Bill > HB0688

This bill establishes a statewide strategic essential buffer stock of medicines and medical supplies to help Tennessee prepare for and respond to public health emergencies, natural disasters, and mass casualty events. The bill authorizes the commissioner of health to develop and maintain an inventory of essential medical resources, in consultation with the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), which can include medicines, vaccines, and medical supplies. The buffer stock will prioritize supporting rural and medically underserved areas, with guidelines for how supplies would be distributed during an emergency based on factors like infection rates, population needs, and healthcare infrastructure. The bill allows the department of health to contract with private vendors to procure, manage, and store these supplies, including a "virtually sequestered buffer stock" managed by an external vendor to prevent expiration and ensure availability. The commissioner must conduct demand planning and modeling to determine the types and quantities of supplies needed, and will be required to submit an annual report to the legislature detailing the stockpile's inventory, usage, and procurement status. The essential buffer stock aims to enhance Tennessee's healthcare system's resilience and ability to respond quickly to unexpected health crises or disasters.

Health and Social Services

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0688&ga=114