Medical Laboratories Act – Public Chapter 495 allows Tennessee to utilize the federal standards that are used in 31 other states for those that work in private laboratories, as is already done in our state laboratories. The legislation will allow laboratories to process tests more quickly and effectively, and it will also reduce burdensome requirements in Tennessee that have caused some issues with recruiting personnel, especially from outside of the state.
Opioid Epidemic / Stemming Prescriber Abuse — Public Chapter 461 requires the licensing authority to immediately remove a prescriber’s authorization to prescribe controlled substances if the health care provider is indicted for a federal or state criminal, sexual or drug-related offense, with a process to restore it if the individual is acquitted or if the charges are dropped by the prosecuting authority. If the license holder is convicted of the charges, the board is required to immediately revoke the license.
As always, I am truly humbled and honored to be your voice on Capitol Hill. If there is ever any issue I can assist with, please reach out to my office by calling 615-741-2190 or emailing me at [email protected].