The state of Tennessee implemented a new law on Jan. 1,2017, requiring medical facilities to obtain licensure if they prescribe medications containing buprenorphine or other controlled substances, the Bristol Herald Courier reports.
Here's what you should know.
1. Last year, providers prescribed an estimated 500 million opioids throughout the state. The Tennessee Recovery Coalition's Paul Trivette said to the Herald Courier that averaged out to be an 83-day supply for every state resident.
2. Legislators introduced the bill to hold pain medication clinics accountable.
3. Specifically, the legislation will require brick-and-mortar facilities to coordinate their cases with the state's controlled substance monitoring database.
4. The facilities also need to implement a multidisciplinary treatment team consisting of several different medical personnel
5. The state will conduct unannounced inspections and will shut down any facility in violation of the law.
6. Stephen May, MD, from the Sullivan County Regional Health Department, warned the legislation could increase illegal drug activity.
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