The Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) announced Friday that it will switch to a new procedure for court ordered executions.
TDOC will now use what is known as a single drug protocol, replacing the previously used three-drug method. The protocol permits sole use of the sedative pentobarbital.
Numerous states across the country have changed to the single drug method in light of a widespread shortage of thiopental sodium, one of the three drugs used in the three drug protocal. The sole U.S. maker of thiopental sodium decided to halt production in 2011 amid a campaign by death-penalty opponents. Makers of other drugs used in executions have come under similar pressure.
Georgia made the change in 2012. Pentobarbital is most commonly used to euthanize animals
The drug was used just this week to execute a Texas man, the 13th execution carried out in Texas this year.
The last execution carried out in Tennessee was Cecil Johnson on Dec. 2, 2009. There are currently 79 inmates held on Death Row in Tennessee.
Source: News Channel 9, September 27, 2013