Exciting News for Tennessee PSSAs - Governor Signs Medication Self-Administration Bill into Law

Last Friday, Gov. Bill Lee signed SB 1793 into law, allowing caregivers who have completed a competency-based training program to administer certain medications to individuals who are otherwise incapable of self-administration. HCAOA thanks the leadership of the Tennessee Chapter and all members who advocated and helped make this initiative a success by sending messages to their lawmakers as it moved through the Tennessee House. HCAOA also partnered with members of the Tennessee Association for Home Care (TAHC) to support this initiative.

Under the new measure,  Direct Service Providers (DSPs) employed by Personal Support Services Agencies (PSSAs) are now permitted to administer medications to individuals receiving care through TennCare’s CHOICES program, the Tennessee OPTIONS program, and private pay arrangements  after satisfactorily completing a competency-based training program approved by the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Previously, only Direct Service Providers (DSPs) in group homes and adult day programs helping people with disabilities and in DCS group homes for children were permitted to administer medications.