NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — CVS is pushing back as a controversial pharmacy bill is headed to Governor Bill Lee’s desk after passing the Tennessee Senate Monday night and the House Tuesday morning.

In a statement following passage, CVS Health sharply criticized the legislation and warned of significant consequences if it becomes law.

“While disguised as anti-PBM, this misguided legislation will NOT lower drug costs and is solely designed to benefit independent pharmacies, with no thought about the patients who’d lose access to the pharmacist who they know and trust,” the company wrote in part. “This misguided policy will lead to serious consequences for the state, including the closure of 25 MinuteClinic locations, where Tennesseans get acute and primary care, and the loss of more than 2,000 jobs. We’re prepared to challenge the constitutionality of this law in federal court, as we did in Arkansas.”

CVS also pushed back on what it called “false claims” from supporters of the bill, saying the legislation does not address affordability, spread pricing, reimbursement or formulary restrictions and could instead force pharmacy closures.

The company said it is already unlawful for pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to steer patients, and denied directing customers to CVS locations. It also noted that Tennessee sets pharmacy reimbursement rates, adding that low-volume independent pharmacies in the state receive above-market rates and have grown by 20% since 2023.

CVS warned it’s unclear whether pharmacies could absorb an estimated 1.5 million CVS patients who may be left without access under the new law. CVS previously stated the company would close 134 Tennessee locations if the bill passes.

In both the Tennessee Senate and the House, the legislation drew support from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. Governor Lee has not yet indicated whether he will sign the bill.

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Liz DeSantis is following this story. We’re hearing from lawmakers who voted no on the bill and why they say it’s going to be a long legal battle moving forward. Check back as we continue to update this story.