News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
A new methadone treatment facility will move forward in Putnam County.
The Tennessee Health Facilities Commission voted 6-2 Wednesday to approve a Certificate of Need for a facility just outside the Cookeville City Limits.
General Counsel Jim Christoffersen said state statue said need, quality, and consumer or patient advantage are the criteria the commission had to consider.
Christoffersen said the commission also had to remember that federal law prohibits treating addicts any different from other patient seeking medical treatment. He said patient safety can be considered.
“The ADA does not allow addicts to be considered undesirables,” Christoffersen said.
In his summation comments after three-plus hours of testimony, Putnam County Attorney Jeff Jones said the commission heard from the residents of the Putnam County. Jones said Cedar Recovery told the community they would not come to area where they are not wanted.
“You have to consider location as part of this application,” Jones said.
