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Why Governor Haslam's Opioid Restrictions Took So Long To Advance

A bipartisan group of lawmakers packed the room to show their support when Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam announced TN Together, a set of bills and spending priorities made public in January.
Blake Farmer
/
WPLN
A bipartisan group of lawmakers packed the room to show their support when Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam announced TN Together, a set of bills and spending priorities made public in January.

Governor Bill Haslam is headed into the final months of his time in office, and he’s decided that combating the opioid epidemic will be his last big legislative push. Haslam started the session by endorsing a proposal that would impose stricter rules on prescribing the painkillers. Not until last week did that measure begin moving forward. It was a tougher fight than some expected.

On this episode of the Tri-Star State, WPLN's Jason Moon Wilkins talks about the legislatures debate over reigning in opioid abuse with healthcare reporter Blake Farmer.

Links While Listening:

  • Here's a handy graphic explaining the negotiated bill and its 3-day limit on most opioid prescriptions.
  • The TN Together plan announced in January is more than just a bill restricting opioid prescribing. See the details.
  • Watch the debate in the Senate Health and Welfare Committee from last week on SB 2257.

Copyright 2018 WPLN News

Blake Farmer
Blake Farmer is WPLN's assistant news director, but he wears many hats - reporter, editor and host. He covers the Tennessee state capitol while also keeping an eye on Fort Campbell and business trends, frequently contributing to national programs. Born in Tennessee and educated in Texas, Blake has called Nashville home for most of his life.