Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-6-601 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 6 / Section 63-6-601
Part definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Entity" or "health care entity" means and includes a health care facility and an agency, company or health care professional, other than the referring physician, providing health care services; (2) "Health care facility" means and includes any real property or equipment of a health care institution as that term is defined in § 68-11-1602 ; and (3) "Health care service" means and includes a diagnostic, treatment, therapy or rehabilitation service. Acts 1993, ch. 408, § 2.
As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) "Entity" or "health care entity" means and includes a health care facility and an agency, company or health care professional, other than the referring physician, providing health care services;
(2) "Health care facility" means and includes any real property or equipment of a health care institution as that term is defined in § 68-11-1602 ; and
(3) "Health care service" means and includes a diagnostic, treatment, therapy or rehabilitation service.
Acts 1993, ch. 408, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-31-108 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 31 / Section 63-31-108
Issuance, renewal and retirement of licenses - Display of license - Lost license - Change of address or name
Status: in_force

(a) Licenses shall be issued and renewed by the board pursuant to the biennial issuance and renewal system of the division of health related boards. (b) Any person who has been issued a license to practice under this chapter who wishes to retire that license shall file with the committee an affidavit on a form to be furnished by the committee stating the date on which the person retired from practice and other facts that verify the retirement as the board deems necessary. Any such person who thereafter wishes to reenter practice shall request reinstatement of licensure. (c) Any license issued by the board shall contain the name of the person to whom it is issued, the address of the person, the date and number of the license and other information that the board deems necessary. The address contained on the license shall be the address where all correspondence and renewal forms from the board shall be sent. Any person whose address changes shall, within thirty (30) days after the change in address, notify the board of the address change. The most recent address contained in the board's records for each license holder shall be the address deemed sufficient for purposes of service of process. (d) Every person issued a license pursuant to this chapter shall either keep the license prominently displayed in the office or place in which the person practices or have it stored in a place from which it can be immediately produced upon request of a patient or representative of the department of health. (e) Any person whose license has been lost may make application to the committee for a replacement. The application shall be accompanied by an affidavit setting out the facts concerning the loss of the original license. (f) Any person whose name is changed by marriage or court order may surrender the person's license and apply to the board for a replacement license. Acts 2007 , ch. 469, § 1.
(a) Licenses shall be issued and renewed by the board pursuant to the biennial issuance and renewal system of the division of health related boards.
(b) Any person who has been issued a license to practice under this chapter who wishes to retire that license shall file with the committee an affidavit on a form to be furnished by the committee stating the date on which the person retired from practice and other facts that verify the retirement as the board deems necessary. Any such person who thereafter wishes to reenter practice shall request reinstatement of licensure.
(c) Any license issued by the board shall contain the name of the person to whom it is issued, the address of the person, the date and number of the license and other information that the board deems necessary. The address contained on the license shall be the address where all correspondence and renewal forms from the board shall be sent. Any person whose address changes shall, within thirty (30) days after the change in address, notify the board of the address change. The most recent address contained in the board's records for each license holder shall be the address deemed sufficient for purposes of service of process.
(d) Every person issued a license pursuant to this chapter shall either keep the license prominently displayed in the office or place in which the person practices or have it stored in a place from which it can be immediately produced upon request of a patient or representative of the department of health.
(e) Any person whose license has been lost may make application to the committee for a replacement. The application shall be accompanied by an affidavit setting out the facts concerning the loss of the original license.
(f) Any person whose name is changed by marriage or court order may surrender the person's license and apply to the board for a replacement license.
Acts 2007 , ch. 469, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-6-401 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 6 / Section 63-6-401
Short title
Status: in_force

This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Interstate Medical Licensure Compact." Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 365, s 1, eff. 1/1/2019.
This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Interstate Medical Licensure Compact."
Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 365, s 1, eff. 1/1/2019.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-3-212 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 3 / Section 63-3-212
Screening panels in investigative and disciplinary process
Status: in_force

(a) The board may utilize one (1) or more screening panels in its investigative and disciplinary process, to assure that complaints filed and investigations conducted are meritorious and to act as a mechanism for resolution of complaints or diversion to professional peer review organizations or impaired professionals' associations or foundations of those cases that the board, through established guidelines, deems appropriate. (b) The screening panel has the authority to administer oaths to witnesses. (c) Members of a screening panel may be drawn from the membership of the board or may be appointed by the board. Nonboard members shall meet the requirements of membership on the board and may include a consumer member. A board member serving on a panel shall not participate in a contested case involving any matter heard by the panel. Acts 2005, ch. 380, § 1.
(a) The board may utilize one (1) or more screening panels in its investigative and disciplinary process, to assure that complaints filed and investigations conducted are meritorious and to act as a mechanism for resolution of complaints or diversion to professional peer review organizations or impaired professionals' associations or foundations of those cases that the board, through established guidelines, deems appropriate.
(b) The screening panel has the authority to administer oaths to witnesses.
(c) Members of a screening panel may be drawn from the membership of the board or may be appointed by the board. Nonboard members shall meet the requirements of membership on the board and may include a consumer member. A board member serving on a panel shall not participate in a contested case involving any matter heard by the panel.
Acts 2005, ch. 380, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-11-504 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 11 / Section 63-11-504
Effective date of compact; notice to revisor of statutes
Status: in_force

This part takes effect on the date the compact is enacted into law in the seventh compact state. The board of examiners in psychology shall notify the revisor of statutes in writing when the condition specified in this section has occurred. Added by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 352, s 1, eff. 5/11/2021.
This part takes effect on the date the compact is enacted into law in the seventh compact state. The board of examiners in psychology shall notify the revisor of statutes in writing when the condition specified in this section has occurred.
Added by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 352, s 1, eff. 5/11/2021.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-26-110 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 26 / Section 63-26-110
Civil liability
Status: in_force

A person who acts in good faith shall not be civilly liable for providing information to the commissioner or a designee of the commissioner on any matter relative to the practice of electrolysis. This section shall apply to any person who acts in good faith to provide information to a designee of the commissioner in the course of an investigation of the practice of electrolysis. Acts 1988, ch. 896, § 12; 1993, ch. 342, § 1; T.C.A, §62-34-210; Acts 2009 , ch. 456, § 10.
A person who acts in good faith shall not be civilly liable for providing information to the commissioner or a designee of the commissioner on any matter relative to the practice of electrolysis. This section shall apply to any person who acts in good faith to provide information to a designee of the commissioner in the course of an investigation of the practice of electrolysis.
Acts 1988, ch. 896, § 12; 1993, ch. 342, § 1; T.C.A, §62-34-210; Acts 2009 , ch. 456, § 10.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-11-401 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 11 / Section 63-11-401
Professional art therapist advisory committee - License required for practice of art therapy
Status: in_force

(a) The practice of art therapy in this state is declared to affect the public health, safety, and welfare of citizens of this state. (b) To assist the board of examiners in psychology in the performance of its duties, there is established the professional art therapist advisory committee to protect the public from: (1) The practice of art therapy by unqualified persons; and (2) Unprofessional, unethical, and harmful conduct by art therapy practitioners. (c) A person shall not represent to be or function as a professional art therapist in this state unless the person holds a valid license issued by the advisory committee. The committee shall also regulate the practice of art therapy. Added by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 160, s 2, eff. 7/1/2022.
(a) The practice of art therapy in this state is declared to affect the public health, safety, and welfare of citizens of this state.
(b) To assist the board of examiners in psychology in the performance of its duties, there is established the professional art therapist advisory committee to protect the public from: (1) The practice of art therapy by unqualified persons; and (2) Unprofessional, unethical, and harmful conduct by art therapy practitioners.
(1) The practice of art therapy by unqualified persons; and
(2) Unprofessional, unethical, and harmful conduct by art therapy practitioners.
(c) A person shall not represent to be or function as a professional art therapist in this state unless the person holds a valid license issued by the advisory committee. The committee shall also regulate the practice of art therapy.
Added by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 160, s 2, eff. 7/1/2022.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-11-308 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 11 / Section 63-11-308
Supervision of licensed assistant behavior analysts
Status: in_force

(a) A LBA shall provide supervision of applied behavior analysis (ABA) services under the LBA's extended authority and direction to all designated persons as provided in this part. (b) A LABA shall work under the supervision of an LBA. (c) (1) A LBA shall provide supervision to a maximum of six (6) LABAs concurrently, with the supervision to be conducted as follows: (A) A minimum of two (2) hours for each forty (40) hours of services provided by a LABA; (B) A minimum of one-half (1/2) of all supervision hours shall involve real time interactions; (C) A minimum of one-half (1/2) of all supervision hours shall involve one-to-one interactions between supervisors and supervisees. The remainder may be conducted in small group format. (2) Acceptable supervision activities include: (A) Direct observation of the LABA delivering ABA services to service recipients; (B) Direct observation of the LABA training family members and staff to implement ABA assessment or intervention procedures; (C) Demonstrating ABA assessment or intervention procedures; (D) Coaching supervisees in implementing ABA assessment or intervention procedures; (E) Reviewing and discussing treatment goals and procedures; (F) Reviewing service recipient progress data; and (G) Reviewing and discussing relevant research articles and other professional literature. (d) A formal professional relationship shall exist between a supervising LBA and LABA in the form of: (1) A co-employed relationship; or (2) An employee-employer relationship. (e) LABAs shall notify the committee within ten (10) business days of any change in supervision status. Acts 2014 , ch. 918, § 2.
(a) A LBA shall provide supervision of applied behavior analysis (ABA) services under the LBA's extended authority and direction to all designated persons as provided in this part.
(b) A LABA shall work under the supervision of an LBA.
(c) (1) A LBA shall provide supervision to a maximum of six (6) LABAs concurrently, with the supervision to be conducted as follows: (A) A minimum of two (2) hours for each forty (40) hours of services provided by a LABA; (B) A minimum of one-half (1/2) of all supervision hours shall involve real time interactions; (C) A minimum of one-half (1/2) of all supervision hours shall involve one-to-one interactions between supervisors and supervisees. The remainder may be conducted in small group format. (2) Acceptable supervision activities include: (A) Direct observation of the LABA delivering ABA services to service recipients; (B) Direct observation of the LABA training family members and staff to implement ABA assessment or intervention procedures; (C) Demonstrating ABA assessment or intervention procedures; (D) Coaching supervisees in implementing ABA assessment or intervention procedures; (E) Reviewing and discussing treatment goals and procedures; (F) Reviewing service recipient progress data; and (G) Reviewing and discussing relevant research articles and other professional literature.
(1) A LBA shall provide supervision to a maximum of six (6) LABAs concurrently, with the supervision to be conducted as follows: (A) A minimum of two (2) hours for each forty (40) hours of services provided by a LABA; (B) A minimum of one-half (1/2) of all supervision hours shall involve real time interactions; (C) A minimum of one-half (1/2) of all supervision hours shall involve one-to-one interactions between supervisors and supervisees. The remainder may be conducted in small group format.
(A) A minimum of two (2) hours for each forty (40) hours of services provided by a LABA;
(B) A minimum of one-half (1/2) of all supervision hours shall involve real time interactions;
(C) A minimum of one-half (1/2) of all supervision hours shall involve one-to-one interactions between supervisors and supervisees. The remainder may be conducted in small group format.
(2) Acceptable supervision activities include: (A) Direct observation of the LABA delivering ABA services to service recipients; (B) Direct observation of the LABA training family members and staff to implement ABA assessment or intervention procedures; (C) Demonstrating ABA assessment or intervention procedures; (D) Coaching supervisees in implementing ABA assessment or intervention procedures; (E) Reviewing and discussing treatment goals and procedures; (F) Reviewing service recipient progress data; and (G) Reviewing and discussing relevant research articles and other professional literature.
(A) Direct observation of the LABA delivering ABA services to service recipients;
(B) Direct observation of the LABA training family members and staff to implement ABA assessment or intervention procedures;
(C) Demonstrating ABA assessment or intervention procedures;
(D) Coaching supervisees in implementing ABA assessment or intervention procedures;
(E) Reviewing and discussing treatment goals and procedures;
(F) Reviewing service recipient progress data; and
(G) Reviewing and discussing relevant research articles and other professional literature.
(d) A formal professional relationship shall exist between a supervising LBA and LABA in the form of: (1) A co-employed relationship; or (2) An employee-employer relationship.
(1) A co-employed relationship; or
(2) An employee-employer relationship.
(e) LABAs shall notify the committee within ten (10) business days of any change in supervision status.
Acts 2014 , ch. 918, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-10-403 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 10 / Section 63-10-403
Immunity for reports regarding competence or professional conduct of pharmacist or personnel
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding § 63-10-402 , any person providing information, whether as a witness or otherwise, to a peer review committee regarding the competence or professional conduct of a pharmacist or pharmacy auxiliary personnel is immune from liability to any person, unless such information is false and the person providing it had actual knowledge of its falsity. Acts 1996, ch. 651, § 22; T.C.A. § 63-10-603.
Notwithstanding § 63-10-402 , any person providing information, whether as a witness or otherwise, to a peer review committee regarding the competence or professional conduct of a pharmacist or pharmacy auxiliary personnel is immune from liability to any person, unless such information is false and the person providing it had actual knowledge of its falsity.
Acts 1996, ch. 651, § 22; T.C.A. § 63-10-603.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-16-114 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 16 / Section 63-16-114
Temporary administration following unexpected loss of administrator
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding this chapter to the contrary, a nursing home licensed in Tennessee may be administered on a temporary basis after the unexpected loss of an administrator in accordance with title 68, chapter 11, part 2. Acts 1994, ch. 813, § 2.
Notwithstanding this chapter to the contrary, a nursing home licensed in Tennessee may be administered on a temporary basis after the unexpected loss of an administrator in accordance with title 68, chapter 11, part 2.
Acts 1994, ch. 813, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-5-112 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 5 / Section 63-5-112
Specialists
Status: in_force

(a) No licensed dentist shall claim to the public to be a specialist, or be specially qualified in any particular branch of dentistry or to be giving special attention to any branch of dentistry, or claim to limit the dentist's practice to any branch of dentistry, until that dentist has complied with the additional requirements established by the board and has been issued a certificate by the board authorizing that dentist so to do. The board is authorized to certify "specialists" in the following branches of dentistry: (1) Dental public health; (2) Endodontics; (3) Oral and maxillofacial pathology; (4) Oral and maxillofacial surgery; (5) Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics; (6) Pediatric dentistry; (7) Periodontics; (8) Prosthodontics; (9) Oral and maxillofacial radiology; and (10) Any other branch of dentistry hereafter recognized as a specialty by the American Dental Association and approved by the board. (b) Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are held to the same standard of care as physicians licensed under chapters 6 or 9 of this title. (c) In considering or acting upon matters related to specialists or special areas of dentistry, the board shall utilize as consultants one (1) or more knowledgeable persons certified in the applicable specialty or knowledgeable in the special area. Acts 1957, ch. 32, § 13; 1969, ch. 29, § 5; 1981, ch. 99, § 8; T.C.A., § 63-541; Acts 1988, ch. 635, § 11; 1996, ch. 766, § 1; 2001, ch. 330, §6; 2003 , ch. 237, § 5.
(a) No licensed dentist shall claim to the public to be a specialist, or be specially qualified in any particular branch of dentistry or to be giving special attention to any branch of dentistry, or claim to limit the dentist's practice to any branch of dentistry, until that dentist has complied with the additional requirements established by the board and has been issued a certificate by the board authorizing that dentist so to do. The board is authorized to certify "specialists" in the following branches of dentistry: (1) Dental public health; (2) Endodontics; (3) Oral and maxillofacial pathology; (4) Oral and maxillofacial surgery; (5) Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics; (6) Pediatric dentistry; (7) Periodontics; (8) Prosthodontics; (9) Oral and maxillofacial radiology; and (10) Any other branch of dentistry hereafter recognized as a specialty by the American Dental Association and approved by the board.
(1) Dental public health;
(2) Endodontics;
(3) Oral and maxillofacial pathology;
(4) Oral and maxillofacial surgery;
(5) Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics;
(6) Pediatric dentistry;
(7) Periodontics;
(8) Prosthodontics;
(9) Oral and maxillofacial radiology; and
(10) Any other branch of dentistry hereafter recognized as a specialty by the American Dental Association and approved by the board.
(b) Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are held to the same standard of care as physicians licensed under chapters 6 or 9 of this title.
(c) In considering or acting upon matters related to specialists or special areas of dentistry, the board shall utilize as consultants one (1) or more knowledgeable persons certified in the applicable specialty or knowledgeable in the special area.
Acts 1957, ch. 32, § 13; 1969, ch. 29, § 5; 1981, ch. 99, § 8; T.C.A., § 63-541; Acts 1988, ch. 635, § 11; 1996, ch. 766, § 1; 2001, ch. 330, §6; 2003 , ch. 237, § 5.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-28-103 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 28 / Section 63-28-103
License eligibility
Status: in_force

A person is eligible to make application to the committee and receive a license if such person is actively engaged in the practice of perfusion consistent with this chapter and if such person, on January 1, 2000, has at least four (4) years' experience, within the immediately preceding six (6) years, operating cardiopulmonary bypass systems during cardiac surgical cases in a licensed health care facility as the person's primary function. Acts 1999, ch. 239, § 3.
A person is eligible to make application to the committee and receive a license if such person is actively engaged in the practice of perfusion consistent with this chapter and if such person, on January 1, 2000, has at least four (4) years' experience, within the immediately preceding six (6) years, operating cardiopulmonary bypass systems during cardiac surgical cases in a licensed health care facility as the person's primary function.
Acts 1999, ch. 239, § 3.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-13-301 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 13 / Section 63-13-301
License requirement
Status: in_force

(a) (1) A physical therapist, or physiotherapist, licensed under this chapter is fully authorized to practice physical therapy. (2) A physical therapist, or physiotherapist, is not licensed under this chapter unless the individual holds a degree from a professional physical therapy program accredited by a national accreditation agency recognized by the United States department of education and by the board of physical therapy. (b) No person shall practice or in any manner claim to be engaging in the practice of physical therapy or designate as being a physical therapist unless duly licensed as a physical therapist in accordance with this chapter. Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 790, s 3, eff. 7/15/2020. Acts 1999, ch. 528, § 12.
(a) (1) A physical therapist, or physiotherapist, licensed under this chapter is fully authorized to practice physical therapy. (2) A physical therapist, or physiotherapist, is not licensed under this chapter unless the individual holds a degree from a professional physical therapy program accredited by a national accreditation agency recognized by the United States department of education and by the board of physical therapy.
(1) A physical therapist, or physiotherapist, licensed under this chapter is fully authorized to practice physical therapy.
(2) A physical therapist, or physiotherapist, is not licensed under this chapter unless the individual holds a degree from a professional physical therapy program accredited by a national accreditation agency recognized by the United States department of education and by the board of physical therapy.
(b) No person shall practice or in any manner claim to be engaging in the practice of physical therapy or designate as being a physical therapist unless duly licensed as a physical therapist in accordance with this chapter.
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 790, s 3, eff. 7/15/2020.
Acts 1999, ch. 528, § 12.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-6-105 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 6 / Section 63-6-105
Online registry for medical spas - Annual fee authorized
Status: in_force

(a) The board of medical examiners, in consultation with the board of osteopathic examination, shall establish and maintain an online registry for medical spas as defined in § 63-1-153 , and, notwithstanding § 63-1-153 , the registry shall include any physician-owned practice that advertises or holds itself out as a medical spa or a physician-owned practice that primarily engages in the performance of elective cosmetic medical services. The online registry shall include, at a minimum, the following information: (1) The name and physical address of the medical spa; (2) The name of the medical director or supervising physician, the medical license number of the director or supervising physician, and the designation as a medical doctor or doctor of osteopathy; and (3) Certification information of the medical director or supervising physician as required by § 63-1-153(b) and (c) . (b) Any medical director or supervising physician who is responsible for or supervises a medical spa shall provide the board of medical examiners or the board of osteopathic examination with the information described in subsection (a); provided, that the medical director or supervising physician for a medical spa in existence prior to January 1, 2017, shall submit the required information to the appropriate board prior to that date. (c) The board of medical examiners and the board of osteopathic examination shall post, in conspicuous size and type, notice of the requirements of this section on the website of each board. (d) In order to offset the cost of implementing this section, the board of medical examiners, in consultation with the board of osteopathic examination, is authorized to promulgate rules to set an annual fee to be assessed on medical spas that are listed on the online registry. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 956, Secs.s 1, s 2 eff. 4/27/2016. Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 494, s 1, eff. 1/1/2016.
(a) The board of medical examiners, in consultation with the board of osteopathic examination, shall establish and maintain an online registry for medical spas as defined in § 63-1-153 , and, notwithstanding § 63-1-153 , the registry shall include any physician-owned practice that advertises or holds itself out as a medical spa or a physician-owned practice that primarily engages in the performance of elective cosmetic medical services. The online registry shall include, at a minimum, the following information: (1) The name and physical address of the medical spa; (2) The name of the medical director or supervising physician, the medical license number of the director or supervising physician, and the designation as a medical doctor or doctor of osteopathy; and (3) Certification information of the medical director or supervising physician as required by § 63-1-153(b) and (c) .
(1) The name and physical address of the medical spa;
(2) The name of the medical director or supervising physician, the medical license number of the director or supervising physician, and the designation as a medical doctor or doctor of osteopathy; and
(3) Certification information of the medical director or supervising physician as required by § 63-1-153(b) and (c) .
(b) Any medical director or supervising physician who is responsible for or supervises a medical spa shall provide the board of medical examiners or the board of osteopathic examination with the information described in subsection (a); provided, that the medical director or supervising physician for a medical spa in existence prior to January 1, 2017, shall submit the required information to the appropriate board prior to that date.
(c) The board of medical examiners and the board of osteopathic examination shall post, in conspicuous size and type, notice of the requirements of this section on the website of each board.
(d) In order to offset the cost of implementing this section, the board of medical examiners, in consultation with the board of osteopathic examination, is authorized to promulgate rules to set an annual fee to be assessed on medical spas that are listed on the online registry.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 956, Secs.s 1, s 2 eff. 4/27/2016.
Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 494, s 1, eff. 1/1/2016.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-4-105 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 4 / Section 63-4-105
Disposition of fees - Operating expenses - Compensation
Status: in_force

(a) All fees and moneys from whatever source coming into the hands of the board shall be paid by the board to the state treasurer and become a part of the general fund. (b) The commissioner of finance and administration shall make allotments out of the general fund for the proper expenditures of the board, and no expenditure may be made by the board until the allotment for the expenditure has been made by the commissioner. The allotments for the operation of the board shall be disbursed under the general budgetary laws of the state. (c) Each member of the board shall receive one hundred dollars ($100) per diem when actually engaged in the discharge of that member's official duties and, in addition, be reimbursed for all travel and other necessary expenses. The secretary of the board shall, in lieu of the per diem provided by this section, receive a salary not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100) per month as set annually by the board. All reimbursement for travel expenses shall be in accordance with the comprehensive travel regulations as promulgated by the department of finance and administration and approved by the attorney general and reporter. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 455,s 5, eff. 7/1/2017. Acts 1923, ch. 9, § 15; impl. am. Acts 1925, ch. 115, § 32; Shan. Supp., § 3654a129; Code 1932, § 7023; Acts 1939, ch. 116, § 8; C. Supp. 1950, § 7023; Acts 1953, ch. 113, § 36; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 3; impl. am. Acts 1961, ch. 97, § 3; 1976, ch. 781, § 5; 1976, ch. 806, § 1(27); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 63-406.
(a) All fees and moneys from whatever source coming into the hands of the board shall be paid by the board to the state treasurer and become a part of the general fund.
(b) The commissioner of finance and administration shall make allotments out of the general fund for the proper expenditures of the board, and no expenditure may be made by the board until the allotment for the expenditure has been made by the commissioner. The allotments for the operation of the board shall be disbursed under the general budgetary laws of the state.
(c) Each member of the board shall receive one hundred dollars ($100) per diem when actually engaged in the discharge of that member's official duties and, in addition, be reimbursed for all travel and other necessary expenses. The secretary of the board shall, in lieu of the per diem provided by this section, receive a salary not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100) per month as set annually by the board. All reimbursement for travel expenses shall be in accordance with the comprehensive travel regulations as promulgated by the department of finance and administration and approved by the attorney general and reporter.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 455,s 5, eff. 7/1/2017.
Acts 1923, ch. 9, § 15; impl. am. Acts 1925, ch. 115, § 32; Shan. Supp., § 3654a129; Code 1932, § 7023; Acts 1939, ch. 116, § 8; C. Supp. 1950, § 7023; Acts 1953, ch. 113, § 36; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 3; impl. am. Acts 1961, ch. 97, § 3; 1976, ch. 781, § 5; 1976, ch. 806, § 1(27); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 63-406.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-28-107 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 28 / Section 63-28-107
Renewal of expired and unexpired licenses
Status: repealed

(a) A license to practice perfusion is valid for two (2) years. The committee may provide that licenses expire on various dates. A person may renew an unexpired license by submitting proof of compliance with the continuing professional education requirements prescribed by the committee and paying the required renewal fee to the committee before the expiration date of the license. (b) If a person's license has been expired for not more than two (2) years, the person may renew the license by submitting proof, satisfactory to the committee, of compliance with the continuing professional education requirements prescribed by the committee and any penalty fee prescribed by the committee. (c) If a person's license has been expired two (2) years or more, the person may not renew the license. The person may obtain a new license by submitting to reexamination and complying with the current requirements and procedures for obtaining a license. (d) The committee may renew without reexamination an expired license of a person who was licensed in this state, moved to another state or states, and is currently licensed or certified and has been in practice in another state or states for the two (2) years immediately preceding the person's application to renew a license. The person shall pay the required fee as established by the committee. The committee shall not renew an expired license pursuant to this subsection (d) if such expired license is subject to a penalty or restriction in another state. (e) The committee shall notify each license holder in writing of the license expiration date more than thirty (30) days before such date by notice to the license holder at the license holder's last known address according to the records of the committee. Acts 1999, ch. 239, § 7.
(a) A license to practice perfusion is valid for two (2) years. The committee may provide that licenses expire on various dates. A person may renew an unexpired license by submitting proof of compliance with the continuing professional education requirements prescribed by the committee and paying the required renewal fee to the committee before the expiration date of the license.
(b) If a person's license has been expired for not more than two (2) years, the person may renew the license by submitting proof, satisfactory to the committee, of compliance with the continuing professional education requirements prescribed by the committee and any penalty fee prescribed by the committee.
(c) If a person's license has been expired two (2) years or more, the person may not renew the license. The person may obtain a new license by submitting to reexamination and complying with the current requirements and procedures for obtaining a license.
(d) The committee may renew without reexamination an expired license of a person who was licensed in this state, moved to another state or states, and is currently licensed or certified and has been in practice in another state or states for the two (2) years immediately preceding the person's application to renew a license. The person shall pay the required fee as established by the committee. The committee shall not renew an expired license pursuant to this subsection (d) if such expired license is subject to a penalty or restriction in another state.
(e) The committee shall notify each license holder in writing of the license expiration date more than thirty (30) days before such date by notice to the license holder at the license holder's last known address according to the records of the committee.
Acts 1999, ch. 239, § 7.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-15-104 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 15 / Section 63-15-104
Membership - Appointment - Terms
Status: in_force

(a) The committee consists of the following five (5) members: (1) The commissioner of health, or the commissioner's designee with experience in maternal health or medicaid policy; (2) The director of TennCare, or the director's designee; (3) Two (2) community-based doulas, to be appointed by the commissioner of health or the commissioner's designee, who have documented experience providing services to: (A) Medicaid recipients; or (B) Women in municipalities or unincorporated areas in this state with high rates of maternal and infant mortality; and (4) One (1) doula, to be appointed by the commissioner of health or the commissioner's designee, who has documented experience providing services to medicaid recipients. (b) If a membership position on the committee becomes vacant, then the commissioner shall appoint a replacement member who meets the qualifications as described in subsection (a) for the vacant position. (c) (1) The commissioner shall remove any member who misses more than fifty percent (50%) of the scheduled meetings in a calendar year and appoint a new member to serve. (2) Notwithstanding subdivision (c)(1), the commissioner may excuse an absence of a committee member for good cause, in the discretion of the commissioner. (d) The chair shall convene the first meeting of the committee no later than October 1, 2023, and elect a committee member to serve as chair and conduct the committee meetings. (e) All reimbursement for travel expenses must be in accordance with the comprehensive travel regulations as promulgated by the department of finance and administration and approved by the attorney general and reporter. Members of the advisory committee serve without compensation, but are entitled to receive necessary travel and other appropriate expenses while engaged in committee business. (f) The committee ceases to exist on July 1, 2026. Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 424, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
(a) The committee consists of the following five (5) members: (1) The commissioner of health, or the commissioner's designee with experience in maternal health or medicaid policy; (2) The director of TennCare, or the director's designee; (3) Two (2) community-based doulas, to be appointed by the commissioner of health or the commissioner's designee, who have documented experience providing services to: (A) Medicaid recipients; or (B) Women in municipalities or unincorporated areas in this state with high rates of maternal and infant mortality; and (4) One (1) doula, to be appointed by the commissioner of health or the commissioner's designee, who has documented experience providing services to medicaid recipients.
(1) The commissioner of health, or the commissioner's designee with experience in maternal health or medicaid policy;
(2) The director of TennCare, or the director's designee;
(3) Two (2) community-based doulas, to be appointed by the commissioner of health or the commissioner's designee, who have documented experience providing services to: (A) Medicaid recipients; or (B) Women in municipalities or unincorporated areas in this state with high rates of maternal and infant mortality; and
(A) Medicaid recipients; or
(B) Women in municipalities or unincorporated areas in this state with high rates of maternal and infant mortality; and
(4) One (1) doula, to be appointed by the commissioner of health or the commissioner's designee, who has documented experience providing services to medicaid recipients.
(b) If a membership position on the committee becomes vacant, then the commissioner shall appoint a replacement member who meets the qualifications as described in subsection (a) for the vacant position.
(c) (1) The commissioner shall remove any member who misses more than fifty percent (50%) of the scheduled meetings in a calendar year and appoint a new member to serve. (2) Notwithstanding subdivision (c)(1), the commissioner may excuse an absence of a committee member for good cause, in the discretion of the commissioner.
(1) The commissioner shall remove any member who misses more than fifty percent (50%) of the scheduled meetings in a calendar year and appoint a new member to serve.
(2) Notwithstanding subdivision (c)(1), the commissioner may excuse an absence of a committee member for good cause, in the discretion of the commissioner.
(d) The chair shall convene the first meeting of the committee no later than October 1, 2023, and elect a committee member to serve as chair and conduct the committee meetings.
(e) All reimbursement for travel expenses must be in accordance with the comprehensive travel regulations as promulgated by the department of finance and administration and approved by the attorney general and reporter. Members of the advisory committee serve without compensation, but are entitled to receive necessary travel and other appropriate expenses while engaged in committee business.
(f) The committee ceases to exist on July 1, 2026.
Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 424, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-10-311 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 10 / Section 63-10-311
Inspection of sites - Physicians regulated by board of medical examiners
Status: in_force

(a) The board or its designated agents are authorized to regulate the practice of pharmacy and to inspect any site or professional pharmacy practice, other than storage sites utilized by manufacturer's representatives, where drugs, medicines, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, or poisons are manufactured, stored, sold, dispensed, distributed, or administered. (b) The authority over drug dispensing in the office of a physician licensed to practice under chapter 6 of this title is vested in the board of medical examiners. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 457, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023. Acts 2018 , ch. 1029, § 1.
(a) The board or its designated agents are authorized to regulate the practice of pharmacy and to inspect any site or professional pharmacy practice, other than storage sites utilized by manufacturer's representatives, where drugs, medicines, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, or poisons are manufactured, stored, sold, dispensed, distributed, or administered.
(b) The authority over drug dispensing in the office of a physician licensed to practice under chapter 6 of this title is vested in the board of medical examiners.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 457, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Acts 2018 , ch. 1029, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-1-305 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 1 / Section 63-1-305
Investigation of complaints
Status: in_force

Each board shall have the authority to investigate a complaint alleging a violation of this part, or a rule adopted under this part, by a pain management clinic utilizing the services of a healthcare practitioner licensed by that board. Each board shall also have the authority to investigate a complaint alleging that a pain management clinic utilizing the services of a healthcare practitioner licensed by that board is not properly licensed by the department as required by this part. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1033,s 9, eff. 7/1/2017. Acts 2011, ch. 340, § 1.
Each board shall have the authority to investigate a complaint alleging a violation of this part, or a rule adopted under this part, by a pain management clinic utilizing the services of a healthcare practitioner licensed by that board. Each board shall also have the authority to investigate a complaint alleging that a pain management clinic utilizing the services of a healthcare practitioner licensed by that board is not properly licensed by the department as required by this part.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1033,s 9, eff. 7/1/2017.
Acts 2011, ch. 340, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-19-314 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 19 / Section 63-19-314
Binding effect of compact
Status: in_force

(a) Nothing herein prevents the enforcement of any other law of a Participating State that is not inconsistent with this Compact. (b) Any laws in a Participating State in conflict with this Compact are superseded to the extent of the conflict. (c) All agreements between the Commission and the Participating States are binding in accordance with their terms. Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1018,s 1, eff. 1/1/2025.
(a) Nothing herein prevents the enforcement of any other law of a Participating State that is not inconsistent with this Compact.
(b) Any laws in a Participating State in conflict with this Compact are superseded to the extent of the conflict.
(c) All agreements between the Commission and the Participating States are binding in accordance with their terms.
Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1018,s 1, eff. 1/1/2025.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-18-114 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 18 / Section 63-18-114
Massage therapists are not primary care providers
Status: in_force

No person licensed by the massage licensure board shall ever be referred to as a primary care provider nor be permitted to use such designation. Acts 1995, ch. 480, § 15; T.C.A. § 63-18-214.
No person licensed by the massage licensure board shall ever be referred to as a primary care provider nor be permitted to use such designation.
Acts 1995, ch. 480, § 15; T.C.A. § 63-18-214.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-18-102 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 18 / Section 63-18-102
Chapter definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Board" means the massage licensure board; (2) "Compensation" means the payment, loan, advance, donation, contribution, deposit or gift of money or anything of value; (3) "Massage/bodywork/somatic" means the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body with the intention of positively affecting the health and well being of the client; (4) "Massage establishment" means a place of business held out to the public wherein massage is practiced; and (5) "Massage therapist" means a person who practices massage for compensation and is licensed by the board. Acts 1995, ch. 480, § 3; 1996, ch. 1059, §1; 1997 , ch. 130, § 1; T.C.A. § 63-18-202.
As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) "Board" means the massage licensure board;
(2) "Compensation" means the payment, loan, advance, donation, contribution, deposit or gift of money or anything of value;
(3) "Massage/bodywork/somatic" means the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body with the intention of positively affecting the health and well being of the client;
(4) "Massage establishment" means a place of business held out to the public wherein massage is practiced; and
(5) "Massage therapist" means a person who practices massage for compensation and is licensed by the board.
Acts 1995, ch. 480, § 3; 1996, ch. 1059, §1; 1997 , ch. 130, § 1; T.C.A. § 63-18-202.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-32-104 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 32 / Section 63-32-104
Requirements
Status: in_force

(a) When collecting information or compiling reports intended to compare individual health care providers, the commissioner of health shall require that: (1) Provider organizations that are representative of the target group for profiling shall be meaningfully involved in the development of all aspects of the profile methodology, including collection methods, formatting and methods and means for release and dissemination; (2) The entire methodology for collecting and analyzing the data shall be disclosed to all relevant provider organizations and to all providers under review; (3) Data collection and analytical methodologies shall be used that meet accepted standards of validity and reliability; (4) The limitations of the data sources and analytic methodologies used to develop provider profiles shall be clearly identified and acknowledged, including, but not limited to, the appropriate and inappropriate uses of the data; (5) To the greatest extent possible, provider-profiling initiatives shall use standard-based norms derived from widely accepted, provider-developed practice guidelines; (6) Provider profiles and other information that have been compiled regarding provider performance shall be shared with providers under review prior to dissemination; provided, that an opportunity for corrections and additions of helpful explanatory comments shall be provided prior to publication; and provided, further, that such profiles shall only include data that reflect care under the control of the provider for whom such profile is prepared; (7) Comparisons among provider profiles shall adjust for patient care-mix and other relevant risk factors and control for provider peer groups, when deemed appropriate by the respective board; and (8) The quality and accuracy of provider profiles, data sources and methodologies shall be evaluated at least biannually. (b) The department of health is authorized to charge a reasonable fee for any information, documents, or reports requested by the public that are not required as part of the implementation of this chapter. The fee shall be set per rules and regulations promulgated by the department in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. Acts 1998, ch. 1073, § 4.
(a) When collecting information or compiling reports intended to compare individual health care providers, the commissioner of health shall require that: (1) Provider organizations that are representative of the target group for profiling shall be meaningfully involved in the development of all aspects of the profile methodology, including collection methods, formatting and methods and means for release and dissemination; (2) The entire methodology for collecting and analyzing the data shall be disclosed to all relevant provider organizations and to all providers under review; (3) Data collection and analytical methodologies shall be used that meet accepted standards of validity and reliability; (4) The limitations of the data sources and analytic methodologies used to develop provider profiles shall be clearly identified and acknowledged, including, but not limited to, the appropriate and inappropriate uses of the data; (5) To the greatest extent possible, provider-profiling initiatives shall use standard-based norms derived from widely accepted, provider-developed practice guidelines; (6) Provider profiles and other information that have been compiled regarding provider performance shall be shared with providers under review prior to dissemination; provided, that an opportunity for corrections and additions of helpful explanatory comments shall be provided prior to publication; and provided, further, that such profiles shall only include data that reflect care under the control of the provider for whom such profile is prepared; (7) Comparisons among provider profiles shall adjust for patient care-mix and other relevant risk factors and control for provider peer groups, when deemed appropriate by the respective board; and (8) The quality and accuracy of provider profiles, data sources and methodologies shall be evaluated at least biannually.
(1) Provider organizations that are representative of the target group for profiling shall be meaningfully involved in the development of all aspects of the profile methodology, including collection methods, formatting and methods and means for release and dissemination;
(2) The entire methodology for collecting and analyzing the data shall be disclosed to all relevant provider organizations and to all providers under review;
(3) Data collection and analytical methodologies shall be used that meet accepted standards of validity and reliability;
(4) The limitations of the data sources and analytic methodologies used to develop provider profiles shall be clearly identified and acknowledged, including, but not limited to, the appropriate and inappropriate uses of the data;
(5) To the greatest extent possible, provider-profiling initiatives shall use standard-based norms derived from widely accepted, provider-developed practice guidelines;
(6) Provider profiles and other information that have been compiled regarding provider performance shall be shared with providers under review prior to dissemination; provided, that an opportunity for corrections and additions of helpful explanatory comments shall be provided prior to publication; and provided, further, that such profiles shall only include data that reflect care under the control of the provider for whom such profile is prepared;
(7) Comparisons among provider profiles shall adjust for patient care-mix and other relevant risk factors and control for provider peer groups, when deemed appropriate by the respective board; and
(8) The quality and accuracy of provider profiles, data sources and methodologies shall be evaluated at least biannually.
(b) The department of health is authorized to charge a reasonable fee for any information, documents, or reports requested by the public that are not required as part of the implementation of this chapter. The fee shall be set per rules and regulations promulgated by the department in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
Acts 1998, ch. 1073, § 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-23-206 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 23 / Section 63-23-206
Authority of interstate compact commission and member state licensing authorities
Status: in_force

(a) Nothing in this compact, nor any rule of the commission, must be construed to limit, restrict, or in any way reduce the ability of a member state to enact and enforce laws, regulations, or other rules related to the practice of social work in that state, where those laws, regulations, or other rules are not inconsistent with this compact. (b) Nothing in this compact affects the requirements established by a member state for the issuance of a single state license. (c) Nothing in this compact, nor any rule of the commission, must be construed to limit, restrict, or in any way reduce the ability of a member state to take adverse action against a licensee's single state license to practice social work in that state. (d) Nothing in this compact, nor any rule of the commission, must be construed to limit, restrict, or in any way reduce the ability of a remote state to take adverse action against a licensee's multistate authorization to practice in that state. (e) Nothing in this compact, nor any rule of the commission, must be construed to limit, restrict, or in any way reduce the ability of a licensee's home state to take adverse action against a licensee's multistate license based upon information provided by a remote state. Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1041,s 1, eff. 7/1/2024.
(a) Nothing in this compact, nor any rule of the commission, must be construed to limit, restrict, or in any way reduce the ability of a member state to enact and enforce laws, regulations, or other rules related to the practice of social work in that state, where those laws, regulations, or other rules are not inconsistent with this compact.
(b) Nothing in this compact affects the requirements established by a member state for the issuance of a single state license.
(c) Nothing in this compact, nor any rule of the commission, must be construed to limit, restrict, or in any way reduce the ability of a member state to take adverse action against a licensee's single state license to practice social work in that state.
(d) Nothing in this compact, nor any rule of the commission, must be construed to limit, restrict, or in any way reduce the ability of a remote state to take adverse action against a licensee's multistate authorization to practice in that state.
(e) Nothing in this compact, nor any rule of the commission, must be construed to limit, restrict, or in any way reduce the ability of a licensee's home state to take adverse action against a licensee's multistate license based upon information provided by a remote state.
Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1041,s 1, eff. 7/1/2024.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-6-215 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 6 / Section 63-6-215
Advertising
Status: in_force

(a) The board shall adopt rules and regulations to regulate the nature, manner, content and extent of advertising by practitioners who are under the jurisdiction of such board. (b) If advertising is permitted, all methods must be allowed: newspaper, radio and television. Acts 1901, ch. 78, § 16; 1917, ch. 13, § 2; Shan., § 3609a30; Acts 1919, ch. 117, § 1; Code 1932, § 6933; Acts 1945, ch. 181, § 7; C. Supp. 1950, § 6933; Acts 1975, ch. 355, § 16; 1980, ch. 605, §§ 4, 5; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 63-619.
(a) The board shall adopt rules and regulations to regulate the nature, manner, content and extent of advertising by practitioners who are under the jurisdiction of such board.
(b) If advertising is permitted, all methods must be allowed: newspaper, radio and television.
Acts 1901, ch. 78, § 16; 1917, ch. 13, § 2; Shan., § 3609a30; Acts 1919, ch. 117, § 1; Code 1932, § 6933; Acts 1945, ch. 181, § 7; C. Supp. 1950, § 6933; Acts 1975, ch. 355, § 16; 1980, ch. 605, §§ 4, 5; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 63-619.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-11-220 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 11 / Section 63-11-220
Peer review committees - Liability - Confidentiality of information
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this section, "peer review committee" or "committee" means any committee, board, commission or other entity constituted by any statewide psychological association or local psychological association for the purpose of receiving and evaluating professional acts of other practitioners of psychology as defined in this chapter. (b) Any practitioner of psychology who serves on any peer review committee or on any other committee is immune from liability with respect to any action taken in good faith and without malice as a member of such committee, board, commission or other entity. (c) Practitioners of psychology, any individuals appointed to a committee as defined in subsection (a) and members of the boards of directors of facilities as defined in §§ 52-5-403 and 68-11-201 are immune from liability to any client, patient, individual or organization for furnishing information, data, reports or records to any such committee or for damages resulting from any decision, opinions, actions and proceedings rendered, entered or acted upon by such committee, undertaken or performed within the scope or functions of the duties of such committee, if made or taken in good faith and without malice and on the basis of facts reasonably known or reasonably believed to exist. (d) (1) All information, interviews, reports, statements, memoranda or other data furnished to a peer review committee, associational board or governing board, and any findings, conclusions or recommendations resulting from the proceedings of such committees, associational boards and governing boards are privileged. (2) The records and proceedings are confidential and shall be used only in the exercise of the proper functions of the committees, associational boards or governing boards and shall not become public records nor be available for court subpoena or discovery proceedings. (3) Nothing contained in this subsection (d) applies to records, documents or information otherwise available from original sources and such records, documents or information are not to be construed as immune from discovery or use in any civil proceedings solely due to presentation to the committee. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 688,s 149, eff. 7/1/2024. Acts 1990, ch. 653, § 1; 2000, ch. 947, § 8M.
(a) As used in this section, "peer review committee" or "committee" means any committee, board, commission or other entity constituted by any statewide psychological association or local psychological association for the purpose of receiving and evaluating professional acts of other practitioners of psychology as defined in this chapter.
(b) Any practitioner of psychology who serves on any peer review committee or on any other committee is immune from liability with respect to any action taken in good faith and without malice as a member of such committee, board, commission or other entity.
(c) Practitioners of psychology, any individuals appointed to a committee as defined in subsection (a) and members of the boards of directors of facilities as defined in §§ 52-5-403 and 68-11-201 are immune from liability to any client, patient, individual or organization for furnishing information, data, reports or records to any such committee or for damages resulting from any decision, opinions, actions and proceedings rendered, entered or acted upon by such committee, undertaken or performed within the scope or functions of the duties of such committee, if made or taken in good faith and without malice and on the basis of facts reasonably known or reasonably believed to exist.
(d) (1) All information, interviews, reports, statements, memoranda or other data furnished to a peer review committee, associational board or governing board, and any findings, conclusions or recommendations resulting from the proceedings of such committees, associational boards and governing boards are privileged. (2) The records and proceedings are confidential and shall be used only in the exercise of the proper functions of the committees, associational boards or governing boards and shall not become public records nor be available for court subpoena or discovery proceedings. (3) Nothing contained in this subsection (d) applies to records, documents or information otherwise available from original sources and such records, documents or information are not to be construed as immune from discovery or use in any civil proceedings solely due to presentation to the committee.
(1) All information, interviews, reports, statements, memoranda or other data furnished to a peer review committee, associational board or governing board, and any findings, conclusions or recommendations resulting from the proceedings of such committees, associational boards and governing boards are privileged.
(2) The records and proceedings are confidential and shall be used only in the exercise of the proper functions of the committees, associational boards or governing boards and shall not become public records nor be available for court subpoena or discovery proceedings.
(3) Nothing contained in this subsection (d) applies to records, documents or information otherwise available from original sources and such records, documents or information are not to be construed as immune from discovery or use in any civil proceedings solely due to presentation to the committee.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 688,s 149, eff. 7/1/2024.
Acts 1990, ch. 653, § 1; 2000, ch. 947, § 8M.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-11-210 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 11 / Section 63-11-210
Examination of applicants
Status: in_force

(a) Examination of applicants for a license or certificate to practice psychology shall be made by the board at least once a year according to methods and in such subject fields as may be deemed by the board to be the most practical and expeditious to test the applicant's qualifications. (b) (1) Such examinations shall include the basic psychological sciences. (2) The board shall require the examinations to be written or oral, or both; provided, that in any written examination such applicant shall be designated by a number instead of the applicant's name so that the applicant's identity shall not be disclosed to the members of the board until the examination papers have been graded. (3) The board shall grade the written examinations returned by the candidates and shall keep them for at least one (1) year. (4) A candidate shall be held to have passed the examination upon the affirmative vote of three (3) or more members of the board. (5) Any unsuccessful candidate may, upon written request to the board, see the candidate's graded paper. Acts 1953, ch. 169, § 10 (Williams, § 7082.10); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 63-1114; Acts 2001, ch. 123, § 19.
(a) Examination of applicants for a license or certificate to practice psychology shall be made by the board at least once a year according to methods and in such subject fields as may be deemed by the board to be the most practical and expeditious to test the applicant's qualifications.
(b) (1) Such examinations shall include the basic psychological sciences. (2) The board shall require the examinations to be written or oral, or both; provided, that in any written examination such applicant shall be designated by a number instead of the applicant's name so that the applicant's identity shall not be disclosed to the members of the board until the examination papers have been graded. (3) The board shall grade the written examinations returned by the candidates and shall keep them for at least one (1) year. (4) A candidate shall be held to have passed the examination upon the affirmative vote of three (3) or more members of the board. (5) Any unsuccessful candidate may, upon written request to the board, see the candidate's graded paper.
(1) Such examinations shall include the basic psychological sciences.
(2) The board shall require the examinations to be written or oral, or both; provided, that in any written examination such applicant shall be designated by a number instead of the applicant's name so that the applicant's identity shall not be disclosed to the members of the board until the examination papers have been graded.
(3) The board shall grade the written examinations returned by the candidates and shall keep them for at least one (1) year.
(4) A candidate shall be held to have passed the examination upon the affirmative vote of three (3) or more members of the board.
(5) Any unsuccessful candidate may, upon written request to the board, see the candidate's graded paper.
Acts 1953, ch. 169, § 10 (Williams, § 7082.10); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 63-1114; Acts 2001, ch. 123, § 19.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-32-107 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 32 / Section 63-32-107
Publication of provider profiles - Certain restrictions
Status: in_force

The department of health, in implementing § 63-32-105 shall not disseminate a provider profile by electronic media, including the World Wide Web of the internet or toll-free telephone line before May 1, 1999. The department shall conduct a study of the impact of publication of provider profiles by electronic media on the personal safety of providers and their families, and shall report its findings to the government operations committees on or before October 1, 1998. The department shall include in such report a sample profile designed with safeguards recommended by the department pursuant to the aforementioned study. No later than January 1, 1999, and after public hearing, the board shall promulgate regulations to eliminate, to the extent practicable, the possibility that certain information contained in such profiles may jeopardize the personal safety of providers and their families. Acts 1998, ch. 1073, § 7.
The department of health, in implementing § 63-32-105 shall not disseminate a provider profile by electronic media, including the World Wide Web of the internet or toll-free telephone line before May 1, 1999. The department shall conduct a study of the impact of publication of provider profiles by electronic media on the personal safety of providers and their families, and shall report its findings to the government operations committees on or before October 1, 1998. The department shall include in such report a sample profile designed with safeguards recommended by the department pursuant to the aforementioned study. No later than January 1, 1999, and after public hearing, the board shall promulgate regulations to eliminate, to the extent practicable, the possibility that certain information contained in such profiles may jeopardize the personal safety of providers and their families.
Acts 1998, ch. 1073, § 7.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-13-310 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 13 / Section 63-13-310
Unlawful use of titles or designations indicating licensure
Status: in_force

(a) A physical therapist shall use the letters "PT" or "DPT", as appropriate for the individual's education, in connection with their name or place of business to denote licensure under this part. (b) It is unlawful for any person or for any business entity, its employees, agents or representatives to use in connection with such person's name or the name or activity of the business the words "physical therapy," "physical therapist," "physiotherapy," "physiotherapist," "registered physical therapist," "licensed physical therapist," "doctor of physical therapy," or the letters "PT," "LPT," "DPT," or "RPT" or any other words, abbreviations or insignia indicating or implying directly or indirectly that physical therapy is provided or supplied, including the billing of services labeled as physical therapy, unless such services are provided by or under the direction of a physical therapist licensed in accordance with this part. (c) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as restricting a person licensed or certified under any other law of this state from engaging in the profession or practice for which the person is licensed or certified; provided, that the person does not claim to be a physical therapist, a physical therapist assistant or a provider of physical therapy. (d) A physical therapist assistant shall use the letters "PTA" in connection with the person's name to denote licensure. (e) No person shall use the title "physical therapist assistant" or use the letters "PTA" in connection with the person's name or any other words, abbreviations or insignia indicating or implying, directly or indirectly, that the person is a physical therapist assistant unless the person is licensed as a physical therapist assistant in accordance with this part. Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 790, s 13, eff. 7/15/2020. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 124, s 5, eff. 4/9/2015. Acts 1999, ch. 528, § 21.
(a) A physical therapist shall use the letters "PT" or "DPT", as appropriate for the individual's education, in connection with their name or place of business to denote licensure under this part.
(b) It is unlawful for any person or for any business entity, its employees, agents or representatives to use in connection with such person's name or the name or activity of the business the words "physical therapy," "physical therapist," "physiotherapy," "physiotherapist," "registered physical therapist," "licensed physical therapist," "doctor of physical therapy," or the letters "PT," "LPT," "DPT," or "RPT" or any other words, abbreviations or insignia indicating or implying directly or indirectly that physical therapy is provided or supplied, including the billing of services labeled as physical therapy, unless such services are provided by or under the direction of a physical therapist licensed in accordance with this part.
(c) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as restricting a person licensed or certified under any other law of this state from engaging in the profession or practice for which the person is licensed or certified; provided, that the person does not claim to be a physical therapist, a physical therapist assistant or a provider of physical therapy.
(d) A physical therapist assistant shall use the letters "PTA" in connection with the person's name to denote licensure.
(e) No person shall use the title "physical therapist assistant" or use the letters "PTA" in connection with the person's name or any other words, abbreviations or insignia indicating or implying, directly or indirectly, that the person is a physical therapist assistant unless the person is licensed as a physical therapist assistant in accordance with this part.
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 790, s 13, eff. 7/15/2020.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 124, s 5, eff. 4/9/2015.
Acts 1999, ch. 528, § 21.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-6-203 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 6 / Section 63-6-203
Penalties
Status: in_force

(a) (1) Any person who practices medicine or surgery in this state without having first complied with the provisions of this chapter commits a Class B misdemeanor for each instance of such practice. (2) Each time any person practices medicine or surgery without first obtaining a valid certificate or renewing a certificate constitutes a separate offense. (3) Any person filing or attempting to file as the person's own a diploma or license of another or a forged affidavit of identification commits a Class E felony. (b) All fines for offenses under this chapter shall be paid over to the board to constitute a part of the funds of the board to be paid into the state treasury. Acts 1901, ch. 78, § 18; Shan., § 3609a32; mod. Code 1932, § 6936; Acts 1945, ch. 181, § 9; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 6936; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 63-607; Acts 1989, ch. 591, §§ 84, 112; 1993, ch. 404, § 6.
(a) (1) Any person who practices medicine or surgery in this state without having first complied with the provisions of this chapter commits a Class B misdemeanor for each instance of such practice. (2) Each time any person practices medicine or surgery without first obtaining a valid certificate or renewing a certificate constitutes a separate offense. (3) Any person filing or attempting to file as the person's own a diploma or license of another or a forged affidavit of identification commits a Class E felony.
(1) Any person who practices medicine or surgery in this state without having first complied with the provisions of this chapter commits a Class B misdemeanor for each instance of such practice.
(2) Each time any person practices medicine or surgery without first obtaining a valid certificate or renewing a certificate constitutes a separate offense.
(3) Any person filing or attempting to file as the person's own a diploma or license of another or a forged affidavit of identification commits a Class E felony.
(b) All fines for offenses under this chapter shall be paid over to the board to constitute a part of the funds of the board to be paid into the state treasury.
Acts 1901, ch. 78, § 18; Shan., § 3609a32; mod. Code 1932, § 6936; Acts 1945, ch. 181, § 9; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 6936; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 63-607; Acts 1989, ch. 591, §§ 84, 112; 1993, ch. 404, § 6.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-1-203 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 1 / Section 63-1-203
Compensation for services prohibited - Donations and gifts permitted
Status: in_force

A medical practitioner or a free health clinic may not receive any compensation for services rendered including, but not limited to, reimbursement from an individual or from any third party payor. Reimbursement may not be accepted from any insurance policy, health plan or federal or state benefits program. A clinic may receive donations and gifts. Acts 2004, ch. 579, § 1.
A medical practitioner or a free health clinic may not receive any compensation for services rendered including, but not limited to, reimbursement from an individual or from any third party payor. Reimbursement may not be accepted from any insurance policy, health plan or federal or state benefits program. A clinic may receive donations and gifts.
Acts 2004, ch. 579, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-6-702 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 6 / Section 63-6-702
Legislative findings
Status: in_force

(a) The general assembly finds that: (1) Access to high quality health care services is a concern of all persons; (2) Access to such services is severely limited for some residents of this state, particularly those who reside in remote, rural areas or in the inner city; (3) Physicians and other health care professionals have traditionally worked to assure broad access to health care services; and (4) Many health care providers from Tennessee and elsewhere are willing to volunteer their services to address the health care needs of Tennesseans who may otherwise not be able to obtain such services. (b) The general assembly further finds that it is the public policy of this state to encourage and facilitate voluntary provision of health care services. Acts 1995, ch. 299, § 2.
(a) The general assembly finds that: (1) Access to high quality health care services is a concern of all persons; (2) Access to such services is severely limited for some residents of this state, particularly those who reside in remote, rural areas or in the inner city; (3) Physicians and other health care professionals have traditionally worked to assure broad access to health care services; and (4) Many health care providers from Tennessee and elsewhere are willing to volunteer their services to address the health care needs of Tennesseans who may otherwise not be able to obtain such services.
(1) Access to high quality health care services is a concern of all persons;
(2) Access to such services is severely limited for some residents of this state, particularly those who reside in remote, rural areas or in the inner city;
(3) Physicians and other health care professionals have traditionally worked to assure broad access to health care services; and
(4) Many health care providers from Tennessee and elsewhere are willing to volunteer their services to address the health care needs of Tennesseans who may otherwise not be able to obtain such services.
(b) The general assembly further finds that it is the public policy of this state to encourage and facilitate voluntary provision of health care services.
Acts 1995, ch. 299, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-26-101 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 26 / Section 63-26-101
Short title
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Electrologists Practice Act." Acts 1988, ch. 896, § 3; 1993, ch. 342, § 1; T.C.A., § 62-34-201.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Electrologists Practice Act."
Acts 1988, ch. 896, § 3; 1993, ch. 342, § 1; T.C.A., § 62-34-201.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-6-306 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 6 / Section 63-6-306
Action against healthcare provider's license or medicare certification prohibited
Status: in_force

A licensing board or disciplinary subcommittee shall not revoke, fail to renew, suspend, or take any action against a healthcare provider's license issued under this title, based solely on the healthcare provider's recommendations to an eligible patient regarding access to or treatment with an investigational drug, biological product, or device. An entity responsible for medicare certification shall not take action against a healthcare provider's medicare certification based solely on the healthcare provider's recommendation that a patient have access to an investigational drug, biological product, or device. Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 376, s 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
A licensing board or disciplinary subcommittee shall not revoke, fail to renew, suspend, or take any action against a healthcare provider's license issued under this title, based solely on the healthcare provider's recommendations to an eligible patient regarding access to or treatment with an investigational drug, biological product, or device. An entity responsible for medicare certification shall not take action against a healthcare provider's medicare certification based solely on the healthcare provider's recommendation that a patient have access to an investigational drug, biological product, or device.
Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 376, s 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-28-109 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 28 / Section 63-28-109
Waiver of examination and educational requirements
Status: in_force

On receipt of an application and application fee, the committee may waive the examination and educational requirements for an applicant who at the time of application: (1) Is appropriately licensed or certified by another state, territory or possession whose requirements for the license or certificate are substantially equivalent to the requirements of this chapter, and such applicant is not under any restriction or encumbrance imposed by such state; or (2) Holds a current certificate as a certified clinical perfusionist issued by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion, or its successor. Acts 1999, ch. 239, § 9.
On receipt of an application and application fee, the committee may waive the examination and educational requirements for an applicant who at the time of application:
(1) Is appropriately licensed or certified by another state, territory or possession whose requirements for the license or certificate are substantially equivalent to the requirements of this chapter, and such applicant is not under any restriction or encumbrance imposed by such state; or
(2) Holds a current certificate as a certified clinical perfusionist issued by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion, or its successor.
Acts 1999, ch. 239, § 9.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-19-113 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 19 / Section 63-19-113
Licensure renewal by retired physician assistants
Status: in_force

A person licensed by the board as a physician assistant who has retired or may retire from practice in this state is not required to biennially renew the person's license as required by this part, if the person files with the board an affidavit on a form to be furnished by the board, which affidavit states the date on which the person retired from practice and any other facts, as the board considers necessary, that tend to verify the retirement. If the person thereafter reengages in practice in this state, then the person must apply for licensure by the board as provided by this part and is not liable for payment of licensure renewal fees that accrued during the period of retirement. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 565, s 6, eff. 5/26/2021. Acts 1985, ch. 376, § 1; T.C.A., § 63-19-213; Acts 1997 , ch. 207, § 5.
A person licensed by the board as a physician assistant who has retired or may retire from practice in this state is not required to biennially renew the person's license as required by this part, if the person files with the board an affidavit on a form to be furnished by the board, which affidavit states the date on which the person retired from practice and any other facts, as the board considers necessary, that tend to verify the retirement. If the person thereafter reengages in practice in this state, then the person must apply for licensure by the board as provided by this part and is not liable for payment of licensure renewal fees that accrued during the period of retirement.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 565, s 6, eff. 5/26/2021.
Acts 1985, ch. 376, § 1; T.C.A., § 63-19-213; Acts 1997 , ch. 207, § 5.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-11-611 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 11 / Section 63-11-611
Psychological practice prohibited
Status: in_force

This part does not permit a certified professional music therapist to engage in a psychological practice as described in part 2 of this chapter. Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1010,s 2, eff. 1/1/2025.
This part does not permit a certified professional music therapist to engage in a psychological practice as described in part 2 of this chapter.
Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1010,s 2, eff. 1/1/2025.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-10-313 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 10 / Section 63-10-313
Administrative procedure
Status: in_force

All matters and procedures regarding the hearing and judicial review of a contested case arising under parts 2-7 of this chapter are governed under the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 457, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
All matters and procedures regarding the hearing and judicial review of a contested case arising under parts 2-7 of this chapter are governed under the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 457, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-6-606 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 6 / Section 63-6-606
Disposal of ownership interests - Cessation of referrals
Status: in_force

(a) On and after July 1, 1995, all physicians are required either to: (1) Dispose of their ownership interests in entities outside their office practice at which they do not directly provide care or services when they have an investment interest in the entity unless the entity meets the requirements of § 63-6-602 ; or (2) Cease referring patients to such entities. (b) Physicians are encouraged to seek out potential buyers of a minority race before disposing of facilities or equipment regulated by this part. Upon request, the office of minority business enterprise in the department of economic and community development shall provide information relative to potential minority purchasers. Acts 1993, ch. 408, §§ 7, 10.
(a) On and after July 1, 1995, all physicians are required either to: (1) Dispose of their ownership interests in entities outside their office practice at which they do not directly provide care or services when they have an investment interest in the entity unless the entity meets the requirements of § 63-6-602 ; or (2) Cease referring patients to such entities.
(1) Dispose of their ownership interests in entities outside their office practice at which they do not directly provide care or services when they have an investment interest in the entity unless the entity meets the requirements of § 63-6-602 ; or
(2) Cease referring patients to such entities.
(b) Physicians are encouraged to seek out potential buyers of a minority race before disposing of facilities or equipment regulated by this part. Upon request, the office of minority business enterprise in the department of economic and community development shall provide information relative to potential minority purchasers.
Acts 1993, ch. 408, §§ 7, 10.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-5-118 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 5 / Section 63-5-118
Certificate to licensee removing from state
Status: in_force

Anyone who is licensed or certified and is an ethical practitioner of dentistry or dental hygiene in the state and who is of good moral character, who shall desire to change residence to another state, territory, the District of Columbia or to a foreign country, upon application to the board, shall receive a special certificate or endorsement signed by the secretary and bearing the seal of the board, which shall attest such facts, the date of licensure or certification and such other facts as may be deemed necessary. The nonrefundable fee for each certificate or endorsement shall be set by the board. Acts 1957, ch. 32, § 19; 1973, ch. 166, § 5; 1978, ch. 824, § 14; T.C.A., §63-547; Acts 1989, ch. 523, § 20.
Anyone who is licensed or certified and is an ethical practitioner of dentistry or dental hygiene in the state and who is of good moral character, who shall desire to change residence to another state, territory, the District of Columbia or to a foreign country, upon application to the board, shall receive a special certificate or endorsement signed by the secretary and bearing the seal of the board, which shall attest such facts, the date of licensure or certification and such other facts as may be deemed necessary. The nonrefundable fee for each certificate or endorsement shall be set by the board.
Acts 1957, ch. 32, § 19; 1973, ch. 166, § 5; 1978, ch. 824, § 14; T.C.A., §63-547; Acts 1989, ch. 523, § 20.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-29-112 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 29 / Section 63-29-112
Fees
Status: in_force

The application and renewal fees are to be set by the commissioner of health and shall not be less than that sum necessary to permit the council to recover its costs of operation. Acts 2000, ch. 576, § 13.
The application and renewal fees are to be set by the commissioner of health and shall not be less than that sum necessary to permit the council to recover its costs of operation.
Acts 2000, ch. 576, § 13.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-8-111 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 8 / Section 63-8-111
Administrative support
Status: in_force

The board shall receive administrative support from the division. Acts 1925, ch. 99, § 4; Shan. Supp., § 3654a13; Code 1932, § 7030; C. Supp. 1950, § 7030; Acts 1953, ch. 113, §39; modified; impl. am. Acts. 1959, ch. 9, § 3; impl. am. Acts 1961, ch. 97, § 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 63-811; Acts 1984, ch. 937, § 34; 1989, ch. 428, § 5.
The board shall receive administrative support from the division.
Acts 1925, ch. 99, § 4; Shan. Supp., § 3654a13; Code 1932, § 7030; C. Supp. 1950, § 7030; Acts 1953, ch. 113, §39; modified; impl. am. Acts. 1959, ch. 9, § 3; impl. am. Acts 1961, ch. 97, § 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 63-811; Acts 1984, ch. 937, § 34; 1989, ch. 428, § 5.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-1-135 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 1 / Section 63-1-135
Expenditure estimates - Improvement recommendations
Status: in_force

(a) (1) Before submitting an estimate of its expenditure requirements as provided in § 9-4-5103 , the department of health shall consult with each board, commission or agency that is attached to the division of health related boards created under § 68-1-101 and is authorized or required to collect any fees. (2) Any such board, commission or agency shall timely submit to the commissioner of health an itemized list of any improvements recommended for inclusion in the department's expenditure estimate. (3) In the preparation of such estimate, the department shall clearly indicate the disposition of each improvement recommendation received under this section. (b) The department shall transmit with its expenditure estimate a copy of each list of recommended improvements received under this section to the commissioner of finance and administration. Acts 1989, ch. 523, § 181.
(a) (1) Before submitting an estimate of its expenditure requirements as provided in § 9-4-5103 , the department of health shall consult with each board, commission or agency that is attached to the division of health related boards created under § 68-1-101 and is authorized or required to collect any fees. (2) Any such board, commission or agency shall timely submit to the commissioner of health an itemized list of any improvements recommended for inclusion in the department's expenditure estimate. (3) In the preparation of such estimate, the department shall clearly indicate the disposition of each improvement recommendation received under this section.
(1) Before submitting an estimate of its expenditure requirements as provided in § 9-4-5103 , the department of health shall consult with each board, commission or agency that is attached to the division of health related boards created under § 68-1-101 and is authorized or required to collect any fees.
(2) Any such board, commission or agency shall timely submit to the commissioner of health an itemized list of any improvements recommended for inclusion in the department's expenditure estimate.
(3) In the preparation of such estimate, the department shall clearly indicate the disposition of each improvement recommendation received under this section.
(b) The department shall transmit with its expenditure estimate a copy of each list of recommended improvements received under this section to the commissioner of finance and administration.
Acts 1989, ch. 523, § 181.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-7-208 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 7 / Section 63-7-208
Qualifications of executive director
Status: in_force

The executive director shall serve as consultant on nursing education and nursing service and shall have the following minimum qualifications: (1) Master's degree in nursing from a recognized college or university; (2) License to practice nursing in this state; and (3) At least five (5) years' experience in any combination of administration, teaching or supervision in schools of nursing or public health nursing agencies. Acts 1967, ch. 78, § 9; T.C.A., § 63-737; Acts 1982, ch. 712, § 1.
The executive director shall serve as consultant on nursing education and nursing service and shall have the following minimum qualifications:
(1) Master's degree in nursing from a recognized college or university;
(2) License to practice nursing in this state; and
(3) At least five (5) years' experience in any combination of administration, teaching or supervision in schools of nursing or public health nursing agencies.
Acts 1967, ch. 78, § 9; T.C.A., § 63-737; Acts 1982, ch. 712, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-3-207 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 3 / Section 63-3-207
Scope of practice
Status: in_force

(a) The scope of practice of a licensed orthotist, prosthetist or pedorthist shall not include the right to diagnose a medical problem or condition or the right to give medical advice as to the nature, cause or treatment for the problem or condition for which the orthotic, prosthetic or pedorthic device is being dispensed; however, the scope of practice of a licensed orthotist, prosthetist or pedorthist does include the right to provide information or demonstration regarding the proper use and care of the device and to make adjustments to the device as needed. (b) No person shall dispense or sell an over-the-counter or off-the-shelf device based upon an image of the customer's limb captured by the person through a mold, cast, scanning device, digital appliance, or pressure sensitive device, unless the customer has first presented to that person a written prescription for that device from a health care practitioner authorized by law to write such a prescription. Acts 2005, ch. 380, § 1.
(a) The scope of practice of a licensed orthotist, prosthetist or pedorthist shall not include the right to diagnose a medical problem or condition or the right to give medical advice as to the nature, cause or treatment for the problem or condition for which the orthotic, prosthetic or pedorthic device is being dispensed; however, the scope of practice of a licensed orthotist, prosthetist or pedorthist does include the right to provide information or demonstration regarding the proper use and care of the device and to make adjustments to the device as needed.
(b) No person shall dispense or sell an over-the-counter or off-the-shelf device based upon an image of the customer's limb captured by the person through a mold, cast, scanning device, digital appliance, or pressure sensitive device, unless the customer has first presented to that person a written prescription for that device from a health care practitioner authorized by law to write such a prescription.
Acts 2005, ch. 380, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-15-102 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 15 / Section 63-15-102
Chapter definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter: (1) "Committee" means the doula services advisory committee; (2) "Community-based doula" means a doula who serves pregnant women in a community in this state with a high rate of maternal or infant mortality and morbidity, and whose services are tailored to the specific needs of that community; (3) "Department" means the department of health; (4) "Doula" means a birth worker who provides child birth education, advocacy, and physical, emotional, and nonmedical support for pregnant and postpartum women before, during, and after childbirth and loss; (5) "Doula services" means at least three (3) prenatal appointments, continuous labor support during birth, and at least three (3) postpartum appointments with a pregnant woman; and (6) "Postpartum" means the twelve-month period immediately following childbirth. Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 424, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
As used in this chapter:
(1) "Committee" means the doula services advisory committee;
(2) "Community-based doula" means a doula who serves pregnant women in a community in this state with a high rate of maternal or infant mortality and morbidity, and whose services are tailored to the specific needs of that community;
(3) "Department" means the department of health;
(4) "Doula" means a birth worker who provides child birth education, advocacy, and physical, emotional, and nonmedical support for pregnant and postpartum women before, during, and after childbirth and loss;
(5) "Doula services" means at least three (3) prenatal appointments, continuous labor support during birth, and at least three (3) postpartum appointments with a pregnant woman; and
(6) "Postpartum" means the twelve-month period immediately following childbirth.
Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 424, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-17-213 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 17 / Section 63-17-213
Registry of license holders - Review of qualifications
Status: in_force

The council shall issue, under the board's name, all licenses approved by the council, and the board and shall maintain a registry of all license holders. It is the duty of the council to review and approve the qualifications of applicants for certification or renewal as hearing instrument specialists. Acts 1995, ch. 481, § 15.
The council shall issue, under the board's name, all licenses approved by the council, and the board and shall maintain a registry of all license holders. It is the duty of the council to review and approve the qualifications of applicants for certification or renewal as hearing instrument specialists.
Acts 1995, ch. 481, § 15.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-31-113 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 31 / Section 63-31-113
Use of title "polysomnographic technologist" or abbreviation "PSGP"
Status: in_force

Any person who is licensed to engage in the practice of polysomnography in this state shall have the right to use the title "polysomnographic technologist" or the abbreviation "PSGP." No other person may use that title or abbreviation or any other words or letters indicating that the person is a polysomnographic technologist. Acts 2007 , ch. 469, § 1.
Any person who is licensed to engage in the practice of polysomnography in this state shall have the right to use the title "polysomnographic technologist" or the abbreviation "PSGP." No other person may use that title or abbreviation or any other words or letters indicating that the person is a polysomnographic technologist.
Acts 2007 , ch. 469, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-10-507 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 10 / Section 63-10-507
Resale of prescription drugs not authorized
Status: in_force

This part does not authorize the resale of prescription drugs by any person. Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 200, s 1, eff. 1/1/2024.
This part does not authorize the resale of prescription drugs by any person.
Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 200, s 1, eff. 1/1/2024.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-6-241 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 6 / Section 63-6-241
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1001, s 1, eff. 1/1/2023. Acts 2011 , ch. 434, § 1; 2012 , ch. 672, § 1.
Repealed by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1001, s 1, eff. 1/1/2023.
Acts 2011 , ch. 434, § 1; 2012 , ch. 672, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-31-105 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 31 / Section 63-31-105
Board approval of committee actions
Status: in_force

All actions of the committee shall be approved by the board in order to become final actions. All actions of the committee shall be considered by the board at its next regular meeting after the committee has taken its actions. Acts 2007 , ch. 469, § 1.
All actions of the committee shall be approved by the board in order to become final actions. All actions of the committee shall be considered by the board at its next regular meeting after the committee has taken its actions.
Acts 2007 , ch. 469, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-6-1104 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 6 / Section 63-6-1104
Distribution of abortion-inducing drugs
Status: in_force

(a) Because the failure and complication rates from a chemical abortion increase with advancing gestational age and because the physical symptoms of chemical abortion can be identical to the symptoms of ectopic pregnancy and abortion-inducing drugs do not treat ectopic pregnancies and are contraindicated in ectopic pregnancies, a qualified physician providing an abortion-inducing drug shall examine the patient in person and, prior to providing an abortion-inducing drug: (1) Independently verify that a pregnancy exists; (2) Determine the patient's blood type, and, if the patient is Rh negative, offer to administer RhoGAM at the time of the abortion; (3) Inform the patient that the patient may see the remains of the unborn child in the process of completing the abortion; and (4) Document, in the patient's medical chart, the gestational age and intrauterine location of the pregnancy, and whether the patient received treatment for Rh negativity, as diagnosed by the most accurate standard of medical care. (b) A qualified physician providing an abortion-inducing drug must be credentialed and competent to handle complication management, including emergency transfer, or must have a signed agreement with an associated physician who is credentialed to handle complications and be able to produce the signed agreement on demand by the patient or the department. The qualified physician providing an abortion-inducing drug to a patient shall provide the patient with the name and phone number of the associated physician. (c) A qualified physician providing an abortion-inducing drug, or an agent of the qualified physician, shall schedule a follow-up visit for the patient at approximately seven (7) to fourteen (14) days after administration of the abortion-inducing drug to confirm that the pregnancy is completely terminated and to assess the degree of bleeding. The qualified physician shall make all reasonable efforts to ensure that the patient returns for the scheduled appointment. A brief description of the efforts made to comply with this subsection (c), including the date, time, and identification by name of the individual making the efforts, must be included in the patient's medical record. Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1001, s 3, eff. 1/1/2023.
(a) Because the failure and complication rates from a chemical abortion increase with advancing gestational age and because the physical symptoms of chemical abortion can be identical to the symptoms of ectopic pregnancy and abortion-inducing drugs do not treat ectopic pregnancies and are contraindicated in ectopic pregnancies, a qualified physician providing an abortion-inducing drug shall examine the patient in person and, prior to providing an abortion-inducing drug: (1) Independently verify that a pregnancy exists; (2) Determine the patient's blood type, and, if the patient is Rh negative, offer to administer RhoGAM at the time of the abortion; (3) Inform the patient that the patient may see the remains of the unborn child in the process of completing the abortion; and (4) Document, in the patient's medical chart, the gestational age and intrauterine location of the pregnancy, and whether the patient received treatment for Rh negativity, as diagnosed by the most accurate standard of medical care.
(1) Independently verify that a pregnancy exists;
(2) Determine the patient's blood type, and, if the patient is Rh negative, offer to administer RhoGAM at the time of the abortion;
(3) Inform the patient that the patient may see the remains of the unborn child in the process of completing the abortion; and
(4) Document, in the patient's medical chart, the gestational age and intrauterine location of the pregnancy, and whether the patient received treatment for Rh negativity, as diagnosed by the most accurate standard of medical care.
(b) A qualified physician providing an abortion-inducing drug must be credentialed and competent to handle complication management, including emergency transfer, or must have a signed agreement with an associated physician who is credentialed to handle complications and be able to produce the signed agreement on demand by the patient or the department. The qualified physician providing an abortion-inducing drug to a patient shall provide the patient with the name and phone number of the associated physician.
(c) A qualified physician providing an abortion-inducing drug, or an agent of the qualified physician, shall schedule a follow-up visit for the patient at approximately seven (7) to fourteen (14) days after administration of the abortion-inducing drug to confirm that the pregnancy is completely terminated and to assess the degree of bleeding. The qualified physician shall make all reasonable efforts to ensure that the patient returns for the scheduled appointment. A brief description of the efforts made to comply with this subsection (c), including the date, time, and identification by name of the individual making the efforts, must be included in the patient's medical record.
Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1001, s 3, eff. 1/1/2023.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-18-107 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 18 / Section 63-18-107
Enjoining violation
Status: in_force

The board has the power and authority to enter into any court of this state having proper jurisdiction to seek an injunction against any person or massage establishment not in compliance with this chapter and is further empowered to enter into any such court to enforce this chapter in order to ensure compliance with such provisions. Acts 1995, ch. 480, § 8; T.C.A. § 63-18-207.
The board has the power and authority to enter into any court of this state having proper jurisdiction to seek an injunction against any person or massage establishment not in compliance with this chapter and is further empowered to enter into any such court to enforce this chapter in order to ensure compliance with such provisions.
Acts 1995, ch. 480, § 8; T.C.A. § 63-18-207.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-19-201 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 19 / Section 63-19-201
Jurisdiction - Duties of the committee
Status: in_force

(a) Licensed orthopedic physician assistants are under the jurisdiction of the board of physician assistants created by § 63-19-103 . (b) The board of physician assistants has the duty to: (1) Promulgate, in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, all rules that are reasonably necessary for the performance of the duties of orthopedic physician assistants, including, but not limited to, rules that specify the acts and offenses that subject the license holder to disciplinary action by the board pursuant to subdivision (b)(7); (2) Set fees relative to the examination, licensure, and licensure renewal of orthopedic physician assistants in an amount sufficient to pay all of the expenses of the board, and to establish and collect a late renewal fee from those orthopedic physician assistants who fail to renew their licenses in a timely manner; (3) Review and approve or reject the qualifications of each applicant for initial licensure as an orthopedic physician assistant; (4) Biennially review and approve or reject the qualifications of each applicant for biennial licensure renewal. The board shall condition approval for renewal on the receipt of evidence satisfactory to the board of the applicant's successful completion of sixty (60) hours of continuing medical education approved by the American Medical Association or other appropriate professional association. The board may, in its discretion, waive or modify the continuing medical education requirement in cases of retirement, illness, disability, or other undue hardship; (5) Issue all approved orthopedic physician assistant licenses and renewals; (6) Collect or receive all fees, fines, and moneys owed pursuant to this part and pay the fees, fines, and moneys into the general fund of the state. For the purpose of implementing subdivision (b)(2), all fees, fines, and moneys collected pursuant to the regulation of orthopedic physician assistants must be so designated; and (7) Deny, suspend, or revoke the license of, or otherwise discipline by a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500), or by reprimand, a license holder who is guilty of violating this part or who is guilty of violating the rules of the board promulgated pursuant to subdivision (b)(1). If sanctions are imposed on a licensee pursuant to this subdivision (b)(7), then the licensee may, in addition, be required to pay the actual and reasonable costs of the investigation and prosecution of the case, including the costs incurred and assessed for the time of the prosecuting attorney or attorneys, the investigator or investigators, and any other persons involved in the investigation, prosecution, and hearing of the case. The board may limit, restrict, or impose one (1) or more conditions on a license at the time it is issued, renewed, or reinstated or as a sanction imposed at the conclusion of a disciplinary hearing. (c) Actions taken under this section are only effective after adoption by majority vote of the members of the board of physician assistants. (d) For purposes of this part, unless the context requires otherwise, "physician" means a person lawfully licensed to practice orthopedic medicine and surgery pursuant to chapter 6 of this title, or osteopathic medicine pursuant to chapter 9 of this title. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 565, s 7, eff. 5/26/2021. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 946, s 6, eff. 4/27/2016. Acts 1995, ch. 337, § 3; 1997 , ch. 207, §§ 5, 7, 8.
(a) Licensed orthopedic physician assistants are under the jurisdiction of the board of physician assistants created by § 63-19-103 .
(b) The board of physician assistants has the duty to: (1) Promulgate, in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, all rules that are reasonably necessary for the performance of the duties of orthopedic physician assistants, including, but not limited to, rules that specify the acts and offenses that subject the license holder to disciplinary action by the board pursuant to subdivision (b)(7); (2) Set fees relative to the examination, licensure, and licensure renewal of orthopedic physician assistants in an amount sufficient to pay all of the expenses of the board, and to establish and collect a late renewal fee from those orthopedic physician assistants who fail to renew their licenses in a timely manner; (3) Review and approve or reject the qualifications of each applicant for initial licensure as an orthopedic physician assistant; (4) Biennially review and approve or reject the qualifications of each applicant for biennial licensure renewal. The board shall condition approval for renewal on the receipt of evidence satisfactory to the board of the applicant's successful completion of sixty (60) hours of continuing medical education approved by the American Medical Association or other appropriate professional association. The board may, in its discretion, waive or modify the continuing medical education requirement in cases of retirement, illness, disability, or other undue hardship; (5) Issue all approved orthopedic physician assistant licenses and renewals; (6) Collect or receive all fees, fines, and moneys owed pursuant to this part and pay the fees, fines, and moneys into the general fund of the state. For the purpose of implementing subdivision (b)(2), all fees, fines, and moneys collected pursuant to the regulation of orthopedic physician assistants must be so designated; and (7) Deny, suspend, or revoke the license of, or otherwise discipline by a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500), or by reprimand, a license holder who is guilty of violating this part or who is guilty of violating the rules of the board promulgated pursuant to subdivision (b)(1). If sanctions are imposed on a licensee pursuant to this subdivision (b)(7), then the licensee may, in addition, be required to pay the actual and reasonable costs of the investigation and prosecution of the case, including the costs incurred and assessed for the time of the prosecuting attorney or attorneys, the investigator or investigators, and any other persons involved in the investigation, prosecution, and hearing of the case. The board may limit, restrict, or impose one (1) or more conditions on a license at the time it is issued, renewed, or reinstated or as a sanction imposed at the conclusion of a disciplinary hearing.
(1) Promulgate, in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, all rules that are reasonably necessary for the performance of the duties of orthopedic physician assistants, including, but not limited to, rules that specify the acts and offenses that subject the license holder to disciplinary action by the board pursuant to subdivision (b)(7);
(2) Set fees relative to the examination, licensure, and licensure renewal of orthopedic physician assistants in an amount sufficient to pay all of the expenses of the board, and to establish and collect a late renewal fee from those orthopedic physician assistants who fail to renew their licenses in a timely manner;
(3) Review and approve or reject the qualifications of each applicant for initial licensure as an orthopedic physician assistant;
(4) Biennially review and approve or reject the qualifications of each applicant for biennial licensure renewal. The board shall condition approval for renewal on the receipt of evidence satisfactory to the board of the applicant's successful completion of sixty (60) hours of continuing medical education approved by the American Medical Association or other appropriate professional association. The board may, in its discretion, waive or modify the continuing medical education requirement in cases of retirement, illness, disability, or other undue hardship;
(5) Issue all approved orthopedic physician assistant licenses and renewals;
(6) Collect or receive all fees, fines, and moneys owed pursuant to this part and pay the fees, fines, and moneys into the general fund of the state. For the purpose of implementing subdivision (b)(2), all fees, fines, and moneys collected pursuant to the regulation of orthopedic physician assistants must be so designated; and
(7) Deny, suspend, or revoke the license of, or otherwise discipline by a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500), or by reprimand, a license holder who is guilty of violating this part or who is guilty of violating the rules of the board promulgated pursuant to subdivision (b)(1). If sanctions are imposed on a licensee pursuant to this subdivision (b)(7), then the licensee may, in addition, be required to pay the actual and reasonable costs of the investigation and prosecution of the case, including the costs incurred and assessed for the time of the prosecuting attorney or attorneys, the investigator or investigators, and any other persons involved in the investigation, prosecution, and hearing of the case. The board may limit, restrict, or impose one (1) or more conditions on a license at the time it is issued, renewed, or reinstated or as a sanction imposed at the conclusion of a disciplinary hearing.
(c) Actions taken under this section are only effective after adoption by majority vote of the members of the board of physician assistants.
(d) For purposes of this part, unless the context requires otherwise, "physician" means a person lawfully licensed to practice orthopedic medicine and surgery pursuant to chapter 6 of this title, or osteopathic medicine pursuant to chapter 9 of this title.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 565, s 7, eff. 5/26/2021.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 946, s 6, eff. 4/27/2016.
Acts 1995, ch. 337, § 3; 1997 , ch. 207, §§ 5, 7, 8.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-18-116 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 18 / Section 63-18-116
Authority to issue license - Qualifications - Rules and regulations
Status: in_force

(a) The board is authorized to issue a license to practice massage therapy to an applicant who: (1) Meets the qualifications set forth in § 63-18-105(b)(1) and (2) ; and (2) Has been certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork for the five-year period immediately preceding application for licensure and can submit documentation satisfactory to the board that the applicant has engaged in the practice of massage therapy in another state for the five-year period immediately preceding application for licensure, and who either: (A) Has met the qualifications set forth in § 63-18-105(b)(3) , but is unable, because the educational institution either was not state approved or is no longer in existence, to produce a transcript to document compliance; or (B) Graduated from a qualified massage school or course prior to October 1, 1995. (b) The board is authorized to promulgate rules that are necessary to effectuate this section. Acts 2006, ch. 737, § 4.
(a) The board is authorized to issue a license to practice massage therapy to an applicant who: (1) Meets the qualifications set forth in § 63-18-105(b)(1) and (2) ; and (2) Has been certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork for the five-year period immediately preceding application for licensure and can submit documentation satisfactory to the board that the applicant has engaged in the practice of massage therapy in another state for the five-year period immediately preceding application for licensure, and who either: (A) Has met the qualifications set forth in § 63-18-105(b)(3) , but is unable, because the educational institution either was not state approved or is no longer in existence, to produce a transcript to document compliance; or (B) Graduated from a qualified massage school or course prior to October 1, 1995.
(1) Meets the qualifications set forth in § 63-18-105(b)(1) and (2) ; and
(2) Has been certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork for the five-year period immediately preceding application for licensure and can submit documentation satisfactory to the board that the applicant has engaged in the practice of massage therapy in another state for the five-year period immediately preceding application for licensure, and who either: (A) Has met the qualifications set forth in § 63-18-105(b)(3) , but is unable, because the educational institution either was not state approved or is no longer in existence, to produce a transcript to document compliance; or (B) Graduated from a qualified massage school or course prior to October 1, 1995.
(A) Has met the qualifications set forth in § 63-18-105(b)(3) , but is unable, because the educational institution either was not state approved or is no longer in existence, to produce a transcript to document compliance; or
(B) Graduated from a qualified massage school or course prior to October 1, 1995.
(b) The board is authorized to promulgate rules that are necessary to effectuate this section.
Acts 2006, ch. 737, § 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-105 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 12 / Section 63-12-105
Meetings of board - Officers - Rules and regulations - Quorum - Seal
Status: in_force

(a) The board shall meet annually at such time and place as may be agreed upon by a majority of the members, at which meeting it shall elect from its membership a president, vice president, and secretary. The board is authorized to create other officers and to adopt such rules and regulations as may be proper for the efficient operation of the board. (b) Four (4) members of the board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of all business. (c) The board shall meet at such other times and places to conduct business upon call of the president. (d) The board shall adopt a seal that shall be affixed to all licenses issued by the board and to other papers requiring the same. Acts 1967, ch. 80, § 5; T.C.A., § 63-1205; Acts 1983, ch. 57, § 3; 1998, ch. 649, § 3.
(a) The board shall meet annually at such time and place as may be agreed upon by a majority of the members, at which meeting it shall elect from its membership a president, vice president, and secretary. The board is authorized to create other officers and to adopt such rules and regulations as may be proper for the efficient operation of the board.
(b) Four (4) members of the board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of all business.
(c) The board shall meet at such other times and places to conduct business upon call of the president.
(d) The board shall adopt a seal that shall be affixed to all licenses issued by the board and to other papers requiring the same.
Acts 1967, ch. 80, § 5; T.C.A., § 63-1205; Acts 1983, ch. 57, § 3; 1998, ch. 649, § 3.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-24-105 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 24 / Section 63-24-105
Licensure - Renewal - Retirement
Status: in_force

(a) (1) An applicant for an athletic trainer license must submit an application to the board on forms prescribed by the board and submit the examination fee required by this chapter. (2) The applicant is entitled to an athletic trainer's license if the applicant possesses the qualifications enumerated in § 63-24-104 ; completes and passes the certification requirements and examination of the National Athletic Trainers' Association Board of Certification, Inc. or its equivalent as determined by the board; completes the jurisprudence examination administered and/or selected by the board, to its satisfaction; pays the licensure fee as set in § 63-24-106 ; and has not committed an act that constitutes grounds for denial of a license under § 63-24-107 . (b) Any person who is issued initial licensure as an athletic trainer is deemed to be registered as such for two (2) years, or to the next even-numbered year immediately following conclusion of the initial two (2) calendar years. Thereafter, such person shall biennially apply to the board for certificate renewal and shall submit such information as may be requested by the board. Upon making an application for renewal, such person shall pay a renewal fee as prescribed pursuant to § 63-24-106 . (c) Any person licensed to practice by this chapter, who has retired or may hereafter retire from such practice in this state, shall not be made to register as required by this chapter if such person files with the board, an affidavit on a form to be furnished by the board, which affidavit states the date on which such person retired from such practice and such other facts as tend to verify such retirement as the board deems necessary. If such person thereafter reengages in such practice in this state, such person shall apply for registration, with the board as provided by this chapter, and shall meet other requirements as may be set by the board. (d) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the division of health related boards, with the approval of the commissioner of health, shall establish a system of license renewals at alternative intervals that will allow for the distribution of the license workload as uniformly as is practicable throughout the calendar year. Licenses issued under the alternative method are valid for twenty-four (24) months, and expire on the last day of the last month of the license period. However, during a transition period, or at any time thereafter when the board determines that the volume of work for any given interval is unduly burdensome or costly, either the licenses or renewals, or both of them, may be issued for terms of not less than six (6) months nor more than eighteen (18) months. The fee imposed for any license under the alternative interval method for a period of other than twenty-four (24) months shall be proportionate to the annual fee and modified in no other manner, except that the proportional fee shall be rounded off to the nearest quarter of a dollar (25¢). No renewal application will be accepted after the last day of the month following the license expiration date under the alternative method authorized in this subsection (d). (e) Any person who possesses a certificate or temporary certificate issued by the board shall be deemed to possess a license or temporary license, respectively. At the time of renewal, a certificate holder who is approved for renewal shall receive a license from the board rather than a renewal of the certificate. Acts 1983, ch. 361, § 6; T.C.A., § 63-6-305; Acts 1985, ch. 280, §§ 3, 6; 1986, ch. 675, § 13; 1989, ch. 360, §§ 63, 64; 1993, ch. 361, § 4; 2000, ch. 694, § 1.
(a) (1) An applicant for an athletic trainer license must submit an application to the board on forms prescribed by the board and submit the examination fee required by this chapter. (2) The applicant is entitled to an athletic trainer's license if the applicant possesses the qualifications enumerated in § 63-24-104 ; completes and passes the certification requirements and examination of the National Athletic Trainers' Association Board of Certification, Inc. or its equivalent as determined by the board; completes the jurisprudence examination administered and/or selected by the board, to its satisfaction; pays the licensure fee as set in § 63-24-106 ; and has not committed an act that constitutes grounds for denial of a license under § 63-24-107 .
(1) An applicant for an athletic trainer license must submit an application to the board on forms prescribed by the board and submit the examination fee required by this chapter.
(2) The applicant is entitled to an athletic trainer's license if the applicant possesses the qualifications enumerated in § 63-24-104 ; completes and passes the certification requirements and examination of the National Athletic Trainers' Association Board of Certification, Inc. or its equivalent as determined by the board; completes the jurisprudence examination administered and/or selected by the board, to its satisfaction; pays the licensure fee as set in § 63-24-106 ; and has not committed an act that constitutes grounds for denial of a license under § 63-24-107 .
(b) Any person who is issued initial licensure as an athletic trainer is deemed to be registered as such for two (2) years, or to the next even-numbered year immediately following conclusion of the initial two (2) calendar years. Thereafter, such person shall biennially apply to the board for certificate renewal and shall submit such information as may be requested by the board. Upon making an application for renewal, such person shall pay a renewal fee as prescribed pursuant to § 63-24-106 .
(c) Any person licensed to practice by this chapter, who has retired or may hereafter retire from such practice in this state, shall not be made to register as required by this chapter if such person files with the board, an affidavit on a form to be furnished by the board, which affidavit states the date on which such person retired from such practice and such other facts as tend to verify such retirement as the board deems necessary. If such person thereafter reengages in such practice in this state, such person shall apply for registration, with the board as provided by this chapter, and shall meet other requirements as may be set by the board.
(d) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the division of health related boards, with the approval of the commissioner of health, shall establish a system of license renewals at alternative intervals that will allow for the distribution of the license workload as uniformly as is practicable throughout the calendar year. Licenses issued under the alternative method are valid for twenty-four (24) months, and expire on the last day of the last month of the license period. However, during a transition period, or at any time thereafter when the board determines that the volume of work for any given interval is unduly burdensome or costly, either the licenses or renewals, or both of them, may be issued for terms of not less than six (6) months nor more than eighteen (18) months. The fee imposed for any license under the alternative interval method for a period of other than twenty-four (24) months shall be proportionate to the annual fee and modified in no other manner, except that the proportional fee shall be rounded off to the nearest quarter of a dollar (25¢). No renewal application will be accepted after the last day of the month following the license expiration date under the alternative method authorized in this subsection (d).
(e) Any person who possesses a certificate or temporary certificate issued by the board shall be deemed to possess a license or temporary license, respectively. At the time of renewal, a certificate holder who is approved for renewal shall receive a license from the board rather than a renewal of the certificate.
Acts 1983, ch. 361, § 6; T.C.A., § 63-6-305; Acts 1985, ch. 280, §§ 3, 6; 1986, ch. 675, § 13; 1989, ch. 360, §§ 63, 64; 1993, ch. 361, § 4; 2000, ch. 694, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-6-605 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 6 / Section 63-6-605
Preexisting investments - Compliance
Status: in_force

If physicians have invested in entities prior to July 1, 1993, the physicians shall reevaluate their activity in accordance with this part and comply with its provisions. If compliance with the need and alternative investor criteria is not practical, it is essential that the identification of reasonably available alternative entities be provided. Acts 1993, ch. 408, § 6.
If physicians have invested in entities prior to July 1, 1993, the physicians shall reevaluate their activity in accordance with this part and comply with its provisions. If compliance with the need and alternative investor criteria is not practical, it is essential that the identification of reasonably available alternative entities be provided.
Acts 1993, ch. 408, § 6.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-6-246 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 6 / Section 63-6-246
Maintenance of licensure or certification not required
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this section: (1) "Continuing medical education" means continued postgraduate medical education required by the board of medical examiners intended to provide medical professionals with knowledge of new developments or reinforcement of previously learned information in their field; (2) "Maintenance of certification" means any process requiring periodic recertification examinations or other activities to maintain specialty medical board certification; (3) "Maintenance of licensure" means the proprietary framework for physician license renewal established through the Federation of State Medical Boards or its successor organization, which includes additional periodic testing or requirements other than continuing medical education; and (4) "Specialty medical board certification" means certification by a board that specializes in one (1) particular area of medicine and typically requires additional examinations other than the board of medical examiners' requirements to practice medicine. (b) The board shall not deny a physician licensure based on a physician's non-participation in any form of maintenance of licensure, including requiring any form of maintenance of licensure tied to maintenance of certification. The board's regular requirements, including continuing medical education, demonstrate professional competency. (c) The board shall not require any form of specialty medical board re-certification or any maintenance of certification to practice medicine in this state. Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 438, s 1, eff. 1/1/2014.
(a) As used in this section: (1) "Continuing medical education" means continued postgraduate medical education required by the board of medical examiners intended to provide medical professionals with knowledge of new developments or reinforcement of previously learned information in their field; (2) "Maintenance of certification" means any process requiring periodic recertification examinations or other activities to maintain specialty medical board certification; (3) "Maintenance of licensure" means the proprietary framework for physician license renewal established through the Federation of State Medical Boards or its successor organization, which includes additional periodic testing or requirements other than continuing medical education; and (4) "Specialty medical board certification" means certification by a board that specializes in one (1) particular area of medicine and typically requires additional examinations other than the board of medical examiners' requirements to practice medicine.
(1) "Continuing medical education" means continued postgraduate medical education required by the board of medical examiners intended to provide medical professionals with knowledge of new developments or reinforcement of previously learned information in their field;
(2) "Maintenance of certification" means any process requiring periodic recertification examinations or other activities to maintain specialty medical board certification;
(3) "Maintenance of licensure" means the proprietary framework for physician license renewal established through the Federation of State Medical Boards or its successor organization, which includes additional periodic testing or requirements other than continuing medical education; and
(4) "Specialty medical board certification" means certification by a board that specializes in one (1) particular area of medicine and typically requires additional examinations other than the board of medical examiners' requirements to practice medicine.
(b) The board shall not deny a physician licensure based on a physician's non-participation in any form of maintenance of licensure, including requiring any form of maintenance of licensure tied to maintenance of certification. The board's regular requirements, including continuing medical education, demonstrate professional competency.
(c) The board shall not require any form of specialty medical board re-certification or any maintenance of certification to practice medicine in this state.
Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 438, s 1, eff. 1/1/2014.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-17-107 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 17 / Section 63-17-107
Employees of board
Status: in_force

(a) The board shall employ and, at its pleasure, discharge, a secretary and such attorneys, inspectors, clerks and any other employees it deems necessary and shall outline their duties and fix their compensation. (b) The amount of per diem and travel expenses shall be paid in accordance with the comprehensive travel regulations as promulgated by the department of finance and administration and approved by the attorney general and reporter. Acts 1973, ch. 93, § 7; 1976, ch. 806, § 1(122); T.C.A., § 63-1707.
(a) The board shall employ and, at its pleasure, discharge, a secretary and such attorneys, inspectors, clerks and any other employees it deems necessary and shall outline their duties and fix their compensation.
(b) The amount of per diem and travel expenses shall be paid in accordance with the comprehensive travel regulations as promulgated by the department of finance and administration and approved by the attorney general and reporter.
Acts 1973, ch. 93, § 7; 1976, ch. 806, § 1(122); T.C.A., § 63-1707.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-13-317 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 13 / Section 63-13-317
Disclosures to patient - Confidentiality of information - Complaints - Display of license
Status: in_force

(a) Physical therapists shall inform the patient of any financial arrangements connected to the referral process. (b) Physical therapists shall disclose in writing any financial interest in products they endorse and recommend to their patients. (c) The licensee has the responsibility to ensure that the patient has knowledge of freedom of choice in services and products. (d) Information relating to the physical therapist-patient relationship is confidential and may not be communicated to a third party not involved in that patient's care without the prior written consent of the patient. The physical therapist-patient confidentiality does not extend to cases in which the physical therapist has a duty to report information as required by law. (e) Any person may submit a complaint regarding any licensee or any other person potentially in violation of this chapter. Confidentiality shall be maintained subject to law. (f) The department shall keep all information relating to the receiving and investigation of complaints filed against licensees confidential until the information becomes public record as required by law. (g) Each licensee shall display a copy of the licensee's license or current renewal verification in a location accessible to public view at the licensee's place of employment. Acts 1999, ch. 528, § 29.
(a) Physical therapists shall inform the patient of any financial arrangements connected to the referral process.
(b) Physical therapists shall disclose in writing any financial interest in products they endorse and recommend to their patients.
(c) The licensee has the responsibility to ensure that the patient has knowledge of freedom of choice in services and products.
(d) Information relating to the physical therapist-patient relationship is confidential and may not be communicated to a third party not involved in that patient's care without the prior written consent of the patient. The physical therapist-patient confidentiality does not extend to cases in which the physical therapist has a duty to report information as required by law.
(e) Any person may submit a complaint regarding any licensee or any other person potentially in violation of this chapter. Confidentiality shall be maintained subject to law.
(f) The department shall keep all information relating to the receiving and investigation of complaints filed against licensees confidential until the information becomes public record as required by law.
(g) Each licensee shall display a copy of the licensee's license or current renewal verification in a location accessible to public view at the licensee's place of employment.
Acts 1999, ch. 528, § 29.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-20-104 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 20 / Section 63-20-104
Graduate physicians' supervision requirements
Status: in_force

Graduate physicians are subject to the supervision requirements established in any controlling federal law, any supervision requirements provided in this chapter, and any supervision requirements established by the board of medical examiners. Graduate physicians are not subject to any additional supervision requirements, other than the supervision requirements outlined in this section. Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 470, s 1, eff. 1/1/2025.
Graduate physicians are subject to the supervision requirements established in any controlling federal law, any supervision requirements provided in this chapter, and any supervision requirements established by the board of medical examiners. Graduate physicians are not subject to any additional supervision requirements, other than the supervision requirements outlined in this section.
Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 470, s 1, eff. 1/1/2025.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-6-230 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 6 / Section 63-6-230
Inactive licenses to perform pro bono services
Status: in_force

The board of medical examiners shall establish by rule an inactive license category that allows physicians to perform services without compensation only for those persons receiving services from organizations that have received a determination of exemption under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code ( 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3) ). Such inactive license category shall not authorize any other practice of medicine. Acts 1997 , ch. 345, § 3.
The board of medical examiners shall establish by rule an inactive license category that allows physicians to perform services without compensation only for those persons receiving services from organizations that have received a determination of exemption under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code ( 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3) ). Such inactive license category shall not authorize any other practice of medicine.
Acts 1997 , ch. 345, § 3.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-7-111 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 7 / Section 63-7-111
Practical nurse fees - Certification to other states
Status: in_force

(a) (1) The applicant for a license to practice as a licensed practical nurse shall pay an examination fee as set by the board, and the board may direct, by regulation, that a part of the fee shall be paid directly to a testing service by the applicant. (2) An applicant to rewrite an examination shall pay an examination fee as set by the board, and the board may direct, by regulation, that a part of the fee shall be paid directly to a testing service by the applicant. (b) The applicant to practice as a licensed practical nurse without examination under § 63-7-110(b) shall pay a fee as set by the board. (c) The applicant for a permit shall pay a fee as set by the board. (d) Any person who holds a license to practice as a practical nurse under this chapter and who seeks to be licensed in another state by endorsement on the basis of the person's Tennessee license shall have the license certified by the board for a fee as set by the board. (e) The applicant for a duplicate original license or a duplicate renewal certificate shall pay a fee as set by the board. (f) The applicant for a school transcript shall pay a fee as set by the board. (g) The applicant for a change in name shall pay a fee as set by the board. Acts 1967, ch. 78, § 20; 1976, ch. 501, § 7; 1981, ch. 462, §§ 9-12; T.C.A., § 63-748; Acts 1982, ch. 712, § 6; 1985, ch. 39, §§ 5-7; 1989, ch. 523, §§ 201-208; 2005, ch. 387, § 6.
(a) (1) The applicant for a license to practice as a licensed practical nurse shall pay an examination fee as set by the board, and the board may direct, by regulation, that a part of the fee shall be paid directly to a testing service by the applicant. (2) An applicant to rewrite an examination shall pay an examination fee as set by the board, and the board may direct, by regulation, that a part of the fee shall be paid directly to a testing service by the applicant.
(1) The applicant for a license to practice as a licensed practical nurse shall pay an examination fee as set by the board, and the board may direct, by regulation, that a part of the fee shall be paid directly to a testing service by the applicant.
(2) An applicant to rewrite an examination shall pay an examination fee as set by the board, and the board may direct, by regulation, that a part of the fee shall be paid directly to a testing service by the applicant.
(b) The applicant to practice as a licensed practical nurse without examination under § 63-7-110(b) shall pay a fee as set by the board.
(c) The applicant for a permit shall pay a fee as set by the board.
(d) Any person who holds a license to practice as a practical nurse under this chapter and who seeks to be licensed in another state by endorsement on the basis of the person's Tennessee license shall have the license certified by the board for a fee as set by the board.
(e) The applicant for a duplicate original license or a duplicate renewal certificate shall pay a fee as set by the board.
(f) The applicant for a school transcript shall pay a fee as set by the board.
(g) The applicant for a change in name shall pay a fee as set by the board.
Acts 1967, ch. 78, § 20; 1976, ch. 501, § 7; 1981, ch. 462, §§ 9-12; T.C.A., § 63-748; Acts 1982, ch. 712, § 6; 1985, ch. 39, §§ 5-7; 1989, ch. 523, §§ 201-208; 2005, ch. 387, § 6.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-18-104 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 18 / Section 63-18-104
License required
Status: in_force

(a) Persons or massage establishments engaged in massage for compensation shall be licensed by the massage licensure board. (b) Any person or establishment who advertises or engages in massage for compensation without a current valid license from the massage licensure board commits a Class B misdemeanor. It is unlawful to use the word "massage" or any other term that implies massage technique or method when advertising a service by a person who is not licensed under this chapter or another chapter of state law. (c) The practice of reflexology shall not be subject to the licensure requirements of this chapter. For the purposes of this chapter, "reflexology" means the application of specific pressures to reflex points in the hands and feet only. Acts 1995, ch. 480, § 5; 2000, ch. 676, § 1; T.C.A. § 63-18-104 ; Acts 2005, ch. 232, § 3.
(a) Persons or massage establishments engaged in massage for compensation shall be licensed by the massage licensure board.
(b) Any person or establishment who advertises or engages in massage for compensation without a current valid license from the massage licensure board commits a Class B misdemeanor. It is unlawful to use the word "massage" or any other term that implies massage technique or method when advertising a service by a person who is not licensed under this chapter or another chapter of state law.
(c) The practice of reflexology shall not be subject to the licensure requirements of this chapter. For the purposes of this chapter, "reflexology" means the application of specific pressures to reflex points in the hands and feet only.
Acts 1995, ch. 480, § 5; 2000, ch. 676, § 1; T.C.A. § 63-18-104 ; Acts 2005, ch. 232, § 3.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-1-168 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 1 / Section 63-1-168
Record of attempt or threat of suicide or infliction of bodily harm - Referral requirement
Status: in_force

(a) For purposes of this section: (1) "Facility" has the same meaning as defined in § 68-11-201 ; (2) "Healthcare provider" means a person who is licensed, certified, or authorized or permitted by the laws of this state to administer health care in the ordinary course of business or practice of a profession; and (3) "Qualified mental health professional" has the same meaning as defined in § 33-1-101 . (b) If a patient who is an inpatient in a licensed healthcare facility, or seeking services from an emergency department, expresses to a healthcare provider a recent threat or attempt at suicide or infliction of bodily harm to themselves, then the healthcare provider shall enter the attempt or threat into the patient's medical record. Upon discharge from the facility, the facility shall provide the patient with contact information to access a qualified mental health professional or counseling resource unless the patient is discharged to another facility. This referral requirement may be satisfied by providing contact information for this state's mobile crisis services or the statewide crisis hotline. (c) A healthcare provider who violates this section is subject to discipline by the healthcare provider's licensing authority. Added by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 259, s 1, eff. 7/1/2021.
(a) For purposes of this section: (1) "Facility" has the same meaning as defined in § 68-11-201 ; (2) "Healthcare provider" means a person who is licensed, certified, or authorized or permitted by the laws of this state to administer health care in the ordinary course of business or practice of a profession; and (3) "Qualified mental health professional" has the same meaning as defined in § 33-1-101 .
(1) "Facility" has the same meaning as defined in § 68-11-201 ;
(2) "Healthcare provider" means a person who is licensed, certified, or authorized or permitted by the laws of this state to administer health care in the ordinary course of business or practice of a profession; and
(3) "Qualified mental health professional" has the same meaning as defined in § 33-1-101 .
(b) If a patient who is an inpatient in a licensed healthcare facility, or seeking services from an emergency department, expresses to a healthcare provider a recent threat or attempt at suicide or infliction of bodily harm to themselves, then the healthcare provider shall enter the attempt or threat into the patient's medical record. Upon discharge from the facility, the facility shall provide the patient with contact information to access a qualified mental health professional or counseling resource unless the patient is discharged to another facility. This referral requirement may be satisfied by providing contact information for this state's mobile crisis services or the statewide crisis hotline.
(c) A healthcare provider who violates this section is subject to discipline by the healthcare provider's licensing authority.
Added by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 259, s 1, eff. 7/1/2021.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-13-302 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 13 / Section 63-13-302
Referrals - Ethical standards
Status: in_force

(a) A physical therapist shall refer persons under the physical therapist's care to appropriate health care practitioners, after consultation with the referring practitioner, if the physical therapist has reasonable cause to believe symptoms or conditions are present that require services beyond the scope of practice or when physical therapy treatment is contraindicated. (b) Physical therapists shall adhere to the recognized standards of ethics of the physical therapy profession and as further established by rule. Acts 1999, ch. 528, § 13.
(a) A physical therapist shall refer persons under the physical therapist's care to appropriate health care practitioners, after consultation with the referring practitioner, if the physical therapist has reasonable cause to believe symptoms or conditions are present that require services beyond the scope of practice or when physical therapy treatment is contraindicated.
(b) Physical therapists shall adhere to the recognized standards of ethics of the physical therapy profession and as further established by rule.
Acts 1999, ch. 528, § 13.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-3-104 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 3 / Section 63-3-104
Organization, meetings and compensation of board
Status: in_force

(a) The board shall elect a chair and a secretary from its own members. (b) The board shall hold one (1) regular meeting in each year and such additional meetings at such times and places as it may determine. (c) Each member of the board shall receive one hundred dollars ($100) per diem when actually engaged in the discharge of official duties and, in addition, shall be reimbursed for all travel and other necessary expenses. All expenses shall be claimed and paid in accordance with prevailing travel regulations as promulgated by the department of finance and administration and approved by the attorney general and reporter. Acts 1931, ch. 31, § 3; C. Supp. 1950, § 7182.13 (Williams, § 7182.14); Acts 1971, ch. 188, § 1; 1973, ch. 393, § 3; 1976, ch. 796, § 1; 1976, ch. 806, § 1(111); T.C.A., § 63-304; Acts 2009, ch. 422, § 3.
(a) The board shall elect a chair and a secretary from its own members.
(b) The board shall hold one (1) regular meeting in each year and such additional meetings at such times and places as it may determine.
(c) Each member of the board shall receive one hundred dollars ($100) per diem when actually engaged in the discharge of official duties and, in addition, shall be reimbursed for all travel and other necessary expenses. All expenses shall be claimed and paid in accordance with prevailing travel regulations as promulgated by the department of finance and administration and approved by the attorney general and reporter.
Acts 1931, ch. 31, § 3; C. Supp. 1950, § 7182.13 (Williams, § 7182.14); Acts 1971, ch. 188, § 1; 1973, ch. 393, § 3; 1976, ch. 796, § 1; 1976, ch. 806, § 1(111); T.C.A., § 63-304; Acts 2009, ch. 422, § 3.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-10-405 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 10 / Section 63-10-405
Information provided to committees privileged
Status: in_force

(a) All information, interviews, reports, statements, memoranda or other data furnished to any peer review committee, association board, organization board or other entity and any findings, conclusions or recommendations resulting from the proceedings of such committee, board or entity are privileged. The records and proceedings of any peer review committee, board or entity are confidential and shall be used by such committee, board or entity, and the members thereof, only in the exercise of the proper functions of the committee, board or entity and shall not be public records nor be available for court subpoena or for discovery proceedings. One (1) proper function of a peer review committee includes advocacy for pharmacists and pharmacy auxiliary personnel before other peer review committees, health care organizations, insurance companies, national, state or local accreditation organizations, federal and state agencies and the board of pharmacy of this state or any other state. The disclosure of confidential, privileged peer review committee information during advocacy, or as a report to the board of pharmacy, or to the affected pharmacist or pharmacy auxiliary personnel under review does not constitute either a waiver of confidentiality or privilege. Nothing contained in this subsection (a) applies to records, documents or information otherwise available from original sources and such records, documents or information are not to be construed as immune from discovery or use in any civil proceedings solely due to presentation to the committee. (b) All information, interviews, reports, statements, memoranda or other documents and materials created in the course of operation of a pharmacy continuous quality improvement program or quality assurance program shall be privileged and confidential and shall not be subject to discovery or subpoena or other means of legal process or introduction into evidence in any civil action, arbitration, administrative proceeding or state board of pharmacy proceeding. The pharmacy shall hold the privilege to all information, interviews, reports, statements, memoranda or other documents and materials created in the course of the pharmacy's continuous quality improvement program or quality assurance program. The privilege may be waived by the pharmacy. Nothing in this subsection (b) shall affect the discoverability of any records not solely generated for or maintained as a component of a pharmacy's ongoing continuous quality improvement program and quality assurance program. (c) Nothing in subsection (b) shall be construed to prohibit a pharmacy from compiling, disclosing, reporting or otherwise using information or data that may be generated from the privileged and confidential documents and materials described in subsection (b), where the compiling, disclosing, reporting or otherwise using of the information or data is for the purpose of conducting research, providing education, reporting to federal or state patient safety or quality improvement databases, developing best practice guidelines or for similar other purposes, if personal information is redacted prior to disclosure. Acts 1996, ch. 651, § 22; T.C.A. § 63-10-605; Acts 2006, ch. 768, § 3.
(a) All information, interviews, reports, statements, memoranda or other data furnished to any peer review committee, association board, organization board or other entity and any findings, conclusions or recommendations resulting from the proceedings of such committee, board or entity are privileged. The records and proceedings of any peer review committee, board or entity are confidential and shall be used by such committee, board or entity, and the members thereof, only in the exercise of the proper functions of the committee, board or entity and shall not be public records nor be available for court subpoena or for discovery proceedings. One (1) proper function of a peer review committee includes advocacy for pharmacists and pharmacy auxiliary personnel before other peer review committees, health care organizations, insurance companies, national, state or local accreditation organizations, federal and state agencies and the board of pharmacy of this state or any other state. The disclosure of confidential, privileged peer review committee information during advocacy, or as a report to the board of pharmacy, or to the affected pharmacist or pharmacy auxiliary personnel under review does not constitute either a waiver of confidentiality or privilege. Nothing contained in this subsection (a) applies to records, documents or information otherwise available from original sources and such records, documents or information are not to be construed as immune from discovery or use in any civil proceedings solely due to presentation to the committee.
(b) All information, interviews, reports, statements, memoranda or other documents and materials created in the course of operation of a pharmacy continuous quality improvement program or quality assurance program shall be privileged and confidential and shall not be subject to discovery or subpoena or other means of legal process or introduction into evidence in any civil action, arbitration, administrative proceeding or state board of pharmacy proceeding. The pharmacy shall hold the privilege to all information, interviews, reports, statements, memoranda or other documents and materials created in the course of the pharmacy's continuous quality improvement program or quality assurance program. The privilege may be waived by the pharmacy. Nothing in this subsection (b) shall affect the discoverability of any records not solely generated for or maintained as a component of a pharmacy's ongoing continuous quality improvement program and quality assurance program.
(c) Nothing in subsection (b) shall be construed to prohibit a pharmacy from compiling, disclosing, reporting or otherwise using information or data that may be generated from the privileged and confidential documents and materials described in subsection (b), where the compiling, disclosing, reporting or otherwise using of the information or data is for the purpose of conducting research, providing education, reporting to federal or state patient safety or quality improvement databases, developing best practice guidelines or for similar other purposes, if personal information is redacted prior to disclosure.
Acts 1996, ch. 651, § 22; T.C.A. § 63-10-605; Acts 2006, ch. 768, § 3.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-8-118 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 8 / Section 63-8-118
Discrimination between ocular practitioners prohibited
Status: in_force

No state board, commission or department created or existing by act of the general assembly, including public schools or other state agencies in the performance of their duties, shall in any way show any discrimination between ocular practitioners. All boards or commissions shall honor ocular reports or other professional services by legally qualified and licensed optometrists in this state. Acts 1939, ch. 90, § 2; C. Supp. 1950, § 7027; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 63-820.
No state board, commission or department created or existing by act of the general assembly, including public schools or other state agencies in the performance of their duties, shall in any way show any discrimination between ocular practitioners. All boards or commissions shall honor ocular reports or other professional services by legally qualified and licensed optometrists in this state.
Acts 1939, ch. 90, § 2; C. Supp. 1950, § 7027; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 63-820.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-10-201 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 10 / Section 63-10-201
Short title
Status: in_force

Parts 2-5 of this chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Tennessee Pharmacy Practice Act of 1996." Acts 1996, ch. 651, § 19; T.C.A. § 63-10-401 ; Acts 2007 , ch. 407, § 2.
Parts 2-5 of this chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Tennessee Pharmacy Practice Act of 1996."
Acts 1996, ch. 651, § 19; T.C.A. § 63-10-401 ; Acts 2007 , ch. 407, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-10-703 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 10 / Section 63-10-703
Participation in pharmacy drug disposal programs
Status: in_force

(a) Any Tennessee-licensed pharmacy located within this state is authorized to participate in a pharmacy drug disposal program that meets or exceeds the minimum requirements set forth in federal rules and regulations regarding collection and destruction of prescription drugs, including controlled and noncontrolled substances. (b) (1) Participation in a pharmacy drug disposal program by a Tennessee-licensed pharmacy located within this state shall be voluntary. (2) The pharmacist-in-charge, as defined by § 63-10-204 , for the pharmacy practice site shall be responsible for deciding whether the pharmacy participates in a pharmacy drug disposal program. (3) No person shall mandate pharmacist participation in a pharmacy drug disposal program at a pharmacy practice site. Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 40, s 3, eff. 7/1/2015.
(a) Any Tennessee-licensed pharmacy located within this state is authorized to participate in a pharmacy drug disposal program that meets or exceeds the minimum requirements set forth in federal rules and regulations regarding collection and destruction of prescription drugs, including controlled and noncontrolled substances.
(b) (1) Participation in a pharmacy drug disposal program by a Tennessee-licensed pharmacy located within this state shall be voluntary. (2) The pharmacist-in-charge, as defined by § 63-10-204 , for the pharmacy practice site shall be responsible for deciding whether the pharmacy participates in a pharmacy drug disposal program. (3) No person shall mandate pharmacist participation in a pharmacy drug disposal program at a pharmacy practice site.
(1) Participation in a pharmacy drug disposal program by a Tennessee-licensed pharmacy located within this state shall be voluntary.
(2) The pharmacist-in-charge, as defined by § 63-10-204 , for the pharmacy practice site shall be responsible for deciding whether the pharmacy participates in a pharmacy drug disposal program.
(3) No person shall mandate pharmacist participation in a pharmacy drug disposal program at a pharmacy practice site.
Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 40, s 3, eff. 7/1/2015.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-109 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 12 / Section 63-12-109
Funds of board - Disposition of surplus
Status: in_force

It is unlawful for the board or any member thereof, in any manner whatsoever or for any purpose, to charge or obligate the state for the payment of any money, and the board shall look alone to the revenue derived from the operation of this chapter for the compensation designated in § 63-12-108 . If the revenue is not sufficient to pay each member in full, together with the necessary expenses of the board, then the amount available shall be prorated among the members. But if there should be a greater revenue derived than shall be required to pay the compensation and expenses, including, but not limited to, the administrative and personnel expenses deemed necessary in the discretion of the board to conduct inspections and issue licenses, permits and certificates as provided by this chapter, directed, any surplus shall be paid to the state treasurer, who shall receipt the board for the amount so received and shall account for the money as for other state revenue. Acts 1967, ch. 80, § 9; T.C.A., § 63-1209; Acts 1997 , ch. 106, § 10.
It is unlawful for the board or any member thereof, in any manner whatsoever or for any purpose, to charge or obligate the state for the payment of any money, and the board shall look alone to the revenue derived from the operation of this chapter for the compensation designated in § 63-12-108 . If the revenue is not sufficient to pay each member in full, together with the necessary expenses of the board, then the amount available shall be prorated among the members. But if there should be a greater revenue derived than shall be required to pay the compensation and expenses, including, but not limited to, the administrative and personnel expenses deemed necessary in the discretion of the board to conduct inspections and issue licenses, permits and certificates as provided by this chapter, directed, any surplus shall be paid to the state treasurer, who shall receipt the board for the amount so received and shall account for the money as for other state revenue.
Acts 1967, ch. 80, § 9; T.C.A., § 63-1209; Acts 1997 , ch. 106, § 10.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-125 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 12 / Section 63-12-125
Administrative procedures
Status: in_force

The Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, shall apply to all proceedings of the board and regulations promulgated pursuant to this chapter. Acts 1967, ch. 80, § 25; T.C.A., § 63-1225; Acts 1983, ch. 57, § 15.
The Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, shall apply to all proceedings of the board and regulations promulgated pursuant to this chapter.
Acts 1967, ch. 80, § 25; T.C.A., § 63-1225; Acts 1983, ch. 57, § 15.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-10-225 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 10 / Section 63-10-225
Notification of lowest available cost for prescription drugs - Explanation of effect on insurance - Immunity from civil liability
Status: in_force

(a) Notwithstanding another law to the contrary, a pharmacy or other authorized dispensing person or entity of prescription drugs is encouraged, after a request to fill or renew a prescription drug and prior to the point of sale for such prescription drug, to make reasonable efforts to contact and notify the human patient representative or the person for whom the prescription drug is being filled of the lowest available cost of the prescription drug, including a generic alternative, under a prescription discount or rebate plan, program, or card, or through a different manufacturer, compounder, or supplier, that is available to the person for whom the prescription is being filled through the pharmacy or dispensing person or entity. (b) If the human patient representative or the person for whom the prescription drug is being filled changes the prescription drug purchase as a result of the notification provided pursuant to subsection (a), then such representative or person must be advised of the effects of purchases made outside of an insurance plan on the deductible status of such plan. (c) Notwithstanding a law to the contrary, a pharmacy or other authorized dispensing person or entity of prescription drugs is immune from civil liability for damages as a result of any act or omission made pursuant to this section. Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 854,s 1, eff. 5/1/2024.
(a) Notwithstanding another law to the contrary, a pharmacy or other authorized dispensing person or entity of prescription drugs is encouraged, after a request to fill or renew a prescription drug and prior to the point of sale for such prescription drug, to make reasonable efforts to contact and notify the human patient representative or the person for whom the prescription drug is being filled of the lowest available cost of the prescription drug, including a generic alternative, under a prescription discount or rebate plan, program, or card, or through a different manufacturer, compounder, or supplier, that is available to the person for whom the prescription is being filled through the pharmacy or dispensing person or entity.
(b) If the human patient representative or the person for whom the prescription drug is being filled changes the prescription drug purchase as a result of the notification provided pursuant to subsection (a), then such representative or person must be advised of the effects of purchases made outside of an insurance plan on the deductible status of such plan.
(c) Notwithstanding a law to the contrary, a pharmacy or other authorized dispensing person or entity of prescription drugs is immune from civil liability for damages as a result of any act or omission made pursuant to this section.
Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 854,s 1, eff. 5/1/2024.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-25-106 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 25 / Section 63-25-106
Board of dietitian/nutritionist examiners
Status: in_force

(a) There is hereby created the board of dietitian/nutritionist examiners to consist of five (5) members appointed by the governor, each of whom shall be a resident of this state and shall have had at least five (5) years' experience in the actual practice or teaching of dietetics and/or nutrition. Appointments may be made from lists of qualified persons submitted to the governor by interested dietitian/nutritionist, hospital and medical groups, including, but not limited to, the Tennessee Dietetic Association, the Tennessee Hospital Association, and the Tennessee Medical Association, and shall represent such areas of practice as administrative dietetics, clinical dietetics, dietetic education, community nutrition and consultation and private practice. The governor shall consult with such interested groups to determine qualified persons to fill the positions. (b) Of the initial appointments to the board, two (2) members shall be appointed for a term of three (3) years, two (2) members for a term of two (2) years, and one (1) member for a term of one (1) year. All regular appointments thereafter shall be for terms of three (3) years each. No member shall be eligible for appointment for more than two (2) consecutive terms, and each member shall serve on the board until a successor is appointed. Vacancies shall be filled by appointment of the governor for the unexpired term. In making appointments to the board, the governor shall strive to ensure that at least one (1) person serving on the board is sixty (60) years of age or older and that at least one (1) person serving on the board is a member of a racial minority. (c) The board shall organize annually and select a chair and a secretary. A quorum of the board shall consist of three (3) members, and meetings of the board shall be held as frequently as its duties may require. The division shall perform administrative functions for the board. (d) Each member of the board shall receive compensation for services in an amount determined by the department, not to exceed fifty dollars ($50.00) per diem when actually engaged in the discharge of their official duties, and, in addition, shall be reimbursed for all travel expenses in accordance with the comprehensive state travel regulations promulgated by the department of finance and administration and approved by the attorney general and reporter. Acts 1987, ch. 384, § 7; 1988, ch. 1013, §59; 2012 , ch. 722, § 3.
(a) There is hereby created the board of dietitian/nutritionist examiners to consist of five (5) members appointed by the governor, each of whom shall be a resident of this state and shall have had at least five (5) years' experience in the actual practice or teaching of dietetics and/or nutrition. Appointments may be made from lists of qualified persons submitted to the governor by interested dietitian/nutritionist, hospital and medical groups, including, but not limited to, the Tennessee Dietetic Association, the Tennessee Hospital Association, and the Tennessee Medical Association, and shall represent such areas of practice as administrative dietetics, clinical dietetics, dietetic education, community nutrition and consultation and private practice. The governor shall consult with such interested groups to determine qualified persons to fill the positions.
(b) Of the initial appointments to the board, two (2) members shall be appointed for a term of three (3) years, two (2) members for a term of two (2) years, and one (1) member for a term of one (1) year. All regular appointments thereafter shall be for terms of three (3) years each. No member shall be eligible for appointment for more than two (2) consecutive terms, and each member shall serve on the board until a successor is appointed. Vacancies shall be filled by appointment of the governor for the unexpired term. In making appointments to the board, the governor shall strive to ensure that at least one (1) person serving on the board is sixty (60) years of age or older and that at least one (1) person serving on the board is a member of a racial minority.
(c) The board shall organize annually and select a chair and a secretary. A quorum of the board shall consist of three (3) members, and meetings of the board shall be held as frequently as its duties may require. The division shall perform administrative functions for the board.
(d) Each member of the board shall receive compensation for services in an amount determined by the department, not to exceed fifty dollars ($50.00) per diem when actually engaged in the discharge of their official duties, and, in addition, shall be reimbursed for all travel expenses in accordance with the comprehensive state travel regulations promulgated by the department of finance and administration and approved by the attorney general and reporter.
Acts 1987, ch. 384, § 7; 1988, ch. 1013, §59; 2012 , ch. 722, § 3.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-10-212 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 10 / Section 63-10-212
Confidentiality of information entrusted to pharmacist
Status: in_force

(a) Notwithstanding any requirement of state law to the contrary, a pharmacist is immune from liability to any person for disclosing patient information to a person authorized by this title to prescribe drugs or devices or to communicate a prescription order where necessary to: (1) Fulfill the pharmacist's responsibility to carry out prospective drug use review under state law and 42 CFR Part 456 for the purpose of identifying and resolving actual or potential drug-related problems, including, for example, therapeutic duplication, drug-drug interactions, incorrect drug dosage, drug-disease contraindication, duration of drug treatment, or over-utilization or under-utilization and any other drug therapy problems outlined in 42 CFR § 456.705 ; (2) Assist prescribers in obtaining a comprehensive drug history on a patient; (3) Prevent abuse or misuse of any drug or device and the diversion of controlled substances; or (4) Provide a medication therapy management program or a quality assurance program. (b) Disclosure of information pursuant to this section shall not constitute a waiver of any confidentiality or privilege that may be provided by law. (c) This section shall apply only to confidentiality or privilege and shall not apply to actions arising in negligence. Acts 1999, ch. 371, § 1; T.C.A. § 63-10-412; Acts 2007 , ch. 407, § 7.
(a) Notwithstanding any requirement of state law to the contrary, a pharmacist is immune from liability to any person for disclosing patient information to a person authorized by this title to prescribe drugs or devices or to communicate a prescription order where necessary to: (1) Fulfill the pharmacist's responsibility to carry out prospective drug use review under state law and 42 CFR Part 456 for the purpose of identifying and resolving actual or potential drug-related problems, including, for example, therapeutic duplication, drug-drug interactions, incorrect drug dosage, drug-disease contraindication, duration of drug treatment, or over-utilization or under-utilization and any other drug therapy problems outlined in 42 CFR § 456.705 ; (2) Assist prescribers in obtaining a comprehensive drug history on a patient; (3) Prevent abuse or misuse of any drug or device and the diversion of controlled substances; or (4) Provide a medication therapy management program or a quality assurance program.
(1) Fulfill the pharmacist's responsibility to carry out prospective drug use review under state law and 42 CFR Part 456 for the purpose of identifying and resolving actual or potential drug-related problems, including, for example, therapeutic duplication, drug-drug interactions, incorrect drug dosage, drug-disease contraindication, duration of drug treatment, or over-utilization or under-utilization and any other drug therapy problems outlined in 42 CFR § 456.705 ;
(2) Assist prescribers in obtaining a comprehensive drug history on a patient;
(3) Prevent abuse or misuse of any drug or device and the diversion of controlled substances; or
(4) Provide a medication therapy management program or a quality assurance program.
(b) Disclosure of information pursuant to this section shall not constitute a waiver of any confidentiality or privilege that may be provided by law.
(c) This section shall apply only to confidentiality or privilege and shall not apply to actions arising in negligence.
Acts 1999, ch. 371, § 1; T.C.A. § 63-10-412; Acts 2007 , ch. 407, § 7.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-22-118 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 22 / Section 63-22-118
Applicability of part
Status: in_force

(a) The provisions of this part, except those contained in § 63-22-122 , shall not apply to any persons regulated by the board of nursing or the state board of education, nor to professional counselors employed in community/human service agencies and working directly under the supervision of a licensed professional counselor nor to nurses licensed under chapter 7 of this title. (b) Nothing in this part shall be construed to prevent members of other professional groups, including, without limitation, licensed social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists and other physicians, attorneys or members of the clergy, from performing or advertising that they provide or offer counseling services consistent with the accepted standards of their respective professions; provided, that none of such persons shall violate § 63-22-117 . Acts 1991, ch. 421, § 19.
(a) The provisions of this part, except those contained in § 63-22-122 , shall not apply to any persons regulated by the board of nursing or the state board of education, nor to professional counselors employed in community/human service agencies and working directly under the supervision of a licensed professional counselor nor to nurses licensed under chapter 7 of this title.
(b) Nothing in this part shall be construed to prevent members of other professional groups, including, without limitation, licensed social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists and other physicians, attorneys or members of the clergy, from performing or advertising that they provide or offer counseling services consistent with the accepted standards of their respective professions; provided, that none of such persons shall violate § 63-22-117 .
Acts 1991, ch. 421, § 19.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-6-307 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 6 / Section 63-6-307
Official, employee, or agent of state prohibited from blocking eligible patient's access
Status: in_force

An official, employee, or agent of this state shall not block or attempt to block an eligible patient's access to an investigational drug, biological product, or device. The rendering of counseling, advice, or a recommendation consistent with medical standards of care from a licensed healthcare provider is not a violation of this section. Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 376, s 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
An official, employee, or agent of this state shall not block or attempt to block an eligible patient's access to an investigational drug, biological product, or device. The rendering of counseling, advice, or a recommendation consistent with medical standards of care from a licensed healthcare provider is not a violation of this section.
Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 376, s 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-2-103 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 2 / Section 63-2-103
Authority to promulgate regulations regarding retention of physician medical records - Limit on retention of mammography records
Status: in_force

(a) The board of medical examiners is authorized to promulgate regulations regarding the retention of physician medical records as defined in § 63-2-101(c) . (b) Notwithstanding any law or rule to the contrary, such retention of mammography records shall not exceed ten (10) years. Added by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 113,s 2, eff. 4/12/2013.
(a) The board of medical examiners is authorized to promulgate regulations regarding the retention of physician medical records as defined in § 63-2-101(c) .
(b) Notwithstanding any law or rule to the contrary, such retention of mammography records shall not exceed ten (10) years.
Added by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 113,s 2, eff. 4/12/2013.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-1-705 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 1 / Section 63-1-705
[ For Postponed Repealed, see T.C.A. § 63-1-707] Duties of task force
Status: repealed

The task force shall: (1) Develop a strategic action plan for increasing the availability of high-quality, affordable, and accessible healthcare professionals in this state; (2) Develop a strategic action plan to eliminate the need for agencies to consistently request budget increases and allow state agencies to pay their private partner providers adequately for work that is being performed under contract with the state; (3) Identify resources across state government to be streamlined, coordinated, and more effectively utilized to address healthcare workforce challenges; (4) Identify the healthcare staff positions that are the most difficult to fill and the reasons for the difficulty; (5) Study the efforts of other states in supporting their healthcare workforce, including salary comparisons for both state employees and private contractor employees, and make suggestions for implementing changes in this state; (6) Study the disparity in salary structures for the healthcare workforce in this state and its impact on healthcare worker shortages; (7) Identify processes to ensure that routine reviews of funding for healthcare services under the TennCare program are conducted and to ensure that adequate annual resources are being directed to the provider community; and (8) Review budgetary and regulatory actions taken to mitigate the healthcare workforce challenges in this state and to assess the irripact of these actions for future reference. Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1138, s 1, eff. 7/1/2022. Repealed by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1138, s 1, eff. 12/31/2023.
The task force shall:
(1) Develop a strategic action plan for increasing the availability of high-quality, affordable, and accessible healthcare professionals in this state;
(2) Develop a strategic action plan to eliminate the need for agencies to consistently request budget increases and allow state agencies to pay their private partner providers adequately for work that is being performed under contract with the state;
(3) Identify resources across state government to be streamlined, coordinated, and more effectively utilized to address healthcare workforce challenges;
(4) Identify the healthcare staff positions that are the most difficult to fill and the reasons for the difficulty;
(5) Study the efforts of other states in supporting their healthcare workforce, including salary comparisons for both state employees and private contractor employees, and make suggestions for implementing changes in this state;
(6) Study the disparity in salary structures for the healthcare workforce in this state and its impact on healthcare worker shortages;
(7) Identify processes to ensure that routine reviews of funding for healthcare services under the TennCare program are conducted and to ensure that adequate annual resources are being directed to the provider community; and
(8) Review budgetary and regulatory actions taken to mitigate the healthcare workforce challenges in this state and to assess the irripact of these actions for future reference.
Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1138, s 1, eff. 7/1/2022.
Repealed by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1138, s 1, eff. 12/31/2023.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-8-129 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 8 / Section 63-8-129
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 883, s 7, eff. 1/1/2019. Acts 2010 , ch. 795, § 4.
Repealed by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 883, s 7, eff. 1/1/2019.
Acts 2010 , ch. 795, § 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-27-116 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 27 / Section 63-27-116
Licenses for registered respiratory therapist and certified respiratory therapist - Temporary license - Reciprocity
Status: in_force

(a) The board may issue a temporary license to an individual applicant who has completed the required respiratory care educational program but who has not yet successfully completed the NBRC examination. A temporary license shall automatically expire one (1) year from its date of issuance and may not be renewed. (b) The board may issue a license to practice respiratory care by endorsement to an applicant who is currently licensed to practice respiratory care under the laws of another state, territory or country if the qualifications of the applicant are deemed by the board to be equivalent to those required in this state. (c) (1) The board may authorize any of its members or its consultant to conduct a review of the qualifications of an applicant for a license or temporary license to practice respiratory care in this state and to make an initial determination as to whether the applicant has met all the requirements for a license or temporary license. If the board member or board consultant determines that the applicant has met all the requirements for a license or temporary license, the applicant is then authorized to practice respiratory care in this state until the board makes a final decision on the application for a license or temporary license. The board may authorize the use of this procedure with respect to applicants for license renewal or reinstatement as well. In no event shall the temporary authorization issued pursuant to a determination made by the board member or board consultant be effective for longer than a six (6) month period measured from the date of issuance. This process shall not be utilized by the applicant more than once. (2) If temporary authorization, pursuant to this subsection (c), is issued to an applicant for a license to practice respiratory care in this state and if the subsequent decision of the board is to deny the application based upon a good faith determination that the applicant has not, in fact, complied with all the requirements for a license, then the doctrine of estoppel shall not apply against the state based upon its issuance of temporary authorization and its subsequent denial of licensure. Acts 1993, ch. 86, § 3; 1996, ch. 738, § 1; T.C.A. §63-6-416; Acts 1998, ch. 1106, §§ 21 - 23, 28, 29, 47, 49, 55; 2000, ch. 621, §§ 2, 3; 2002, ch. 662, § 8.
(a) The board may issue a temporary license to an individual applicant who has completed the required respiratory care educational program but who has not yet successfully completed the NBRC examination. A temporary license shall automatically expire one (1) year from its date of issuance and may not be renewed.
(b) The board may issue a license to practice respiratory care by endorsement to an applicant who is currently licensed to practice respiratory care under the laws of another state, territory or country if the qualifications of the applicant are deemed by the board to be equivalent to those required in this state.
(c) (1) The board may authorize any of its members or its consultant to conduct a review of the qualifications of an applicant for a license or temporary license to practice respiratory care in this state and to make an initial determination as to whether the applicant has met all the requirements for a license or temporary license. If the board member or board consultant determines that the applicant has met all the requirements for a license or temporary license, the applicant is then authorized to practice respiratory care in this state until the board makes a final decision on the application for a license or temporary license. The board may authorize the use of this procedure with respect to applicants for license renewal or reinstatement as well. In no event shall the temporary authorization issued pursuant to a determination made by the board member or board consultant be effective for longer than a six (6) month period measured from the date of issuance. This process shall not be utilized by the applicant more than once. (2) If temporary authorization, pursuant to this subsection (c), is issued to an applicant for a license to practice respiratory care in this state and if the subsequent decision of the board is to deny the application based upon a good faith determination that the applicant has not, in fact, complied with all the requirements for a license, then the doctrine of estoppel shall not apply against the state based upon its issuance of temporary authorization and its subsequent denial of licensure.
(1) The board may authorize any of its members or its consultant to conduct a review of the qualifications of an applicant for a license or temporary license to practice respiratory care in this state and to make an initial determination as to whether the applicant has met all the requirements for a license or temporary license. If the board member or board consultant determines that the applicant has met all the requirements for a license or temporary license, the applicant is then authorized to practice respiratory care in this state until the board makes a final decision on the application for a license or temporary license. The board may authorize the use of this procedure with respect to applicants for license renewal or reinstatement as well. In no event shall the temporary authorization issued pursuant to a determination made by the board member or board consultant be effective for longer than a six (6) month period measured from the date of issuance. This process shall not be utilized by the applicant more than once.
(2) If temporary authorization, pursuant to this subsection (c), is issued to an applicant for a license to practice respiratory care in this state and if the subsequent decision of the board is to deny the application based upon a good faith determination that the applicant has not, in fact, complied with all the requirements for a license, then the doctrine of estoppel shall not apply against the state based upon its issuance of temporary authorization and its subsequent denial of licensure.
Acts 1993, ch. 86, § 3; 1996, ch. 738, § 1; T.C.A. §63-6-416; Acts 1998, ch. 1106, §§ 21 - 23, 28, 29, 47, 49, 55; 2000, ch. 621, §§ 2, 3; 2002, ch. 662, § 8.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-6-305 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 6 / Section 63-6-305
Patient's heirs not liable for outstanding debt
Status: in_force

If a patient dies while being treated by an investigational drug, biological product, or device, the patient's heirs are not liable for any outstanding debt related to the treatment or lack of insurance due to the treatment. Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 376, s 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
If a patient dies while being treated by an investigational drug, biological product, or device, the patient's heirs are not liable for any outstanding debt related to the treatment or lack of insurance due to the treatment.
Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 376, s 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-32-106 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 32 / Section 63-32-106
Conviction of unlicensed provider-Report to relevant board
Status: in_force

The district attorney general for any court in which an unlicensed provider is convicted of being represented as a licensed provider shall, within one (1) week thereafter, report the same to the relevant board together with a copy of the court proceedings in the case. Acts 1998, ch. 1073, § 6.
The district attorney general for any court in which an unlicensed provider is convicted of being represented as a licensed provider shall, within one (1) week thereafter, report the same to the relevant board together with a copy of the court proceedings in the case.
Acts 1998, ch. 1073, § 6.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-28-104 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 28 / Section 63-28-104
Committee to issue licenses
Status: in_force

The committee shall license by examination, or otherwise as provided in this chapter, all licensed clinical perfusionists in this state who meet the requirements of this chapter. Acts 1999, ch. 239, § 4.
The committee shall license by examination, or otherwise as provided in this chapter, all licensed clinical perfusionists in this state who meet the requirements of this chapter.
Acts 1999, ch. 239, § 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-3-118 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 3 / Section 63-3-118
Services provided by physician assistant or orthopedic physician assistant collaborating with podiatrist
Status: in_force

A physician assistant collaborating with a licensed podiatrist shall not provide services that are outside of the scope of practice of a podiatrist as set forth in § 63-3-101 and may prescribe only drugs that are rational to the practice of podiatry. An orthopedic physician assistant collaborating with a licensed podiatrist shall not provide services that are outside of the scope of practice of a podiatrist as set forth in § 63-3-101 . Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 610,s 3, eff. 7/1/2018. Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 946,s 2, eff. 4/27/2016.
A physician assistant collaborating with a licensed podiatrist shall not provide services that are outside of the scope of practice of a podiatrist as set forth in § 63-3-101 and may prescribe only drugs that are rational to the practice of podiatry. An orthopedic physician assistant collaborating with a licensed podiatrist shall not provide services that are outside of the scope of practice of a podiatrist as set forth in § 63-3-101 .
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 610,s 3, eff. 7/1/2018.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 946,s 2, eff. 4/27/2016.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-10-314 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 10 / Section 63-10-314
Promulgation of rules regarding oversight of facilities that manufacture, warehouse, and distribute medical devices
Status: in_force

(a) The board shall promulgate rules regarding the board's oversight of facilities that manufacture, warehouse, and distribute medical devices. The rules promulgated under this subsection (a) must include the formation of an advisory committee, in accordance with § 4-5-205 , composed of medical device industry representatives and a representative of the department of economic and community development. (b) The rules promulgated pursuant to this section must be reviewed by the advisory committee every three (3) years to review the advancements of new medical device technologies. (c) The rules must be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 457, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
(a) The board shall promulgate rules regarding the board's oversight of facilities that manufacture, warehouse, and distribute medical devices. The rules promulgated under this subsection (a) must include the formation of an advisory committee, in accordance with § 4-5-205 , composed of medical device industry representatives and a representative of the department of economic and community development.
(b) The rules promulgated pursuant to this section must be reviewed by the advisory committee every three (3) years to review the advancements of new medical device technologies.
(c) The rules must be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 457, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-28-115 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 28 / Section 63-28-115
Complaints
Status: in_force

(a) The committee shall keep an information file about each complaint filed with the committee. The committee's information file shall be kept current and contain a record for each complaint of: (1) All persons contacted in relation to the complaint; (2) A summary of findings made at each step of the complaint process; (3) An explanation of the legal basis and reason for a complaint that is dismissed; and (4) Other relevant information. (b) If a written complaint is filed with the committee that the committee has authority to resolve, the committee at least as frequently as quarterly and until final disposition of the complaint shall notify the parties to the complaint of the status of the complaint unless the notice would jeopardize an ongoing investigation. (c) The committee shall develop a form to standardize information concerning complaints made to the committee. The committee shall prescribe information to be provided to a person when the person files a complaint with the committee. (d) The committee shall provide reasonable assistance to a person who wishes to file a complaint with the committee. Acts 1999, ch. 239, § 15.
(a) The committee shall keep an information file about each complaint filed with the committee. The committee's information file shall be kept current and contain a record for each complaint of: (1) All persons contacted in relation to the complaint; (2) A summary of findings made at each step of the complaint process; (3) An explanation of the legal basis and reason for a complaint that is dismissed; and (4) Other relevant information.
(1) All persons contacted in relation to the complaint;
(2) A summary of findings made at each step of the complaint process;
(3) An explanation of the legal basis and reason for a complaint that is dismissed; and
(4) Other relevant information.
(b) If a written complaint is filed with the committee that the committee has authority to resolve, the committee at least as frequently as quarterly and until final disposition of the complaint shall notify the parties to the complaint of the status of the complaint unless the notice would jeopardize an ongoing investigation.
(c) The committee shall develop a form to standardize information concerning complaints made to the committee. The committee shall prescribe information to be provided to a person when the person files a complaint with the committee.
(d) The committee shall provide reasonable assistance to a person who wishes to file a complaint with the committee.
Acts 1999, ch. 239, § 15.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-4-118 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 4 / Section 63-4-118
Immunity of reviewers from liability
Status: in_force

Any chiropractor who serves on any peer review committee or on any other committee, board, commission or other entity constituted by any statewide chiropractic association, local chiropractic society or governmental or quasi-governmental agency for the purpose of reviewing and evaluating chiropractic acts of other chiropractors or chiropractic auxiliary personnel, shall be immune from liability with respect to any action taken by that chiropractor in good faith and without malice as a member of such committee, board, commission or other entity. Acts 1975, ch. 228, § 1; T.C.A., § 63-421.
Any chiropractor who serves on any peer review committee or on any other committee, board, commission or other entity constituted by any statewide chiropractic association, local chiropractic society or governmental or quasi-governmental agency for the purpose of reviewing and evaluating chiropractic acts of other chiropractors or chiropractic auxiliary personnel, shall be immune from liability with respect to any action taken by that chiropractor in good faith and without malice as a member of such committee, board, commission or other entity.
Acts 1975, ch. 228, § 1; T.C.A., § 63-421.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-10-508 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 10 / Section 63-10-508
Dispensing after expiration date prohibited
Status: in_force

A repository shall not dispense a prescription drug after the expiration date of the drug. Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 200, s 1, eff. 1/1/2024.
A repository shall not dispense a prescription drug after the expiration date of the drug.
Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 200, s 1, eff. 1/1/2024.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-17-301 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 17 / Section 63-17-301
Short title
Status: in_force

This part is known and may be cited as the "Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact." Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 839, s 2, eff. 4/19/2022.
This part is known and may be cited as the "Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact."
Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 839, s 2, eff. 4/19/2022.