and prescribed in practice. Overall, the discourse reflects a collective attempt to find solutions that prioritize patient health and safety.

Contention

While SB2011 has garnered support for its objectives, key points of contention include the ability of TennCare to effectively manage the new non-opioid treatment requirements and the overall impact on healthcare costs. Some stakeholders express concerns about the sufficiency of non-opioid treatments in providing effective pain relief, which may lead to debates over patient outcomes and the adequacy of non-opioid alternatives in various treatment contexts. Additionally, the balance of maintaining quality care while preventing opioid misuse is a focal point of discussion among providers and policymakers.