The Tennessee General Assembly passed legislation to expand access to treatment for Opioid Use Disorder in community health centers.
The Tennessee General Assembly passed legislation last week that expands the capacity of community health centers (CHCs) and community mental health centers (CMHCs) to treat Opioid Use Disorder using Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), the use of medications and behavioral health services to treat addiction.
TPCA worked closely with the Tennessee Association of Mental Health Organizations (TAMHO) in 2019 to pass legislation that would allow nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) in CHCs and CMHCs to prescribe buprenorphine under certain conditions. Since that time, demand for this key service has only grown and health centers have struggled to keep pace. Last week, the Tennessee General Assembly passed legislation to expand the capacity of CHCs and CMHCs to provide this critical service.
MAT and the Community Health Center Model
Community health centers are uniquely positioned to respond to the opioid crisis in Tennessee, which continues to ravage Tennessee communities. Health centers provide comprehensive health care services to all patients regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay for care. Of the 423,600 patients served by health centers, 29.4% are uninsured and 64.7% have incomes below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). By providing MAT at health centers, patients who would otherwise be unable to afford the service can access the care they need. Health centers not only increase the availability of MAT, but provide this service within a highly regulated environment relying on a comprehensive, patient-centered care model that integrates other key services. In combination with buprenorphine, patients receive robust behavioral health care and the support services they need to progress in recovery.
What does SB2019/HB2060 do for MAT at health centers?
TPCA and TAMHO joined together again this year to expand access to MAT at CHCs and CMHCs through SB2019/HB2060, sponsored by Senator Shane Reeves and Representative Tim Hicks. This bill modifies some of the restrictions that limited the number of patients that could be treated with buprenorphine, expanding the capacity of providers at CHCs and CMHCs to provide Opioid Use Disorder treatment to offer this critical service to more patients. The bill, which passed the House last week will now go to Governor Lee for his signature.
Thank you to all of the advocates who reached out to your members of the Tennessee General Assembly to share the importance of this bill for your health center and your community!
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