Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-19-303 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 19 / Section 63-19-303
Part definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this Compact: (1) "Adverse Action" means any administrative, civil, equitable, or criminal action permitted by a state's laws which is imposed by a licensing board or other authority against a Physician Assistant license or license application or Compact Privilege such as License denial, censure, revocation, suspension, probation, monitoring of the Licensee, or restriction on the Licensee's practice; (2) "Compact Privilege" means the authorization granted by a Remote State to allow a Licensee from another Participating State to practice as a Physician Assistant to provide Medical Services and other licensed activity to a patient located in the Remote State under the Remote State's laws and regulations; (3) "Conviction" means a finding by a court that an individual is guilty of a felony or misdemeanor offense through adjudication or entry of a plea of guilt or no contest to the charge by the offender; (4) "Criminal Background Check" means the submission of fingerprints or other biometric-based information for a License applicant for the purpose of obtaining that applicant's criminal history record information, as defined in 28 C.F.R. § 20.3(d) , from the State's criminal history record repository as defined in 28 C.F.R. § 20.3(f) ; (5) "Data System" means the repository of information about Licensees, including, but not limited to, License status and Adverse Actions, which is created and administered under the terms of this Compact; (6) "Executive Committee" means a group of directors and ex officio individuals elected or appointed pursuant to § 63-19-308(f)(2) ; (7) "Impaired Practitioner" means a Physician Assistant whose practice is adversely affected by health-related condition(s) that impact their ability to practice; (8) "Investigative Information" means information, records, or documents received or generated by a Licensing Board pursuant to an investigation; (9) "Jurisprudence Requirement" means the assessment of an individual's knowledge of the laws and Rules governing the practice of a Physician Assistant in a State; (10) "License" means current authorization by a State, other than authorization pursuant to a Compact Privilege, for a Physician Assistant to provide Medical Services, which would be unlawful without current authorization; (11) "Licensee" means an individual who holds a License from a State to provide Medical Services as a Physician Assistant; (12) "Licensing Board" means any State entity authorized to license and otherwise regulate Physician Assistants; (13) "Medical Services" means healthcare services provided for the diagnosis, prevention, treatment, cure or relief of a health condition, injury, or disease, as defined by a State's laws and regulations; (14) "Model Compact" means the model for the PA Licensure Compact on file with The Council of State Governments or other entity as designated by the Commission; (15) "PA" or "Physician Assistant" means an individual who is licensed as a Physician Assistant in a State. For purposes of this Compact, any other title or status adopted by a State to replace the term "Physician Assistant" shall be deemed synonymous with "Physician Assistant" and shall confer the same rights and responsibilities to the Licensee under the provisions of this Compact at the time of its enactment; (16) "PA Licensure Compact Commission," "Compact Commission," or "Commission" means the national administrative body created pursuant to § 63-19-308(a) ; (17) "Participating State" means a State that has enacted this Compact; (18) "Qualifying License" means an unrestricted License issued by a Participating State to provide Medical Services as a Physician Assistant; (19) "Remote State" means a Participating State where a Licensee who is not licensed as a Physician Assistant is exercising or seeking to exercise the Compact Privilege; (20) "Rule" means a regulation promulgated by an entity that has the force and effect of law; (21) "Significant Investigative Information" means Investigative Information that a Licensing Board, after an inquiry or investigation that includes notification and an opportunity for the Physician Assistant to respond if required by State law, has reason to believe is not groundless and, if proven true, would indicate more than a minor infraction; and (22) "State" means any state, commonwealth, district, or territory of the United States. Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1018,s 1, eff. 1/1/2025.
As used in this Compact:
(1) "Adverse Action" means any administrative, civil, equitable, or criminal action permitted by a state's laws which is imposed by a licensing board or other authority against a Physician Assistant license or license application or Compact Privilege such as License denial, censure, revocation, suspension, probation, monitoring of the Licensee, or restriction on the Licensee's practice;
(2) "Compact Privilege" means the authorization granted by a Remote State to allow a Licensee from another Participating State to practice as a Physician Assistant to provide Medical Services and other licensed activity to a patient located in the Remote State under the Remote State's laws and regulations;
(3) "Conviction" means a finding by a court that an individual is guilty of a felony or misdemeanor offense through adjudication or entry of a plea of guilt or no contest to the charge by the offender;
(4) "Criminal Background Check" means the submission of fingerprints or other biometric-based information for a License applicant for the purpose of obtaining that applicant's criminal history record information, as defined in 28 C.F.R. § 20.3(d) , from the State's criminal history record repository as defined in 28 C.F.R. § 20.3(f) ;
(5) "Data System" means the repository of information about Licensees, including, but not limited to, License status and Adverse Actions, which is created and administered under the terms of this Compact;
(6) "Executive Committee" means a group of directors and ex officio individuals elected or appointed pursuant to § 63-19-308(f)(2) ;
(7) "Impaired Practitioner" means a Physician Assistant whose practice is adversely affected by health-related condition(s) that impact their ability to practice;
(8) "Investigative Information" means information, records, or documents received or generated by a Licensing Board pursuant to an investigation;
(9) "Jurisprudence Requirement" means the assessment of an individual's knowledge of the laws and Rules governing the practice of a Physician Assistant in a State;
(10) "License" means current authorization by a State, other than authorization pursuant to a Compact Privilege, for a Physician Assistant to provide Medical Services, which would be unlawful without current authorization;
(11) "Licensee" means an individual who holds a License from a State to provide Medical Services as a Physician Assistant;
(12) "Licensing Board" means any State entity authorized to license and otherwise regulate Physician Assistants;
(13) "Medical Services" means healthcare services provided for the diagnosis, prevention, treatment, cure or relief of a health condition, injury, or disease, as defined by a State's laws and regulations;
(14) "Model Compact" means the model for the PA Licensure Compact on file with The Council of State Governments or other entity as designated by the Commission;
(15) "PA" or "Physician Assistant" means an individual who is licensed as a Physician Assistant in a State. For purposes of this Compact, any other title or status adopted by a State to replace the term "Physician Assistant" shall be deemed synonymous with "Physician Assistant" and shall confer the same rights and responsibilities to the Licensee under the provisions of this Compact at the time of its enactment;
(16) "PA Licensure Compact Commission," "Compact Commission," or "Commission" means the national administrative body created pursuant to § 63-19-308(a) ;
(17) "Participating State" means a State that has enacted this Compact;
(18) "Qualifying License" means an unrestricted License issued by a Participating State to provide Medical Services as a Physician Assistant;
(19) "Remote State" means a Participating State where a Licensee who is not licensed as a Physician Assistant is exercising or seeking to exercise the Compact Privilege;
(20) "Rule" means a regulation promulgated by an entity that has the force and effect of law;
(21) "Significant Investigative Information" means Investigative Information that a Licensing Board, after an inquiry or investigation that includes notification and an opportunity for the Physician Assistant to respond if required by State law, has reason to believe is not groundless and, if proven true, would indicate more than a minor infraction; and
(22) "State" means any state, commonwealth, district, or territory of the United States.
Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1018,s 1, eff. 1/1/2025.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-17-204 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 17 / Section 63-17-204
Meetings
Status: in_force

(a) The council shall meet at least once each year at a place and time determined by the chair. The council shall also meet at such other times and places as may be appropriate to carry out the purposes of this part. (b) (1) Any member who misses more than fifty percent (50%) of the scheduled meetings in a calendar year shall be removed as a member of the council. (2) The presiding officer of the council shall promptly notify, or cause to be notified, the appointing authority of any member who fails to satisfy the attendance requirement as prescribed in subdivision (b)(1). Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 612, s 3, eff. 3/22/2016. Acts 1995, ch. 481, § 6.
(a) The council shall meet at least once each year at a place and time determined by the chair. The council shall also meet at such other times and places as may be appropriate to carry out the purposes of this part.
(b) (1) Any member who misses more than fifty percent (50%) of the scheduled meetings in a calendar year shall be removed as a member of the council. (2) The presiding officer of the council shall promptly notify, or cause to be notified, the appointing authority of any member who fails to satisfy the attendance requirement as prescribed in subdivision (b)(1).
(1) Any member who misses more than fifty percent (50%) of the scheduled meetings in a calendar year shall be removed as a member of the council.
(2) The presiding officer of the council shall promptly notify, or cause to be notified, the appointing authority of any member who fails to satisfy the attendance requirement as prescribed in subdivision (b)(1).
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 612, s 3, eff. 3/22/2016.
Acts 1995, ch. 481, § 6.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-1-165 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 1 / Section 63-1-165
Provision of information prior to administration of vaccinations to minors - Parental consent required - Violations
Status: in_force

(a) The general assembly finds and declares the following: (1) The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986 ( 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-26 ) requires, prior to the administration of a vaccine listed in the vaccine injury table to a minor, that healthcare providers provide the vaccine information statement from the centers for disease control and prevention to the legal representatives of the minor; (2) The Tennessee supreme court's decision in Cardwell v. Bechtol , 724 S.W.2d 739 (1987), found that the mature minor exception, guided by the "Rule of Sevens," is part of Tennessee common law, but only in the context of tort law and jury considerations, and not the general rule requiring parental consent for the medical treatment of minors; (3) The Cardwell court stated, "Adoption of the mature minor exception to the common law rule is by no means a general license to treat minors without parental consent and its application is dependent on the facts of each case. It must be seen in the context of the tort in question."; (4) Despite its holding in the case, the Cardwell court declined to alter the general rule, which is "requiring parental consent for the medical treatment of minors"; (5) In its opinion in the case of Parham v. J.R. , 442 U.S. 584 (1979), the United States supreme court wrote, "Simply because the decision of a parent is not agreeable to a child, or because it involves risks, does not automatically transfer the power to make that decision from the parents to some agency or officer of the state. The same characterizations can be made for a tonsillectomy, appendectomy, or other medical procedure. Most children, even in adolescence, simply are not able to make sound judgments concerning many decisions, including their need for medical care or treatment. Parents can and must make those judgments."; and (6) In the case of Troxel v. Granville , 530 U.S. 57 (2000), Justice O'Connor wrote for the United States supreme court, "The Fourteenth Amendment's Due Process Clause has a substantive component that 'provides heightened protection against government interference with certain fundamental rights and liberty interests,' Washington v. Glucksberg , 521 U.S. 702, 720, including parents' fundamental right to make decisions concerning the care, custody, and control of their children". (b) As used in this section: (1) "Department" means the department of health; (2) "Healthcare provider" means a healthcare professional, healthcare establishment, or healthcare facility licensed, registered, certified, or permitted pursuant to this title or title 68 or regulated under the authority of either the department of health or an agency, board, council, or committee attached to the department of health, and that is authorized to administer vaccinations in this state; (3) "Minor": (A) Means an individual who has not attained eighteen (18) years of age; and (B) Does not include an individual who: (i) Is emancipated pursuant to title 29, chapter 31; (ii) Is in need of emergency treatment pursuant to § 63-6-222 ; (iii) Is or was previously a member of the armed forces of the United States, or a member of a reserve or national guard unit; or (iv) Is the parent of a minor child and has full custody of that minor child; (4) "Vaccination" means the act of introducing a vaccine into the body; and (5) "Vaccine" means a substance intended for use in humans to stimulate the body's immune response against an infectious disease or pathogen. (c) (1) A healthcare provider shall not provide a vaccination to a minor unless the healthcare provider first receives informed consent from a parent or legal guardian of the minor. The healthcare provider shall document receipt of, and include in the minor's medical record proof of, such prior parental or guardian informed consent. (2) An employee or agent of this state shall not provide, request, or facilitate the vaccination of a minor child who is in the custody of this state, except: (A) Upon written request to, and court order from, the appropriate court; (B) If a parent or legal guardian of the minor has provided prior written informed consent to the vaccination; or (C) If the parental rights of each of the minor's parents or legal guardians have been terminated by a court, and all opportunities for appeal have been exhausted. (3) A violation of this section is an unlawful practice and is grounds for the offending healthcare provider's licensing authority to suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew the healthcare provider's license or take other disciplinary action allowed by law. (4) If the licensing authority of a healthcare provider receives information of a violation or potential violation of this section by the healthcare provider, then the licensing authority shall conduct an immediate investigation and take appropriate disciplinary action. (d) To the extent this section conflicts with another law, this section controls. Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 477, s 2, eff. 5/17/2023.
(a) The general assembly finds and declares the following: (1) The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986 ( 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-26 ) requires, prior to the administration of a vaccine listed in the vaccine injury table to a minor, that healthcare providers provide the vaccine information statement from the centers for disease control and prevention to the legal representatives of the minor; (2) The Tennessee supreme court's decision in Cardwell v. Bechtol , 724 S.W.2d 739 (1987), found that the mature minor exception, guided by the "Rule of Sevens," is part of Tennessee common law, but only in the context of tort law and jury considerations, and not the general rule requiring parental consent for the medical treatment of minors; (3) The Cardwell court stated, "Adoption of the mature minor exception to the common law rule is by no means a general license to treat minors without parental consent and its application is dependent on the facts of each case. It must be seen in the context of the tort in question."; (4) Despite its holding in the case, the Cardwell court declined to alter the general rule, which is "requiring parental consent for the medical treatment of minors"; (5) In its opinion in the case of Parham v. J.R. , 442 U.S. 584 (1979), the United States supreme court wrote, "Simply because the decision of a parent is not agreeable to a child, or because it involves risks, does not automatically transfer the power to make that decision from the parents to some agency or officer of the state. The same characterizations can be made for a tonsillectomy, appendectomy, or other medical procedure. Most children, even in adolescence, simply are not able to make sound judgments concerning many decisions, including their need for medical care or treatment. Parents can and must make those judgments."; and (6) In the case of Troxel v. Granville , 530 U.S. 57 (2000), Justice O'Connor wrote for the United States supreme court, "The Fourteenth Amendment's Due Process Clause has a substantive component that 'provides heightened protection against government interference with certain fundamental rights and liberty interests,' Washington v. Glucksberg , 521 U.S. 702, 720, including parents' fundamental right to make decisions concerning the care, custody, and control of their children".
(1) The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986 ( 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-26 ) requires, prior to the administration of a vaccine listed in the vaccine injury table to a minor, that healthcare providers provide the vaccine information statement from the centers for disease control and prevention to the legal representatives of the minor;
(2) The Tennessee supreme court's decision in Cardwell v. Bechtol , 724 S.W.2d 739 (1987), found that the mature minor exception, guided by the "Rule of Sevens," is part of Tennessee common law, but only in the context of tort law and jury considerations, and not the general rule requiring parental consent for the medical treatment of minors;
(3) The Cardwell court stated, "Adoption of the mature minor exception to the common law rule is by no means a general license to treat minors without parental consent and its application is dependent on the facts of each case. It must be seen in the context of the tort in question.";
(4) Despite its holding in the case, the Cardwell court declined to alter the general rule, which is "requiring parental consent for the medical treatment of minors";
(5) In its opinion in the case of Parham v. J.R. , 442 U.S. 584 (1979), the United States supreme court wrote, "Simply because the decision of a parent is not agreeable to a child, or because it involves risks, does not automatically transfer the power to make that decision from the parents to some agency or officer of the state. The same characterizations can be made for a tonsillectomy, appendectomy, or other medical procedure. Most children, even in adolescence, simply are not able to make sound judgments concerning many decisions, including their need for medical care or treatment. Parents can and must make those judgments."; and
(6) In the case of Troxel v. Granville , 530 U.S. 57 (2000), Justice O'Connor wrote for the United States supreme court, "The Fourteenth Amendment's Due Process Clause has a substantive component that 'provides heightened protection against government interference with certain fundamental rights and liberty interests,' Washington v. Glucksberg , 521 U.S. 702, 720, including parents' fundamental right to make decisions concerning the care, custody, and control of their children".
(b) As used in this section: (1) "Department" means the department of health; (2) "Healthcare provider" means a healthcare professional, healthcare establishment, or healthcare facility licensed, registered, certified, or permitted pursuant to this title or title 68 or regulated under the authority of either the department of health or an agency, board, council, or committee attached to the department of health, and that is authorized to administer vaccinations in this state; (3) "Minor": (A) Means an individual who has not attained eighteen (18) years of age; and (B) Does not include an individual who: (i) Is emancipated pursuant to title 29, chapter 31; (ii) Is in need of emergency treatment pursuant to § 63-6-222 ; (iii) Is or was previously a member of the armed forces of the United States, or a member of a reserve or national guard unit; or (iv) Is the parent of a minor child and has full custody of that minor child; (4) "Vaccination" means the act of introducing a vaccine into the body; and (5) "Vaccine" means a substance intended for use in humans to stimulate the body's immune response against an infectious disease or pathogen.
(1) "Department" means the department of health;
(2) "Healthcare provider" means a healthcare professional, healthcare establishment, or healthcare facility licensed, registered, certified, or permitted pursuant to this title or title 68 or regulated under the authority of either the department of health or an agency, board, council, or committee attached to the department of health, and that is authorized to administer vaccinations in this state;
(3) "Minor": (A) Means an individual who has not attained eighteen (18) years of age; and (B) Does not include an individual who: (i) Is emancipated pursuant to title 29, chapter 31; (ii) Is in need of emergency treatment pursuant to § 63-6-222 ; (iii) Is or was previously a member of the armed forces of the United States, or a member of a reserve or national guard unit; or (iv) Is the parent of a minor child and has full custody of that minor child;
(A) Means an individual who has not attained eighteen (18) years of age; and
(B) Does not include an individual who: (i) Is emancipated pursuant to title 29, chapter 31; (ii) Is in need of emergency treatment pursuant to § 63-6-222 ; (iii) Is or was previously a member of the armed forces of the United States, or a member of a reserve or national guard unit; or (iv) Is the parent of a minor child and has full custody of that minor child;
(i) Is emancipated pursuant to title 29, chapter 31;
(ii) Is in need of emergency treatment pursuant to § 63-6-222 ;
(iii) Is or was previously a member of the armed forces of the United States, or a member of a reserve or national guard unit; or
(iv) Is the parent of a minor child and has full custody of that minor child;
(4) "Vaccination" means the act of introducing a vaccine into the body; and
(5) "Vaccine" means a substance intended for use in humans to stimulate the body's immune response against an infectious disease or pathogen.
(c) (1) A healthcare provider shall not provide a vaccination to a minor unless the healthcare provider first receives informed consent from a parent or legal guardian of the minor. The healthcare provider shall document receipt of, and include in the minor's medical record proof of, such prior parental or guardian informed consent. (2) An employee or agent of this state shall not provide, request, or facilitate the vaccination of a minor child who is in the custody of this state, except: (A) Upon written request to, and court order from, the appropriate court; (B) If a parent or legal guardian of the minor has provided prior written informed consent to the vaccination; or (C) If the parental rights of each of the minor's parents or legal guardians have been terminated by a court, and all opportunities for appeal have been exhausted. (3) A violation of this section is an unlawful practice and is grounds for the offending healthcare provider's licensing authority to suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew the healthcare provider's license or take other disciplinary action allowed by law. (4) If the licensing authority of a healthcare provider receives information of a violation or potential violation of this section by the healthcare provider, then the licensing authority shall conduct an immediate investigation and take appropriate disciplinary action.
(1) A healthcare provider shall not provide a vaccination to a minor unless the healthcare provider first receives informed consent from a parent or legal guardian of the minor. The healthcare provider shall document receipt of, and include in the minor's medical record proof of, such prior parental or guardian informed consent.
(2) An employee or agent of this state shall not provide, request, or facilitate the vaccination of a minor child who is in the custody of this state, except: (A) Upon written request to, and court order from, the appropriate court; (B) If a parent or legal guardian of the minor has provided prior written informed consent to the vaccination; or (C) If the parental rights of each of the minor's parents or legal guardians have been terminated by a court, and all opportunities for appeal have been exhausted.
(A) Upon written request to, and court order from, the appropriate court;
(B) If a parent or legal guardian of the minor has provided prior written informed consent to the vaccination; or
(C) If the parental rights of each of the minor's parents or legal guardians have been terminated by a court, and all opportunities for appeal have been exhausted.
(3) A violation of this section is an unlawful practice and is grounds for the offending healthcare provider's licensing authority to suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew the healthcare provider's license or take other disciplinary action allowed by law.
(4) If the licensing authority of a healthcare provider receives information of a violation or potential violation of this section by the healthcare provider, then the licensing authority shall conduct an immediate investigation and take appropriate disciplinary action.
(d) To the extent this section conflicts with another law, this section controls.
Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 477, s 2, eff. 5/17/2023.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-13-201 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 13 / Section 63-13-201
Legislative purpose
Status: in_force

(a) This part is enacted to: (1) Safeguard the public health, safety and welfare; (2) Protect the public from being misled by incompetent, unscrupulous and unauthorized persons; (3) Assure the highest degree of professional conduct on the part of occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants; and (4) Assure that the available occupational therapy services are of high quality to persons in need of such services. (b) It is the purpose of this part to provide for the regulation of persons offering occupational therapy services to the public. Acts 1984, ch. 921, § 3; T.C.A., § 63-13-301 ; Acts 1999, ch. 415, § 2.
(a) This part is enacted to: (1) Safeguard the public health, safety and welfare; (2) Protect the public from being misled by incompetent, unscrupulous and unauthorized persons; (3) Assure the highest degree of professional conduct on the part of occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants; and (4) Assure that the available occupational therapy services are of high quality to persons in need of such services.
(1) Safeguard the public health, safety and welfare;
(2) Protect the public from being misled by incompetent, unscrupulous and unauthorized persons;
(3) Assure the highest degree of professional conduct on the part of occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants; and
(4) Assure that the available occupational therapy services are of high quality to persons in need of such services.
(b) It is the purpose of this part to provide for the regulation of persons offering occupational therapy services to the public.
Acts 1984, ch. 921, § 3; T.C.A., § 63-13-301 ; Acts 1999, ch. 415, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-4-117 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 4 / Section 63-4-117
Violations
Status: in_force

(a) Any person who violates any provision of this chapter commits a Class B misdemeanor. (b) Any person who has been enjoined by a court of competent jurisdiction from performing any acts or rendering any services that constitute the practice of chiropractic, who thereafter willfully violates the terms of the injunction by again performing such acts or rendering such services commits a Class E felony. Acts 1923, ch. 9, § 14; Shan. Supp., § 3654a128; Code 1932, § 7022; impl. am. Acts 1947, ch. 9, § 13; C. Supp. 1950, § 7022; Acts 1976, ch. 781, § 13; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 63-419; Acts 1989, ch. 591, §§ 81, 112.
(a) Any person who violates any provision of this chapter commits a Class B misdemeanor.
(b) Any person who has been enjoined by a court of competent jurisdiction from performing any acts or rendering any services that constitute the practice of chiropractic, who thereafter willfully violates the terms of the injunction by again performing such acts or rendering such services commits a Class E felony.
Acts 1923, ch. 9, § 14; Shan. Supp., § 3654a128; Code 1932, § 7022; impl. am. Acts 1947, ch. 9, § 13; C. Supp. 1950, § 7022; Acts 1976, ch. 781, § 13; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 63-419; Acts 1989, ch. 591, §§ 81, 112.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-1-173 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 1 / Section 63-1-173
Tennessee wellness law
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this section: (1) "Career fatigue": (A) Means a work-related, psychological disorder that manifests in emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a diminished sense of personal accomplishment; and (B) Does not mean: (i) Substance use disorder; (ii) A mental health condition; or (iii) Another condition that impairs a physician's judgment or adversely affects a physician's ability to practice medicine in a competent, ethical, and professional manner; (2) "Health insurance entity" has the same meaning as defined in § 56-7-109 ; (3) "Physician" means a person licensed pursuant to chapter 6 or 9 of this title; and (4) "Physician wellness program": (A) Means the program that: (i) Is organized or contracted for by a statewide advocacy organization that has its principal place of business in this state and that serves physicians licensed to practice medicine in this state; and (ii) Provides counseling, coaching, or similar services to address issues pertaining to career fatigue; and (B) Does not mean a program that provides counseling, coaching, or similar services to address issues related to substance abuse, a mental health condition, or another condition that impairs a physician's judgment or adversely affects the physician's ability to practice medicine in a competent, ethical, and professional manner. (b) An individual or entity that provides, discloses, or receives information related to career fatigue as part of a physician wellness program is, with respect to the information provided, disclosed, or received, immune from: (1) Civil liability or a civil cause of action; and (2) An administrative sanction or other proceeding. (c) This section does not: (1) Authorize a physician to withhold information requested in accordance with contractual terms between a health insurance entity and a statewide advocacy organization or information requested in an application used by a health insurance entity for credentialing or contracting purposes, including a Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare application; (2) Waive a physician's obligation to disclose information regarding: (A) A substance use disorder; (B) A mental health condition; or (C) Another condition that impairs the physician's judgment or adversely affects the physician's ability to practice medicine in a competent, ethical, and professional manner; or (3) Authorize a statewide advocacy organization to withhold information in accordance with contractual terms between the statewide advocacy organization and a health insurance entity. Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 924,s 2, eff. 1/1/2025.
(a) As used in this section: (1) "Career fatigue": (A) Means a work-related, psychological disorder that manifests in emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a diminished sense of personal accomplishment; and (B) Does not mean: (i) Substance use disorder; (ii) A mental health condition; or (iii) Another condition that impairs a physician's judgment or adversely affects a physician's ability to practice medicine in a competent, ethical, and professional manner; (2) "Health insurance entity" has the same meaning as defined in § 56-7-109 ; (3) "Physician" means a person licensed pursuant to chapter 6 or 9 of this title; and (4) "Physician wellness program": (A) Means the program that: (i) Is organized or contracted for by a statewide advocacy organization that has its principal place of business in this state and that serves physicians licensed to practice medicine in this state; and (ii) Provides counseling, coaching, or similar services to address issues pertaining to career fatigue; and (B) Does not mean a program that provides counseling, coaching, or similar services to address issues related to substance abuse, a mental health condition, or another condition that impairs a physician's judgment or adversely affects the physician's ability to practice medicine in a competent, ethical, and professional manner.
(1) "Career fatigue": (A) Means a work-related, psychological disorder that manifests in emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a diminished sense of personal accomplishment; and (B) Does not mean: (i) Substance use disorder; (ii) A mental health condition; or (iii) Another condition that impairs a physician's judgment or adversely affects a physician's ability to practice medicine in a competent, ethical, and professional manner;
(A) Means a work-related, psychological disorder that manifests in emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a diminished sense of personal accomplishment; and
(B) Does not mean: (i) Substance use disorder; (ii) A mental health condition; or (iii) Another condition that impairs a physician's judgment or adversely affects a physician's ability to practice medicine in a competent, ethical, and professional manner;
(i) Substance use disorder;
(ii) A mental health condition; or
(iii) Another condition that impairs a physician's judgment or adversely affects a physician's ability to practice medicine in a competent, ethical, and professional manner;
(2) "Health insurance entity" has the same meaning as defined in § 56-7-109 ;
(3) "Physician" means a person licensed pursuant to chapter 6 or 9 of this title; and
(4) "Physician wellness program": (A) Means the program that: (i) Is organized or contracted for by a statewide advocacy organization that has its principal place of business in this state and that serves physicians licensed to practice medicine in this state; and (ii) Provides counseling, coaching, or similar services to address issues pertaining to career fatigue; and (B) Does not mean a program that provides counseling, coaching, or similar services to address issues related to substance abuse, a mental health condition, or another condition that impairs a physician's judgment or adversely affects the physician's ability to practice medicine in a competent, ethical, and professional manner.
(A) Means the program that: (i) Is organized or contracted for by a statewide advocacy organization that has its principal place of business in this state and that serves physicians licensed to practice medicine in this state; and (ii) Provides counseling, coaching, or similar services to address issues pertaining to career fatigue; and
(i) Is organized or contracted for by a statewide advocacy organization that has its principal place of business in this state and that serves physicians licensed to practice medicine in this state; and
(ii) Provides counseling, coaching, or similar services to address issues pertaining to career fatigue; and
(B) Does not mean a program that provides counseling, coaching, or similar services to address issues related to substance abuse, a mental health condition, or another condition that impairs a physician's judgment or adversely affects the physician's ability to practice medicine in a competent, ethical, and professional manner.
(b) An individual or entity that provides, discloses, or receives information related to career fatigue as part of a physician wellness program is, with respect to the information provided, disclosed, or received, immune from: (1) Civil liability or a civil cause of action; and (2) An administrative sanction or other proceeding.
(1) Civil liability or a civil cause of action; and
(2) An administrative sanction or other proceeding.
(c) This section does not: (1) Authorize a physician to withhold information requested in accordance with contractual terms between a health insurance entity and a statewide advocacy organization or information requested in an application used by a health insurance entity for credentialing or contracting purposes, including a Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare application; (2) Waive a physician's obligation to disclose information regarding: (A) A substance use disorder; (B) A mental health condition; or (C) Another condition that impairs the physician's judgment or adversely affects the physician's ability to practice medicine in a competent, ethical, and professional manner; or (3) Authorize a statewide advocacy organization to withhold information in accordance with contractual terms between the statewide advocacy organization and a health insurance entity.
(1) Authorize a physician to withhold information requested in accordance with contractual terms between a health insurance entity and a statewide advocacy organization or information requested in an application used by a health insurance entity for credentialing or contracting purposes, including a Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare application;
(2) Waive a physician's obligation to disclose information regarding: (A) A substance use disorder; (B) A mental health condition; or (C) Another condition that impairs the physician's judgment or adversely affects the physician's ability to practice medicine in a competent, ethical, and professional manner; or
(A) A substance use disorder;
(B) A mental health condition; or
(C) Another condition that impairs the physician's judgment or adversely affects the physician's ability to practice medicine in a competent, ethical, and professional manner; or
(3) Authorize a statewide advocacy organization to withhold information in accordance with contractual terms between the statewide advocacy organization and a health insurance entity.
Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 924,s 2, eff. 1/1/2025.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-13-305 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 13 / Section 63-13-305
Claims and practices of other licensed professionals - Exemptions from licensure
Status: in_force

(a) 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. (b) The following persons shall be exempt from licensure as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant under this chapter: (1) A person who is pursuing a course of study leading to a degree as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant in a professional education program approved by the board and is satisfying supervised clinical education requirements related to physical therapy education; (2) A physical therapist or physical therapist assistant while practicing in the United States armed services, United States public health service or veterans administration as based on requirements under federal regulations for state licensure of health care providers; (3) A physical therapist or physical therapist assistant licensed in another United States jurisdiction, or a foreign-educated or internationally trained physical therapist credentialed in another country, performing physical therapy as part of teaching or participating in an educational seminar of no more than sixty (60) days in a calendar year; and (4) A physical therapist or physical therapist assistant licensed in another United States jurisdiction who is temporarily performing physical therapy for members of established athletic teams, athletic corporations or performing arts companies that are training, competing or performing in Tennessee; provided, however, that a person performing physical therapy in this state pursuant to this subdivision (b)(4) shall agree to use the secretary of state for service of process pursuant to title 20, chapter 2, part 2. (c) The practice of dry needling by a physical therapist licensed under this chapter shall not constitute the practice of acupuncture under chapter 6, part 10 of this title. (d) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as restricting persons licensed under any other law of this state from performing physical agent modalities for which they have received education and training. Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 790, s 6, eff. 7/15/2020. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 124, s 4, eff. 4/9/2015. Acts 1999, ch. 528, § 16; 2003 , ch. 8, § 1; 2007 , ch. 115, § 10.
(a) 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.
(b) The following persons shall be exempt from licensure as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant under this chapter: (1) A person who is pursuing a course of study leading to a degree as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant in a professional education program approved by the board and is satisfying supervised clinical education requirements related to physical therapy education; (2) A physical therapist or physical therapist assistant while practicing in the United States armed services, United States public health service or veterans administration as based on requirements under federal regulations for state licensure of health care providers; (3) A physical therapist or physical therapist assistant licensed in another United States jurisdiction, or a foreign-educated or internationally trained physical therapist credentialed in another country, performing physical therapy as part of teaching or participating in an educational seminar of no more than sixty (60) days in a calendar year; and (4) A physical therapist or physical therapist assistant licensed in another United States jurisdiction who is temporarily performing physical therapy for members of established athletic teams, athletic corporations or performing arts companies that are training, competing or performing in Tennessee; provided, however, that a person performing physical therapy in this state pursuant to this subdivision (b)(4) shall agree to use the secretary of state for service of process pursuant to title 20, chapter 2, part 2.
(1) A person who is pursuing a course of study leading to a degree as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant in a professional education program approved by the board and is satisfying supervised clinical education requirements related to physical therapy education;
(2) A physical therapist or physical therapist assistant while practicing in the United States armed services, United States public health service or veterans administration as based on requirements under federal regulations for state licensure of health care providers;
(3) A physical therapist or physical therapist assistant licensed in another United States jurisdiction, or a foreign-educated or internationally trained physical therapist credentialed in another country, performing physical therapy as part of teaching or participating in an educational seminar of no more than sixty (60) days in a calendar year; and
(4) A physical therapist or physical therapist assistant licensed in another United States jurisdiction who is temporarily performing physical therapy for members of established athletic teams, athletic corporations or performing arts companies that are training, competing or performing in Tennessee; provided, however, that a person performing physical therapy in this state pursuant to this subdivision (b)(4) shall agree to use the secretary of state for service of process pursuant to title 20, chapter 2, part 2.
(c) The practice of dry needling by a physical therapist licensed under this chapter shall not constitute the practice of acupuncture under chapter 6, part 10 of this title.
(d) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as restricting persons licensed under any other law of this state from performing physical agent modalities for which they have received education and training.
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 790, s 6, eff. 7/15/2020.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 124, s 4, eff. 4/9/2015.
Acts 1999, ch. 528, § 16; 2003 , ch. 8, § 1; 2007 , ch. 115, § 10.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-23-213 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 23 / Section 63-23-213
Oversight, dispute resolution, and enforcement
Status: in_force

(a) Oversight. (1) The executive and judicial branches of state government in each member state shall enforce this compact and take all actions necessary and appropriate to implement this compact. (2) Except as otherwise provided in this compact, venue is proper and judicial proceedings by or against the commission must be brought solely and exclusively in a court of competent jurisdiction where the principal office of the commission is located. The commission may waive venue and jurisdictional defenses to the extent it adopts or consents to participate in alternative dispute resolution proceedings. Nothing in this compact affects or limits the selection or propriety of venue in any action against a licensee for professional malpractice, misconduct, or any such similar matter. (3) The commission is entitled to receive service of process in any proceeding regarding the enforcement or interpretation of this compact and has standing to intervene in such a proceeding for all purposes. Failure to provide the commission service of process renders a judgment or order void as to the commission, this compact, or promulgated rules. (b) Default, technical assistance, and termination. (1) If the commission determines that a member state has defaulted in the performance of its obligations or responsibilities under this compact or the promulgated rules, then the commission must provide written notice to the defaulting state. The notice of default must describe the default, the proposed means of curing the default, and any other action that the commission may take, and must offer training and specific technical assistance regarding the default. (2) The commission shall provide a copy of the notice of default to the other member states. (c) If a state in default fails to cure the default, then the defaulting state may be terminated from this compact upon an affirmative vote of a majority of the delegates of the member states, and all rights, privileges, and benefits conferred on that state by this compact may be terminated on the effective date of termination. A cure of the default does not relieve the offending state of obligations or liabilities incurred during the period of default. (d) Termination of membership in this compact must be imposed only after all other means of securing compliance have been exhausted. Notice of intent to suspend or terminate must be given by the commission to the governor, the majority and minority leaders of the defaulting state's legislature, the defaulting state's state licensing authority, and each of the member states' state licensing authority. (e) A state that has been terminated is responsible for all assessments, obligations, and liabilities incurred through the effective date of termination, including obligations that extend beyond the effective date of termination. (f) Upon the termination of a state's membership from this compact, that state must immediately provide notice to all licensees within that state of such termination. The terminated state shall continue to recognize all licenses granted pursuant to this compact for a minimum of six (6) months after the date of said notice of termination. (g) The commission must not bear any costs related to a state that is found to be in default or that has been terminated from this compact, unless agreed upon in writing between the commission and the defaulting state. (h) The defaulting state may appeal the action of the commission by petitioning the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia or the federal district where the commission has its principal offices. The prevailing party must be awarded all costs of such litigation, including reasonable attorney's fees. (i) Dispute resolution. (1) Upon request by a member state, the commission must attempt to resolve disputes related to this compact that arise among member states and between member and non-member states. (2) The commission shall promulgate a rule providing for both mediation and binding dispute resolution for disputes as appropriate. (j) Enforcement. (1) By majority vote as provided by rule, the commission may initiate legal action against a member state in default in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia or the federal district where the commission has its principal offices to enforce compliance with this compact and its promulgated rules. The relief sought may include both injunctive relief and damages. In the event judicial enforcement is necessary, the prevailing party must be awarded all costs of such litigation, including reasonable attorney's fees. The remedies in this compact are not the exclusive remedies of the commission. The commission may pursue any other remedies available under federal or the defaulting member state's law. (2) A member state may initiate legal action against the commission in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia or the federal district where the commission has its principal offices to enforce compliance with this compact and its promulgated rules. The relief sought may include both injunctive relief and damages. In the event judicial enforcement is necessary, the prevailing party must be awarded all costs of such litigation, including reasonable attorney's fees. (3) A person, other than a member state, shall not enforce this compact against the commission. Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1041,s 1, eff. 7/1/2024.
(a) Oversight. (1) The executive and judicial branches of state government in each member state shall enforce this compact and take all actions necessary and appropriate to implement this compact. (2) Except as otherwise provided in this compact, venue is proper and judicial proceedings by or against the commission must be brought solely and exclusively in a court of competent jurisdiction where the principal office of the commission is located. The commission may waive venue and jurisdictional defenses to the extent it adopts or consents to participate in alternative dispute resolution proceedings. Nothing in this compact affects or limits the selection or propriety of venue in any action against a licensee for professional malpractice, misconduct, or any such similar matter. (3) The commission is entitled to receive service of process in any proceeding regarding the enforcement or interpretation of this compact and has standing to intervene in such a proceeding for all purposes. Failure to provide the commission service of process renders a judgment or order void as to the commission, this compact, or promulgated rules.
(1) The executive and judicial branches of state government in each member state shall enforce this compact and take all actions necessary and appropriate to implement this compact.
(2) Except as otherwise provided in this compact, venue is proper and judicial proceedings by or against the commission must be brought solely and exclusively in a court of competent jurisdiction where the principal office of the commission is located. The commission may waive venue and jurisdictional defenses to the extent it adopts or consents to participate in alternative dispute resolution proceedings. Nothing in this compact affects or limits the selection or propriety of venue in any action against a licensee for professional malpractice, misconduct, or any such similar matter.
(3) The commission is entitled to receive service of process in any proceeding regarding the enforcement or interpretation of this compact and has standing to intervene in such a proceeding for all purposes. Failure to provide the commission service of process renders a judgment or order void as to the commission, this compact, or promulgated rules.
(b) Default, technical assistance, and termination. (1) If the commission determines that a member state has defaulted in the performance of its obligations or responsibilities under this compact or the promulgated rules, then the commission must provide written notice to the defaulting state. The notice of default must describe the default, the proposed means of curing the default, and any other action that the commission may take, and must offer training and specific technical assistance regarding the default. (2) The commission shall provide a copy of the notice of default to the other member states.
(1) If the commission determines that a member state has defaulted in the performance of its obligations or responsibilities under this compact or the promulgated rules, then the commission must provide written notice to the defaulting state. The notice of default must describe the default, the proposed means of curing the default, and any other action that the commission may take, and must offer training and specific technical assistance regarding the default.
(2) The commission shall provide a copy of the notice of default to the other member states.
(c) If a state in default fails to cure the default, then the defaulting state may be terminated from this compact upon an affirmative vote of a majority of the delegates of the member states, and all rights, privileges, and benefits conferred on that state by this compact may be terminated on the effective date of termination. A cure of the default does not relieve the offending state of obligations or liabilities incurred during the period of default.
(d) Termination of membership in this compact must be imposed only after all other means of securing compliance have been exhausted. Notice of intent to suspend or terminate must be given by the commission to the governor, the majority and minority leaders of the defaulting state's legislature, the defaulting state's state licensing authority, and each of the member states' state licensing authority.
(e) A state that has been terminated is responsible for all assessments, obligations, and liabilities incurred through the effective date of termination, including obligations that extend beyond the effective date of termination.
(f) Upon the termination of a state's membership from this compact, that state must immediately provide notice to all licensees within that state of such termination. The terminated state shall continue to recognize all licenses granted pursuant to this compact for a minimum of six (6) months after the date of said notice of termination.
(g) The commission must not bear any costs related to a state that is found to be in default or that has been terminated from this compact, unless agreed upon in writing between the commission and the defaulting state.
(h) The defaulting state may appeal the action of the commission by petitioning the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia or the federal district where the commission has its principal offices. The prevailing party must be awarded all costs of such litigation, including reasonable attorney's fees.
(i) Dispute resolution. (1) Upon request by a member state, the commission must attempt to resolve disputes related to this compact that arise among member states and between member and non-member states. (2) The commission shall promulgate a rule providing for both mediation and binding dispute resolution for disputes as appropriate.
(1) Upon request by a member state, the commission must attempt to resolve disputes related to this compact that arise among member states and between member and non-member states.
(2) The commission shall promulgate a rule providing for both mediation and binding dispute resolution for disputes as appropriate.
(j) Enforcement. (1) By majority vote as provided by rule, the commission may initiate legal action against a member state in default in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia or the federal district where the commission has its principal offices to enforce compliance with this compact and its promulgated rules. The relief sought may include both injunctive relief and damages. In the event judicial enforcement is necessary, the prevailing party must be awarded all costs of such litigation, including reasonable attorney's fees. The remedies in this compact are not the exclusive remedies of the commission. The commission may pursue any other remedies available under federal or the defaulting member state's law. (2) A member state may initiate legal action against the commission in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia or the federal district where the commission has its principal offices to enforce compliance with this compact and its promulgated rules. The relief sought may include both injunctive relief and damages. In the event judicial enforcement is necessary, the prevailing party must be awarded all costs of such litigation, including reasonable attorney's fees. (3) A person, other than a member state, shall not enforce this compact against the commission.
(1) By majority vote as provided by rule, the commission may initiate legal action against a member state in default in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia or the federal district where the commission has its principal offices to enforce compliance with this compact and its promulgated rules. The relief sought may include both injunctive relief and damages. In the event judicial enforcement is necessary, the prevailing party must be awarded all costs of such litigation, including reasonable attorney's fees. The remedies in this compact are not the exclusive remedies of the commission. The commission may pursue any other remedies available under federal or the defaulting member state's law.
(2) A member state may initiate legal action against the commission in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia or the federal district where the commission has its principal offices to enforce compliance with this compact and its promulgated rules. The relief sought may include both injunctive relief and damages. In the event judicial enforcement is necessary, the prevailing party must be awarded all costs of such litigation, including reasonable attorney's fees.
(3) A person, other than a member state, shall not enforce this compact against the commission.
Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1041,s 1, eff. 7/1/2024.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-11-221 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 11 / Section 63-11-221
Health service providers in internship program - Waiver of supervised postdoctoral experience
Status: in_force

Any person currently enrolled in an internship program satisfying the requirements of § 63-11-208(d)(1) and who completes the internship and all other degree requirements by December 31, 1992, shall be designated as a health service provider without completing the one-year full-time supervised postdoctoral experience as provided in § 63-11-208(d)(1) if an application for such designation is submitted by July 1, 1993. Acts 1992, ch. 991, § 3.
Any person currently enrolled in an internship program satisfying the requirements of § 63-11-208(d)(1) and who completes the internship and all other degree requirements by December 31, 1992, shall be designated as a health service provider without completing the one-year full-time supervised postdoctoral experience as provided in § 63-11-208(d)(1) if an application for such designation is submitted by July 1, 1993.
Acts 1992, ch. 991, § 3.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-29-115 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 29 / Section 63-29-115
Responsibilities of midwife
Status: in_force

(a) The CPM-TN may provide care for the low-risk client who is expected to have a normal pregnancy, labor, birth and postpartal phase in the setting of the mother's choice. The CPM-TN shall form a collaborative care plan with a physician for all clients. (b) The CPM-TN shall ensure that the client has signed an informed consent form. This form shall include information to inform the client of the qualifications of the CPM-TN. (c) For screening purposes only, the CPM-TN may order routine antepartal and postpartal laboratory analysis to be performed by a licensed laboratory. Abnormal findings would require a consultation with a physician. (d) The CPM-TN shall develop an emergency plan that shall be signed by the client and placed in the client chart at the initial visit. The emergency plan shall include documentation of the initial consultation with the physician previously referenced in subsection (a). The documentation shall also include referral and transfer plans for the patient in the event of an emergency. A copy of the plan shall be sent to the named physicians. (e) The CPM-TN shall determine the progress of labor and, when birth is imminent, shall be available until delivery is accomplished. (f) The CPM-TN shall remain with the postpartal mother during the postpartal period until the conditions of the mother and newborn are stabilized. (g) The CPM-TN shall instruct the parents regarding the requirements of § 68-5-202 . (h) The CPM-TN shall instruct the parents regarding the requirement of § 68-5-401 . (i) The CPM-TN shall maintain a birth certificate for each birth in accordance with the requirements of title 68. A copy of the birth certificate shall be filed with the department. (j) The CPM-TN shall practice in compliance with the rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to this chapter. Acts 2000, ch. 576, § 16; 2001, ch. 287, § 1.
(a) The CPM-TN may provide care for the low-risk client who is expected to have a normal pregnancy, labor, birth and postpartal phase in the setting of the mother's choice. The CPM-TN shall form a collaborative care plan with a physician for all clients.
(b) The CPM-TN shall ensure that the client has signed an informed consent form. This form shall include information to inform the client of the qualifications of the CPM-TN.
(c) For screening purposes only, the CPM-TN may order routine antepartal and postpartal laboratory analysis to be performed by a licensed laboratory. Abnormal findings would require a consultation with a physician.
(d) The CPM-TN shall develop an emergency plan that shall be signed by the client and placed in the client chart at the initial visit. The emergency plan shall include documentation of the initial consultation with the physician previously referenced in subsection (a). The documentation shall also include referral and transfer plans for the patient in the event of an emergency. A copy of the plan shall be sent to the named physicians.
(e) The CPM-TN shall determine the progress of labor and, when birth is imminent, shall be available until delivery is accomplished.
(f) The CPM-TN shall remain with the postpartal mother during the postpartal period until the conditions of the mother and newborn are stabilized.
(g) The CPM-TN shall instruct the parents regarding the requirements of § 68-5-202 .
(h) The CPM-TN shall instruct the parents regarding the requirement of § 68-5-401 .
(i) The CPM-TN shall maintain a birth certificate for each birth in accordance with the requirements of title 68. A copy of the birth certificate shall be filed with the department.
(j) The CPM-TN shall practice in compliance with the rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to this chapter.
Acts 2000, ch. 576, § 16; 2001, ch. 287, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-6-711 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 6 / Section 63-6-711
Immunity for those dispensing previously owned eyeglasses - Applicability
Status: in_force

(a) Subject to the requirements of subsection (b), none of the following shall be civilly liable for any damages arising out of dispensing previously owned eyeglasses to a person: (1) A sponsoring organization; (2) A free clinic and any optometrist, ophthalmologist, or dispensing optician providing services at the free clinic; or (3) Any organization that provides previously owned eyeglasses to a sponsoring organization or a free clinic free of charge and that is exempt from federal taxation under § 501(c)(3) or § 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 ( 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3) and (4) ). (b) In order for the immunity conferred by subsection (a) to apply: (1) The person to whom the previously owned eyeglasses are dispensed must be fourteen (14) years of age or older; (2) The previously owned eyeglasses must be dispensed without charge; and (3) Before the previously owned eyeglasses are dispensed, a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist shall have: (A) Personally examined the recipient of the eyeglasses and issued a prescription for the eyeglasses; or (B) Personally consulted with the licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist who issued a prescription for the eyeglasses. (c) The previously owned eyeglasses may be dispensed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist or a dispensing optician working with the optometrist or ophthalmologist. (d) The immunity conferred by this section shall not apply if the organization or person granted immunity engages in grossly negligent or willful and wanton misconduct in dispensing the previously owned eyeglasses. Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 665, s 1, eff. 3/31/2016.
(a) Subject to the requirements of subsection (b), none of the following shall be civilly liable for any damages arising out of dispensing previously owned eyeglasses to a person: (1) A sponsoring organization; (2) A free clinic and any optometrist, ophthalmologist, or dispensing optician providing services at the free clinic; or (3) Any organization that provides previously owned eyeglasses to a sponsoring organization or a free clinic free of charge and that is exempt from federal taxation under § 501(c)(3) or § 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 ( 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3) and (4) ).
(1) A sponsoring organization;
(2) A free clinic and any optometrist, ophthalmologist, or dispensing optician providing services at the free clinic; or
(3) Any organization that provides previously owned eyeglasses to a sponsoring organization or a free clinic free of charge and that is exempt from federal taxation under § 501(c)(3) or § 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 ( 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3) and (4) ).
(b) In order for the immunity conferred by subsection (a) to apply: (1) The person to whom the previously owned eyeglasses are dispensed must be fourteen (14) years of age or older; (2) The previously owned eyeglasses must be dispensed without charge; and (3) Before the previously owned eyeglasses are dispensed, a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist shall have: (A) Personally examined the recipient of the eyeglasses and issued a prescription for the eyeglasses; or (B) Personally consulted with the licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist who issued a prescription for the eyeglasses.
(1) The person to whom the previously owned eyeglasses are dispensed must be fourteen (14) years of age or older;
(2) The previously owned eyeglasses must be dispensed without charge; and
(3) Before the previously owned eyeglasses are dispensed, a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist shall have: (A) Personally examined the recipient of the eyeglasses and issued a prescription for the eyeglasses; or (B) Personally consulted with the licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist who issued a prescription for the eyeglasses.
(A) Personally examined the recipient of the eyeglasses and issued a prescription for the eyeglasses; or
(B) Personally consulted with the licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist who issued a prescription for the eyeglasses.
(c) The previously owned eyeglasses may be dispensed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist or a dispensing optician working with the optometrist or ophthalmologist.
(d) The immunity conferred by this section shall not apply if the organization or person granted immunity engages in grossly negligent or willful and wanton misconduct in dispensing the previously owned eyeglasses.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 665, s 1, eff. 3/31/2016.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-5-127 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 5 / Section 63-5-127
District attorneys general to assist board
Status: in_force

The board at all times has the power to call upon the district attorneys general for the state in the various districts to assist the board. It is the duty of all district attorneys general throughout the state to assist the board, upon its request, in any suit for injunction or prosecution instituted by the board without charge or additional compensation to the district attorneys general. Acts 1957, ch. 32, § 29; T.C.A., § 63-557.
The board at all times has the power to call upon the district attorneys general for the state in the various districts to assist the board. It is the duty of all district attorneys general throughout the state to assist the board, upon its request, in any suit for injunction or prosecution instituted by the board without charge or additional compensation to the district attorneys general.
Acts 1957, ch. 32, § 29; T.C.A., § 63-557.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-7-130 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 7 / Section 63-7-130
Suspension for failure to collaborate - On-site supervision of healthcare prescriber subject of disciplinary action for conduct related to improper prescribing or diversion of controlled substance
Status: in_force

(a) (1) Failure by a person licensed under and required by this chapter to collaborate with a physician for any act within the person's licensed scope of practice constitutes a threat to the public health, safety, and welfare and imperatively requires emergency action by the board. (2) Notwithstanding any law, if the board learns that a person licensed under this chapter and subject to a requirement to collaborate with a physician for any act within the person's licensed scope of practice has failed to comply with the collaboration requirement, then the board chair, or the chair's designee, shall direct the administrative staff to automatically and immediately, without further action by the board, suspend the person's license until the board receives sufficient proof that the person is in compliance with the collaboration requirements of this chapter. (3) The licensure sanction authorized by this subsection (a) is supplementary to, and does not limit, the authority of the board to take other disciplinary action against a licensee the board determines to be in violation of this chapter. (b) If a healthcare prescriber licensed under this chapter is the subject of a disciplinary action by the board for conduct related to improper prescribing or diversion of a controlled substance, but retains an active license with prescribing authority following the disciplinary action, then the healthcare prescriber shall not prescribe a controlled substance in this state unless the healthcare prescriber is working in collaboration with a physician who is physically present at the same practice site and licensed to prescribe controlled substances in this state. The board shall determine the period of time that a healthcare prescriber is subject to the on-site supervision requirement of this subsection (b), which must not be less than two (2) years. Added by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 461, s 2, eff. 5/18/2021.
(a) (1) Failure by a person licensed under and required by this chapter to collaborate with a physician for any act within the person's licensed scope of practice constitutes a threat to the public health, safety, and welfare and imperatively requires emergency action by the board. (2) Notwithstanding any law, if the board learns that a person licensed under this chapter and subject to a requirement to collaborate with a physician for any act within the person's licensed scope of practice has failed to comply with the collaboration requirement, then the board chair, or the chair's designee, shall direct the administrative staff to automatically and immediately, without further action by the board, suspend the person's license until the board receives sufficient proof that the person is in compliance with the collaboration requirements of this chapter. (3) The licensure sanction authorized by this subsection (a) is supplementary to, and does not limit, the authority of the board to take other disciplinary action against a licensee the board determines to be in violation of this chapter.
(1) Failure by a person licensed under and required by this chapter to collaborate with a physician for any act within the person's licensed scope of practice constitutes a threat to the public health, safety, and welfare and imperatively requires emergency action by the board.
(2) Notwithstanding any law, if the board learns that a person licensed under this chapter and subject to a requirement to collaborate with a physician for any act within the person's licensed scope of practice has failed to comply with the collaboration requirement, then the board chair, or the chair's designee, shall direct the administrative staff to automatically and immediately, without further action by the board, suspend the person's license until the board receives sufficient proof that the person is in compliance with the collaboration requirements of this chapter.
(3) The licensure sanction authorized by this subsection (a) is supplementary to, and does not limit, the authority of the board to take other disciplinary action against a licensee the board determines to be in violation of this chapter.
(b) If a healthcare prescriber licensed under this chapter is the subject of a disciplinary action by the board for conduct related to improper prescribing or diversion of a controlled substance, but retains an active license with prescribing authority following the disciplinary action, then the healthcare prescriber shall not prescribe a controlled substance in this state unless the healthcare prescriber is working in collaboration with a physician who is physically present at the same practice site and licensed to prescribe controlled substances in this state. The board shall determine the period of time that a healthcare prescriber is subject to the on-site supervision requirement of this subsection (b), which must not be less than two (2) years.
Added by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 461, s 2, eff. 5/18/2021.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-22-121 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 22 / Section 63-22-121
Temporary licenses
Status: in_force

(a) (1) A temporary license may be issued by the board for a licensed professional counselor designated as a mental health service provider applicant who has completed the academic coursework and training required for the license sought and who has successfully passed the examination required by the board. (2) A temporary license obtained pursuant to this section authorizes an applicant to perform the functions specified in § 63-22-122(5) , for which the applicant is seeking licensure under qualified supervision. (3) In order to receive a temporary license, an applicant must submit to the board a completed application for a temporary license with the applicant's completed application for the desired license and all appropriate fees. (4) If an applicant is granted a temporary license, the license shall remain valid for up to four (4) years and shall be eligible for extension at the discretion of the board. (5) The applicant shall notify the board and present supporting documentation demonstrating the satisfactory completion of the required postgraduate supervised experience in a clinical setting. The board shall then grant or deny the license application based on satisfactory completion of all requirements for licensure. (b) (1) A temporary license may be issued by the board to a marital and family therapist applicant who has completed the academic course work and training required for the license sought; provided, that in order to retain such temporary license, the applicant must take the written examination required by the board the first time it is scheduled following issuance of the temporary license. The applicant must successfully pass the exam within two (2) years following issuance of the temporary license. (2) A temporary license obtained pursuant to this section authorizes the applicant to engage in the practice of marital and family therapy, as defined by § 63-22-115(a)(7) , under the supervision of an approved supervisor, as defined by § 63-22-115(a)(2) and (a)(9) . (3) In order to receive a temporary license, the applicant must submit to the board the following: (A) A completed application for a temporary license; (B) Satisfactory evidence of an agreement with an approved supervisor under whose supervision the applicant intends to practice; and (C) All appropriate fees. (4) A temporary license shall be nonrenewable and shall be valid for a period of not more than three (3) years. Within such three-year period, the applicant must submit to the board an application for the regular license and must present supporting documentation demonstrating the satisfactory completion of the required amount of post-master's degree supervised experience in a clinical setting under an approved supervisor. The board shall then grant or deny the application for the regular license, based on satisfactory completion of all requirements for licensure, including the oral examination. If the board approves or denies the application for the regular license or if the board revokes the temporary license for any reason, then the temporary license shall cease to be valid and must be returned to the board. (5) The holder of a temporary license as a marital and family therapist shall not represent such temporary licensee to be a licensed marital and family therapist. The holder of such a license may only represent such temporary licensee to be a "marital therapy intern," a "family therapy trainee" or such other title designation that clearly reflects trainee status and temporary licensure. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1040, s 4, eff. 1/1/2023. Acts 1996, ch. 798, § 1; 1997 , ch. 167, § 1.
(a) (1) A temporary license may be issued by the board for a licensed professional counselor designated as a mental health service provider applicant who has completed the academic coursework and training required for the license sought and who has successfully passed the examination required by the board. (2) A temporary license obtained pursuant to this section authorizes an applicant to perform the functions specified in § 63-22-122(5) , for which the applicant is seeking licensure under qualified supervision. (3) In order to receive a temporary license, an applicant must submit to the board a completed application for a temporary license with the applicant's completed application for the desired license and all appropriate fees. (4) If an applicant is granted a temporary license, the license shall remain valid for up to four (4) years and shall be eligible for extension at the discretion of the board. (5) The applicant shall notify the board and present supporting documentation demonstrating the satisfactory completion of the required postgraduate supervised experience in a clinical setting. The board shall then grant or deny the license application based on satisfactory completion of all requirements for licensure.
(1) A temporary license may be issued by the board for a licensed professional counselor designated as a mental health service provider applicant who has completed the academic coursework and training required for the license sought and who has successfully passed the examination required by the board.
(2) A temporary license obtained pursuant to this section authorizes an applicant to perform the functions specified in § 63-22-122(5) , for which the applicant is seeking licensure under qualified supervision.
(3) In order to receive a temporary license, an applicant must submit to the board a completed application for a temporary license with the applicant's completed application for the desired license and all appropriate fees.
(4) If an applicant is granted a temporary license, the license shall remain valid for up to four (4) years and shall be eligible for extension at the discretion of the board.
(5) The applicant shall notify the board and present supporting documentation demonstrating the satisfactory completion of the required postgraduate supervised experience in a clinical setting. The board shall then grant or deny the license application based on satisfactory completion of all requirements for licensure.
(b) (1) A temporary license may be issued by the board to a marital and family therapist applicant who has completed the academic course work and training required for the license sought; provided, that in order to retain such temporary license, the applicant must take the written examination required by the board the first time it is scheduled following issuance of the temporary license. The applicant must successfully pass the exam within two (2) years following issuance of the temporary license. (2) A temporary license obtained pursuant to this section authorizes the applicant to engage in the practice of marital and family therapy, as defined by § 63-22-115(a)(7) , under the supervision of an approved supervisor, as defined by § 63-22-115(a)(2) and (a)(9) . (3) In order to receive a temporary license, the applicant must submit to the board the following: (A) A completed application for a temporary license; (B) Satisfactory evidence of an agreement with an approved supervisor under whose supervision the applicant intends to practice; and (C) All appropriate fees. (4) A temporary license shall be nonrenewable and shall be valid for a period of not more than three (3) years. Within such three-year period, the applicant must submit to the board an application for the regular license and must present supporting documentation demonstrating the satisfactory completion of the required amount of post-master's degree supervised experience in a clinical setting under an approved supervisor. The board shall then grant or deny the application for the regular license, based on satisfactory completion of all requirements for licensure, including the oral examination. If the board approves or denies the application for the regular license or if the board revokes the temporary license for any reason, then the temporary license shall cease to be valid and must be returned to the board. (5) The holder of a temporary license as a marital and family therapist shall not represent such temporary licensee to be a licensed marital and family therapist. The holder of such a license may only represent such temporary licensee to be a "marital therapy intern," a "family therapy trainee" or such other title designation that clearly reflects trainee status and temporary licensure.
(1) A temporary license may be issued by the board to a marital and family therapist applicant who has completed the academic course work and training required for the license sought; provided, that in order to retain such temporary license, the applicant must take the written examination required by the board the first time it is scheduled following issuance of the temporary license. The applicant must successfully pass the exam within two (2) years following issuance of the temporary license.
(2) A temporary license obtained pursuant to this section authorizes the applicant to engage in the practice of marital and family therapy, as defined by § 63-22-115(a)(7) , under the supervision of an approved supervisor, as defined by § 63-22-115(a)(2) and (a)(9) .
(3) In order to receive a temporary license, the applicant must submit to the board the following: (A) A completed application for a temporary license; (B) Satisfactory evidence of an agreement with an approved supervisor under whose supervision the applicant intends to practice; and (C) All appropriate fees.
(A) A completed application for a temporary license;
(B) Satisfactory evidence of an agreement with an approved supervisor under whose supervision the applicant intends to practice; and
(C) All appropriate fees.
(4) A temporary license shall be nonrenewable and shall be valid for a period of not more than three (3) years. Within such three-year period, the applicant must submit to the board an application for the regular license and must present supporting documentation demonstrating the satisfactory completion of the required amount of post-master's degree supervised experience in a clinical setting under an approved supervisor. The board shall then grant or deny the application for the regular license, based on satisfactory completion of all requirements for licensure, including the oral examination. If the board approves or denies the application for the regular license or if the board revokes the temporary license for any reason, then the temporary license shall cease to be valid and must be returned to the board.
(5) The holder of a temporary license as a marital and family therapist shall not represent such temporary licensee to be a licensed marital and family therapist. The holder of such a license may only represent such temporary licensee to be a "marital therapy intern," a "family therapy trainee" or such other title designation that clearly reflects trainee status and temporary licensure.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1040, s 4, eff. 1/1/2023.
Acts 1996, ch. 798, § 1; 1997 , ch. 167, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-10-207 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 10 / Section 63-10-207
Dispensing of medication prior to authorization
Status: in_force

(a) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, a pharmacist may, in good faith, dispense to a patient without proper authorization the number of dosages of a prescription drug necessary to allow such patient to secure such authorization from such patient's prescriber, not to exceed a seventy-two-hour supply, if: (1) The patient offers satisfactory evidence to the pharmacist that the prescriber has placed the patient on a maintenance medication and that such patient is without valid refills or for some valid reason cannot obtain proper authorization; and (2) In the judgment of the pharmacist, the health, safety and welfare of the patient would otherwise be endangered. (b) This section shall not be construed to authorize dispensing of controlled substance medication without proper authorization. (c) If proper authorization cannot be obtained during the seventy-two-hour period, then the pharmacist may dispense the number of dosages necessary for one (1) additional consecutive seventy-two-hour period in accordance with the requirements of this section. (d) (1) For the purpose of this subsection (d) only, "patient" means a patient from this state, or another state or territory, who was displaced by a disaster, as defined in § 58-2-101 , when the patient is present in this state. (2) A pharmacist in this state may, in good faith, dispense to a patient without proper authorization or a valid prescription the number of dosages of a prescription drug necessary to allow the patient to secure proper authorization or a valid prescription from the patient's prescriber. (3) The amount of a prescription drug dispensed under this subsection (d) shall not exceed a twenty-day supply. (4) Prescription information may be obtained from a prescription label, verbal medical order, verbal prescription order, or any other means determined to be legitimate in the professional judgment of the pharmacist. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 615, s 1, eff. 7/1/2018. Acts 1996, ch. 651, § 7; T.C.A. § 63-10-407; Acts 2007 , ch. 407, § 4. See Executive Order No. 36 (5/12/2020), which suspended the provisions of Tennessee Code Annotated, T.C.A. 63-10-207(a) and (c), to allow a pharmacist to dispense up to a 90-day supply of maintenance prescriptions without proper authorization to persons as is necessary to respond to and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Tennessee.
(a) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, a pharmacist may, in good faith, dispense to a patient without proper authorization the number of dosages of a prescription drug necessary to allow such patient to secure such authorization from such patient's prescriber, not to exceed a seventy-two-hour supply, if: (1) The patient offers satisfactory evidence to the pharmacist that the prescriber has placed the patient on a maintenance medication and that such patient is without valid refills or for some valid reason cannot obtain proper authorization; and (2) In the judgment of the pharmacist, the health, safety and welfare of the patient would otherwise be endangered.
(1) The patient offers satisfactory evidence to the pharmacist that the prescriber has placed the patient on a maintenance medication and that such patient is without valid refills or for some valid reason cannot obtain proper authorization; and
(2) In the judgment of the pharmacist, the health, safety and welfare of the patient would otherwise be endangered.
(b) This section shall not be construed to authorize dispensing of controlled substance medication without proper authorization.
(c) If proper authorization cannot be obtained during the seventy-two-hour period, then the pharmacist may dispense the number of dosages necessary for one (1) additional consecutive seventy-two-hour period in accordance with the requirements of this section.
(d) (1) For the purpose of this subsection (d) only, "patient" means a patient from this state, or another state or territory, who was displaced by a disaster, as defined in § 58-2-101 , when the patient is present in this state. (2) A pharmacist in this state may, in good faith, dispense to a patient without proper authorization or a valid prescription the number of dosages of a prescription drug necessary to allow the patient to secure proper authorization or a valid prescription from the patient's prescriber. (3) The amount of a prescription drug dispensed under this subsection (d) shall not exceed a twenty-day supply. (4) Prescription information may be obtained from a prescription label, verbal medical order, verbal prescription order, or any other means determined to be legitimate in the professional judgment of the pharmacist.
(1) For the purpose of this subsection (d) only, "patient" means a patient from this state, or another state or territory, who was displaced by a disaster, as defined in § 58-2-101 , when the patient is present in this state.
(2) A pharmacist in this state may, in good faith, dispense to a patient without proper authorization or a valid prescription the number of dosages of a prescription drug necessary to allow the patient to secure proper authorization or a valid prescription from the patient's prescriber.
(3) The amount of a prescription drug dispensed under this subsection (d) shall not exceed a twenty-day supply.
(4) Prescription information may be obtained from a prescription label, verbal medical order, verbal prescription order, or any other means determined to be legitimate in the professional judgment of the pharmacist.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 615, s 1, eff. 7/1/2018.
Acts 1996, ch. 651, § 7; T.C.A. § 63-10-407; Acts 2007 , ch. 407, § 4.
See Executive Order No. 36 (5/12/2020), which suspended the provisions of Tennessee Code Annotated, T.C.A. 63-10-207(a) and (c), to allow a pharmacist to dispense up to a 90-day supply of maintenance prescriptions without proper authorization to persons as is necessary to respond to and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Tennessee.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-17-211 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 17 / Section 63-17-211
Provisions for fees
Status: in_force

(a) (1) Upon payment of an initial license fee as determined by the council, the council shall issue a license to each applicant who passes the examination. Such initial license shall expire as provided by rules and regulations promulgated by the board. (2) During the second year of a biennial renewal period, the initial license fee shall be one-half (1/2) of the biennial renewal fee. (b) The council may, in its discretion, license as a hearing instrument specialist, without examination, on the payment of a fee as set by the council, an applicant who is a hearing instrument specialist, certified, registered or licensed under the laws of another state or country, if the applicant's qualifications for certification, registration or licensure meet the licensure requirements in force in this state upon the date of the specialist's application for certification, registration or licensure in this state. Acts 1995, ch. 481, § 13.
(a) (1) Upon payment of an initial license fee as determined by the council, the council shall issue a license to each applicant who passes the examination. Such initial license shall expire as provided by rules and regulations promulgated by the board. (2) During the second year of a biennial renewal period, the initial license fee shall be one-half (1/2) of the biennial renewal fee.
(1) Upon payment of an initial license fee as determined by the council, the council shall issue a license to each applicant who passes the examination. Such initial license shall expire as provided by rules and regulations promulgated by the board.
(2) During the second year of a biennial renewal period, the initial license fee shall be one-half (1/2) of the biennial renewal fee.
(b) The council may, in its discretion, license as a hearing instrument specialist, without examination, on the payment of a fee as set by the council, an applicant who is a hearing instrument specialist, certified, registered or licensed under the laws of another state or country, if the applicant's qualifications for certification, registration or licensure meet the licensure requirements in force in this state upon the date of the specialist's application for certification, registration or licensure in this state.
Acts 1995, ch. 481, § 13.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-6-704 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 6 / Section 63-6-704
Licensure requirements
Status: in_force

(a) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, no additional license or certificate otherwise required under this title is necessary for the voluntary provision of health care services by any person who: (1) Is a duly licensed health care provider as defined under § 63-6-703 ; or (2) Lawfully practices under an exception to the licensure or certification requirements of any state, territory, district or possession of the United States; provided, that the person does not and will not regularly practice in Tennessee. (b) Subsection (a) does not apply to any person whose license or certificate is suspended or revoked pursuant to disciplinary proceedings in any jurisdiction. Furthermore, subsection (a) does not apply to a licensed health care provider who renders services outside the scope of practice authorized by the provider's licensure, certification or exception to such licensure or certification. Acts 1995, ch. 299, § 4.
(a) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, no additional license or certificate otherwise required under this title is necessary for the voluntary provision of health care services by any person who: (1) Is a duly licensed health care provider as defined under § 63-6-703 ; or (2) Lawfully practices under an exception to the licensure or certification requirements of any state, territory, district or possession of the United States; provided, that the person does not and will not regularly practice in Tennessee.
(1) Is a duly licensed health care provider as defined under § 63-6-703 ; or
(2) Lawfully practices under an exception to the licensure or certification requirements of any state, territory, district or possession of the United States; provided, that the person does not and will not regularly practice in Tennessee.
(b) Subsection (a) does not apply to any person whose license or certificate is suspended or revoked pursuant to disciplinary proceedings in any jurisdiction. Furthermore, subsection (a) does not apply to a licensed health care provider who renders services outside the scope of practice authorized by the provider's licensure, certification or exception to such licensure or certification.
Acts 1995, ch. 299, § 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-1-132 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 1 / Section 63-1-132
Director - Powers and duties
Status: in_force

(a) The director of the division of health related boards has the power, duty, and responsibility to: (1) Employ all staff assigned or performing duties for the agencies attached to the division; (2) Promulgate rules and regulations for all administrative functions and activities of the agencies attached to the division as well as all matters that affect more than one (1) of the agencies attached to the division with the approval of the agencies affected. In cases where multiple agencies are authorized to promulgate similar rules that apply to each of the agencies, the director is authorized to hold one (1) public rulemaking hearing and promulgate a single rule or a single chapter of rules, but only after receiving prior approval of the agencies affected; (3) Employ, with the consent of the regulatory board concerned, all executive directors and consultants; the director may employ all other personnel necessary to carry out the function of all of the agencies attached to the division; (4) Maintain a central filing system for official records and documents of all agencies attached to the division; (5) Provide office space and necessary quarters for the agencies attached to the division; (6) Assign personnel to staff such agencies in order to ensure the most efficient use of personnel; and (7) Perform such other duties as the commissioner may prescribe, or as may be prescribed by law. (b) Any employment of personnel or consultants by the division shall be in accordance with the rules, regulations and standards of the departments of human resources and finance and administration. Acts 1971, ch. 81, § 6; T.C.A., § 53-122; Acts 1985, ch. 120, § 16; T.C.A., § 68-1-602 ; Acts 1994, ch. 569, § 1; 1996, ch. 659, § 1; 1996, ch. 754, § 3; 2010, ch. 1043, § 7.
(a) The director of the division of health related boards has the power, duty, and responsibility to: (1) Employ all staff assigned or performing duties for the agencies attached to the division; (2) Promulgate rules and regulations for all administrative functions and activities of the agencies attached to the division as well as all matters that affect more than one (1) of the agencies attached to the division with the approval of the agencies affected. In cases where multiple agencies are authorized to promulgate similar rules that apply to each of the agencies, the director is authorized to hold one (1) public rulemaking hearing and promulgate a single rule or a single chapter of rules, but only after receiving prior approval of the agencies affected; (3) Employ, with the consent of the regulatory board concerned, all executive directors and consultants; the director may employ all other personnel necessary to carry out the function of all of the agencies attached to the division; (4) Maintain a central filing system for official records and documents of all agencies attached to the division; (5) Provide office space and necessary quarters for the agencies attached to the division; (6) Assign personnel to staff such agencies in order to ensure the most efficient use of personnel; and (7) Perform such other duties as the commissioner may prescribe, or as may be prescribed by law.
(1) Employ all staff assigned or performing duties for the agencies attached to the division;
(2) Promulgate rules and regulations for all administrative functions and activities of the agencies attached to the division as well as all matters that affect more than one (1) of the agencies attached to the division with the approval of the agencies affected. In cases where multiple agencies are authorized to promulgate similar rules that apply to each of the agencies, the director is authorized to hold one (1) public rulemaking hearing and promulgate a single rule or a single chapter of rules, but only after receiving prior approval of the agencies affected;
(3) Employ, with the consent of the regulatory board concerned, all executive directors and consultants; the director may employ all other personnel necessary to carry out the function of all of the agencies attached to the division;
(4) Maintain a central filing system for official records and documents of all agencies attached to the division;
(5) Provide office space and necessary quarters for the agencies attached to the division;
(6) Assign personnel to staff such agencies in order to ensure the most efficient use of personnel; and
(7) Perform such other duties as the commissioner may prescribe, or as may be prescribed by law.
(b) Any employment of personnel or consultants by the division shall be in accordance with the rules, regulations and standards of the departments of human resources and finance and administration.
Acts 1971, ch. 81, § 6; T.C.A., § 53-122; Acts 1985, ch. 120, § 16; T.C.A., § 68-1-602 ; Acts 1994, ch. 569, § 1; 1996, ch. 659, § 1; 1996, ch. 754, § 3; 2010, ch. 1043, § 7.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-19-116 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 19 / Section 63-19-116
Suspension for failure to collaborate - On-site supervision of healthcare prescriber subject of disciplinary action for conduct related to improper prescribing or diversion of controlled substance
Status: in_force

(a) (1) Failure by a person licensed under and required by this chapter to collaborate with a physician for any act within the person's licensed scope of practice constitutes a threat to the public health, safety, and welfare and imperatively requires emergency action by the board. (2) Notwithstanding any law, if the board learns that a person licensed under this chapter and subject to a requirement to collaborate with a physician for any act within the person's licensed scope of practice has failed to comply with the collaboration requirement, then the board chair shall direct the administrative staff to automatically and immediately, without further action by the board, suspend the person's license until the board receives sufficient proof that the person is in compliance with the collaboration requirements of this chapter. (3) The licensure sanction authorized by this subsection (a) is supplementary to, and does not limit, the authority of the board to take other disciplinary action against a licensee the board determines to be in violation of this chapter. (b) If a healthcare prescriber licensed under this chapter is the subject of a disciplinary action by the board for conduct related to improper prescribing or diversion of a controlled substance, but retains an active license with prescribing authority following the disciplinary action, then the healthcare prescriber shall not prescribe a controlled substance in this state unless the healthcare prescriber is working in collaboration with a physician who is physically present at the same practice site and licensed to prescribe controlled substances in this state. The board shall determine the period of time that a healthcare prescriber is subject to the on-site supervision requirement of this subsection (b), which must not be less than two (2) years. Added by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 461, s 3, eff. 5/18/2021.
(a) (1) Failure by a person licensed under and required by this chapter to collaborate with a physician for any act within the person's licensed scope of practice constitutes a threat to the public health, safety, and welfare and imperatively requires emergency action by the board. (2) Notwithstanding any law, if the board learns that a person licensed under this chapter and subject to a requirement to collaborate with a physician for any act within the person's licensed scope of practice has failed to comply with the collaboration requirement, then the board chair shall direct the administrative staff to automatically and immediately, without further action by the board, suspend the person's license until the board receives sufficient proof that the person is in compliance with the collaboration requirements of this chapter. (3) The licensure sanction authorized by this subsection (a) is supplementary to, and does not limit, the authority of the board to take other disciplinary action against a licensee the board determines to be in violation of this chapter.
(1) Failure by a person licensed under and required by this chapter to collaborate with a physician for any act within the person's licensed scope of practice constitutes a threat to the public health, safety, and welfare and imperatively requires emergency action by the board.
(2) Notwithstanding any law, if the board learns that a person licensed under this chapter and subject to a requirement to collaborate with a physician for any act within the person's licensed scope of practice has failed to comply with the collaboration requirement, then the board chair shall direct the administrative staff to automatically and immediately, without further action by the board, suspend the person's license until the board receives sufficient proof that the person is in compliance with the collaboration requirements of this chapter.
(3) The licensure sanction authorized by this subsection (a) is supplementary to, and does not limit, the authority of the board to take other disciplinary action against a licensee the board determines to be in violation of this chapter.
(b) If a healthcare prescriber licensed under this chapter is the subject of a disciplinary action by the board for conduct related to improper prescribing or diversion of a controlled substance, but retains an active license with prescribing authority following the disciplinary action, then the healthcare prescriber shall not prescribe a controlled substance in this state unless the healthcare prescriber is working in collaboration with a physician who is physically present at the same practice site and licensed to prescribe controlled substances in this state. The board shall determine the period of time that a healthcare prescriber is subject to the on-site supervision requirement of this subsection (b), which must not be less than two (2) years.
Added by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 461, s 3, eff. 5/18/2021.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-6-707 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 6 / Section 63-6-707
Liability insurance coverage
Status: in_force

No contract of professional liability insurance covering a health care provider in this state, issued or renewed on or after May 26, 1995, shall exclude coverage to any provider who engages in the voluntary provision of health care services; provided, that the sponsoring organization and the health care provider comply with the requirements of this part. Acts 1995, ch. 299, § 8.
No contract of professional liability insurance covering a health care provider in this state, issued or renewed on or after May 26, 1995, shall exclude coverage to any provider who engages in the voluntary provision of health care services; provided, that the sponsoring organization and the health care provider comply with the requirements of this part.
Acts 1995, ch. 299, § 8.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-7-128 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 7 / Section 63-7-128
Certificate to practice as a registered nurse first assistant
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this section, "registered nurse first assistant" means a person who: (1) Is licensed as a registered nurse in this state; (2) (A) Is certified in perioperative nursing; or (B) (i) Is certified as an advanced practice registered nurse; and (ii) Is qualified by education and training to perform tasks involved in perioperative nursing, as determined by the board; and (3) Has successfully completed a registered nurse first assistant education program that meets the education standard of the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses for a registered nurse first assistant. (b) Registered nurses holding the education and practice credentials of a registered nurse first assistant may apply to the board of nursing for a certificate to practice as a registered nurse first assistant, including authorization to use the title "registered nurse first assistant" or the abbreviation "RNFA." No other person shall assume such title or use such abbreviation or any other words, letters or signs to indicate that the person using the same is a registered nurse first assistant. (c) An applicant for a certificate to practice as a registered nurse first assistant shall pay an initial fee as set by the board as well as a biennial renewal fee as set by the board. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 326, s 1, eff. 7/1/2020. Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 953,s 1, eff. 1/1/2015.
(a) As used in this section, "registered nurse first assistant" means a person who: (1) Is licensed as a registered nurse in this state; (2) (A) Is certified in perioperative nursing; or (B) (i) Is certified as an advanced practice registered nurse; and (ii) Is qualified by education and training to perform tasks involved in perioperative nursing, as determined by the board; and (3) Has successfully completed a registered nurse first assistant education program that meets the education standard of the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses for a registered nurse first assistant.
(1) Is licensed as a registered nurse in this state;
(2) (A) Is certified in perioperative nursing; or (B) (i) Is certified as an advanced practice registered nurse; and (ii) Is qualified by education and training to perform tasks involved in perioperative nursing, as determined by the board; and
(A) Is certified in perioperative nursing; or
(B) (i) Is certified as an advanced practice registered nurse; and (ii) Is qualified by education and training to perform tasks involved in perioperative nursing, as determined by the board; and
(i) Is certified as an advanced practice registered nurse; and
(ii) Is qualified by education and training to perform tasks involved in perioperative nursing, as determined by the board; and
(3) Has successfully completed a registered nurse first assistant education program that meets the education standard of the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses for a registered nurse first assistant.
(b) Registered nurses holding the education and practice credentials of a registered nurse first assistant may apply to the board of nursing for a certificate to practice as a registered nurse first assistant, including authorization to use the title "registered nurse first assistant" or the abbreviation "RNFA." No other person shall assume such title or use such abbreviation or any other words, letters or signs to indicate that the person using the same is a registered nurse first assistant.
(c) An applicant for a certificate to practice as a registered nurse first assistant shall pay an initial fee as set by the board as well as a biennial renewal fee as set by the board.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 326, s 1, eff. 7/1/2020.
Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 953,s 1, eff. 1/1/2015.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-6-701 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 6 / Section 63-6-701
Short title
Status: in_force

This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Volunteer Health Care Services Act." Acts 1995, ch. 299, § 1.
This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Volunteer Health Care Services Act."
Acts 1995, ch. 299, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-1-153 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 1 / Section 63-1-153
Signage of medical spas to display name and certification status of supervising medical director or physician
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this section: (1) "Cosmetic medical service" means any service that uses a biologic or synthetic material, a chemical application, a mechanical device, or a displaced energy form of any kind that alters or damages, or is capable of altering or damaging, living tissue to improve the patient's appearance or achieve an enhanced aesthetic result; (2) "Media" or "advertising" means oral, written and other types of communication disseminated for the purpose of soliciting medical services. These communications include, but are not limited to, newspaper or magazine advertisement, telephone directory displays, printed brochures or leaflets, websites, email correspondence, and television or radio announcements; (3) "Medical director" or "supervising physician" means a physician who: (A) Holds an active medical license under chapter 6 or 9 of this title in this state; (B) Has an active medical practice in this state; and (C) Is responsible for the provision of or supervises the provision of cosmetic medical services; and (4) "Medical spa" means any entity, however named or organized, which offers or performs cosmetic medical services; provided, that a medical spa shall not include an individual physician's office or practice owned by a physician. (b) Any entity doing business as or advertised as a medical spa shall display the name of the medical director or supervising physician and shall indicate one of the following by signage at its practice site and in its media and advertising: (1) Whether the medical director or supervising physician is certified or eligible for certification by a private or public board, parent association, multidisciplinary board or association that is a member of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA); (2) Whether the medical director or supervising physician is certified by a board or association with equivalent requirements to the ABMS or AOA as approved and recognized by the board of medical examiners or the board of osteopathic examination, as appropriate; or (3) Whether the medical director or supervising physician is certified by a board or association requiring an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or AOA approved training program that provides complete training in the specialty or subspecialty certified, followed by prerequisite certification by a certifying board of the ABMS or AOA in that training field and successful completion of an additional examination in the specialty or subspecialty certified. (c) If the medical director or supervising physician is not certified by any of the entities identified in subsection (b), then the lack of certification shall be displayed by signage at its practice site and in its media and advertising. Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 909,s 2, eff. 7/1/2014.
(a) As used in this section: (1) "Cosmetic medical service" means any service that uses a biologic or synthetic material, a chemical application, a mechanical device, or a displaced energy form of any kind that alters or damages, or is capable of altering or damaging, living tissue to improve the patient's appearance or achieve an enhanced aesthetic result; (2) "Media" or "advertising" means oral, written and other types of communication disseminated for the purpose of soliciting medical services. These communications include, but are not limited to, newspaper or magazine advertisement, telephone directory displays, printed brochures or leaflets, websites, email correspondence, and television or radio announcements; (3) "Medical director" or "supervising physician" means a physician who: (A) Holds an active medical license under chapter 6 or 9 of this title in this state; (B) Has an active medical practice in this state; and (C) Is responsible for the provision of or supervises the provision of cosmetic medical services; and (4) "Medical spa" means any entity, however named or organized, which offers or performs cosmetic medical services; provided, that a medical spa shall not include an individual physician's office or practice owned by a physician.
(1) "Cosmetic medical service" means any service that uses a biologic or synthetic material, a chemical application, a mechanical device, or a displaced energy form of any kind that alters or damages, or is capable of altering or damaging, living tissue to improve the patient's appearance or achieve an enhanced aesthetic result;
(2) "Media" or "advertising" means oral, written and other types of communication disseminated for the purpose of soliciting medical services. These communications include, but are not limited to, newspaper or magazine advertisement, telephone directory displays, printed brochures or leaflets, websites, email correspondence, and television or radio announcements;
(3) "Medical director" or "supervising physician" means a physician who: (A) Holds an active medical license under chapter 6 or 9 of this title in this state; (B) Has an active medical practice in this state; and (C) Is responsible for the provision of or supervises the provision of cosmetic medical services; and
(A) Holds an active medical license under chapter 6 or 9 of this title in this state;
(B) Has an active medical practice in this state; and
(C) Is responsible for the provision of or supervises the provision of cosmetic medical services; and
(4) "Medical spa" means any entity, however named or organized, which offers or performs cosmetic medical services; provided, that a medical spa shall not include an individual physician's office or practice owned by a physician.
(b) Any entity doing business as or advertised as a medical spa shall display the name of the medical director or supervising physician and shall indicate one of the following by signage at its practice site and in its media and advertising: (1) Whether the medical director or supervising physician is certified or eligible for certification by a private or public board, parent association, multidisciplinary board or association that is a member of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA); (2) Whether the medical director or supervising physician is certified by a board or association with equivalent requirements to the ABMS or AOA as approved and recognized by the board of medical examiners or the board of osteopathic examination, as appropriate; or (3) Whether the medical director or supervising physician is certified by a board or association requiring an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or AOA approved training program that provides complete training in the specialty or subspecialty certified, followed by prerequisite certification by a certifying board of the ABMS or AOA in that training field and successful completion of an additional examination in the specialty or subspecialty certified.
(1) Whether the medical director or supervising physician is certified or eligible for certification by a private or public board, parent association, multidisciplinary board or association that is a member of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA);
(2) Whether the medical director or supervising physician is certified by a board or association with equivalent requirements to the ABMS or AOA as approved and recognized by the board of medical examiners or the board of osteopathic examination, as appropriate; or
(3) Whether the medical director or supervising physician is certified by a board or association requiring an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or AOA approved training program that provides complete training in the specialty or subspecialty certified, followed by prerequisite certification by a certifying board of the ABMS or AOA in that training field and successful completion of an additional examination in the specialty or subspecialty certified.
(c) If the medical director or supervising physician is not certified by any of the entities identified in subsection (b), then the lack of certification shall be displayed by signage at its practice site and in its media and advertising.
Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 909,s 2, eff. 7/1/2014.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-19-111 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 19 / Section 63-19-111
Exemptions
Status: in_force

(a) This part does not: (1) Modify or supersede any existing laws relating to other paramedical professions or services; (2) Permit a physician assistant to: (A) Measure the powers or range of human vision, or determine the refractive state of the human eye or the scope of its functions in general or prescribe or direct the use of ophthalmic lenses or prisms to remedy or relieve defects of vision or muscular anomalies; (B) Prescribe or fit or adapt contact lenses to or for the human eye; or (C) Practice chiropractic or to analyze or palpate the articulations of the spinal column for the purposes of giving a spinal adjustment; or (3) Prohibit a physician assistant from testing visual acuity or performing routine vision screening. (b) This part does not apply to registered nurses or licensed practical nurses utilized by a physician under § 63-6-204 or § 63-9-113 , or to technicians, other assistants, or employees of a physician not rendering services as a physician assistant and who perform delegated tasks in the office of a physician or to students enrolled in physician assistant training programs accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc., or its successor entity. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 565, s 6, eff. 5/26/2021. Acts 1985, ch. 376, § 1; T.C.A., § 63-19-211; Acts 1997 , ch. 207, § 5.
(a) This part does not: (1) Modify or supersede any existing laws relating to other paramedical professions or services; (2) Permit a physician assistant to: (A) Measure the powers or range of human vision, or determine the refractive state of the human eye or the scope of its functions in general or prescribe or direct the use of ophthalmic lenses or prisms to remedy or relieve defects of vision or muscular anomalies; (B) Prescribe or fit or adapt contact lenses to or for the human eye; or (C) Practice chiropractic or to analyze or palpate the articulations of the spinal column for the purposes of giving a spinal adjustment; or (3) Prohibit a physician assistant from testing visual acuity or performing routine vision screening.
(1) Modify or supersede any existing laws relating to other paramedical professions or services;
(2) Permit a physician assistant to: (A) Measure the powers or range of human vision, or determine the refractive state of the human eye or the scope of its functions in general or prescribe or direct the use of ophthalmic lenses or prisms to remedy or relieve defects of vision or muscular anomalies; (B) Prescribe or fit or adapt contact lenses to or for the human eye; or (C) Practice chiropractic or to analyze or palpate the articulations of the spinal column for the purposes of giving a spinal adjustment; or
(A) Measure the powers or range of human vision, or determine the refractive state of the human eye or the scope of its functions in general or prescribe or direct the use of ophthalmic lenses or prisms to remedy or relieve defects of vision or muscular anomalies;
(B) Prescribe or fit or adapt contact lenses to or for the human eye; or
(C) Practice chiropractic or to analyze or palpate the articulations of the spinal column for the purposes of giving a spinal adjustment; or
(3) Prohibit a physician assistant from testing visual acuity or performing routine vision screening.
(b) This part does not apply to registered nurses or licensed practical nurses utilized by a physician under § 63-6-204 or § 63-9-113 , or to technicians, other assistants, or employees of a physician not rendering services as a physician assistant and who perform delegated tasks in the office of a physician or to students enrolled in physician assistant training programs accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc., or its successor entity.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 565, s 6, eff. 5/26/2021.
Acts 1985, ch. 376, § 1; T.C.A., § 63-19-211; Acts 1997 , ch. 207, § 5.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-4-113 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 4 / Section 63-4-113
Applicability of health laws - Birth certificates prohibited
Status: in_force

(a) Chiropractic practitioners shall observe and be subject to all state and municipal regulations relating to the control of contagious and infectious diseases and any and all matters pertaining to public health, reporting to proper health officers the same as other practitioners. (b) Nothing in this chapter shall permit any chiropractor to make or execute a birth certificate. Acts 1923, ch. 9, § 17; Shan. Supp., § 3654a131; Code 1932, §7025; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 63-415.
(a) Chiropractic practitioners shall observe and be subject to all state and municipal regulations relating to the control of contagious and infectious diseases and any and all matters pertaining to public health, reporting to proper health officers the same as other practitioners.
(b) Nothing in this chapter shall permit any chiropractor to make or execute a birth certificate.
Acts 1923, ch. 9, § 17; Shan. Supp., § 3654a131; Code 1932, §7025; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 63-415.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-4-115 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 4 / Section 63-4-115
Procedure for suspension, revocation or denial of certificate or license
Status: in_force

(a) In enforcing this section, the board shall, upon probable cause, have the authority to compel an applicant or licensee or certificate holder to submit to a mental and/or physical examination, by a designated committee of at least three (3) practicing physicians, including a psychiatrist where a question of mental condition is involved. The applicant or licensee or certificate holder may have an independent physical or mental examination, which examination report shall be filed with the board for consideration. The committee will submit a report of its findings to the board for use in any hearing that may thereafter ensue. (b) The board, on its own motion, may investigate any report indicating that a chiropractor is or may be in violation of this chapter. Any chiropractor, any chiropractic society or association or any other person who in good faith shall report to the board any information that a chiropractor is or may be in violation of any provisions of this chapter shall not be subject to suit for civil damages as a result thereof. (c) All proceedings by the board to deny a certificate of fitness, to revoke or suspend any certificate of fitness or license or to otherwise discipline a licensee shall be subject to and conducted in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. (d) An elected officer of the board and a hearing officer, arbitrator or mediator, if any, has the authority to administer oaths to witnesses and, upon probable cause being established, issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents and records. (e) 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 diversion to professional peer review organizations and/or impaired professionals, associations or foundations those cases that the board, through established guidelines, deems appropriate. Upon diversion, such entities shall retain the same immunity as provided by law for the board. (f) The screening panels shall consist of as many members as the board directs, but shall include at least one (1) but no more than three (3) licensed chiropractors, who may be members of the board or may serve either voluntarily or through employment by or under contract with the board. (g) The activities of the screening panels and any mediation or arbitration sessions shall not be construed as meetings of an agency for purposes of the open meetings laws, compiled in title 8, chapter 44, and shall remain confidential. The members of the screening panels, mediators and arbitrators have a deliberative privilege and the same immunity as provided by law for the board and are not subject to deposition or subpoena to testify regarding any matter or issues raised in any contested case, criminal prosecution or civil lawsuit that may result from or be incident to cases processed before them. (h) Notwithstanding any provision of the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act to the contrary, hearing officers are authorized to and may hear board mediation, arbitration or disciplinary contested cases, but may not issue final orders in contested case matters. Notwithstanding any of §§ 4-5-314 and 4-5-315 , that may be or are inconsistent, such hearing officers may only issue findings of fact and conclusions of law, which shall be referred directly to the board or a duly constituted panel thereof for final action. The board or duly constituted panel, after hearing testimony or arguments from both parties regarding the appropriate disciplinary action and, if allowed by the board, arguments on any controversy raised by the hearing officer's or designee's order, shall issue a final order to include the imposition of what, if any, disciplinary action is deemed appropriate. Only the board or a duly constituted panel thereof shall have the authority to issue final orders that dispose of a pending contested case, regardless of whether the issues resulting in the dispositive action are procedural, substantive, factual or legal. If a hearing officer is not available when a contested case, or any motion filed therein requiring action, is ready and scheduled to be heard or fails to timely prepare findings and conclusions pursuant to board established guidelines, the board or a duly constituted panel thereof may rule on the motions and/or hear the contested case or utilize the record compiled before the hearing officers and prepare its own findings of fact, conclusions of law and then issue a final order. With regard to findings or conclusions issued by the hearing officer or any mediator or arbitrator, the board or any duly constituted panel thereof that reviews the case may do any of the following: (1) Adopt the hearing officer's, mediator's or arbitrator's findings of fact and conclusions of law, in whole or in part; (2) Make its own findings of fact and conclusions of law, based solely on the record and the expertise of the members of the board or panel, in addition to or in substitution of those made by the hearing officer, mediator or arbitrator; (3) Remand the matter back to the hearing officer, mediator or arbitrator for action consistent with the board or panel findings and conclusions in the matter; or (4) Reverse the hearing officer's, mediator's or arbitrator's findings and/or dismiss the matter entirely. (i) The board retains jurisdiction to modify or refuse to modify, upon request of any party, any of its orders issued pursuant to this section in compliance with procedures established by the board. The board, pursuant to duly promulgated rules, may, whenever a final order is issued after a disciplinary contested case hearing that contains findings that a licensee or other person has violated any provision of this chapter, assess the costs directly related to the prosecution of the case against the licensee or person. (j) Any elected officer of the board, or any duly appointed or elected chair or any panel of the board or any screening panel and any hearing officer, arbitrator or mediator has the authority to administer oaths to witnesses and, upon probable cause being established, issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents and records. Acts 1923, ch. 9, § 13; Shan. Supp., § 3654a127; Code 1932, §7021; Acts 1939, ch. 116, § 7; impl. am. Acts 1947, ch. 9, §§2-4, 9; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 7021; Acts 1953, ch. 113, § 35; 1976, ch. 781, § 11; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 63-417; Acts 1982, ch. 887, § 7; 1998, ch. 845, § 1; 1998, ch. 973, § 3.
(a) In enforcing this section, the board shall, upon probable cause, have the authority to compel an applicant or licensee or certificate holder to submit to a mental and/or physical examination, by a designated committee of at least three (3) practicing physicians, including a psychiatrist where a question of mental condition is involved. The applicant or licensee or certificate holder may have an independent physical or mental examination, which examination report shall be filed with the board for consideration. The committee will submit a report of its findings to the board for use in any hearing that may thereafter ensue.
(b) The board, on its own motion, may investigate any report indicating that a chiropractor is or may be in violation of this chapter. Any chiropractor, any chiropractic society or association or any other person who in good faith shall report to the board any information that a chiropractor is or may be in violation of any provisions of this chapter shall not be subject to suit for civil damages as a result thereof.
(c) All proceedings by the board to deny a certificate of fitness, to revoke or suspend any certificate of fitness or license or to otherwise discipline a licensee shall be subject to and conducted in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
(d) An elected officer of the board and a hearing officer, arbitrator or mediator, if any, has the authority to administer oaths to witnesses and, upon probable cause being established, issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents and records.
(e) 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 diversion to professional peer review organizations and/or impaired professionals, associations or foundations those cases that the board, through established guidelines, deems appropriate. Upon diversion, such entities shall retain the same immunity as provided by law for the board.
(f) The screening panels shall consist of as many members as the board directs, but shall include at least one (1) but no more than three (3) licensed chiropractors, who may be members of the board or may serve either voluntarily or through employment by or under contract with the board.
(g) The activities of the screening panels and any mediation or arbitration sessions shall not be construed as meetings of an agency for purposes of the open meetings laws, compiled in title 8, chapter 44, and shall remain confidential. The members of the screening panels, mediators and arbitrators have a deliberative privilege and the same immunity as provided by law for the board and are not subject to deposition or subpoena to testify regarding any matter or issues raised in any contested case, criminal prosecution or civil lawsuit that may result from or be incident to cases processed before them.
(h) Notwithstanding any provision of the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act to the contrary, hearing officers are authorized to and may hear board mediation, arbitration or disciplinary contested cases, but may not issue final orders in contested case matters. Notwithstanding any of §§ 4-5-314 and 4-5-315 , that may be or are inconsistent, such hearing officers may only issue findings of fact and conclusions of law, which shall be referred directly to the board or a duly constituted panel thereof for final action. The board or duly constituted panel, after hearing testimony or arguments from both parties regarding the appropriate disciplinary action and, if allowed by the board, arguments on any controversy raised by the hearing officer's or designee's order, shall issue a final order to include the imposition of what, if any, disciplinary action is deemed appropriate. Only the board or a duly constituted panel thereof shall have the authority to issue final orders that dispose of a pending contested case, regardless of whether the issues resulting in the dispositive action are procedural, substantive, factual or legal. If a hearing officer is not available when a contested case, or any motion filed therein requiring action, is ready and scheduled to be heard or fails to timely prepare findings and conclusions pursuant to board established guidelines, the board or a duly constituted panel thereof may rule on the motions and/or hear the contested case or utilize the record compiled before the hearing officers and prepare its own findings of fact, conclusions of law and then issue a final order. With regard to findings or conclusions issued by the hearing officer or any mediator or arbitrator, the board or any duly constituted panel thereof that reviews the case may do any of the following: (1) Adopt the hearing officer's, mediator's or arbitrator's findings of fact and conclusions of law, in whole or in part; (2) Make its own findings of fact and conclusions of law, based solely on the record and the expertise of the members of the board or panel, in addition to or in substitution of those made by the hearing officer, mediator or arbitrator; (3) Remand the matter back to the hearing officer, mediator or arbitrator for action consistent with the board or panel findings and conclusions in the matter; or (4) Reverse the hearing officer's, mediator's or arbitrator's findings and/or dismiss the matter entirely.
(1) Adopt the hearing officer's, mediator's or arbitrator's findings of fact and conclusions of law, in whole or in part;
(2) Make its own findings of fact and conclusions of law, based solely on the record and the expertise of the members of the board or panel, in addition to or in substitution of those made by the hearing officer, mediator or arbitrator;
(3) Remand the matter back to the hearing officer, mediator or arbitrator for action consistent with the board or panel findings and conclusions in the matter; or
(4) Reverse the hearing officer's, mediator's or arbitrator's findings and/or dismiss the matter entirely.
(i) The board retains jurisdiction to modify or refuse to modify, upon request of any party, any of its orders issued pursuant to this section in compliance with procedures established by the board. The board, pursuant to duly promulgated rules, may, whenever a final order is issued after a disciplinary contested case hearing that contains findings that a licensee or other person has violated any provision of this chapter, assess the costs directly related to the prosecution of the case against the licensee or person.
(j) Any elected officer of the board, or any duly appointed or elected chair or any panel of the board or any screening panel and any hearing officer, arbitrator or mediator has the authority to administer oaths to witnesses and, upon probable cause being established, issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents and records.
Acts 1923, ch. 9, § 13; Shan. Supp., § 3654a127; Code 1932, §7021; Acts 1939, ch. 116, § 7; impl. am. Acts 1947, ch. 9, §§2-4, 9; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 7021; Acts 1953, ch. 113, § 35; 1976, ch. 781, § 11; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 63-417; Acts 1982, ch. 887, § 7; 1998, ch. 845, § 1; 1998, ch. 973, § 3.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-19-115 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 19 / Section 63-19-115
Special volunteer license for practice in free health clinic - Exemption from fees - Renewal
Status: in_force

A physician assistant licensed pursuant to this chapter under a special volunteer license who is a medical practitioner, as defined by § 63-1-201 , engaged in practice at a free health clinic is not subject to license fees under this chapter. The board may issue a special volunteer license, as defined in § 63-1-201 , to qualified applicants without fee or charge. The license is for a period of two (2) years and may be renewed on a biennial basis. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 565, s 6, eff. 5/26/2021. Acts 2004, ch. 579, § 9.
A physician assistant licensed pursuant to this chapter under a special volunteer license who is a medical practitioner, as defined by § 63-1-201 , engaged in practice at a free health clinic is not subject to license fees under this chapter. The board may issue a special volunteer license, as defined in § 63-1-201 , to qualified applicants without fee or charge. The license is for a period of two (2) years and may be renewed on a biennial basis.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 565, s 6, eff. 5/26/2021.
Acts 2004, ch. 579, § 9.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-19-304 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 19 / Section 63-19-304
State Participation in this Compact
Status: in_force

(a) To participate in this Compact, a Participating State shall: (1) License Physician Assistants; (2) Participate in the Compact Commission's Data System; (3) Have a mechanism in place for receiving and investigating complaints against Licensees and License applicants; (4) Notify the Commission, in compliance with the terms of this Compact and Commission Rules, of any Adverse Action against a Licensee or License applicant and the existence of Significant Investigative Information regarding a Licensee or License applicant; (5) Fully implement a Criminal Background Check requirement, within a time frame established by Commission Rule, by its Licensing Board receiving the results of a Criminal Background Check and reporting to the Commission whether the License applicant has been granted a License; (6) Comply with the Rules of the Compact Commission; (7) Utilize passage of a recognized national exam such as the National Commission on the Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) as a requirement for Physician Assistant licensure; and (8) Grant the Compact Privilege to a holder of a Qualifying License in a Participating State. (b) Nothing in this Compact prohibits a Participating State from charging a fee for granting the Compact Privilege. Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1018,s 1, eff. 1/1/2025.
(a) To participate in this Compact, a Participating State shall: (1) License Physician Assistants; (2) Participate in the Compact Commission's Data System; (3) Have a mechanism in place for receiving and investigating complaints against Licensees and License applicants; (4) Notify the Commission, in compliance with the terms of this Compact and Commission Rules, of any Adverse Action against a Licensee or License applicant and the existence of Significant Investigative Information regarding a Licensee or License applicant; (5) Fully implement a Criminal Background Check requirement, within a time frame established by Commission Rule, by its Licensing Board receiving the results of a Criminal Background Check and reporting to the Commission whether the License applicant has been granted a License; (6) Comply with the Rules of the Compact Commission; (7) Utilize passage of a recognized national exam such as the National Commission on the Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) as a requirement for Physician Assistant licensure; and (8) Grant the Compact Privilege to a holder of a Qualifying License in a Participating State.
(1) License Physician Assistants;
(2) Participate in the Compact Commission's Data System;
(3) Have a mechanism in place for receiving and investigating complaints against Licensees and License applicants;
(4) Notify the Commission, in compliance with the terms of this Compact and Commission Rules, of any Adverse Action against a Licensee or License applicant and the existence of Significant Investigative Information regarding a Licensee or License applicant;
(5) Fully implement a Criminal Background Check requirement, within a time frame established by Commission Rule, by its Licensing Board receiving the results of a Criminal Background Check and reporting to the Commission whether the License applicant has been granted a License;
(6) Comply with the Rules of the Compact Commission;
(7) Utilize passage of a recognized national exam such as the National Commission on the Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) as a requirement for Physician Assistant licensure; and
(8) Grant the Compact Privilege to a holder of a Qualifying License in a Participating State.
(b) Nothing in this Compact prohibits a Participating State from charging a fee for granting the Compact Privilege.
Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1018,s 1, eff. 1/1/2025.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-23-112 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 23 / Section 63-23-112
Special volunteer license for practice in free health clinic - Exemption from fees - Renewal
Status: in_force

A person licensed pursuant to this chapter under a special volunteer license who is a medical practitioner, as defined by § 63-1-201 , engaged in practice at a free health clinic shall not be subject to license fees under this chapter. The board of social worker licensure may issue a special volunteer license, as the license is defined in § 63-1-201 , to qualified applicants without fee or charge. The license shall be for a period of two (2) years and may be renewed on a biennial basis. Acts 2004, ch. 579, § 8; T.C.A. § 63-23-110 , Acts 2008 , ch. 1016, § 1.
A person licensed pursuant to this chapter under a special volunteer license who is a medical practitioner, as defined by § 63-1-201 , engaged in practice at a free health clinic shall not be subject to license fees under this chapter. The board of social worker licensure may issue a special volunteer license, as the license is defined in § 63-1-201 , to qualified applicants without fee or charge. The license shall be for a period of two (2) years and may be renewed on a biennial basis.
Acts 2004, ch. 579, § 8; T.C.A. § 63-23-110 , Acts 2008 , ch. 1016, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-22-302 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 22 / Section 63-22-302
Conscientious objections - Referrals to other providers - Liability
Status: in_force

(a) No counselor or therapist providing counseling or therapy services shall be required to counsel or serve a client as to goals, outcomes, or behaviors that conflict with the sincerely held principles of the counselor or therapist; provided, that the counselor or therapist coordinates a referral of the client to another counselor or therapist who will provide the counseling or therapy. (b) The refusal to provide counseling or therapy services as described in subsection (a) shall not be the basis for: (1) A civil cause of action; or (2) Criminal prosecution. (c) Subsections (a) and (b) shall not apply to a counselor or therapist when an individual seeking or undergoing counseling is in imminent danger of harming themselves or others. Acts 2016 , ch. 926, § 1.
(a) No counselor or therapist providing counseling or therapy services shall be required to counsel or serve a client as to goals, outcomes, or behaviors that conflict with the sincerely held principles of the counselor or therapist; provided, that the counselor or therapist coordinates a referral of the client to another counselor or therapist who will provide the counseling or therapy.
(b) The refusal to provide counseling or therapy services as described in subsection (a) shall not be the basis for: (1) A civil cause of action; or (2) Criminal prosecution.
(1) A civil cause of action; or
(2) Criminal prosecution.
(c) Subsections (a) and (b) shall not apply to a counselor or therapist when an individual seeking or undergoing counseling is in imminent danger of harming themselves or others.
Acts 2016 , ch. 926, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-3-121 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 3 / Section 63-3-121
Enjoining violations
Status: in_force

(a) The board, in addition to the powers and duties expressly granted by this chapter in the matter of suspension or revocation of a license and in the matter of the refusal to issue a certificate, is authorized and empowered to petition any circuit or chancery court, having jurisdiction, to enjoin any person who is practicing or attempting to practice podiatry without possessing a valid license to so practice and to enjoin any person, firm or corporation from performing any act or rendering any service that constitutes the practice of podiatry as defined by this chapter. No injunction bond shall be required of the board. (b) Jurisdiction is conferred upon the circuit and chancery courts of the state to hear and determine such causes as chancery causes and to exercise full and complete jurisdiction in such injunctive proceedings. Acts 1931, ch. 31, § 2; C. Supp. 1950, § 7182.10 (Williams, § 7182.11); Acts 1971, ch. 188, § 1; 1976, ch. 796, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 63-321.
(a) The board, in addition to the powers and duties expressly granted by this chapter in the matter of suspension or revocation of a license and in the matter of the refusal to issue a certificate, is authorized and empowered to petition any circuit or chancery court, having jurisdiction, to enjoin any person who is practicing or attempting to practice podiatry without possessing a valid license to so practice and to enjoin any person, firm or corporation from performing any act or rendering any service that constitutes the practice of podiatry as defined by this chapter. No injunction bond shall be required of the board.
(b) Jurisdiction is conferred upon the circuit and chancery courts of the state to hear and determine such causes as chancery causes and to exercise full and complete jurisdiction in such injunctive proceedings.
Acts 1931, ch. 31, § 2; C. Supp. 1950, § 7182.10 (Williams, § 7182.11); Acts 1971, ch. 188, § 1; 1976, ch. 796, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 63-321.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-11-217 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 11 / Section 63-11-217
Review of board actions
Status: in_force

Any action of or ruling or order made or entered by the board declining to issue a certificate, declining to recommend licensure or certification or suspending or revoking a certificate or license shall be subject to review by the courts of this state in the same manner and subject to the same powers and conditions as now provided by law in regard to rulings, orders and findings of other quasi-judicial bodies in this state, where not otherwise specifically provided. Acts 1953, ch. 169, § 14 (Williams, § 7082.14); Acts 1979, ch. 201, § 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 63-1121; Acts 2001, ch. 123, § 30.
Any action of or ruling or order made or entered by the board declining to issue a certificate, declining to recommend licensure or certification or suspending or revoking a certificate or license shall be subject to review by the courts of this state in the same manner and subject to the same powers and conditions as now provided by law in regard to rulings, orders and findings of other quasi-judicial bodies in this state, where not otherwise specifically provided.
Acts 1953, ch. 169, § 14 (Williams, § 7082.14); Acts 1979, ch. 201, § 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 63-1121; Acts 2001, ch. 123, § 30.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-9-105 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 9 / Section 63-9-105
Examination of applicants - Reciprocity
Status: in_force

(a) The board shall subject all applicants to an examination in the subjects of diagnosis, surgery, gynecology, obstetrics and such other subjects as the board may require. The board may, in its discretion, conduct its own written examination or administer a national examination. (b) (1) The board may, in its discretion, dispense with an examination in the case of an osteopathic physician duly licensed to practice osteopathic medicine in any other state or territory of the United States or in the District of Columbia, if the applicant has met the same or equivalent educational standards required by the state of Tennessee, and shall present a certificate of examination and registration by the legally constituted board of such other state or district or a certificate issued by the national board of examiners for osteopathic physicians and surgeons. (2) (A) When the board receives a completed application for licensure from an applicant who is licensed in another state or territory of the United States or in the District of Columbia, then the board shall, within forty-five (45) days from the date the board receives the completed application: (i) Render a decision on the application; or (ii) Inform the applicant of the need to appear before the board. (B) As used in this subdivision (b)(2), "completed application" means an application that satisfies all statutory and board rule requirements. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 443, s 2, eff. 5/22/2023. Acts 1905, ch. 255, § 2; Shan., § 3654a5; mod. Code 1932, §7004; Acts 1939, ch. 150, §1; C. Supp. 1950, § 7004; Acts 1976, ch. 727, § 6; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 63-906; Acts 1982, ch. 948, § 2; 1994, ch. 901, § 4.
(a) The board shall subject all applicants to an examination in the subjects of diagnosis, surgery, gynecology, obstetrics and such other subjects as the board may require. The board may, in its discretion, conduct its own written examination or administer a national examination.
(b) (1) The board may, in its discretion, dispense with an examination in the case of an osteopathic physician duly licensed to practice osteopathic medicine in any other state or territory of the United States or in the District of Columbia, if the applicant has met the same or equivalent educational standards required by the state of Tennessee, and shall present a certificate of examination and registration by the legally constituted board of such other state or district or a certificate issued by the national board of examiners for osteopathic physicians and surgeons. (2) (A) When the board receives a completed application for licensure from an applicant who is licensed in another state or territory of the United States or in the District of Columbia, then the board shall, within forty-five (45) days from the date the board receives the completed application: (i) Render a decision on the application; or (ii) Inform the applicant of the need to appear before the board. (B) As used in this subdivision (b)(2), "completed application" means an application that satisfies all statutory and board rule requirements.
(1) The board may, in its discretion, dispense with an examination in the case of an osteopathic physician duly licensed to practice osteopathic medicine in any other state or territory of the United States or in the District of Columbia, if the applicant has met the same or equivalent educational standards required by the state of Tennessee, and shall present a certificate of examination and registration by the legally constituted board of such other state or district or a certificate issued by the national board of examiners for osteopathic physicians and surgeons.
(2) (A) When the board receives a completed application for licensure from an applicant who is licensed in another state or territory of the United States or in the District of Columbia, then the board shall, within forty-five (45) days from the date the board receives the completed application: (i) Render a decision on the application; or (ii) Inform the applicant of the need to appear before the board. (B) As used in this subdivision (b)(2), "completed application" means an application that satisfies all statutory and board rule requirements.
(A) When the board receives a completed application for licensure from an applicant who is licensed in another state or territory of the United States or in the District of Columbia, then the board shall, within forty-five (45) days from the date the board receives the completed application: (i) Render a decision on the application; or (ii) Inform the applicant of the need to appear before the board.
(i) Render a decision on the application; or
(ii) Inform the applicant of the need to appear before the board.
(B) As used in this subdivision (b)(2), "completed application" means an application that satisfies all statutory and board rule requirements.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 443, s 2, eff. 5/22/2023.
Acts 1905, ch. 255, § 2; Shan., § 3654a5; mod. Code 1932, §7004; Acts 1939, ch. 150, §1; C. Supp. 1950, § 7004; Acts 1976, ch. 727, § 6; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 63-906; Acts 1982, ch. 948, § 2; 1994, ch. 901, § 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-11-608 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 11 / Section 63-11-608
Requirements for use of the title of "certified professional music therapist," or "certified music therapist"
Status: in_force

(a) A person shall not use the title "certified professional music therapist," or "certified music therapist," or use any abbreviation to indicate that the person is certified as a professional music therapist in this state unless the person holds a certificate issued by the advisory committee under this part. (b) Subsection (a) does not prohibit: (1) A person who is licensed, certified, or regulated under the laws of this state in another profession or occupation, including physicians, psychologists, psychoanalysts, registered nurses, marriage and family therapists, social workers, occupational therapists, professional or rehabilitation counselors, speech-language pathologists or audiologists, or personnel supervised by a licensed professional from performing work, including the use of music, that is incidental to the practice of the person's licensed, certified, or regulated profession or occupation, if the person does not represent their self as a music therapist; (2) A person whose training and national certification attests to the person's preparation and ability to practice their certified profession or occupation, if the person does not represent their self as a music therapist; (3) A practice of music therapy as an integral part of a program of study for students enrolled in an accredited music therapy program, if the student does not represent their self as a music therapist; (4) A person who practices music therapy under the supervision of a certified professional music therapist, if the person does not represent their self as a music therapist; or (5) The use of music intervention in a non-clinical, non-therapeutic manner by persons who do not represent themselves as music therapists or through a program that is not represented to be a music therapy program, including the Tennessee person-centered music program administered by the Tennessee commission on aging and disability, created by § 71-2-104 . Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1010,s 2, eff. 1/1/2025.
(a) A person shall not use the title "certified professional music therapist," or "certified music therapist," or use any abbreviation to indicate that the person is certified as a professional music therapist in this state unless the person holds a certificate issued by the advisory committee under this part.
(b) Subsection (a) does not prohibit: (1) A person who is licensed, certified, or regulated under the laws of this state in another profession or occupation, including physicians, psychologists, psychoanalysts, registered nurses, marriage and family therapists, social workers, occupational therapists, professional or rehabilitation counselors, speech-language pathologists or audiologists, or personnel supervised by a licensed professional from performing work, including the use of music, that is incidental to the practice of the person's licensed, certified, or regulated profession or occupation, if the person does not represent their self as a music therapist; (2) A person whose training and national certification attests to the person's preparation and ability to practice their certified profession or occupation, if the person does not represent their self as a music therapist; (3) A practice of music therapy as an integral part of a program of study for students enrolled in an accredited music therapy program, if the student does not represent their self as a music therapist; (4) A person who practices music therapy under the supervision of a certified professional music therapist, if the person does not represent their self as a music therapist; or (5) The use of music intervention in a non-clinical, non-therapeutic manner by persons who do not represent themselves as music therapists or through a program that is not represented to be a music therapy program, including the Tennessee person-centered music program administered by the Tennessee commission on aging and disability, created by § 71-2-104 .
(1) A person who is licensed, certified, or regulated under the laws of this state in another profession or occupation, including physicians, psychologists, psychoanalysts, registered nurses, marriage and family therapists, social workers, occupational therapists, professional or rehabilitation counselors, speech-language pathologists or audiologists, or personnel supervised by a licensed professional from performing work, including the use of music, that is incidental to the practice of the person's licensed, certified, or regulated profession or occupation, if the person does not represent their self as a music therapist;
(2) A person whose training and national certification attests to the person's preparation and ability to practice their certified profession or occupation, if the person does not represent their self as a music therapist;
(3) A practice of music therapy as an integral part of a program of study for students enrolled in an accredited music therapy program, if the student does not represent their self as a music therapist;
(4) A person who practices music therapy under the supervision of a certified professional music therapist, if the person does not represent their self as a music therapist; or
(5) The use of music intervention in a non-clinical, non-therapeutic manner by persons who do not represent themselves as music therapists or through a program that is not represented to be a music therapy program, including the Tennessee person-centered music program administered by the Tennessee commission on aging and disability, created by § 71-2-104 .
Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1010,s 2, eff. 1/1/2025.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-17-105 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 17 / Section 63-17-105
Powers and duties of board
Status: in_force

(a) The board is authorized to: (1) Administer, coordinate and enforce this chapter, evaluate the qualifications of applicants, supervise the examination for applicants, and may issue subpoenas, examine witnesses and administer oaths and shall investigate persons engaging in practices that violate this chapter; (2) Conduct such hearings and keep such records and minutes as shall be necessary to an orderly dispatch of business; (3) Adopt and publish responsible rules and regulations, including, but not limited to, regulations that establish ethical standards of practice and may amend or repeal the same; and (4) Govern and control every person who holds a license or is registered to practice in the field of communication disorders and sciences in this state by the rules of professional conduct adopted by the board. (b) The conferral or enumeration of specific powers elsewhere in this chapter shall not be construed as a limitation of the general powers conferred by this section. Acts 1973, ch. 93, § 5; T.C.A., § 63-1705; Acts 1995, ch. 481, § 38; 2005, ch. 330, § 2.
(a) The board is authorized to: (1) Administer, coordinate and enforce this chapter, evaluate the qualifications of applicants, supervise the examination for applicants, and may issue subpoenas, examine witnesses and administer oaths and shall investigate persons engaging in practices that violate this chapter; (2) Conduct such hearings and keep such records and minutes as shall be necessary to an orderly dispatch of business; (3) Adopt and publish responsible rules and regulations, including, but not limited to, regulations that establish ethical standards of practice and may amend or repeal the same; and (4) Govern and control every person who holds a license or is registered to practice in the field of communication disorders and sciences in this state by the rules of professional conduct adopted by the board.
(1) Administer, coordinate and enforce this chapter, evaluate the qualifications of applicants, supervise the examination for applicants, and may issue subpoenas, examine witnesses and administer oaths and shall investigate persons engaging in practices that violate this chapter;
(2) Conduct such hearings and keep such records and minutes as shall be necessary to an orderly dispatch of business;
(3) Adopt and publish responsible rules and regulations, including, but not limited to, regulations that establish ethical standards of practice and may amend or repeal the same; and
(4) Govern and control every person who holds a license or is registered to practice in the field of communication disorders and sciences in this state by the rules of professional conduct adopted by the board.
(b) The conferral or enumeration of specific powers elsewhere in this chapter shall not be construed as a limitation of the general powers conferred by this section.
Acts 1973, ch. 93, § 5; T.C.A., § 63-1705; Acts 1995, ch. 481, § 38; 2005, ch. 330, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-6-210 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 6 / Section 63-6-210
Renewal of licenses - Retirement - Inactive status - Comparison and sharing of information with the Tennessee Medical Association
Status: in_force

(a) Each person licensed to practice medicine in this state shall, pursuant to the renewal system established in subsection (b), biennially apply to the board for a renewal of licensure and shall pay a renewal fee as set by the board. Each application shall be made on a form to be furnished by the board and sent to the licensee well in advance of the scheduled renewal date. The board shall, in its discretion, absent receipt of derogatory information, renew licensure upon application made in due form and upon payment of all required fees and shall issue a new biennial registration certificate. (b) (1) There is hereby authorized the establishment of 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 this renewal system are valid for twenty-four (24) months and shall expire on the last day of the last month of the license period. However, during any transition period, or at any time thereafter when the board shall determine that the volume of work for any given interval is unduly burdensome or costly, either the licenses or renewals, or both, 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 any renewal system for a period of other than twenty-four (24) months shall be proportionate to the biennial fee and modified in no other manner, except that the proportional fee shall be rounded off to the nearest quarter of a dollar (25¢). (2) A licensee may renew a license within sixty (60) days following the license expiration date upon payment of the renewal fee in addition to a late penalty established by the board for each month or fraction of a month that payment for renewal is late; provided, that the late penalty shall not exceed twice the renewal fee. When any licensee fails to renew a license and pay the biennial renewal fee within sixty (60) days after renewal becomes due, as provided in this section, the license shall be automatically revoked at the expiration of sixty (60) days after the renewal was required without further notice or hearing. (c) Any licensee whose license is automatically revoked as provided in subsection (b), may apply in writing to the board for reinstatement of such license, which may be granted by the board upon the payment of all past due fees and reinstatement fees established by the board, and upon further conditions as the board may require. (d) Any person licensed to practice by this chapter who has retired or may hereafter retire from practice in this state shall not be made to register as required by this chapter if such person shall file with this board an affidavit of retirement form furnished by the board. The affidavit shall state the date on which the person retired from practice and such other facts as shall tend to verify such retirement as the board shall deem necessary. If the person thereafter wishes to reenter practice in this state, the person shall apply for licensure reactivation with the board, pay a reactivation fee as set by the board and shall meet such other reasonable requirements as may be deemed necessary by the board. (e) The board shall have the authority to create a renewable inactive licensure status as it deems appropriate upon payment of an appropriate fee assessment and compliance with the requirements established by the board for those licensees who actively practice medicine in a state other than Tennessee. (f) In order to ensure that the board has the most recent and accurate data on licensees and applicants for licensure within this state, the board shall cooperate with the Tennessee Medical Association by comparing and sharing computer data bases and other physician identification file information, including, without limitation, license numbers, medical education numbers, social security numbers, home and business address information and any other data of a similar, nonconfidential nature, for a reasonable charge. Acts 1901, ch. 78, § 8; Shan., § 3609a21; mod. Code 1932, § 6926; impl. am. Acts 1947, ch. 9, §§ 2-4, 9; C. Supp. 1950, § 6926; Acts 1976, ch. 473, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 63-614; Acts 1984, ch. 937, § 32; 1986, ch. 675, § 5; 1989, ch. 360, §§ 23, 24; 1989, ch. 523, §§ 44, 45; 1993, ch. 404, § 11; 1996, ch. 1043, § 4; 2010 , ch. 1043, § 9.
(a) Each person licensed to practice medicine in this state shall, pursuant to the renewal system established in subsection (b), biennially apply to the board for a renewal of licensure and shall pay a renewal fee as set by the board. Each application shall be made on a form to be furnished by the board and sent to the licensee well in advance of the scheduled renewal date. The board shall, in its discretion, absent receipt of derogatory information, renew licensure upon application made in due form and upon payment of all required fees and shall issue a new biennial registration certificate.
(b) (1) There is hereby authorized the establishment of 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 this renewal system are valid for twenty-four (24) months and shall expire on the last day of the last month of the license period. However, during any transition period, or at any time thereafter when the board shall determine that the volume of work for any given interval is unduly burdensome or costly, either the licenses or renewals, or both, 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 any renewal system for a period of other than twenty-four (24) months shall be proportionate to the biennial fee and modified in no other manner, except that the proportional fee shall be rounded off to the nearest quarter of a dollar (25¢). (2) A licensee may renew a license within sixty (60) days following the license expiration date upon payment of the renewal fee in addition to a late penalty established by the board for each month or fraction of a month that payment for renewal is late; provided, that the late penalty shall not exceed twice the renewal fee. When any licensee fails to renew a license and pay the biennial renewal fee within sixty (60) days after renewal becomes due, as provided in this section, the license shall be automatically revoked at the expiration of sixty (60) days after the renewal was required without further notice or hearing.
(1) There is hereby authorized the establishment of 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 this renewal system are valid for twenty-four (24) months and shall expire on the last day of the last month of the license period. However, during any transition period, or at any time thereafter when the board shall determine that the volume of work for any given interval is unduly burdensome or costly, either the licenses or renewals, or both, 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 any renewal system for a period of other than twenty-four (24) months shall be proportionate to the biennial fee and modified in no other manner, except that the proportional fee shall be rounded off to the nearest quarter of a dollar (25¢).
(2) A licensee may renew a license within sixty (60) days following the license expiration date upon payment of the renewal fee in addition to a late penalty established by the board for each month or fraction of a month that payment for renewal is late; provided, that the late penalty shall not exceed twice the renewal fee. When any licensee fails to renew a license and pay the biennial renewal fee within sixty (60) days after renewal becomes due, as provided in this section, the license shall be automatically revoked at the expiration of sixty (60) days after the renewal was required without further notice or hearing.
(c) Any licensee whose license is automatically revoked as provided in subsection (b), may apply in writing to the board for reinstatement of such license, which may be granted by the board upon the payment of all past due fees and reinstatement fees established by the board, and upon further conditions as the board may require.
(d) Any person licensed to practice by this chapter who has retired or may hereafter retire from practice in this state shall not be made to register as required by this chapter if such person shall file with this board an affidavit of retirement form furnished by the board. The affidavit shall state the date on which the person retired from practice and such other facts as shall tend to verify such retirement as the board shall deem necessary. If the person thereafter wishes to reenter practice in this state, the person shall apply for licensure reactivation with the board, pay a reactivation fee as set by the board and shall meet such other reasonable requirements as may be deemed necessary by the board.
(e) The board shall have the authority to create a renewable inactive licensure status as it deems appropriate upon payment of an appropriate fee assessment and compliance with the requirements established by the board for those licensees who actively practice medicine in a state other than Tennessee.
(f) In order to ensure that the board has the most recent and accurate data on licensees and applicants for licensure within this state, the board shall cooperate with the Tennessee Medical Association by comparing and sharing computer data bases and other physician identification file information, including, without limitation, license numbers, medical education numbers, social security numbers, home and business address information and any other data of a similar, nonconfidential nature, for a reasonable charge.
Acts 1901, ch. 78, § 8; Shan., § 3609a21; mod. Code 1932, § 6926; impl. am. Acts 1947, ch. 9, §§ 2-4, 9; C. Supp. 1950, § 6926; Acts 1976, ch. 473, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 63-614; Acts 1984, ch. 937, § 32; 1986, ch. 675, § 5; 1989, ch. 360, §§ 23, 24; 1989, ch. 523, §§ 44, 45; 1993, ch. 404, § 11; 1996, ch. 1043, § 4; 2010 , ch. 1043, § 9.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-17-106 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 17 / Section 63-17-106
Compensation of board
Status: in_force

The board members shall receive no compensation for their services, but may receive 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 and other necessary expenses. 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. Acts 1973, ch. 93, § 6; 1976, ch. 806, § 1(122); 1981, ch. 167, § 1; T.C.A., § 63-1706.
The board members shall receive no compensation for their services, but may receive 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 and other necessary expenses. 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.
Acts 1973, ch. 93, § 6; 1976, ch. 806, § 1(122); 1981, ch. 167, § 1; T.C.A., § 63-1706.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-1-125 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 1 / Section 63-1-125
Kenneth and Madge Tullis, MD, Suicide Prevention Training Act
Status: in_force

(a) This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Kenneth and Madge Tullis, MD, Suicide Prevention Training Act." (b) As used in this section: (1) "Board" means a health-related board created in this title or title 68 and includes the: (A) Board for professional counselors, marital and family therapists, and clinical pastoral therapists, created by § 63-22-101 ; (B) Board of social work licensure, created by § 63-23-101 ; (C) Board of alcohol and drug abuse counselors, created by § 68-24-601 ; and (D) Board of occupational therapy, created by § 63-13-216 ; and (2) "Training program" means an empirically supported training program that covers the following elements: (A) Suicide prevention; (B) Suicide assessment and screening; (C) Suicide treatment; (D) Suicide management; and (E) Suicide postvention. (c) The department of mental health and substance abuse services shall: (1) Develop, in collaboration with the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network, a model list of training programs; (2) When developing the model list, consider training programs of at least two (2) hours in length that are based on expert consensus and adhere to high standards of suicide prevention; (3) When developing the model list, consult with the boards; public and private institutions of higher education; experts in suicide prevention, assessment, treatment, management, and postvention; and affected professional associations; and (4) Report, in collaboration with the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network, the model list of training programs to the department of health no later than December 15, 2017. (d) A board may approve a training program that excludes an element described in the definition of training program if the element is inappropriate for the profession in question or inappropriate for the level of licensure or credentialing of that profession based on the profession's scope of practice. (e) Beginning January 1, 2020, each of the following professionals certified or licensed under this title or title 68 shall, at least once every four (4) years, complete a training program that is approved by rule by the respective boards: (1) A social worker licensed under chapter 23 of this title; (2) A marriage and family therapist, professional counselor, or pastoral counselor certified or licensed under chapter 22 of this title; (3) An alcohol and drug abuse counselor certified under title 68, chapter 24; and (4) An occupational therapist licensed under chapter 13 of this title. (f) A professional listed in subsection (e) applying for initial licensure or certification on or after January 1, 2020, is not required to complete the training program required by this section for two (2) years after initial licensure or certification if the professional can demonstrate successful completion of a two-hour academic training program that meets criteria established by the profession's board and that was completed no more than two (2) years prior to the application for initial licensure or certification. (g) The hours spent completing the training program under this section count toward meeting any applicable continuing education requirements for each profession. (h) Nothing in this section expands or limits the scope of practice of any profession regulated under this title or title 68. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 131,s 1, eff. 4/9/2019. Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 396,s 1, eff. 5/18/2017.
(a) This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Kenneth and Madge Tullis, MD, Suicide Prevention Training Act."
(b) As used in this section: (1) "Board" means a health-related board created in this title or title 68 and includes the: (A) Board for professional counselors, marital and family therapists, and clinical pastoral therapists, created by § 63-22-101 ; (B) Board of social work licensure, created by § 63-23-101 ; (C) Board of alcohol and drug abuse counselors, created by § 68-24-601 ; and (D) Board of occupational therapy, created by § 63-13-216 ; and (2) "Training program" means an empirically supported training program that covers the following elements: (A) Suicide prevention; (B) Suicide assessment and screening; (C) Suicide treatment; (D) Suicide management; and (E) Suicide postvention.
(1) "Board" means a health-related board created in this title or title 68 and includes the: (A) Board for professional counselors, marital and family therapists, and clinical pastoral therapists, created by § 63-22-101 ; (B) Board of social work licensure, created by § 63-23-101 ; (C) Board of alcohol and drug abuse counselors, created by § 68-24-601 ; and (D) Board of occupational therapy, created by § 63-13-216 ; and
(A) Board for professional counselors, marital and family therapists, and clinical pastoral therapists, created by § 63-22-101 ;
(B) Board of social work licensure, created by § 63-23-101 ;
(C) Board of alcohol and drug abuse counselors, created by § 68-24-601 ; and
(D) Board of occupational therapy, created by § 63-13-216 ; and
(2) "Training program" means an empirically supported training program that covers the following elements: (A) Suicide prevention; (B) Suicide assessment and screening; (C) Suicide treatment; (D) Suicide management; and (E) Suicide postvention.
(A) Suicide prevention;
(B) Suicide assessment and screening;
(C) Suicide treatment;
(D) Suicide management; and
(E) Suicide postvention.
(c) The department of mental health and substance abuse services shall: (1) Develop, in collaboration with the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network, a model list of training programs; (2) When developing the model list, consider training programs of at least two (2) hours in length that are based on expert consensus and adhere to high standards of suicide prevention; (3) When developing the model list, consult with the boards; public and private institutions of higher education; experts in suicide prevention, assessment, treatment, management, and postvention; and affected professional associations; and (4) Report, in collaboration with the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network, the model list of training programs to the department of health no later than December 15, 2017.
(1) Develop, in collaboration with the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network, a model list of training programs;
(2) When developing the model list, consider training programs of at least two (2) hours in length that are based on expert consensus and adhere to high standards of suicide prevention;
(3) When developing the model list, consult with the boards; public and private institutions of higher education; experts in suicide prevention, assessment, treatment, management, and postvention; and affected professional associations; and
(4) Report, in collaboration with the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network, the model list of training programs to the department of health no later than December 15, 2017.
(d) A board may approve a training program that excludes an element described in the definition of training program if the element is inappropriate for the profession in question or inappropriate for the level of licensure or credentialing of that profession based on the profession's scope of practice.
(e) Beginning January 1, 2020, each of the following professionals certified or licensed under this title or title 68 shall, at least once every four (4) years, complete a training program that is approved by rule by the respective boards: (1) A social worker licensed under chapter 23 of this title; (2) A marriage and family therapist, professional counselor, or pastoral counselor certified or licensed under chapter 22 of this title; (3) An alcohol and drug abuse counselor certified under title 68, chapter 24; and (4) An occupational therapist licensed under chapter 13 of this title.
(1) A social worker licensed under chapter 23 of this title;
(2) A marriage and family therapist, professional counselor, or pastoral counselor certified or licensed under chapter 22 of this title;
(3) An alcohol and drug abuse counselor certified under title 68, chapter 24; and
(4) An occupational therapist licensed under chapter 13 of this title.
(f) A professional listed in subsection (e) applying for initial licensure or certification on or after January 1, 2020, is not required to complete the training program required by this section for two (2) years after initial licensure or certification if the professional can demonstrate successful completion of a two-hour academic training program that meets criteria established by the profession's board and that was completed no more than two (2) years prior to the application for initial licensure or certification.
(g) The hours spent completing the training program under this section count toward meeting any applicable continuing education requirements for each profession.
(h) Nothing in this section expands or limits the scope of practice of any profession regulated under this title or title 68.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 131,s 1, eff. 4/9/2019.
Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 396,s 1, eff. 5/18/2017.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-9-101 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 9 / Section 63-9-101
Board - Composition and terms of members - Administrative support
Status: in_force

(a) There shall be a board of osteopathic examination, referred to as "board" in this chapter, consisting of six (6) persons, appointed by the governor. One (1) of these persons shall be a citizen member who does not engage in any profession, business or activity subject to regulation by the board, and five (5) members shall be osteopathic physicians. These persons shall be residents of this state; and the five (5) osteopathic physician members shall be graduates of a legally chartered osteopathic college in good standing and having the power to confer degrees in osteopathic medicine and shall have been, at the time of their appointment, actively engaged in the practice of their profession for a period of at least five (5) years. 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. (b) Their terms of office shall be so designated by the governor that the term of one (1) member shall expire each year. Thereafter, in each year the governor shall appoint one (1) person to fill the vacancy on the board, the term of the appointee to be five (5) years. A vacancy occurring from any other cause shall be filled by the governor for the unexpired term in the same manner. (c) The board shall have a common seal and shall formulate rules to govern its actions. (d) The board shall receive administrative support from the division of health related boards, referred to as the "division" in this chapter. (e) The board is authorized to issue advisory private letter rulings to an affected licensee who makes such a request regarding matters within the board's primary jurisdiction. The private letter ruling only affects the licensee making the inquiry and has no precedential value for another inquiry or future contested case that might come before the board. The board may resolve a dispute regarding a private letter ruling pursuant to the declaratory order provisions of § 4-5-223 . Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 651,s 1, eff. 4/4/2024. Acts 1905, ch. 255, § 1; Shan., § 3654a4; mod. Code 1932, §7003; Acts 1939, ch. 150, §1; C. Supp. 1950, § 7003; Acts 1976, ch. 727, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 63-901; Acts 1984, ch. 937, §38; 1988, ch. 1013, § 47; 1994, ch. 901, § 4; 1996, ch. 1042, § 2.
(a) There shall be a board of osteopathic examination, referred to as "board" in this chapter, consisting of six (6) persons, appointed by the governor. One (1) of these persons shall be a citizen member who does not engage in any profession, business or activity subject to regulation by the board, and five (5) members shall be osteopathic physicians. These persons shall be residents of this state; and the five (5) osteopathic physician members shall be graduates of a legally chartered osteopathic college in good standing and having the power to confer degrees in osteopathic medicine and shall have been, at the time of their appointment, actively engaged in the practice of their profession for a period of at least five (5) years. 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.
(b) Their terms of office shall be so designated by the governor that the term of one (1) member shall expire each year. Thereafter, in each year the governor shall appoint one (1) person to fill the vacancy on the board, the term of the appointee to be five (5) years. A vacancy occurring from any other cause shall be filled by the governor for the unexpired term in the same manner.
(c) The board shall have a common seal and shall formulate rules to govern its actions.
(d) The board shall receive administrative support from the division of health related boards, referred to as the "division" in this chapter.
(e) The board is authorized to issue advisory private letter rulings to an affected licensee who makes such a request regarding matters within the board's primary jurisdiction. The private letter ruling only affects the licensee making the inquiry and has no precedential value for another inquiry or future contested case that might come before the board. The board may resolve a dispute regarding a private letter ruling pursuant to the declaratory order provisions of § 4-5-223 .
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 651,s 1, eff. 4/4/2024.
Acts 1905, ch. 255, § 1; Shan., § 3654a4; mod. Code 1932, §7003; Acts 1939, ch. 150, §1; C. Supp. 1950, § 7003; Acts 1976, ch. 727, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 63-901; Acts 1984, ch. 937, §38; 1988, ch. 1013, § 47; 1994, ch. 901, § 4; 1996, ch. 1042, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-8-108 — TN Code / Title 63 / Chapter 8 / Section 63-8-108
Quorum - Records of board
Status: in_force

(a) A majority of the members of the board shall at all times constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and the proceedings of the board shall be recorded in a minute book that shall be open at all reasonable times to public inspection. (b) The board shall keep a record book in which shall be registered the name, address and a certificate of fitness, a license, certificate of registration or permit of all persons legally entitled to practice optometry in this state, together with the names and addresses of those optometrists whose certificates or licenses have been suspended or revoked. Acts 1925, ch. 99, § 4; Shan. Supp., § 3654a12; Code 1932, § 7029; impl. am. Acts 1947, ch. 9, §§ 2-4, 9; C. Supp. 1950, §7029; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 63-808.
(a) A majority of the members of the board shall at all times constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and the proceedings of the board shall be recorded in a minute book that shall be open at all reasonable times to public inspection.
(b) The board shall keep a record book in which shall be registered the name, address and a certificate of fitness, a license, certificate of registration or permit of all persons legally entitled to practice optometry in this state, together with the names and addresses of those optometrists whose certificates or licenses have been suspended or revoked.
Acts 1925, ch. 99, § 4; Shan. Supp., § 3654a12; Code 1932, § 7029; impl. am. Acts 1947, ch. 9, §§ 2-4, 9; C. Supp. 1950, §7029; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 63-808.