2024 Legislative Updates

April 30, 2024

TPA Priorities: Pharmacist Scope Expansion  – SB 869 (Reeves)/HB282 (Baum) 

On Friday, April 19, SB 869/HB 282 was transmitted to the Governor’s Office for action. While TPA anticipates the bill to be signed, a letter from TPA cosigned by national partners formally requested the Governor’s signature. The Governor is allowed ten days (excluding Sundays) after a bill is presented to approve or veto it; if the Governor takes no action within that period, the bill becomes a law without the Governor’s signature.

In summary, this bill adds to current authorities of pharmacists with independent prescriptive authority for various drug classes and disease states, including:

Antivirals for influenza and COVID-19 upon positive results of a CLIA-waived test;
All immunizations for patients 18 years and older, and influenza and COVID-19 vaccines for patients three years and older;
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and necessary lab tests to initiate this therapy;
Epinephrine auto-injectors;
Progesterone-only hormonal contraceptives;
Naloxone;
Topical fluoride agents; and
Tuburculin purified protein derivatives (TB testing).

TPA would like to thank the hundreds of members who contacted their state legislators to support this bill! Without this strong grassroots outreach, this bill would not have passed. Be sure to thank your legislators for their support of this historic legislation for the profession.

TPA Priorities: Pharmacists’ Role in Medications for Opioid Use Disorder – SB 1394 (Reeves)/HB 1227 (Littleton)

Several organizations were working to expand who can prescribe buprenorphine products in the state. While legislation moved forward for various types of other provider groups in limited practice facilities (SB 2019/HB 2060), legislation to expand pharmacists’ role in medication for opioid use disorder encountered several roadblocks and moved forward this session.

TPA Positions: White-Bagging  – SB 502 (Watson)/HB 916 (Rudder)

TPA worked closely with the Tennessee Hospital Association to support efforts to bring about a fair and reasonable process for white-bagging clinician-administered drugs. While insurance companies like BCBS of TN remained neutral to the bill, other insurance carriers and PBMs fought hard against it. A meaningful bill was unable to pass out of the Senate this year.

TPA Positions: Return of Medications – SB 2139 (Reeves)/HB 2358 (Carringer)

TPA worked with Tennessee Oncology to address a situation facing the return and redistribution of certain specialty oncology medications to certain approved pharmacies. The original bill language was modified extensively with the Department of Health’s guidance to allow the Board of Pharmacy to register any mechanical or electronic systems on-site at oncology clinics. SB 2139/HB 2358 has been sent to the Governor’s office for action

Please see this final general legislative summary from Harris Frazier and the final bill tracker, listing all bills that TPA followed on behalf of our members.

The 114th General Assembly is scheduled to convene at noon on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.

April 23, 2024

As the General Assembly winds down for the year, TPA’s Pharmacist Scope Expansion bill (SB 869/HB 282) passed the House! Having already been passed by the Senate, the bill now moves to the Governor’s office for signature, which is expected. TPA is working with key stakeholders to submit a letter to Governor Lee seeking his signature as added insurance. With the session expected to end this week, TPA will offer two webinars on Thursday, May 2 (11 a.m. CT & 5 p.m. CT) to summarize various bills that passed this session.

TPA Priorities: Pharmacist Scope Expansion  – SB 869 (Reeves)/HB282 (Baum) 

Last Tuesday, the Tennessee House of Representatives passed SB 869 with a 90-3 vote. Given a small amendment by the Department of Health, the bill moved to the Senate on Wednesday for a follow-up vote on the amendment, which passed 28-0. The bill was transmitted to the Governor’s office last Friday for action. TPA expects the Governor to sign the bill. For added insurance, TPA and various pharmacy stakeholders will submit a letter verifying the Governor’s support and signature. This bill will take effect upon becoming law.

In summary, this bill adds to current authorities of pharmacists with independent prescriptive authority for various drug classes and disease states, including:

Antivirals for influenza and COVID-19 upon positive results of a CLIA-waived test;
All immunizations for patients 18 years and older, and influenza and COVID-19 vaccines for patients three years and older;
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and necessary lab tests to initiate this therapy;
Epinephrine auto-injectors;
Progesterone-only hormonal contraceptives;
Naloxone;
Topical fluoride agents; and
Tuburculin purified protein derivatives (TB testing).

TPA would like to thank Senator Shane Reeves and Representative Charlie Baum for all their support of pharmacist scope expansion this session and all other legislators who voted to support this historic legislation for pharmacists in Tennessee!

TPA is developing a series of educational offerings and practice resources to ensure that, once the bill becomes law, all members can utilize this new authority in their practices.

The end of the legislative session is planned for this week. TPA and Harris Frazier will provide a summary of the session shortly after the close of the General Assembly. Review this week’s bill tracker, listing all bills that TPA is following on behalf of our members.

April 16, 2024

TPA Priorities: Pharmacist Scope Expansion – SB 869 (Reeves)/HB282 (Baum)

Today, TPA’s top priority bill passed the full House. When you have a moment, thank your state Representative for supporting this legislation. The bill will make a trip back to the Senate for them to concur in the amendment, and then it will move to the Governor’s office for signature. TPA is working with various stakeholder groups to issue a letter to the Governor to ensure the signature will happen. This bill will take effect upon becoming law.

Please note TPA is currently working on a series of educational offerings and practice resources to ensure all members can utilize this new authority in their practices once the bill becomes law.

TPA Position: White-Bagging – SB 502 (Watson)/HB 916 (Rudder)

With collaboration with the Tennessee Hospital Association, this bill passed the full House and the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee in March. On Monday, the bill died on the Senate floor. Throughout the legislative process, this bill was weakened by PBM influence and only addressed white-bagging procedures for health plans of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee.

TPA continues to work with the Harris Frazier Government Relations team to carry out our legislative priorities and respond to the urgent issues impacting the profession at the state legislative level. Review this week’s general legislative summary from Harris Frazier and the current bill tracker, which lists all bills that TPA is following on behalf of our members.

April 9, 2024

TPA Priorities: Pharmacist Scope Expansion – SB 869 (Reeves)/HB282 (Baum)

Last Wednesday, TPA’s top priority bill passed the full House Health Committee without any objection. On Thursday, the House Calendar & Rules Committee will assign the date for it to be heard on the House floor, which will likely be next week. If you haven’t yet established a connection with your state representative, please contact them today to introduce yourself. Later this week, TPA will send an advocacy alert to make the ask for supporting HB 282 at the right time. Review the TPA legislator leave-behind flyer and additional supplemental materials by the American Pharmacists Association so you’ll be ready to make the ask later this week!

TPA Position: White-Bagging – SB 502 (Watson)/HB 916 (Rudder)

With collaboration with the Tennessee Hospital Association, this bill continues to move through the legislative process. The bill passed the full House and the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee in March. The bill advances to the full Senate to be heard this Thursday for a final vote.

April 2, 2024

TPA Priorities: Pharmacist Scope Expansion – SB 869 (Reeves)/HB282 (Baum)

Last Thursday, TPA’s top priority bill passed the full Senate with a 29-0 vote. The amendment passed in the House Health Subcommittee last Tuesday and will be heard by the full House Health Committee on Wednesday, April 3. If your Representative is on this committee, please contact them today to ask for their support! Review and share the TPA legislator leave-behind flyer and additional supplemental materials by the American Pharmacists Association with your legislators today!

TPA Position: White-Bagging – SB 502 (Watson)/HB 916 (Rudder)

With collaboration with the Tennessee Hospital Association, this bill continues to move through the legislative process. The bill passed the House in early March and was passed in the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee last week. The bill advances to the full Senate to be voted on soon.

TPA Position: Return/Redistribution of Medicines – SB 2139 (Reeves)/HB2358 (Carringer)

Representatives with Tennessee Oncology worked closely with the Department of Health to amend the original bill language to clearly authorize the Board of Pharmacy to address concerns about the return and redistribution of oncology medications. TPA is neutral on this bill. The bill was rescheduled to be heard by Senate Health and Welfare on Wednesday, April 3, and was referred to House Finance, Ways, and Means.

Miscellaneous: Notification of Lowest Cost Alternative – SB 2274 (Haile)/HB 2897 (Kumar)

TPA has worked closely with Representative Kumar to address concerns about the requirements stated in the previous bill language. Representative Kumar filed an amendment that would not require such mandates on the profession and would only encourage pharmacies and other medication dispensers to discuss lowest-cost alternatives with patients or their caregivers. TPA is neutral on this bill. This bill passed the full Senate last week. It has also passed the House Health Committee and will now move to the full House floor on Thursday, April 4.

March 26, 2024

TPA Priorities: Pharmacist Scope Expansion – SB 869 (Reeves)/HB282 (Baum)

Last week, TPA finalized a small amendment to the pharmacist scope expansion bill with agreement by the Tennessee Dental Association. The amendment passed in Senate Health and Welfare on Tuesday, March 19, but wasn’t able to be heard by the House Health Subcommittee. The House Health Subcommittee will hear the bill on Tuesday, March 26, and the Senate will debate and vote on the bill on Thursday, March 28. All TPA members should contact their state Senator today to seek their support! Review and share the TPA legislator leave-behind flyer and additional supplemental materials by the American Pharmacists Association with your legislators today!

TPA Position: White-Bagging – SB 502 (Watson)/HB 916 (Rudder)

With collaboration with the Tennessee Hospital Association, this bill continues to move through the legislative process. The bill passed the House in early March and will be heard by Senate Commerce and Labor on Wednesday, March 27.

TPA Position: Return/Redistribution of Medicines – SB 2139 (Reeves)/HB2358 (Carringer)

Representatives with Tennessee Oncology worked closely with the Department of Health to amend the original bill language to clearly authorize the Board of Pharmacy to address concerns about the return and redistribution of oncology medications. TPA is neutral on this bill. The bill will be heard by Senate Health and Welfare this week and was referred to House Finance, Ways, and Means.

Miscellaneous: Notification of Lowest Cost Alternative – SB 2274 (Haile)/HB 2897 (Kumar)

TPA has worked closely with Representative Kumar to address concerns about the requirements stated in the previous bill language. Representative Kumar filed an amendment that would not require such mandates on the profession and would only encourage pharmacies and other medication dispensers to discuss lowest-cost alternatives with patients or their caregivers. TPA is neutral on this bill. This bill passed the Senate Commerce & Labor and House Health Subcommittee last week. It passed the House Health Committee on Wednesday, March 20, and now moves to the full House floor.

Miscellaneous: Limits on Pseudoephedrine Sales – SB 2048 (Stevens)/HB 1825 (Farmer)

This bill would increase the limit on the amount of products containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine that a pharmacy can sell in a 30-day period from 5.76 grams to 7.2 grams. TPA is neutral on this bill. The Senate Judiciary will now hear it on Tuesday, March 26.

March 19, 2024

TPA Priorities: Pharmacist Scope Expansion – SB 869 (Reeves)/HB282 (Baum)

TPA finalized an amendment to the pharmacist scope expansion bill through final negotiations with the Tennessee Medical Association last week. Yet, there is some apprehension by the Tennessee Dental Association. The amendment will be presented in Senate Health and Welfare today, March 19, and will be heard in the House Health Subcommittee today, March 19 (if not, it will be heard on Wednesday, March 20). Review and share the TPA legislator leave-behind flyer with your legislators today!

TPA Position: Return/Redistribution of Medicines – SB 2139 (Reeves)/HB2358 (Carringer)

Representatives with Tennessee Oncology worked closely with the Department of Health to amend their original bill language to clearly authorize the Board of Pharmacy to address concerns of return and redistribution of oncology medications. TPA is neutral on this bill. The bill passed out of Senate Commerce & Labor last week. It will be discussed in Senate Health and Welfare today, March 19, and the House Health Committee on Wednesday, March 20.

Miscellaneous: Notification of Lowest Cost Alternative – SB 2274 (Haile)/HB 2897 (Kumar)

TPA has worked closely with Representative Kumar to address concerns about the requirements stated in the previous bill language. Representative Kumar filed an amendment that would not require such mandates on the profession and would only encourage pharmacies and other medication dispensers to discuss the lowest-cost alternatives with patients or their caregivers. TPA is neutral on this bill. This bill passed the Senate Commerce & Labor and House Health Subcommittee last week and will be discussed in the House Health Committee on Wednesday, March 20.

Miscellaneous: Limits on Pseudoephedrine Sales – SB 2048 (Stevens)/HB 1825 (Farmer)

March 12, 2024

The TPA Pharmacist Scope Expansion amendment is set to drop this week. Watch for Advocacy Alerts to target key legislative committees. TPA needs all pharmacists, student pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and physician champions to advocate for this legislation.

TPA Priorities: Pharmacist Scope Expansion – SB 869 (Reeves)/HB282 (Baum)

Over the weekend, TPA finalized language for the pharmacist scope expansion bill through final negotiations with the Tennessee Medical Association. The amendment will be submitted this week as legislative committees will review the bill in the coming week. Review the TPA legislator leave-behind flyer for more information.

TPA Position: Return/Redistribution of Medicines – SB 2139 (Reeves)/HB2358 (Carringer)

Representatives with Tennessee Oncology worked closely with the Department of Health to amend their original bill language to clearly authorize the Board of Pharmacy to address concerns about the return and redistribution of oncology medications. TPA is neutral on this bill. This bill will be discussed in the Senate Commerce & Labor and the House Health Subcommittee today, March 12.

Miscellaneous: Notification of Lowest Cost Alternative – SB 2274 (Haile)/HB 2897 (Kumar)

TPA has worked closely with Representative Kumar to address concerns about the requirements stated in the previous bill language. Representative Kumar filed an amendment that would not require such mandates on the profession and would only encourage pharmacies and other medication dispensers to discuss lowest-cost alternatives with patients or their caregivers. TPA is neutral on this bill. This bill will be discussed in the Senate Commerce & Labor and the House Health Subcommittee today, March 12.

March 5, 2024

TPA Priorities: Pharmacist Scope Expansion

Yesterday, TPA met with Senator Reeves, Representative Baum, and the Tennessee Medical Association to iron out final areas of concern with pharmacist scope expansion language. TPA hopes to file an amendment to SB 0869 (Reeves)/HB 0282 (Baum) this week. Watch for Advocacy Alerts as this bill begins to be heard by key legislative committees within the next 1-2 weeks. Review the TPA legislator leave-behind flyer for more information.

Miscellaneous: Notification of Lowest Cost Alternative – SB 2274 (Haile)/HB 2897 (Kumar)

Last week, TPA met with Representative Kumar to discuss concerns with the bill’s current language. TPA expects an amendment that will meet the profession’s demands prior to a discussion at next week’s House Health Subcommittee. TPA will continue to monitor to ensure the least detrimental impact on the profession.

February 27, 2024

TPA’s advocacy team continues to meet with key bill sponsors to build support for our legislative and regulatory goals for 2024 while monitoring 60 bills that may require support or opposition from the association.

TPA Priorities: Pharmacist Scope Expansion

TPA is convening a meeting with Senator Reeves and the Tennessee Medical Association to flush out final bill language. This final language will be used to file as an amendment to SB 0869 (Reeves)/HB 0282 (Baum). Additional legislator outreach will be needed shortly after this bill amendment is filed.

TPA Positions: White-bagging – SB 502 (Watson)/HB 916 (Rudder)

During a House Insurance Committee meeting on Feb. 13, this bill faced much discussion and continues to face opposition from health insurers and PBMs. In collaboration with the Tennessee Hospital Association, TPA encourages members to contact House Insurance Committee members to explain white-bagging and its detrimental impacts on patient care. You may utilize this infographic to help explain white-bagging.

Miscellaneous: Notification of Lowest Cost Alternative – SB 2274 (Haile)/HB 2897 (Kumar)

TPA has been in close communication with bill sponsors to oppose this requirement on pharmacy staff to make all reasonable efforts to contact and notify a patient of the lowest available cost of a medication being filled by the pharmacy. TPA is actively advocating to ensure this bill doesn’t pass the House Health Subcommittee this week in order to find some compromise with bill sponsors.

Miscellaneous: Drug Importation – SB 1765 (Lamar)/HB 1956 (Miller)

On Feb. 20, SB 1765/HB 1956 was heard by the Senate Commerce & Labor Committee. TPA opposes this bill due to the safety implications on patients using imported medications. The bill failed in the committee and did not receive a second.

We highly recommend that all our members continue proactively contacting their elected officials and establishing themselves as valuable resources on pharmacy and healthcare matters. If you’re unsure about the identity of your legislators, utilize the legislator finder tool. You and your relationship with your legislators are the profession’s most important advocacy asset.

TPA continues to work with the Harris Frazier Government Relations team to carry out our legislative priorities and response to the urgent issues impacting the profession at the state legislative level. Review this week’s general legislative summary from Harris Frazier and the current bill tracker, listing all bills that TPA is following on behalf of our members.

February 20, 2024

TPA Priorities: Pharmacist Scope Expansion

TPA currently awaits final feedback from the Tennessee Medical Association and other medical groups this week on compromise language on this key priority. In the next week, TPA will work to file our bill language as an amendment to SB 0869 (Reeves)/HB 0282 (Baum).

TPA Positions: White-bagging – SB 502 (Watson)/HB 916 (Rudder)

During a House Insurance Committee meeting on February 13, this bill faced much discussion and continues to face opposition from health insurers and PBMs. In collaboration with the Tennessee Hospital Association, TPA encourages members to contact House Insurance Committee members to explain white-bagging and its detrimental impacts on patient care. You may utilize this infographic to help explain white-bagging.

Miscellaneous: Drug Importation – SB 1765 (Lamar)/HB 1956 (Miller)

Today, February 20, SB 1765/HB 1956 will be heard by the Senate Commerce & Labor Committee. TPA opposes this bill due to the safety implications of patients using imported medications. If your senator serves on this committee, please utilize the Advocacy Alert talking points to reach out and seek their opposition to this bill.

February 13, 2024

TPA Priorities: Pharmacist Scope Expansion

Last week, TPA met with the Tennessee Medical Association and other medical groups to review current draft language, seeking compromise as this key priority moves forward. In the next week, TPA will work to finalize our bill language and then move forward with key sponsors Senator Reeves and Representative Baum to provide an amendment to SB 0869 (Reeves)/HB 0282 (Baum).

TPA Priorities: Pharmacists’ Role in Medication-Assisted Treatment

TPA continues its collaboration with a coalition of stakeholders on ways to improve the MAT law. TPA has met with some legislators to build consensus on the need for pharmacists’ active role in medication-assisted treatment. TPA is prepared to file an amendment to last year’s caption bill, SB 1394 (Reeves)/HB 1227 (Littleton), or partner on SB 2019 (Reeves)/HB2060 (Hicks).

TPA Positions: White-bagging – SB 502 (Watson)/HB 916 (Rudder)

Today, February 13, the House Insurance Committee will discuss the current amendment for this bill. The new amendment summary defines “clinician-administered drug,” “commercial health insurance policy,” and various health insurance terms. Other prohibitions were added, such as health insurance’s ability to prevent refusal of payment or authorization of use of drugs.

TPA Positions: Return and Re-dispensing of specialty medications – SB 2139 (Reeves)/HB 2358 (Carringer)

TPA recently offered feedback to the sponsors of this bill, voicing concern over the definition of specialty pharmacy used and the impact of the bill on white-bagging practices in the state. TPA is aware that an amendment is being drafted for further consideration.

Miscellaneous: Boards and Commissions – SB 2276 (Haile)/HB 2904 (Kumar)

Today, February 13, the House Health Subcommittee will meet to discuss this bill, and on Wednesday, February 14, the Senate Health and Welfare Committee will meet to discuss this bill. This bill clarifies that executive directors of health profession-related boards are employees of the Department of Health.

Miscellaneous: Board of Pharmacy/Nursing Employees of TDH – SB 2276 (Haile)/HB 2904 (Kumar)

The Board of Pharmacy and the Board of Nursing are proposed to be overseen by the Department of Health. It’s established that the employees of both boards are considered employees of the Department of Health. It is set for the Senate Health & Welfare Committee on February 14, 2024, and the House Health Subcommittee on February 13, 2024.

February 6, 2024

TPA’s advocacy team continues to meet with key bill sponsors to finalize talking points and build additional support for our legislative and regulatory goals for 2024. After last week’s billing filing deadlines in the House and Senate, TPA is now monitoring sixty (60) bills that may require support or opposition from the association. Last week, TPA shared these priorities with the Board of Pharmacy during its meeting on Tuesday, January 30.

Following the Governor’s State of the State last night, the General Assembly is more keenly aware of the Governor’s budget proposal and other priorities for this General Assembly. TPA will provide a more thorough review of this address in next week’s Legislative Update.

TPA Priorities: Pharmacist Scope Expansion

This week, TPA continues to look to find an appropriate compromise with the Tennessee Medical Association as key sponsors Senator Reeves and Representative Baum plan to submit an amendment to SB 0869 (Reeves)/HB 0282 (Baum) to begin to move our key priority forward.

TPA Priorities: Pharmacists’ Role in Medication-Assisted Treatment

TPA continues to collaborate with key stakeholders interested in improving the MAT law to find the best mechanism to allow pharmacists to enhance their participation in MAT within their practice settings. While stakeholder building continues to occur, TPA is prepared to file an amendment to last year’s caption bill, SB 1394 (Reeves)/HB 1227 (Littleton), or partner on SB 2019 (Reeves)/HB2060 (Hicks).

TPA Positions: White-bagging – SB 502 (Watson)/HB 916 (Rudder)

To further address issues impacting access to clinician-administered medications and the practice of white-bagging, TPA has been collaborating with the Tennessee Hospital Association to amend SB 502/HB 916 to combat practices that impact patient care and access to treatment. TPA expects an amendment to be filed next week to this bill from 2023, of which TPA is supportive.

Miscellaneous: Notification of Lowest Cost Alternative – SB 2274 (Haile)/HB 2897 (Kumar)

Last week, this bill was introduced that would require pharmacy staff to make all reasonable efforts to contact and notify a patient of the lowest available cost of a medication being filled by the pharmacy. TPA is following up with bill sponsors to discuss the need for such action.

Miscellaneous: Ambulatory Surgical Centers – SB 2138 (Reeves)/HB 2144 (Martin) & SB 2810 (Reeves)/HB 2622 (Martin)

While SB 2138 (Reeves)/HB 2144 (Martin) was recently withdrawn, SB 2810 (Reeves)/HB 2622 (Martin) was filed last week. It would give a pathway for the board of pharmacy to license ambulatory surgical treatment centers but an optional licensure for only those centers that engage in the practice of pharmacy.

Miscellaneous: Drug Importation – SB 1765 (Lamar)/HB 1956 (Miller)

Last week, this bill was assigned to the House Insurance Subcommittee. It has also been referred to the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee. TPA opposes this bill due to the safety implications of patients using imported medications.

Don’t forget to register for TPA’s Pharmacy Day on the Hill (February 27) held in tandem with the TPA Winter Meeting. Online registration ends on February 9, 2024.

TPA continues to work with the Harris Frazier Government Relations team to carry out our legislative priorities and response to the urgent issues impacting the profession at the state legislative level. Review this week’s general legislative summary from Harris Frazier and the bill tracker, listing all bills that TPA is following on behalf of our members.

January 30, 2024

This past week, TPA’s advocacy team met with key bill sponsors to finalize talking points and build additional support for our legislative and regulatory goals for 2024. While the bill filing deadline is tomorrow, Wednesday, for the House (and Thursday for the Senate), TPA will introduce our final bill language as amendments to caption bills from last year.

TPA Priorities: Pharmacist Scope Expansion

Last Tuesday, TPA met with Senator Reeves and Representative Baum to review our bill language that we plan to submit as an amendment to HB 0282 (Baum) / SB 0869 (Reeves) shortly after February 1. TPA is working to reconvene with the Tennessee Medical Association to build consensus on our bill language.

TPA Priorities: Pharmacists’ Role in Medication-Assisted Treatment

TPA continues to collaborate with key stakeholders interested in improving the MAT law to find the best mechanism to allow pharmacists to enhance their participation in MAT within their practice settings. While stakeholder building continues, TPA is prepared to file an amendment to last year’s caption bill, HB 1227 (Littleton) / SB 1394 (Reeves).

Miscellaneous: Drug Importation – HB 1956 (Miller) / SB 1765 (Lamar)

This past week, a bill was filed that would apply for federal approval to import prescription drugs from Canada. In early discussions with stakeholders, this bill does not appear to have much support. TPA opposes this bill due to the safety implications on patients using imported medications.

Miscellaneous: Vaccinations

TPA is participating in a coalition of vaccine providers and other vaccine advocates to regularly discuss bills that could prevent and limit access to vaccinations in Tennessee. TPA encourages members who are strongly interested in this topic to participate in the Tennessee Families for Vaccines’ Day on the Hill today, Tuesday, January 30, 2024. You can contact your legislators via email to showcase why strong public health policies for immunizations matter to you, your family, your town, and all communities in Tennessee.

We recommend that all our members continue proactively contacting their elected officials and establishing themselves as valuable resources on pharmacy and healthcare matters. If you’re unsure about the identity of your legislators, utilize the legislator finder tool. You and your relationship with your legislators are the profession’s most important advocacy asset.

Don’t forget to register for TPA’s Pharmacy Day on the Hill (February 27), which will be held in tandem with the TPA Winter Meeting. Online registration ends on February 9, 2024.

TPA continues to work with the Harris Frazier Government Relations team to carry out our legislative priorities and response to the urgent issues impacting the profession at the state legislative level. Review this week’s general legislative summary from Harris Frazier and the bill tracker, listing all bills that TPA is following on behalf of our members.

January 23, 2024

While inclement weather put work on a bit of a hold last week, the General Assembly’s bill filing deadline remains steady for the end of the month. Currently, TPA’s advocacy team has continued to garner support for our legislative and regulatory priorities for 2024, yet our primary priorities will likely come as amendments to caption bills from last year. TPA continues to discuss these priorities with key stakeholders that have expressed concern over expanded pharmacist scope of practice. TPA will remain focused on building support as legislators return to Nashville this week.

TPA Priorities: Pharmacist Scope Expansion

This past week, TPA’s advocacy team met again with the Tennessee Medical Association to build consensus on the reasons for pharmacist scope expansion in Tennessee. These meetings have allowed our team to better focus our strategies to garner the most support to meet our ultimate goals. This week, TPA will continue to meet with our legislative sponsors and finalize our bill language and build off of caption bills from last year, HB 0282 (Baum) / SB 0869 (Reeves).

TPA Priorities: Pharmacists Role in Medication Assisted Treatment

TPA’s other primary priority will focus on improvements to the state’s MAT law. Given the removal of the DATA waiver at the federal level, the state law has now created a limitation for pharmacists that want to be more engaged in the substance use disorder care team. TPA is currently working with stakeholders to find the best opportunity for pharmacists to be more engaged in MAT in their practice settings, and build off a caption bill filed last year, HB 1227 (Littleton) / SB 1394 (Reeves).

TPA is finalizing our talking points to provide to you as you begin to make early outreach to your state legislators.

We strongly encourage all our members to reach out now to your elected officials and introduce yourself as a resource on pharmacy and healthcare issues. If you do not know who your legislators are, use the legislator finder tool.

Register today for TPA’s Pharmacy Day on the Hill (February 27), which is held in tandem with the TPA Winter Meeting, is also a great opportunity to hear from legislators and experts on the issues impacting pharmacy. You and your relationship with your legislators are the profession’s most important advocacy asset.

TPA continues to work with Meagan Frazier and Harris Frazier Government Relations team to carry out our legislative priorities and response to the urgent issues impacting the profession at the state legislative level. Review the bill tracker, listing all bills that TPA is following on behalf of our members.

January 16, 2024

The second session of the 113th Tennessee General Assembly started last Tuesday as legislators returned to the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville. TPA’s public affairs committee, along with the Board of Directors, has identified these legislative and regulatory priorities for 2024. As the legislative session moves into its second week, a statewide snowstorm has caused the closing of all meetings of the General Assembly in week two. TPA will focus on building support for its priorities when legislators are accessible again.

TPA Priorities: Pharmacist Scope Expansion

This past week, TPA’s advocacy team has met with lead sponsors and legislative leadership to review our priorities on ‘expanded access to pharmacist-provided services’ and ‘pharmacists’ role in medications for opioid use disorder.’ These meetings have focused on strategies to garner the most support to meet our ultimate goals, yet set realistic expectations based on known opposition from the Tennessee Medical Association on any type of scope expansion bills. Despite the inclement weather, TPA will work to meet with our lead sponsors when available over the next week to finalize our initial bill language and identify the timeline for moving these priorities forward. TPA is finalizing our talking points to provide as you begin to make early outreach to your state legislators.

Miscellaneous:

This past week, TPA has been meeting with many stakeholder groups looking to build consensus on healthcare and pharmacy-related legislation. Such bills expected to be seen this year include topics such as white-bagging, return of medications, and rebate pass through.

We strongly encourage all our members to reach out now to your elected officials and introduce yourself as a resource on pharmacy and healthcare issues. If you do not know who your legislators are, use the legislator finder tool.

Register today for TPA’s Pharmacy Day on the Hill (February 27), held in tandem with the TPA Winter Meeting. It is also a great opportunity to hear from legislators and experts on the issues impacting pharmacy. You and your relationship with your legislators are the profession’s most important advocacy asset.

TPA continues to work with Meagan Frazier and Harris Frazier Government Relations team to carry out our legislative priorities and response to the urgent issues impacting the profession at the state legislative level. Review this week’s general legislative summary from Harris Frazier and the bill tracker, listing all bills that TPA is following on behalf of our members.

January 9, 2024

The second session of the 113th Tennessee General Assembly begins today as legislators return to the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville.

This week also begins TPA’s focused legislative advocacy efforts at the capitol. Going into our third year with the contract lobbyist team at Harris Frazier, TPA will actively work with state leaders to build consensus for our 2024 legislative and regulatory priorities and positions in hopes of a successful legislative session. Tomorrow, Wednesday, January 10, from 6 – 7 p.m. CT, TPA will host a free webinar for members (fee for non-members) to give a preview of the 2024 Legislative Session with TPA’s Advocacy Team. Register today!

We strongly encourage all TPA members to contact their elected officials and introduce themselves as resources on pharmacy and healthcare issues. If you do not know who your legislators are, use the legislator finder tool. TPA’s Pharmacy Day on the Hill on February 27, held in tandem with the TPA Winter Meeting, is also a great opportunity to hear from legislators and experts on the issues impacting pharmacy. You and your relationship with your legislators are the profession’s most crucial advocacy asset.

Each week throughout the session, TPA will provide updates through the 10 for Tenn e-newsletter and a general legislative summary from Harris Frazier. TPA will also provide a bill tracker, listing all bills TPA is following on behalf of our members. In addition, watch your inbox for Advocacy Alerts from TPA asking you to take part in a grassroots effort on particular legislation, telling you who to contact and what you need to say. These grassroots efforts are critical to our advocacy efforts.

Note: In late January, TPA will undergo a membership database upgrade. The new database will provide an easier way to verify your state legislators. Be sure to log into the new database later in January to verify your home address is listed correctly.

2024 Legislative Updates

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