WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1239

Opioids - As enacted, clarifies that a physician licensed in this state is the only healthcare provider authorized to prescribe a buprenorphine product for a FDA-approved use in recovery or medication-assisted treatment; revises criteria for providers not licensed in this state to prescribe a buprenorphine product for the treatment of opioid use disorder. - Amends TCA Title 33; Title 41; Title 53 and Title 63.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Esther Helton-Haynes

Tennessee law now restricts buprenorphine prescribing to physicians only, potentially limiting addiction treatment access for opioid-dependent patients.

Pub. Ch. 295
#opioids
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1239

Legislative bill overview

HB 1239 restricts buprenorphine prescribing authority in Tennessee by limiting in-state prescriptions to physicians only, while establishing new criteria for out-of-state providers to prescribe buprenorphine for opioid use disorder treatment. The bill amends multiple sections of Tennessee Code and became effective July 1, 2025.

Why is this important

Buprenorphine is a critical medication for treating opioid addiction and reducing overdose deaths. This bill significantly narrows who can prescribe it, potentially affecting access to medication-assisted treatment for thousands of Tennesseans, particularly in rural areas where physician availability is limited. The restriction may impact treatment capacity during a persistent opioid crisis.

Potential points of contention

  • Access limitations: Restricting prescribing to physicians only excludes nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other qualified healthcare providers who currently prescribe buprenorphine, potentially reducing treatment availability in underserved areas
  • Out-of-state provider criteria: The revised criteria for non-Tennessee-licensed providers remain unclear in the bill text and could create regulatory confusion or unintended barriers to telehealth treatment
  • Public health trade-offs: While physician-only prescribing may improve oversight, it may also reduce treatment initiation rates and increase wait times for patients seeking addiction recovery services

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

Sign in to ask a question.