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HB 1349

Drugs, Prescription - As enacted, requires a county medical examiner to test for, and obtain certain information concerning, the presence of any drugs in a decedent in certain situations; requires the health science center to conduct certain studies regarding drug interactions and submit quarterly reports to the general assembly. - Amends TCA Title 38; Title 53; Title 63 and Title 68.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Mary Littleton

Tennessee law now requires medical examiners to test decedents for drugs and mandates health science center studies on drug interactions with quarterly legislative reports.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 272
#drugs #prescription
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Bill Summary · HB 1349

Legislative bill overview

HB 1349 mandates that county medical examiners test decedents for drugs and document findings in specified circumstances, while requiring the state's health science center to study drug interactions and submit quarterly reports to the legislature. The bill amends multiple sections of Tennessee code governing medical examiner procedures, health services, and related regulations.

Why is this important

Drug-related deaths have become a significant public health concern, and this bill aims to improve data collection and understanding of fatal drug interactions. Better documentation and research on drug interactions could inform public health interventions, medical education, and policy decisions at both state and federal levels.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of testing requirements: The bill's language regarding "certain situations" leaves room for interpretation about which deaths require testing, potentially creating inconsistent practices across counties or disputes over medical examiner authority
  • Resource and cost implications: Mandatory drug testing for decedents increases operational burden on county medical examiners' offices, which may have limited budgets and staffing
  • Privacy and data handling: Expansion of drug testing data collection raises questions about how this sensitive health information is stored, shared, and protected across county systems

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

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