Tennessee Revises Lethal Injection Protocol

The Tennessee Department of Correction has completed a revision of its lethal injection protocol, opting to use the single drug pentobarbital. This update comes after executions were paused in May 2022, following an order from Governor Bill Lee for an independent review of the procedures. Subsequently, new leadership was appointed to supervise the process. Commissioner Frank Strada, who was appointed in January 2023, stated his confidence that the lethal injection process can now proceed in compliance with departmental policies and state laws. The revised protocol was developed in collaboration with the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office to ensure it aligns with legal and procedural standards. The Tennessee Supreme Court holds the responsibility for scheduling execution dates.