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Bill

SB 424

Pharmacy, Pharmacists - As introduced, permits the services authorized in a collaborative pharmacy practice agreement to include weight management services. - Amends TCA Title 63, Chapter 10 and Title 71, Chapter 5.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Tennessee bill permits pharmacists to offer weight management services under physician collaborative agreements, expanding clinical pharmacy roles in chronic disease care.

Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Health and Welfare Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 424

Legislative bill overview

SB 424 expands the scope of collaborative pharmacy practice agreements in Tennessee to explicitly include weight management services. Currently, pharmacists operate under collaborative agreements with physicians that define their authorized services; this bill adds weight management to that permitted list by amending Tennessee's pharmacy and medical practice statutes.

Why is this important

This change reflects a growing trend of utilizing pharmacists in clinical care delivery, particularly for chronic disease management. Weight management services through pharmacies could increase access to these services in underserved areas and reduce burden on physician offices, though it also raises questions about the scope of pharmacist authority and oversight.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope creep concerns: Medical associations may worry this expands pharmacist authority beyond traditional pharmacy roles into clinical decision-making territory that physicians traditionally control
  • Quality and liability standards: Unclear definitions of what "weight management services" entails—whether it includes medication recommendations, nutritional counseling, or behavioral coaching—and who bears liability for outcomes
  • Collaborative agreement requirements: The bill doesn't specify what physician oversight or patient referral mechanisms must exist, potentially creating inconsistent standards across practices

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

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