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SB 2580

Health, Dept. of - As introduced, requires the commissioner to use existing resources to conduct a study of the requirements to obtain prescription medications via telehealth in neighboring states in order to determine the restrictions upon prescribers issuing prescription medications via telehealth and compare such restrictions to those on prescribers in this state; requires the commissioner to compile the findings from the study into a report and transmit a copy of the report to the general assembly no later than December 31, 2026. - Amends TCA Title 39; Title 53; Title 56; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Bobby Harshbarger

Tennessee will study and compare telehealth prescription rules with neighboring states, producing a report by Dec 31, 2026 to guide potential policy changes.

Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Commerce and Labor Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 2580

Summary of Bill: SB 2580 / HB 2131 (Tennessee, 114th Legislature)

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill directs the Commissioner of Health to study and compare the requirements for obtaining prescription medications via telehealth in neighboring states with those in Tennessee.
  • The goal is to identify differences in restrictions on prescribers issuing prescription medications via telehealth and to understand how Tennessee's rules compare to neighboring states.

Key Provisions

  1. Study Requirement

    • The Commissioner of Health must conduct a study using existing resources.
    • Focus: The requirements to obtain prescription medications via telehealth in neighboring states.
    • Objective: Determine the restrictions placed on prescribers issuing prescription medications via telehealth in neighboring states, and compare those restrictions to Tennessee’s restrictions on prescribers.

  2. Report and Transmission

    • The Commissioner must compile the findings into a report.
    • The report must be transmitted to:
      • Chief Clerk of the Senate
      • Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives
      • Legislative Librarian
    • Deadline for transmission: No later than December 31, 2026.
    • Publication: The Commissioner may publish and transmit the report by electronic means.

  3. Effective Date

    • The act becomes effective upon becoming law, due to public welfare requiring it.

Who and What Is Affected

  • Entity Responsible: Tennessee Commissioner of Health.
  • Scope of Impact: The study concerns the regulatory framework for telehealth-prescribed medications, focusing on neighboring states (specific states not enumerated in the bill).
  • Public Access: The resulting report will be shared with legislative clerks and the Legislative Library and may be published electronically.

Timeline and Procedural Details

  • Introduction and First Consideration: The bill was introduced and passed its first consideration in February 2026.
  • Second Consideration: Passed on February 5, 2026, and referred to the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee.
  • Reporting Deadline: December 31, 2026, for the completion and transmission of the report.
  • Effective Date: Immediate upon becoming law (no delay after enactment).

Fiscal Impact

  • Estimated Fiscal Impact: Not significant.
  • Rationale: The Department of Health can complete the study using existing personnel and resources; electronic publication and transmission reduce costs.

Practical Implications

  • The bill does not alter telehealth prescribing requirements directly; instead, it initiates a comparative study to inform potential future policy considerations.
  • Depending on findings, Tennessee could consider aligning its telehealth prescribing regulations with neighboring states, tightening or loosening restrictions, or preserving the status quo.
  • The outcome is a publicly available, legislatively accessible report by late 2026 to guide policy discussions.

If you’d like, I can add a brief glossary of terms (telehealth, prescriber restrictions, etc.) or prepare a one-page briefing for policymakers.

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

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