reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 3 - VITAL RECORDS ACT OF 1977 (§§ 68-3-101 — 68-3-701) › Part 3 - BIRTHS (§§ 68-3-301 — 68-3-314) › Section 68-3-313 - New certificate of birth - Sealing of documents

(a)
(1)
All legal documents pertaining to the adoption, together with the certificate of birth in the original name, must be placed in an envelope and sealed following the preparation of the new certificate.
(2)
These sealed documents must be preserved in a fireproof vault in the department and must not be removed from that office, except by order of a court of competent jurisdiction.
(3)
The sealed documents must be opened by the state registrar for the purpose of issuing a copy of the certificate in the name at birth, upon receipt of a certified copy of an order of the court that granted the adoption or order of parentage or upon receipt of a directive from the department of children's services consistent with §§ 36-1-126 and 36-1-127.
(4)
Upon receipt of a certified copy of an order from the court of competent jurisdiction ordering the annulment of the order of adoption or order of parentage or the replacement of a certificate of birth in the original name in the system of record, the state registrar shall open the sealed documents, replace the certificate of birth in the original name where the certificate was originally filed, remove the new certificate, and place it under seal with the legal documents and the certified copy of the court order.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 945,s 14, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 101, s 29, eff. 7/1/2022.
Acts 1977, ch. 128, § 13; T.C.A. § 53-453; Acts 1995, ch. 532, § 16.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 3 - VITAL RECORDS ACT OF 1977 (§§ 68-3-101 — 68-3-701) › Part 3 - BIRTHS (§§ 68-3-301 — 68-3-314) › Section 68-3-314 - Notice to be provided to parent or legal guardian of newborn child regarding security freezes on records of individuals under 16 years of age

When a birth occurs:
(1)
In an institution or en route to an institution, the person in charge of the institution, or that person's designated representative, shall provide the notice described in §
47-18-2111(m)
, to the mother, father, or legal guardian of the child; or
(2)
On a moving conveyance as described in §
68-3-304
, the office of vital records shall provide the notice described in §
47-18-2111(m)
, to the mother, father, or legal guardian of the child in conjunction with any issued certificate of birth.
Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 282, s 2, eff. 1/1/2016.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 3 - VITAL RECORDS ACT OF 1977 (§§ 68-3-101 — 68-3-701) › Part 4 - MARRIAGES, ANNULMENTS AND DIVORCES (§§ 68-3-401 — 68-3-402) › Section 68-3-401 - Marriage registration

(a)
A record of each marriage performed in this state shall be filed with the office of vital records and shall be registered, if it has been completed and filed in accordance with this section.
(b)
The official who issues the marriage license shall prepare the record on the form prescribed and furnished by the state registrar on the basis of information obtained from the parties to be married. The form for a certificate of marriage shall contain a place for the recording of the married persons' social security numbers, and those numbers shall be recorded on the certificate and on any forms necessary to prepare such certificate. This information shall be provided in the record submitted to the office of vital records by the county clerk.
(c)
Every person who performs a marriage shall certify the fact of marriage and return the record to the official who issued the license within three (3) days after the ceremony.
(d)
Every official issuing marriage licenses shall complete and forward to the office of vital records, on or before the tenth day of each calendar month, the records of marriages filed with the official during the preceding calendar month.
(e)
A marriage record not filed within the time prescribed by statute may be registered in accordance with regulations of the office of vital records.
(f)
If a license to marry has been obtained by incorrect identification, the fraudulent record shall be voided and a correct certificate of marriage placed on file by order of the court in the county where the license was issued, in accordance with regulations established by the department.
Acts 1977, ch. 128, § 19; T.C.A., § 53-461; Acts 1997, ch. 551, § 32; 2008, ch. 924, § 15.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 3 - VITAL RECORDS ACT OF 1977 (§§ 68-3-101 — 68-3-701) › Part 4 - MARRIAGES, ANNULMENTS AND DIVORCES (§§ 68-3-401 — 68-3-402) › Section 68-3-402 - Divorce, dissolution of marriage, and annulment - Registration

(a)
For each divorce, dissolution of marriage, or annulment granted by any court in this state, a record shall be filed by the clerk of the court with the office of vital records and shall be registered, if it has been completed and filed in accordance with this section.
(b)
The clerk of the court shall complete and forward to the office of vital records, on or before the tenth day of each calendar month, the record of each divorce, dissolution of marriage, or annulment filed with the clerk during the preceding calendar month. The form for a certificate of divorce shall contain a place for the recording of the divorced persons' social security numbers and such numbers shall be recorded on the certificate and any forms necessary to prepare such certificate. This information shall be provided in the record submitted to the office of vital records by the court clerk.
Acts 1977, ch. 128, § 20; T.C.A., § 53-462; Acts 1997, ch. 551, § 33; 2005, ch. 429, § 16.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 3 - VITAL RECORDS ACT OF 1977 (§§ 68-3-101 — 68-3-701) › Part 5 - DEATHS (§§ 68-3-501 — 68-3-514) › Section 68-3-501 - Uniform Determination of Death Act

(a)
This section may be cited as the "Uniform Determination of Death Act."
(b)
An individual who has sustained either:
(1)
Irreversible cessation of circulatory and respiratory functions; or
(2)
Irreversible cessation of all functions of the entire brain, including the brain stem; is dead. A determination of death must be made in accordance with accepted medical standards.
(c)
This section shall be applied and construed to effectuate its general purpose to make uniform the law with respect to the subject of this section among states enacting it.
Acts 1976, ch. 780, § 1; 1982, ch. 763, §§ 1-4; T.C.A., § 53-459.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 3 - VITAL RECORDS ACT OF 1977 (§§ 68-3-101 — 68-3-701) › Part 5 - DEATHS (§§ 68-3-501 — 68-3-514) › Section 68-3-503 - Delayed registration of death

(a)
When a death occurring in this state has not been registered within the time period prescribed by §
68-3-502
, a certificate may be filed in accordance with the regulations of the department. The certificate shall be registered subject to such evidentiary requirements as the department shall, by regulation, prescribe to substantiate the alleged facts of death.
(b)
Certificates of death registered six (6) months or more after the date of death shall be marked "delayed."
Acts 1977, ch. 128, § 15; T.C.A., § 53-472.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 3 - VITAL RECORDS ACT OF 1977 (§§ 68-3-101 — 68-3-701) › Part 5 - DEATHS (§§ 68-3-501 — 68-3-514) › Section 68-3-504 - Reports of fetal death

(a)
(1)
Each fetal death of three hundred fifty (350) grams or more or of twenty (20) completed weeks' gestation or more, that occurs in this state, shall be reported to the office of vital records within ten (10) days after delivery.
(2)
When a dead fetus is delivered in an institution, the person in charge of the institution, or the person's designated representative, shall prepare and file the report.
(3)
When a dead fetus is delivered outside an institution, the physician in attendance at or immediately after the delivery shall prepare and file the report.
(b)
The name of the father shall be entered on the fetal death report, in accordance with §
68-3-305
.
(c)
When a fetal death required to be reported by this section occurs without medical attendance at or immediately after the delivery, or when inquiry is required, the medical examiner shall investigate the cause and shall prepare and file the report.
Acts 1977, ch. 128, § 16; 1979, ch. 117, § 1; T.C.A., § 53-473; Acts 1998, ch. 969, §§ 1, 2; 2010 , ch. 778, §§ 2, 4.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 3 - VITAL RECORDS ACT OF 1977 (§§ 68-3-101 — 68-3-701) › Part 5 - DEATHS (§§ 68-3-501 — 68-3-514) › Section 68-3-505 - Reports of abortions - Information to be included

(a)
Each induced termination of pregnancy that occurs in this state shall be reported to the office of vital records within ten (10) days after the procedure by the person in charge of the institution in which the induced termination of pregnancy was performed. If the induced termination of pregnancy was performed outside an institution, the attending physician shall prepare and file the report. Each such report shall indicate whether the abortion involved a surgical procedure and, if so, which method was employed, and shall indicate which method authorized by §
39-15-219
was employed to dispose of the aborted fetus or aborted fetal tissue. If the aborted fetus or aborted fetal tissue was transferred to a third party for disposition, the report shall indicate the name and address of the third party and the date of the transfer.
(b)
The individual undergoing the induced termination of pregnancy shall not be identified by name on the report, though some means of identification shall be used to provide retrieval of further information if necessary.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 348, s 4, eff. 5/6/2021.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1003, s 4, eff. 4/27/2016.
Acts 1977, ch. 128, § 17; T.C.A., § 53-474.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 3 - VITAL RECORDS ACT OF 1977 (§§ 68-3-101 — 68-3-701) › Part 5 - DEATHS (§§ 68-3-501 — 68-3-514) › Section 68-3-506 - Authorization for final disposition of a dead fetus

(a)
Prior to final disposition of fetal remains in accordance with §
39-15-219
, regardless of the duration of pregnancy, the funeral director, the person in charge of the institution, or other person assuming responsibility for final disposition of the fetus, shall obtain from the mother authorization for final disposition on a form prescribed and furnished, or approved by the state registrar.
(b)
When the demise of the fetus is the result of a surgical abortion, a copy of the mother's authorization for disposition, specifying the means of the disposition, shall be appended to the informed consent signed by the mother prior to the procedure pursuant to §
39-15-202
.
(c)
After final disposition, the authorization shall be retained for a period of three (3) years by the funeral director, the person in charge of the institution, or other person making the final disposition.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 348, s 5, eff. 5/6/2021.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1003, s 5, eff. 4/27/2016.
Acts 1977, ch. 128, § 18; T.C.A., § 53-475.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 3 - VITAL RECORDS ACT OF 1977 (§§ 68-3-101 — 68-3-701) › Part 5 - DEATHS (§§ 68-3-501 — 68-3-514) › Section 68-3-507 - Moving body from place of death

With the consent of the physician or medical examiner who is to certify the cause of death, a body may be moved from the place of death for the purpose of being prepared for final disposition.
Acts 1977, ch. 128, § 18; T.C.A., § 53-476.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 3 - VITAL RECORDS ACT OF 1977 (§§ 68-3-101 — 68-3-701) › Part 5 - DEATHS (§§ 68-3-501 — 68-3-514) › Section 68-3-508 - Disinterment and reinterment

(a)
Authorization for disinterment and reinterment, in cases of movement of cemeteries or parts of cemeteries or for reuniting families, shall be required prior to disinterment of a dead body or fetus.
(b)
Authorization shall be issued by the state registrar to a licensed funeral director or person acting as funeral director, upon proper application.
Acts 1977, ch. 128, § 18; T.C.A., § 53-477.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 3 - VITAL RECORDS ACT OF 1977 (§§ 68-3-101 — 68-3-701) › Part 5 - DEATHS (§§ 68-3-501 — 68-3-514) › Section 68-3-509 - Commemorative certificates of nonviable birth

(a)
As used in this section:
(1)
"Commemorative certificate" means a document commemorating a nonviable birth;
(2)
"Department" means the department of health; and
(3)
"Nonviable birth" means an unintentional, spontaneous fetal demise occurring prior to the twentieth week of gestation during a pregnancy that has been verified by a healthcare practitioner.
(b)
(1)
A healthcare practitioner licensed pursuant to title 63 who attends or diagnoses a nonviable birth, or a healthcare facility licensed pursuant to this title at which a nonviable birth occurs, may, based on the practitioner's best medical judgement and knowledge of the patient, advise a patient who experiences a nonviable birth that the patient may request a commemorative certificate from the department of health as provided in this section. The healthcare practitioner may delegate this duty to the practitioner's designee. The healthcare practitioner or the practitioner's designee shall provide the patient with a form provided by the department pursuant to subdivision (b)(2) and executed by the healthcare practitioner or the practitioner's designee.
(2)
The department shall provide on the department's website a form to be executed by a healthcare practitioner or the practitioner's designee affirming that a patient experienced a nonviable birth that the healthcare practitioner attended or diagnosed.
(c)
Upon the request of the patient and submission of the executed form, the department shall issue a commemorative certificate within sixty (60) days after receipt of the request. The department shall charge a fee not to exceed its actual cost for issuing the commemorative certificate.
(d)
(1)
The commemorative certificate must contain the name of the fetus and the sex, if known. If the name is not furnished by the patient, the department shall fill in the commemorative certificate with the name Baby Boy or Baby Girl and the last name of the patient, and if the sex of the child is also unknown, the department shall fill in the commemorative certificate with the name Baby and the last name of the patient.
(2)
The following statement must appear on the front of the commemorative certificate:
This commemorative certificate is not proof of a live birth.
(e)
The department shall not register the birth associated with a commemorative certificate issued under this section or use it to calculate live birth statistics. The commemorative certificate is commemorative in nature and has no legal effect.
(f)
A commemorative certificate issued under this section must not be used to establish, bring, or support a civil cause of action seeking damages against any person or entity for bodily injury, personal injury, or wrongful death for a nonviable birth.
(g)
A commemorative certificate issued under this section is not a public record.
Added by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 156,s 1, eff. 4/18/2019.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 3 - VITAL RECORDS ACT OF 1977 (§§ 68-3-101 — 68-3-701) › Part 5 - DEATHS (§§ 68-3-501 — 68-3-514) › Section 68-3-510 - Records kept by persons releasing, moving or disposing of dead body or fetus

(a)
When a dead body is released or disposed of by an institution, the person in charge of the institution shall keep a record showing the name of the deceased, date of death, name and address of the person to whom the body is released, date of removal from the institution, or if finally disposed of by the institution, the date, place and manner of disposition.
(b)
A funeral director, embalmer or other person who removes from the place of death or transports or finally disposes of a dead body or fetus, in addition to filing any certificate or other report required by this chapter or regulations promulgated under this chapter, shall keep a record, which shall identify the body, and such information pertaining to this receipt, removal and delivery of the body as may be provided in regulations adopted by the department.
Acts 1977, ch. 128, § 26; T.C.A., § 53-479.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 3 - VITAL RECORDS ACT OF 1977 (§§ 68-3-101 — 68-3-701) › Part 5 - DEATHS (§§ 68-3-501 — 68-3-514) › Section 68-3-512 - Death determination and pronouncement by physician assistant

The determination and pronouncement of death may be made by a physician assistant licensed under title 63, chapter 19, part 1, so long as this task is expressly included in the written protocol developed jointly by the physician assistant and the collaborating physician setting forth the range of services that may be performed by that physician assistant.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 610,s 41, eff. 7/1/2018.
Acts 2005, ch. 333, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 3 - VITAL RECORDS ACT OF 1977 (§§ 68-3-101 — 68-3-701) › Part 5 - DEATHS (§§ 68-3-501 — 68-3-514) › Section 68-3-513 - Immunity from civil suit

Any physician who in good faith complies with §
68-3-502(c)-(g)
shall be immune from civil suit for damages.
Acts 2008 , ch. 866, § 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 3 - VITAL RECORDS ACT OF 1977 (§§ 68-3-101 — 68-3-701) › Part 6 - MATERNAL MORTALITY REVIEW AND PROTECTION ACT OF 2016 (§§ 68-3-601 — 68-3-612) › Section 68-3-601 - Short title

This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Maternal Mortality Review and Prevention Act of 2016."
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 987,s 2, eff. 1/1/2017.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 3 - VITAL RECORDS ACT OF 1977 (§§ 68-3-101 — 68-3-701) › Part 6 - MATERNAL MORTALITY REVIEW AND PROTECTION ACT OF 2016 (§§ 68-3-601 — 68-3-612) › Section 68-3-602 - Findings - Definitions

(a)
The general assembly finds that:
(1)
Maternal deaths are a serious public health concern and have a tremendous family and societal impact;
(2)
Maternal deaths are significantly underestimated and inadequately documented, preventing efforts to identify and reduce or eliminate the causes of death;
(3)
No processes exist in this state for the confidential identification, investigation, or dissemination of findings regarding maternal deaths;
(4)
The centers for disease control and prevention has determined that maternal deaths should be investigated through state-based maternal mortality reviews in order to institute the systemic changes needed to decrease maternal mortality; and
(5)
There is a need to establish a program to review maternal deaths and to develop strategies for the prevention of maternal deaths in this state.
(b)
As used in this part:
(1)
"Department" means the department of health;
(2)
"Maternal death" or "maternal mortality" means a:
(A)
Pregnancy-associated death;
(B)
Pregnancy-related death; or
(C)
Pregnancy-associated but not a pregnancy-related death;
(3)
"Pregnancy-associated, but not pregnancy-related death" means the death of a woman while pregnant or within one (1) year following the end of pregnancy, due to a cause unrelated to the pregnancy; and
(4)
"Pregnancy-associated death" means the death of a woman while pregnant or within one (1) year of the end of her pregnancy, irrespective of the cause of death and regardless of the duration or site of the pregnancy;
(5)
"Pregnancy-related death" means the death of a woman while pregnant or within one (1) year of the end of her pregnancy, regardless of the duration or site of the pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management, but not from accidental or incidental causes.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 987, s 3, eff. 1/1/2017.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 3 - VITAL RECORDS ACT OF 1977 (§§ 68-3-101 — 68-3-701) › Part 6 - MATERNAL MORTALITY REVIEW AND PROTECTION ACT OF 2016 (§§ 68-3-601 — 68-3-612) › Section 68-3-603 - Maternal mortality review program

The commissioner of health is authorized to create the Tennessee maternal mortality review program. The intent of the Tennessee maternal mortality review program is to identify and address the factors contributing to poor pregnancy outcomes for women and facilitate state systems changes to improve the health of women before, during and after pregnancy.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 987,s 4, eff. 1/1/2017.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 3 - VITAL RECORDS ACT OF 1977 (§§ 68-3-101 — 68-3-701) › Part 6 - MATERNAL MORTALITY REVIEW AND PROTECTION ACT OF 2016 (§§ 68-3-601 — 68-3-612) › Section 68-3-604 - Maternal mortality review and prevention team

There is created the Tennessee maternal mortality review and prevention team, otherwise known as the state team. For administrative purposes only, the state team shall be attached to the department of health.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 987,s 5, eff. 1/1/2017.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 3 - VITAL RECORDS ACT OF 1977 (§§ 68-3-101 — 68-3-701) › Part 6 - MATERNAL MORTALITY REVIEW AND PROTECTION ACT OF 2016 (§§ 68-3-601 — 68-3-612) › Section 68-3-605 - Composition of state team

The composition of the state team shall include:
(1)
The commissioner of health or the commissioner's designee;
(2)
The state maternal and child health director or the director's designee;
(3)
A physician licensed or certified under title 63, chapter 6 or 9, with training in obstetrics;
(4)
A physician licensed or certified under title 63, chapter 6 or 9, with training in neonatology;
(5)
A hospital-based nurse with experience in obstetrics, labor and delivery, postpartum, or maternity care;
(6)
The chief medical examiner or the examiner's designee;
(7)
The chair of the health and welfare committee of the senate, or the chair's designee;
(8)
The chair of the health committee of the house of representatives, or the chair's designee; and
(9)
Four (4) members appointed by the commissioner of health who are from community-based organizations and include:
(A)
One (1) member from the middle grand division of this state, as defined in § 4-1-203;
(B)
One (1) member from the eastern grand division of this state, as defined in § 4-1-202; and
(C)
Two (2) members from the western grand division of this state, as defined in § 4-1-204, including:
(i)
One (1) member from a municipality with a population of not less than six hundred thirty-three thousand one hundred (633,100) and not more than six hundred thirty-three thousand two hundred (633,200), according to the 2020 federal census or a subsequent federal census; and
(ii)
One (1) member from a municipality with a population of not less than sixty-eight thousand two hundred (68,200) and not more than sixty-eight thousand two hundred ten (68,210), according to the 2020 federal census or a subsequent federal census; and
(10)
Additional members as determined by the department, including representatives from multiple disciplines and relevant community-based organizations as necessary to fulfill the intent of this part.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 834,s 1, eff. 7/1/2024.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 987, s 6, eff. 1/1/2017.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 3 - VITAL RECORDS ACT OF 1977 (§§ 68-3-101 — 68-3-701) › Part 6 - MATERNAL MORTALITY REVIEW AND PROTECTION ACT OF 2016 (§§ 68-3-601 — 68-3-612) › Section 68-3-606 - Voting members - Vacancies

All members of the state team shall be voting members. All vacancies shall be filled by the appointing or designating authority in accordance with the rules promulgated under §
68-3-612
.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 987, s 7, eff. 1/1/2017.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 3 - VITAL RECORDS ACT OF 1977 (§§ 68-3-101 — 68-3-701) › Part 6 - MATERNAL MORTALITY REVIEW AND PROTECTION ACT OF 2016 (§§ 68-3-601 — 68-3-612) › Section 68-3-607 - Duties of state team

The state team shall:
(1)
Review maternal deaths according to rules established under this part;
(2)
Make determinations regarding the preventability of maternal deaths;
(3)
Report at least annually to the governor and the general assembly concerning the state team's activities and its recommendations for changes to any law, rule, or policy that would promote the safety and well-being of women and prevention of maternal deaths; and
(4)
Undertake annual statistical studies of the incidents and causes of maternal mortality in this state and disseminate findings and recommendations to policy makers, healthcare providers, healthcare facilities, and the general public.
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 679, s 1, eff. 6/15/2020.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 987, s 8, eff. 1/1/2017.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 3 - VITAL RECORDS ACT OF 1977 (§§ 68-3-101 — 68-3-701) › Part 6 - MATERNAL MORTALITY REVIEW AND PROTECTION ACT OF 2016 (§§ 68-3-601 — 68-3-612) › Section 68-3-609 - Staff or consultants

To the extent of funds available, the state team may hire staff or consultants to assist the state team in completing their duties.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 987,s 10, eff. 1/1/2017.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 3 - VITAL RECORDS ACT OF 1977 (§§ 68-3-101 — 68-3-701) › Part 6 - MATERNAL MORTALITY REVIEW AND PROTECTION ACT OF 2016 (§§ 68-3-601 — 68-3-612) › Section 68-3-610 - Immunity

A person or facility acting in good faith in compliance with this part shall be immune from civil and criminal liability arising from such action.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 987,s 11, eff. 1/1/2017.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 3 - VITAL RECORDS ACT OF 1977 (§§ 68-3-101 — 68-3-701) › Part 6 - MATERNAL MORTALITY REVIEW AND PROTECTION ACT OF 2016 (§§ 68-3-601 — 68-3-612) › Section 68-3-611 - Maternal death investigations and reviews

Nothing in this part shall preclude any maternal death investigations or reviews to the extent authorized by any other law.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 987,s 12, eff. 1/1/2017.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 3 - VITAL RECORDS ACT OF 1977 (§§ 68-3-101 — 68-3-701) › Part 6 - MATERNAL MORTALITY REVIEW AND PROTECTION ACT OF 2016 (§§ 68-3-601 — 68-3-612) › Section 68-3-612 - Promulgation of rules

The commissioner of health is authorized to promulgate such rules, pursuant to the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, as are necessary to carry out the intent of this part. The rules authorized pursuant to this section may address, but not be limited to, the following:
(1)
The procedures by which healthcare providers, healthcare facilities, and other parties identify and report maternal deaths to the department or as directed by the department;
(2)
The protocols, procedures, methods, manner, and extent of all investigations and reviews; and
(3)
The manner in and extent to which information shall be disseminated in accordance with the intent of this part.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 987,s 13, eff. 1/1/2017.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 4 - DISPOSITION OF DEAD BODIES (§§ 68-4-101 — 68-4-113) › Section 68-4-101 - Notice of death occurring while receiving medical attention or in institution - Action taken upon expiration of eight hours - Penalty

(a)
When any person dies in a doctor's office, or any clinic, hospital or state, county or city institution, it is unlawful for any doctor, nurse, attendant, orderly, janitor or bookkeeper, or anyone, to call an undertaker without first making an effort to contact a relative of the person, if the person has any known kin in the county where the person died, so as to give the kin or relative the right to call an undertaker or crematory of the next of kin's or relative's choice.
(b)
In the event kin or relatives are not available or are not known, or should the next of kin fail or refuse to summon an undertaker or crematory or to dispose of the body in some manner within eight (8) hours after the death of the person, then the doctor, hospital, clinic or other institution may summon an undertaker to take over the body.
(c)
In the event the next of kin refuses to summon an undertaker or crematory or dispose of the body in some manner immediately, then the doctor, hospital, clinic or institution may summon some undertaker to take over the body.
(d)
Any doctor, nurse, attendant, orderly, janitor or bookkeeper or anyone connected with the office, hospital, clinic or institution violating subsection (a) commits a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1953, ch. 152, §§ 1-3 (Williams, § 5717.39); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 53-501 -- 53-503; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 4 - DISPOSITION OF DEAD BODIES (§§ 68-4-101 — 68-4-113) › Section 68-4-102 - Disposition of unclaimed bodies of persons dying in charitable or penal institutions or to be buried at public expense

(a)
In order to promote medical and surgical science, and to provide for the disposition of unclaimed bodies of persons who die in any charitable or penal institutions, or are delivered to a public official for the purpose of burial at public expense, the chief medical examiner appointed pursuant to §
38-7-102
shall direct the disposition of unclaimed dead bodies, except those of honorably discharged veterans, which shall be interred as directed by the commissioner of veterans services, or the commissioner's representative, superseding other provisions of §§
68-4-102
- 68-4-109.
(b)
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 1947, ch. 163, § 1; C. Supp. 1950, § 2569.8 (Williams, § 5379.1); Acts 1955, ch. 34, § 1; 1976, ch. 806, § 1(15); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 53-504; Acts 1990, ch. 598, § 3; 1996, ch. 744, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 4 - DISPOSITION OF DEAD BODIES (§§ 68-4-101 — 68-4-113) › Section 68-4-104 - Distribution of bodies among medical, dental and anthropologic institutions - Receiving institution to pay expense

(a)
The chief medical examiner, upon receiving the bodies or notification of the availability of the bodies as provided in this chapter, shall distribute them among the medical, dental and anthropologic institutions of this state regularly chartered and in active operation as prescribed in §§
68-4-102
- 68-4-109, and shall not give, sell or deliver any body to any other person, firm, society, association or corporation.
(b)
Bodies shall be distributed by the chief medical examiner to the institution that is closest to the location of the body and that has indicated a current need for bodies for the purposes authorized by this chapter.
(c)
The institution receiving any body shall bear all the expense incident to the transportation of the body from the institution where death occurred, and its delivery to the institution receiving it.
Acts 1947, ch. 163, § 3; C. Supp. 1950, § 2569.10 (Williams, § 5379.3); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 53-506; Acts 1984, ch. 525, § 5; 1990, ch. 598, § 5.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 4 - DISPOSITION OF DEAD BODIES (§§ 68-4-101 — 68-4-113) › Section 68-4-105 - Bodies to be used only for promotion of science - Surrender to relative upon demand

(a)
The institution receiving a body shall use it only within this state and for the purpose of medical and dental, surgical or anatomical study and for the promotion of science alone.
(b)
If, at any time before or after such use of the body, it is claimed for burial by any relatives of the deceased person, at their expense, or in the case of a veteran's body, the commissioner of veterans services, then the institution shall surrender the body.
(c)
If, at any time, the institution elects to discontinue use of the unclaimed body for the purposes prescribed in this section, the institution shall summon a funeral director to take over the body at the expense of the institution.
Acts 1947, ch. 163, § 4; C. Supp. 1950, § 2569.11 (Williams, § 5379.4); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 53-507; Acts 1996, ch. 744, §§ 3, 4.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 4 - DISPOSITION OF DEAD BODIES (§§ 68-4-101 — 68-4-113) › Section 68-4-106 - Resolution of conflict regarding the person authorized to direct disposition of remains in the event of death when military personnel in a duty status

(a)
As used in this section, "DD Form 93" means the form used by the department of defense as a record of emergency data required to be completed by military personnel, a portion of which is used by military personnel to designate the person authorized to direct disposition of their remains (PADD) in the event of death when military personnel are in a duty status as defined in
10 U.S.C. § 1481
.
(b)
If a member of the military has executed any of the following documents:
(1)
A durable power of attorney for health care executed pursuant to title 34, chapter 6, part 2;
(2)
An advance directive executed pursuant to chapter 11, part 18 of this title;
(3)
A donor card or other directive executed pursuant to the Revised Uniform Anatomical Gift Act, compiled in chapter 30, part 1 of this title;
(4)
A living will, executed pursuant to title 32, chapter 11;
(5)
A will executed pursuant to title 32 or validly executed pursuant to any other law; or
(6)
Any other document properly executed pursuant to law relating to the disposition of the person's remains; and such member of the military has also executed a DD Form 93, then notwithstanding the provisions of law identified in subdivisions (b)(1)-(6) or documents executed thereunder, if there is a conflict between the person designated in any document identified in subdivisions (b)(1)-(6) and the PADD in the DD Form 93, the PADD designated in the DD Form 93 shall be the person to make the decisions concerning the disposition of the remains of the member of the military executing the DD Form 93 when a member of the military is in a duty status defined in
10 U.S.C. § 1481
.
Acts 2010 , ch. 702, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 4 - DISPOSITION OF DEAD BODIES (§§ 68-4-101 — 68-4-113) › Section 68-4-107 - Penalty for violations of Sections 68-4-102 - 68-4-109

Any person, firm, board, corporation or association who violates any provision of §§
68-4-102
- 68-4-109 commits a Class B misdemeanor.
Acts 1947, ch. 163, § 6; C. Supp. 1950, § 2569.13 (Williams, § 5379.6); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 53-509; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 112.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 4 - DISPOSITION OF DEAD BODIES (§§ 68-4-101 — 68-4-113) › Section 68-4-108 - Expenses to be borne by medical, dental and anthropologic institutions

No expense that may be incurred in the execution of any part of §§
68-4-102
- 68-4-109 shall be a charge upon the state or any county or municipality, or any officer or agent thereof, but all such expenses, whether for compensation, salary, transportation or otherwise shall be borne by the medical, dental and anthropologic institutions as provided in this chapter.
Acts 1947, ch. 163, § 7; C. Supp. 1950, § 2569.14 (Williams, § 5379.7); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 53-510; Acts 1990, ch. 598, § 6.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 4 - DISPOSITION OF DEAD BODIES (§§ 68-4-101 — 68-4-113) › Section 68-4-109 - Immunity from civil suit

The chief medical examiner or the chief medical examiner's representative, any medical school, dental school, anthropologic school, or other person or organization that in good faith complies with §§
68-4-102
- 68-4-109 shall be granted immunity from civil suit for damages in performing the authorized services.
Acts 1947, ch. 163, § 8; C. Supp. 1950, § 2569.15 (Williams, § 5379.8); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 53-511; Acts 1990, ch. 598, § 7.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 4 - DISPOSITION OF DEAD BODIES (§§ 68-4-101 — 68-4-113) › Section 68-4-110 - Regulations governing disinterment

(a)
The department of health is empowered to prepare suitable regulations governing the disinterment of dead bodies for the protection of public health.
(b)
The department of health may not require permits for the disinterment of a wrongfully buried decedent if the disinterment is pursuant to §
46-1-112
and the cemetery operator follows all procedures as set out in that section.
Acts 1879, ch. 43, § 1; Shan., § 3117; Code 1932, § 5825; Acts 1939, ch. 32, § 1; C. Supp. 1950, § 5825; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 53-512; Acts 2009 , ch. 356, § 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 4 - DISPOSITION OF DEAD BODIES (§§ 68-4-101 — 68-4-113) › Section 68-4-111 - Autopsy by consent of persons having custody of body

(a)
A physician holding an unlimited license to practice medicine under the laws of Tennessee is deemed to have been legally authorized to perform an autopsy upon the body of a deceased person, when the autopsy has been consented to by the person assuming custody of the body for the purposes of burial, such as the surviving spouse, the father, the mother, a child, a guardian, next of kin, or in the absence of any of the foregoing, such governmental agencies as charged by law with the responsibility for burial. If two (2) or more such persons assume custody of the body, the consent of one (1) of them shall be deemed sufficient legal authorization for the performance of the autopsy.
(b)
Nothing contained in this section shall be construed as repealing, amending or in any way affecting §
38-1-104
, which prescribes the procedure by which district attorneys general may petition for an autopsy, nor §
38-5-107
, which prescribes the procedure by which coroners may summon as a witness a surgeon or physician to make examination of a dead body, including the performing of an autopsy.
Acts 1955, ch. 221, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A., § 53-513.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 4 - DISPOSITION OF DEAD BODIES (§§ 68-4-101 — 68-4-113) › Section 68-4-112 - Rigid containers not mandatory for remains of certain children

A rigid receptacle or rigid container shall not be a mandatory requirement for the burial, entombment, or other final disposition of the remains of a person who was not more than twelve (12) years of age at the time of death.
Acts 1981, ch. 59, § 1; T.C.A., § 53-514.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 4 - DISPOSITION OF DEAD BODIES (§§ 68-4-101 — 68-4-113) › Section 68-4-113 - Cremation of unclaimed dead body

Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the coroner, medical investigator or county medical examiner may direct the cremation of an unclaimed dead body; provided, that:
(1)
Proper notice is given in accordance with §
68-4-103
; and
(2)
The body is held for the time period provided in §
68-4-103
.
Added by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 287, s 1, eff. 4/25/2013.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 5 - PREVENTION OF DISEASES (§§ 68-5-101 — 68-5-906) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 68-5-101 — 68-5-117) › Section 68-5-101 - Notice to be given of communicable diseases in a household

Whenever any case of communicable disease exists, except it shall not embrace any venereal disease, such as gonorrhea or syphilis, or is even suspected to exist in any household, it is the duty of the head of the household, or any other person in the household possessing knowledge of the facts, immediately to notify the municipal or county health authorities of the town or county in which the disease or diseases exist or may be supposed to exist.
Acts 1905, ch. 519, § 1; Shan., § 3112; mod. Code 1932, § 5789; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 53-604.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 5 - PREVENTION OF DISEASES (§§ 68-5-101 — 68-5-906) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 68-5-101 — 68-5-117) › Section 68-5-102 - Required notifications regarding diagnosed communicable and other disease and related deaths

Whenever any physician, surgeon or practitioner of medicine knows or suspects that any person whom the physician, surgeon or practitioner of medicine has been called to visit, or who has been brought to the physician, surgeon or practitioner of medicine for examination, or any other suspicious information received relative thereto, is infected, or even so suspected, with any communicable disease, except venereal disease, such physician, surgeon or practitioner of medicine shall immediately notify the health authorities of the town or county in which the diseased person or persons are found. In the event of the death of such person, the physician, surgeon or practitioner of medicine shall also notify, or cause to be notified, at the time of delivery, the person to whom the body is delivered of the known or suspected communicable, contagious or infectious disease, including acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), so that the necessary and proper precautions can be taken in the handling, preparation for disposition or disposition of the body.
Acts 1905, ch. 519, § 2; Shan., § 3113; Code 1932, § 5790; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 53-605; Acts 1986, ch. 559, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 5 - PREVENTION OF DISEASES (§§ 68-5-101 — 68-5-906) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 68-5-101 — 68-5-117) › Section 68-5-103 - City or county health authorities to carry out rules and regulations of department

It is the duty of all municipal or county health authorities, without delay, upon receiving the notice pursuant to §
68-5-102
immediately to proceed to carry out such rules and regulations as the department of health may prescribe, having for their object the prevention and restrictions of such disease or diseases.
Acts 1905, ch. 519, § 3; Shan., § 3114; impl. am. Acts 1923, ch. 7, § 46; Code 1932, § 5791; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 53-606.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 5 - PREVENTION OF DISEASES (§§ 68-5-101 — 68-5-906) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 68-5-101 — 68-5-117) › Section 68-5-104 - Quarantine - Penalty for escape

(a)
(1)
It is the duty of the local health authorities, on receipt of a report of a case, or suspected case, of disease declared to be communicable, contagious, or one which has been declared by the commissioner of health to be subject to isolation or quarantine, to confirm or establish the diagnosis, to determine the source or cause of the disease and to take such steps as may be necessary to isolate or quarantine the case or premise upon which the case, cause or source may be found, as may be required by the rules and regulations of the state department of health.
(2)
The commissioner is authorized and directed to promulgate and publish such rules and regulations as may be necessary to prevent the spread of contagious or communicable diseases in order to protect the public health and welfare.
(b)
Any person isolated or quarantined in accordance with any statute or rule or regulation promulgated and published in accordance with statutes relating to isolation or quarantine, who willfully escapes from such isolation or quarantine, commits a Class B misdemeanor.
(c)
Whenever any one of the local health authorities, either municipal or county as the case may be, isolates, quarantines or placards any person or house for communicable diseases, it is the duty of the health official to deliver or cause to be delivered to the head of the household a copy of this law or such portion of this law as may pertain to the particular case under consideration.
Acts 1905, ch. 519, §§ 3, 12; Shan., §§ 3114a1, 3114a2, 3114a11; Code 1932, §§ 5792, 5793, 5802; Acts 1957, ch. 14, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 53-607, 53-608, 53-617; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 112.