Victory for 340B and Tennessee Patients

  
We’re thrilled to share exciting news from the State Capitol! On April 16, our 340B protection bill (SB1414/HB1242) passed the Senate (27-5) and Tennessee House (82-4-4) with overwhelming bipartisan support — and is now headed to Governor Lee’s desk!
 
This marks a huge win for community health centers and the patients you serve every day. Your voices, your support, and your dedication made this possible.
 
 

What the 340B Program Does:

The 340B Drug Pricing Program allows health centers to purchase outpatient medications at a discount — helping reinvest savings into:
  • Lower-cost prescriptions
  • Behavioral health services
  • OB/GYN care
  • And much more!
 
In recent years, drug manufacturers have limited access to contract pharmacies. That’s why TPCA and a coalition of partners took action to protect 340B savings and preserve access for communities in need.
 
 

What the Bill Does:

  • Prevents new contract pharmacy restrictions from drug manufacturers after June 1, 2025 + further restrictions must be HHS or state-mandated – not imposed by drug manufacturers
  • No unfair data demands as a condition for obtaining 340B medications
  • Prohibits covered entities from being treated differently than non covered entities
  • Prevents interference with access to 340B discounts
  • “Winner’s only” model prevents net losses on 340B claims
 
The legislation will take effect July 1, 2025.
 
Read the full bill language here.
 
What's Next? TPCA will be scheduling a member webinar to review the bill components and what to expect moving forward.
 
 

How We Got Here:

From educating legislators last year to testifying in committees this spring, the path to success was a team effort. Here's a quick look at the journey:
  • Winter/Spring 2024: Educated members of the Tennessee General Assembly about the 340B program and its benefits to underserved patients
  • Summer/Fall 2024: Secured bill sponsors – Senator Richard Briggs (R-Knoxville) and Representative Helton-Hayne (East Ridge) – and built our coalition, which includes the Tennessee Pharmacists Association and other provider groups
  • Winter/Spring 2025: Advanced through multiple committees
  • April 16, 2025: Final passage in the House and Senate!
 
Want to see how your legislator voted? Click here to view the vote count.
 
 

Thank You

To every supporter who emailed, called, and showed up—you made this happen. Special thanks to those who shared your stories and testified—your impact was felt.
 
We also want to extend our gratitude to the members of the General Assembly who supported our bill, and particularly our bill sponsors – Senator Briggs and Representative Helton-Haynes. We encourage supporters to reach out to them to express your appreciation!
 
Together, we’ve taken a bold step to protect patients, strengthen health centers, and uphold the mission of community care.

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