NASHVILLE, TN – March 25, 2025 – Today, Governor Bill Lee signed Senate Bill 569 / House Bill 693 into law as Public Chapter 68, marking another step forward in expanding access to patient care through Tennessee pharmacists. This legislation builds on the groundbreaking scope expansion law (Public Chapter 824) passed in 2024, further empowering pharmacists to serve their communities while streamlining access to essential medications.
This year’s bill removes key barriers to care by eliminating the prohibition on scheduling consultations and associated administrative fees for pharmacist-provided hormonal contraceptives when a patient is insured and receives a pharmacy benefit that covers the contraceptive. Pharmacists may now assess, prescribe, and dispense hormonal contraceptives with greater flexibility, ensuring access is not limited by outdated billing restrictions.
Building Upon 2024’s Scope Expansion Law (Public Chapter 824)
In 2024, Tennessee became a leader in pharmacist-provided care with the passage of Public Chapter 824, legislation that gave pharmacists independent prescriptive authority for specific medications and services. These include:
Antivirals for influenza and COVID-19 (with a positive CLIA-waived test)
All immunizations for adults (18+) and select immunizations for minors (ages 3–17)
HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), including lab ordering
Epinephrine auto-injectors
Naloxone
Progesterone-only hormonal contraceptives
Topical fluoride products (when fluoride in water is below HHS guidance)
Tuberculin purified protein derivative (Tb) products
What’s New in 2025 (Public Chapter 68)
Eliminates restriction on administrative fees for hormonal contraceptives when covered by insurance.
Clarifies pharmacist authority under the scope expansion model, supporting sustainable and equitable care access.
No additional rulemaking is required by the Board of Pharmacy, keeping implementation streamlined.
TPA will continue providing education, resources, and best practices to help pharmacists implement both Public Chapter 68 and Public Chapter 824 in their practices. Additionally, TPA remains in active dialogue with the Board of Pharmacy to ensure compliance, professional standards, and optimal patient care outcomes.
Tennessee PharmPAC and TPA General Advocacy Fund
Legislative victories do not happen without hard work, determination, and financial support. TPA needs your support of the PharmPAC or the General Advocacy Fund.
The PharmPAC’s primary purpose is to provide financial assistance to candidates for public office who support the profession of pharmacy and recognize the value of quality care and services.
The General Advocacy Fund allows for contributions to TPA’s overall advocacy strategy and activities, including our Pharmacy Day on the Hill programming, contract lobbyists, and marketing and advocacy tools.
About The Tennessee Pharmacists Association
The Tennessee Pharmacists Association represents the profession of pharmacy across the state, united for the purpose of promoting safe and effective medication use to improve the health of patients. Since 1886, the Tennessee Pharmacists Association has preserved and advanced the interests of the profession and has served the professional needs of all pharmacists, student pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians. For more information, please visit tnpharm.org.