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HB 1984

Controlled Substances - As introduced, authorizes additional healthcare providers to directly administer buprenorphine mono or buprenorphine without the use of naloxone; adds that prescribing a buprenorphine product to nursing mother or prescribing an injectable mono product does not restrict certain healthcare providers from prescribing a buprenorphine product for the treatment of opioid use disorder without naloxone. - Amends TCA Title 53, Chapter 11.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Timothy Hill

HB 1984 expands Tennessee healthcare providers' authority to prescribe and administer buprenorphine without naloxone for opioid addiction treatment, increasing medication access and clinical flexibility.

Signed by Governor.
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Bill Summary · HB 1984

Legislative bill overview

HB 1984 expands which healthcare providers can directly administer and prescribe buprenorphine (a medication used to treat opioid addiction) without requiring naloxone to be included in the formulation. The bill clarifies that certain exceptions—such as prescribing to nursing mothers or using injectable buprenorphine mono-products—do not prevent qualified healthcare providers from offering buprenorphine-only treatments for opioid use disorder.

Why is this important

Buprenorphine is a critical medication for treating opioid addiction, but access is often limited by regulatory restrictions. Expanding the pool of authorized providers and removing the mandatory naloxone requirement could increase treatment availability in underserved areas and give healthcare providers more flexibility in choosing appropriate medications for individual patients' medical needs.

Potential points of contention

  • Naloxone removal rationale: Critics may argue that naloxone (which reverses opioid overdoses) should remain standard to prevent misuse, while supporters contend that mono-formulations are medically appropriate in specific circumstances
  • Provider scope expansion: Questions about which providers receive authorization and whether training/oversight standards are adequate to ensure safe prescribing practices
  • Nursing mother safety: Concerns about buprenorphine exposure to infants via breast milk versus arguments that current evidence supports breastfeeding safety with proper monitoring

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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