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

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A bipartisan group of lawmakers packed the room to show their support when Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam announced TN Together
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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.

Filed Under: Health Care, WPLN News Tagged With:

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Blake Farmer, Host, This Is Nashville

Blake Farmer is the host of “This Is Nashville,” the flagship weekday show of Nashville Public Radio. Previously, Blake spent 16 years at WPLN News, serving as host, editor and news director. Before a two-year radio hiatus with a Nashville-based healthcare company, Blake was one of the country’s most prolific healthcare audio journalists. He produced stories for both local and national programs, extending the reach of his reporting through a partnership with KFF Health News. Outside of work, Blake can be found running or biking on roads that other Nashvillians consider too busy for such activities. So far, he has always made it home to his wife of 20 years and two children.

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