Amends TCA Title 4; Title 53; Title 58; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71.

Tennessee HB0688 establishes a statewide strategic essential buffer stock for emergency preparedness and drug shortage prevention, to be maintained by the Department of Health. The bill affects public health and emergency management resources by requiring the commissioner of health, in consultation with the director of TEMA and other relevant authorities, to create guidelines for the procurement, management, and distribution of essential medicines, vaccines, and medical supplies. Key provisions include the establishment of demand planning and essential buffer stock modeling, as well as the ability for the department to contract with private entities for supply management.