CVS Pharmacists Head to Tennessee Capitol to Oppose Closure Bill

Proposed legislation could shutter 134 CVS pharmacy locations across the state.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 5:15pm

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Nearly two dozen CVS pharmacists and store managers will gather at the Tennessee State Capitol on February 4 to urge legislators to reject Senate Bill 2040. The proposed legislation would prohibit pharmacy benefit managers from owning or controlling pharmacies, which could lead to the closure of 134 CVS pharmacies and other third-party pharmacies across the state.

Why it matters

The potential closure of over 130 CVS pharmacy locations in Tennessee would significantly impact access to healthcare and prescription medications for many residents, especially in rural and underserved areas. This proposed legislation is part of a broader debate around the role of pharmacy benefit managers and their influence on the pharmaceutical industry.

The details

Senate Bill 2040 was introduced in January and aims to prohibit pharmacy benefit managers, which are companies that manage prescription drug benefits for health insurers, from owning or controlling pharmacies. If signed into law, this would force the closure of 134 CVS pharmacies in Tennessee, as well as other third-party pharmacy locations across the state.

  • Senate Bill 2040 was introduced in January 2026.
  • CVS pharmacists and store managers will gather at the Tennessee State Capitol on February 4, 2026 to voice their opposition to the bill.

The players

CVS

A major American pharmacy and healthcare company that operates a chain of retail pharmacies.

Senate Bill 2040

Proposed legislation in Tennessee that would prohibit pharmacy benefit managers from owning or controlling pharmacies.

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What’s next

The Tennessee legislature will vote on Senate Bill 2040 in the coming weeks, and the outcome of the vote will determine the fate of the 134 CVS pharmacy locations in the state.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation highlights the ongoing tensions between pharmacy benefit managers, pharmacies, and lawmakers over the control and distribution of prescription drugs. The potential closure of over 130 CVS pharmacies in Tennessee underscores the need for a balanced approach that ensures access to healthcare while also addressing concerns around industry consolidation.