Senate Bill 1848 and House Bill 1984 propose amendments to Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 53, Chapter 11, concerning the use of buprenorphine products for treating substance use disorders. The bill modifies Section 53-11-311(b)(1) by deleting the existing subdivision (D) and replacing it with new language that allows healthcare providers to directly administer buprenorphine mono or buprenorphine without naloxone, provided it is done within their scope of practice and according to a medical order or prescription from a licensed physician. Importantly, the new provision specifies that these medications cannot be dispensed in a way that allows for administration away from the dispensing premises.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 53-11-311(c)(2) by deleting subdivision (H) and substituting it with a new provision that restricts the prescription or dispensing of buprenorphine mono or buprenorphine without naloxone, except in specific circumstances: for pregnant women, nursing mothers, patients with documented adverse reactions or hypersensitivity, or when prescribing an injectable mono product. The act is set to take effect upon becoming law, emphasizing the public welfare.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 53-11-311(b)(1), 53-11-311, 53-11-311(c)(2)