Tennessee Modernizes Cold & Allergy Restrictions, Clearing Path for Online Sales of PSE Medicines

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) today applauded Tennessee Governor Bill Lee for signing into law legislation that expands consumer access to over-the-counter (OTC) cold and allergy medicines containing pseudoephedrine (PSE) while maintaining strong safeguards against illegal diversion.

The new law modernizes access by enabling online sales of PSE-containing medicines and removing outdated barriers to purchase, while continuing to rely on Tennessee's real-time electronic tracking system to prevent misuse.

"Tennessee is taking an important step forward in modernizing how consumers access essential OTC medicines," said Carlos Gutiérrez, CHPA Vice President of State & Local Government Affairs. "By enabling online sales while maintaining real-time safeguards to prevent misuse, this law reflects a balanced, commonsense approach that meets consumers where they are today. We commend Governor Lee, Senator Ferrell Haile, and Rep. Jeremy Faison for their leadership in advancing this effort."

"This is about making sure Tennesseans can get the medicines they rely on in a way that fits their everyday lives," said Sen. Haile. "We've taken a commonsense approach here: expanding access, including online, while keeping strong safeguards in place to prevent misuse. It's a balanced solution that puts Tennessee families first."

"At the end of the day, this bill is about trusting Tennesseans and making it easier for them to take care of themselves and their families," said Rep. Faison. "We're removing outdated barriers while keeping the protections we need, and that's a win for both access and public safety across our state."

Background:

SB 2323 was substituted by HB 2101 and passed by the Tennessee General Assembly before being signed into law by Governor Bill Lee on April 27.

The law:

• Expands access by allowing online sales of PSE-containing OTC medicines through removal of the pharmacist consultation requirement;
• Allows direct to consumer sales and delivery; and
• Maintains strong safeguards through Tennessee's real-time electronic PSE tracking system.

Thirty-eight states across the country utilize real-time electronic tracking systems, such as the National Precursor Log Exchange (NPLEx), to prevent the illegal sale of PSE for methamphetamine production while preserving access for law-abiding consumers.

CHPA supported this legislation and will continue working with state leaders to advance policies that expand access to safe, effective OTC medicines while maintaining strong safeguards against misuse.

The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), founded in 1881, is the national trade association representing the leading manufacturers and marketers of consumer healthcare products, including over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, dietary supplements, and OTC medical devices. CHPA is committed to empowering self-care by ensuring that Americans have access to products they can count on to be reliable, affordable, and convenient, while also delivering new and better ways to get and stay healthy. Visit www.chpa.org.