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HB 1954

Opioids - As enacted, adds that a healthcare provider who subcontracts through the contracted healthcare vendor with the department of correction may prescribe a buprenorphine product for the treatment of opioid use disorder if other certain listed criteria are met. - Amends TCA Title 53 and Title 63.

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

Permits Department of Correction subcontractors to prescribe buprenorphine for incarcerated individuals with opioid use disorder, expanding medication-assisted treatment access.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 677
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Bill Summary · HB 1954

Legislative bill overview

HB 1954 expands medication-assisted treatment (MAT) access within Tennessee's correctional system by allowing healthcare providers who work as subcontractors through the Department of Correction's vendor to prescribe buprenorphine for opioid use disorder. The bill modifies Tennessee Code Annotated Titles 53 and 63 to create this pathway, provided certain unspecified criteria are met.

Why is this important

Opioid use disorder affects incarcerated populations at significantly higher rates than the general public, and access to buprenorphine reduces overdose deaths, improves treatment outcomes, and supports successful reentry. Expanding MAT availability in correctional facilities addresses a critical gap in substance use treatment during incarceration, when individuals are particularly vulnerable to relapse upon release.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope ambiguity: The bill references "certain listed criteria" but those criteria are not detailed in the summary, making it unclear what conditions must be met for prescribing authority or whether safeguards exist
  • Subcontractor vs. direct employee status: Creating distinct prescribing rules for subcontractors versus directly employed providers could create inconsistent treatment access or administrative complexity
  • Implementation costs: Expanding MAT in corrections may require additional training, monitoring, and resources that could burden the DOC budget

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

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