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 2 - LOCAL HEALTH SERVICES (§§ 68-2-101 — 68-2-1001) › Part 6 - COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENTS (§§ 68-2-601 — 68-2-611) › Section 68-2-602 - Violations of rules and regulations of county board - Penalty

Any person who violates a county board of health regulation commits a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1985, ch. 172, § 1; 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 2 - LOCAL HEALTH SERVICES (§§ 68-2-101 — 68-2-1001) › Part 6 - COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENTS (§§ 68-2-601 — 68-2-611) › Section 68-2-604 - Office facilities for county department of health - Appropriations

(a)
The county legislative body is required to provide necessary office facilities, and to appropriate money necessary for the maintenance of the county health department.
(b)
The state department of health may participate with the county in the cost of construction and renovation of county health department facilities, subject to availability of state funds.
Acts 1985, ch. 172, § 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 2 - LOCAL HEALTH SERVICES (§§ 68-2-101 — 68-2-1001) › Part 6 - COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENTS (§§ 68-2-601 — 68-2-611) › Section 68-2-605 - Municipal maintenance of county health departments - Taxes

Municipalities located in counties establishing county health departments are empowered to cooperate in the maintenance of county health departments, and to have the county health departments serve as departments for the municipalities, and are authorized to incur the expenses necessary for their proportionate part in the establishment and maintenance of the county health departments, and to levy and collect taxes upon all of the property within the jurisdiction of the municipalities, as may be necessary to meet and pay the expenses.
Acts 1985, ch. 172, § 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 2 - LOCAL HEALTH SERVICES (§§ 68-2-101 — 68-2-1001) › Part 6 - COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENTS (§§ 68-2-601 — 68-2-611) › Section 68-2-606 - Private acts continue in effect

All private acts relative to county boards of health or county health departments, in effect on July 1, 1985, shall remain in effect.
Acts 1985, ch. 172, § 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 2 - LOCAL HEALTH SERVICES (§§ 68-2-101 — 68-2-1001) › Part 6 - COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENTS (§§ 68-2-601 — 68-2-611) › Section 68-2-607 - Contracts and gifts

(a)
County health departments may enter into agreements, contracts or arrangements with governmental entities or other persons as necessary or appropriate to assist the county health department in carrying out its duties and functions, unless otherwise prohibited by law, and in accordance with the law, rules and procedures of this state and the local governing entity.
(b)
(1)
County health departments may accept gifts, grants, bequests and other donations for use in performing the county health department's programs.
(2)
Funds or property accepted shall be used as directed by its donor and in accordance with the law, rules and procedures of this state and the local governing entity.
Acts 1985, ch. 172, § 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 2 - LOCAL HEALTH SERVICES (§§ 68-2-101 — 68-2-1001) › Part 6 - COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENTS (§§ 68-2-601 — 68-2-611) › Section 68-2-608 - Administrative orders and judicial remedies of county health director

(a)
(1)
Whenever it appears to the county health director that a condition or activity exists or is threatened that may violate the laws, regulations, resolutions, ordinances, permits or licenses that are within the enforcement responsibility of the county health director, the county health director may, after notice and opportunity for a hearing, issue an order for any of the following:
(A)
Cessation of the activity;
(B)
Correction of the condition or activity;
(C)
Removal of the condition in whole or in part;
(D)
Revocation, suspension or imposition of conditions on a license or permit; or
(E)
Abatement of a nuisance that involves a violation of the health laws of the state and that can be reasonably expected to adversely affect the health of the public.
(2)
Any person served with an order pursuant to subdivision (a)(1) shall immediately comply with the order at the person's own expense.
(b)
Whenever a condition or activity exists or is threatened that, in the opinion of the county health director, causes or threatens an imminent or immediate danger to the public health under circumstances in which an opportunity for prior hearing might further seriously endanger the health of the public, the county health director may issue an order requiring the actions listed in subdivision (a)(1). The person to whom the order is addressed shall immediately comply with the order. However, such person shall be provided an opportunity for a hearing as promptly as is reasonable under the circumstances.
(c)
The county health director may petition the appropriate chancery court for injunctive relief and any other remedy available at law or equity as necessary to enforce an order issued pursuant to this section, or to otherwise require compliance with the laws, regulations, resolutions, ordinances, permits or licenses that are within the enforcement responsibility of the county health director. It shall not be necessary that an order be issued prior to seeking relief in chancery court. The court shall have the power to assess the cost of corrective measures against any and all persons failing to comply with the order.
Acts 1985, ch. 172, § 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 2 - LOCAL HEALTH SERVICES (§§ 68-2-101 — 68-2-1001) › Part 6 - COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENTS (§§ 68-2-601 — 68-2-611) › Section 68-2-609 - Orders of county health officer

(a)
Except as provided in subsection (b), the county health officer may order:
(1)
The quarantine of a place or person, if the county health officer finds that quarantine is necessary to protect the public health from an epidemic;
(2)
The closure of a public establishment, facility, or building, if the county health officer finds unsanitary conditions of such a nature and extent to significantly threaten the public health. For purposes of this subdivision (a)(2), "unsanitary" does not mean free of agents of infection;
(3)
The closure of a public establishment, facility, or building, if the county health officer is otherwise authorized by law to take that action; or
(4)
Except as provided in title 14 and §
68-2-611
, rules as are necessary or appropriate to protect the general health and safety of the county.
(b)
The county health officer shall not issue an order under subsection (a) that closes a church or religious organization for purposes of worship services.
(c)
An order issued in violation of this section is void and unenforceable.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 802, s 1, eff. 4/8/2022.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 786, s 2, eff. 4/8/2022.
Amended by 2021EX3 Tenn. Acts, ch. 4, Secs.s 2, s 5 eff. 11/12/2021.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 550, s 4, eff. 5/26/2021.
Acts 1985, ch. 172, § 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 2 - LOCAL HEALTH SERVICES (§§ 68-2-101 — 68-2-1001) › Part 6 - COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENTS (§§ 68-2-601 — 68-2-611) › Section 68-2-610 - Fees for vector control

(a)
In any county having a population in excess of eight hundred thousand (800,000), according to the 2000 federal census or any subsequent federal census, that has a health department operating an urban and rural sanitation program to prevent or reduce the transmission of vector borne disease, the county legislative body is authorized to establish a vector control fee, which may be assessed and collected from each rate payer in the county. This fee shall not exceed one dollar ($1.00) per rate payer per month and shall be used exclusively by the county for the operation of the program to prevent or reduce the transmission of vector borne disease. In any such county with multiple utilities, the fee shall be assessed by only one (1) utility as determined by the county legislative body.
(b)
The county providing the service is authorized to enter into a contract for the collection of the vector control fees, or to bill and collect vector control fees as a designated item on its utility bill, with:
(1)
Any public or private corporation or municipal utilities board or commission operating a water, gas or electric system, other than an electric cooperative incorporated under the Rural Electric and Community Services Cooperative Act, compiled in title 65, chapter 25, part 2 in the area in which vector control services are provided; or
(2)
Any other city, town or utility district.
Acts 2005, ch. 186, § 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 2 - LOCAL HEALTH SERVICES (§§ 68-2-101 — 68-2-1001) › Part 6 - COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENTS (§§ 68-2-601 — 68-2-611) › Section 68-2-611 - Pandemic - Exclusive jurisdiction of governor to issue executive orders and directives

(a)
Notwithstanding any law to the contrary:
(1)
For the purposes of effectively mitigating the impact of a pandemic, upon declaration of a pandemic by the world health organization and a subsequent declaration of a state of emergency by the governor indicating that the pandemic impacts this state, and until the pandemic ceases to exist, the governor has exclusive jurisdiction to issue executive orders and directives related to the pandemic with respect to each county health department in this state, including a county health department created by private or public act prior to July 1, 1985, or by action of a county legislative body; and
(2)
The commissioner of health and a local health department, board, entity, county mayor, or official shall not supersede, vacate, contradict, or refuse to comply with such executive order or directive of the governor issued pursuant to subdivision (a)(1).
(b)
For purposes of subsection (a), a pandemic ceases to exist when the governor terminates the state of emergency or allows the declaration of the state of emergency to expire upon finding that the pandemic no longer significantly impacts this state.
Added by 2021EX3 Tenn. Acts, ch. 4, s 1, eff. 11/12/2021.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 2 - LOCAL HEALTH SERVICES (§§ 68-2-101 — 68-2-1001) › Part 7 - DISTRICT HEALTH DEPARTMENTS (§§ 68-2-701 — 68-2-705) › Section 68-2-701 - Joint district health departments - Powers and duties - Municipal support

(a)
Two (2) or more contiguous counties may, by resolution duly approved by a majority vote of each respective county legislative body, combine and contract, each with the other, for the purpose of forming a district health department, having all the powers, responsibilities and duties conferred upon county health departments by the provisions and statutes prescribing these powers, duties and responsibilities, where the combination can be economically administered as determined by the commissioner of health.
(b)
Municipalities in any component county of the health district are authorized to cooperate in the support of the district health department through the county government of the component county, and to enter into an agreement with the county by which the district health department shall also serve as the health department for the municipality.
Acts 1985, ch. 172, § 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 2 - LOCAL HEALTH SERVICES (§§ 68-2-101 — 68-2-1001) › Part 7 - DISTRICT HEALTH DEPARTMENTS (§§ 68-2-701 — 68-2-705) › Section 68-2-702 - Joint district board of health created - Members

(a)
There may be created for the health district so formed, a joint district board of health consisting of the county mayor, the county director of schools, and one (1) physician, licensed to practice in Tennessee from each county of the district. The physician member from each county shall be nominated by the medical society and elected by the county legislative body of the county in which the physician member resides. In counties operating under a county council or commission form of government, the chair of the county council or commission shall serve as a member of the district board of health.
(b)
A district board of health shall be considered duly constituted and empowered as soon as the several physician members from the respective counties have been elected by the respective county legislative bodies.
Acts 1985, ch. 172, § 1; 2003, ch. 90, § 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 2 - LOCAL HEALTH SERVICES (§§ 68-2-101 — 68-2-1001) › Part 7 - DISTRICT HEALTH DEPARTMENTS (§§ 68-2-701 — 68-2-705) › Section 68-2-703 - District health director - District health officer

(a)
District health departments shall be headed by, and under the immediate direction of, a district health director, who shall be appointed by the commissioner of health.
(b)
The district health director shall act as the administrative officer of the district health department and shall take actions and make determinations necessary to properly execute the state department of health's programs and adequately enforce the rules and regulations established by the commissioner and the district board of health.
(c)
The commissioner may also appoint a district health officer responsible for providing medical direction including medical enforcement actions.
Acts 1985, ch. 172, § 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 2 - LOCAL HEALTH SERVICES (§§ 68-2-101 — 68-2-1001) › Part 7 - DISTRICT HEALTH DEPARTMENTS (§§ 68-2-701 — 68-2-705) › Section 68-2-704 - Qualifications of district health director and district health officer - Powers and duties

(a)
The district health director shall be a health professional who possesses the necessary education and experience in public health administration as determined by the state department of health and approved by the department of human resources. If the district health director is a qualified physician, the district health director may also serve as district health officer. The district health director shall have compensation paid, all or in part, by the state department of health.
(b)
The district health officer shall be a doctor of medicine or osteopathy, schooled and experienced in public health work and licensed to practice in the state of Tennessee. The district health officer shall have compensation paid, all or in part, by the state department of health.
(c)
Any person who undertakes to hold the position of district health officer, without being qualified as provided in this section, commits a Class C misdemeanor.
(d)
The district health director and district health officer shall have the same responsibilities and powers as the county health director and the county health officer, respectively, as provided in §§
68-2-603
,
68-2-608
and
68-2-609
.
Acts 1985, ch. 172, § 1; 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 2 - LOCAL HEALTH SERVICES (§§ 68-2-101 — 68-2-1001) › Part 7 - DISTRICT HEALTH DEPARTMENTS (§§ 68-2-701 — 68-2-705) › Section 68-2-705 - Maintenance of district health department - Appropriations by counties

(a)
The county legislative bodies of counties establishing a district health department are authorized and empowered to appropriate funds necessary for the maintenance of the district health departments and to levy and collect taxes to meet and pay the same.
(b)
Each county shall contribute to the maintenance of such district health department, the percentage of contribution by each to be as described in the allocation plans for local health resources, compiled in part 9 of this chapter.
Acts 1985, ch. 172, § 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 2 - LOCAL HEALTH SERVICES (§§ 68-2-101 — 68-2-1001) › Part 8 - HEALTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE (§§ 68-2-801 — 68-2-802) › Section 68-2-801 - Health advisory committees - Establishment - Members - Powers and duties

(a)
Health advisory committees may be established to represent counties, districts or regions; however, each county must have at least one (1) representative.
(b)
Each health advisory committee established in accordance with §
68-2-601(e)
shall function in an advisory capacity. The members of the health advisory committee shall consist of citizen and provider representatives who are residents of the county or district served by the health advisory committee. A citizen representative shall not, at the time of the citizen representative's election, previous to the citizen representative's election, nor during the term of the citizen representative's office, be a health provider or the spouse of a health provider. Citizen members represent major purchasers of health care, as well as social, economic, racial and geographic subpopulations. Provider members represent health professionals, health care institutions, health care insurers, health professional schools and allied health professionals. Members of the health advisory committee serve staggered terms.
(c)
Where health advisory committees are established, their role is strictly advisory, and the commissioner of health or the commissioner's designee retains enforcement authority.
Acts 1985, ch. 172, § 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 2 - LOCAL HEALTH SERVICES (§§ 68-2-101 — 68-2-1001) › Part 8 - HEALTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE (§§ 68-2-801 — 68-2-802) › Section 68-2-802 - Functions of health advisory committees

The functions of the health advisory committee shall be to:
(1)
Be informed concerning the operations and programs of the health department;
(2)
Assist in informing residents of programs and services;
(3)
Advise the health director/health officer of community health needs and resources; and
(4)
Advise the health director, health officer, county mayors and the county commissions of potential solutions to problems in the delivery of health services, and to recommend policies designed to improve the operation of the health department.
Acts 1985, ch. 172, § 1; 2003, ch. 90, § 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 2 - LOCAL HEALTH SERVICES (§§ 68-2-101 — 68-2-1001) › Part 9 - ALLOCATION PLAN FOR LOCAL HEALTH RESOURCES (§ 68-2-901) › Section 68-2-901 - Development of plan - Propositions

In order to achieve an equitable allocation of local health resources, the department of health shall develop a plan to distribute state grant-in-aid funds to counties. This plan shall be based on the following propositions:
(1)
A base allocation shall be made to each county to ensure that a basic level of services can be provided. The base allocation shall provide for a minimum core staff;
(2)
A special needs fund shall be maintained for meeting special local health needs as determined by the commissioner of health;
(3)
The remainder of the funds shall be allocated based on a plan prescribed by the commissioner of health;
(4)
An annual plan shall be developed, which shall be subject to approval by the commissioner of health, the commissioner of finance and administration and the comptroller of the treasury; and
(5)
Each county shall submit an annual plan of expenditures pursuant to this section for approval by the commissioner of health.
Acts 1985, ch. 172, § 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 2 - LOCAL HEALTH SERVICES (§§ 68-2-101 — 68-2-1001) › Part 10 - COUNTY PHYSICIAN (§ 68-2-1001) › Section 68-2-1001 - Selection - Term - Duties - Qualifications - Penalties - Compensation

(a)
The county legislative body may elect a county physician for a definite term, not to exceed four (4) years, or may delegate to the county mayor the authority to retain, with the concurrence of the sheriff, a county physician. It is the duty of the county physician to provide medical and surgical attention within a reasonable period of time for persons confined in the county jail, for inmates of county homes for the indigent, and for other indigent persons as may be ordered by the county legislative body.
(b)
No person shall be qualified to hold the office of the county physician who is not a physician licensed to practice in Tennessee.
(c)
Any person who holds the position of county physician or undertakes to discharge the duties of the office, without being so qualified, commits a Class C misdemeanor. Each day any person undertakes to hold the office, or perform the duties of the office, without being so qualified, constitutes a separate offense.
(d)
Compensation of county physicians shall be such as the county legislative body may fix.
Acts 1985, ch. 172, § 1; ch. 591, §§ 1, 6; 2003, ch. 90, § 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 1 - DEFINITIONS AND ADMINISTRATION (§§ 68-3-101 — 68-3-106) › Section 68-3-101 - Short title

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Vital Records Act of 1977."
Acts 1977, ch. 128, § 1; T.C.A., § 53-401.
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 1 - DEFINITIONS AND ADMINISTRATION (§§ 68-3-101 — 68-3-106) › Section 68-3-103 - Establishment of office of vital records - Rules and regulations - Enforcement - Registration districts - Seal

The department shall:
(1)
Establish an office of vital records with suitable offices, which shall be properly equipped with fireproof vault and filing cases for the preservation of all official records made and received under this chapter or under the regulations of the department;
(2)
Make and amend, with the approval of the [former] public health council [repealed], regulations necessary for the creation and efficient performance of an adequate system of vital records, and give instructions and prescribe forms for collecting, transcribing, compiling and preserving vital records;
(3)
Enforce this chapter and the regulations made pursuant to this chapter;
(4)
Provide a seal of office;
(5)
Divide the state into vital records registration districts. The department may from time to time, as conditions justify, change their boundaries. The subdivisions of the state on July 1, 1977, shall be continued until changed by the department; and
(6)
Make and amend rules and regulations necessary for the tracking and disposition of an aborted fetus or aborted fetal tissue resulting from surgical abortions.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1003, s 3, eff. 4/27/2016.
Acts 1977, ch. 128, § 3; T.C.A., § 53-403.
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 1 - DEFINITIONS AND ADMINISTRATION (§§ 68-3-101 — 68-3-106) › Section 68-3-104 - State registrar

(a)
The commissioner shall:
(1)
Appoint a state registrar of vital records, referred to as the state registrar in this chapter, who shall be qualified in accordance with classification standards of education and experience; and
(2)
In case of a vacancy in the office of state registrar, immediately appoint a successor.
(b)
The state registrar:
(1)
Under the supervision of the commissioner, shall act as agent of the commissioner and:
(A)
Shall have charge of the office of vital records and act as the custodian of all the certificates and records received by the state registrar and perform such other duties as the commissioner may prescribe; and
(B)
Shall be charged with the execution of this chapter and of the regulations of the department throughout the state and have supervisory power over the local registrars and deputy local registrars;
(2)
Shall prescribe, with the approval of the department, furnish, and distribute forms required by this chapter and the rules and regulations issued under this chapter or prescribe such other means for transmission of records as will accomplish the purpose of complete and accurate registration;
(3)
Shall assist in preparing and publishing reports of vital statistics of this state and other reports required by the department;
(4)
May establish or designate additional offices in the state to aid in the administration of the statewide system of vital records;
(5)
May delegate functions and duties vested in the state registrar to employees of the office of vital records and to employees of an office established or designated under subdivision (b)(4); and
(6)
Shall provide copies of certificates or reports required under this chapter or other information derived from the certificates or reports as the state registrar shall determine are necessary to local health agencies for local health planning and program activities. The state registrar shall establish a schedule for transmittal of the copies with each local health agency. The records or other information shall remain the property of the office of vital records and the uses that may be made of the records or other information shall be governed by the state registrar. A schedule for the disposition of the certificates, reports or data provided under this section and §
68-3-103
shall be established by the state registrar.
Acts 1977, ch. 128, § 3; T.C.A., §§ 53-404, 53-405.
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 1 - DEFINITIONS AND ADMINISTRATION (§§ 68-3-101 — 68-3-106) › Section 68-3-106 - Local registrars

(a)
The state registrar shall:
(1)
Appoint such number of local registrars for the registration districts as necessary. Full-time local health department personnel may be appointed local registrars;
(2)
Remove for cause any local registrar whose services are found to be unsatisfactory; and
(3)
Immediately appoint a successor in case of death, resignation, removal from the registration district, or removal for cause of any local registrar.
(b)
The local registrars and their deputies are charged with the duty of complying with all instructions of the state registrar, and of checking on the compliance by others with this chapter and with the regulations of the department.
(c)
Each local registrar, upon acceptance of such registrar's written appointment, shall recommend a deputy or deputies, and in case of death, resignation or removal of such deputy, a successor, subject to the approval of the state registrar.
Acts 1977, ch. 128, § 5; T.C.A., §§ 53-411 -- 53-413.
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 2 - RECORDS - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS (§§ 68-3-201 — 68-3-209) › Section 68-3-201 - Kinds of information collected and recorded

The information collected and recorded under this chapter shall be such as will aid the public health of the state, and furnish and preserve evidence affecting personal and property rights of the individual citizen.
Acts 1977, ch. 128, § 5; T.C.A., § 53-421.
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 2 - RECORDS - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS (§§ 68-3-201 — 68-3-209) › Section 68-3-202 - Content of certificates and reports - Evidence

(a)
In order to promote and maintain nationwide uniformity in the system of vital records, the forms of certificates, reports and other returns required by this chapter, or by regulations adopted under this chapter, shall include, as a minimum, the items recommended by the federal agency responsible for national vital statistics.
(b)
Each certificate, report and form required to be filed and registered under this chapter shall be on a form or in a format prescribed by the state registrar and shall contain the date received for registration.
(c)
Each certificate provided for in this chapter, filed within six (6) months after the recorded event occurred, shall be prima facie evidence of the facts stated in the certificate.
Acts 1977, ch. 128, § 4; T.C.A., § 53-422.
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 2 - RECORDS - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS (§§ 68-3-201 — 68-3-209) › Section 68-3-204 - Reproduction of records

(a)
To preserve vital records, the state registrar is authorized to prepare typewritten, photographic, electronic or other reproductions of original records and files in the office of vital records.
(b)
The reproductions, when certified by the state registrar, shall be accepted as the original records.
Acts 1977, ch. 128, § 22; T.C.A., § 53-424.
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 2 - RECORDS - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS (§§ 68-3-201 — 68-3-209) › Section 68-3-207 - Fees for copies and for searches

(a)
(1)
The department shall prescribe the fees to be paid for certified copies or certificates or records, or for a search of the files or records when no copy is made, or for copies or information provided for research, statistical or administrative purposes.
(2)
The department shall not collect any fee under this section for a copy of a death certificate for a deceased person who was a veteran of an armed service of the United States, if:
(A)
The person requesting the copy presents the department with adequate proof of the veteran status of the deceased;
(B)
The person requesting the copy is related to the deceased within two (2) degrees of collateral or lineal kinship; and
(C)
Not more than two (2) copies of the death certificate have been previously provided on behalf of the deceased veteran without collection of the fee.
(b)
Fees collected under this section by the state registrar shall be deposited in the general fund of this state, according to the prevailing procedures governing collection.
Acts 1977, ch. 128, § 25; T.C.A., § 53-427; Acts 1990, ch. 850, § 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 2 - RECORDS - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS (§§ 68-3-201 — 68-3-209) › Section 68-3-208 - Medical records

Medical records will be made available to the state registrar or any direct representative of the registrar for the limited purpose of gathering information on birth certificates, death certificates and reports of fetal deaths.
Acts 1977, ch. 128, § 27; T.C.A., § 53-428.
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 2 - RECORDS - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS (§§ 68-3-201 — 68-3-209) › Section 68-3-209 - Applicability to previously received certificates or reports

This chapter also apply to all certificates of birth, death, marriage, and divorce, dissolution or annulment and reports of fetal death and induced termination of pregnancy previously received by the office of vital records or by any custodian of permanent local records.
Acts 1977, ch. 128, § 29; T.C.A., § 53-429.
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 68-3-301 - Registration generally - Attestation to accuracy of data

(a)
A certificate of birth for each live birth that occurs in this state shall be filed with the office of vital records, or as otherwise directed by the state registrar, within ten (10) days after the birth and shall be registered if it has been completed and filed in accordance with §§
68-3-301
- 68-3-306.
(b)
Either parent of the child or any other knowledgeable informant shall attest to the accuracy of the personal data provided in sufficient time to permit the filing of a certificate within the ten (10) days prescribed by §§
68-3-301
- 68-3-306.
Acts 1977, ch. 128, § 6; T.C.A., § 53-441.
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 68-3-303 - Birth outside institution

When a birth occurs outside an institution, the certificate shall be prepared and filed by one (1) of the following, in the indicated order of priority:
(1)
The physician in attendance at or immediately after the birth, or in the absence of such person;
(2)
Any other person in attendance at or immediately after the birth, or in the absence of such person;
(3)
The father, the mother, or, in the absence of the father and the inability of the mother, the person in charge of the premises where the birth occurred.
Acts 1977, ch. 128, § 6; T.C.A., § 53-443.
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 68-3-304 - Birth in moving conveyance

(a)
When a birth occurs on a moving conveyance within the United States and the child is first removed from the conveyance in this state, the birth shall be registered in this state and the place where it is first removed shall be considered the place of birth.
(b)
When a birth occurs on a moving conveyance while in international waters or airspace or in a foreign country, and the child is first removed from the conveyance in this state, the birth shall be registered in this state; but the certificate shall show the actual place of birth insofar as can be determined.
Acts 1977, ch. 128, § 6; T.C.A., § 53-444.
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 68-3-306 - Birth from artificial insemination

A child born to a married woman as a result of artificial insemination, with consent of the married woman's husband, is deemed to be the legitimate child of the husband and wife.
Acts 1977, ch. 128, § 6; T.C.A., § 53-446.
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 68-3-307 - Infants of unknown parentage - Foundling registration

(a)
Whoever assumes the custody of a live-born infant of unknown parentage shall report on a form and in a manner prescribed by the state registrar within ten (10) days to the office of vital records the following information:
(1)
The date and place of finding;
(2)
Sex, color or race, and approximate birth date of the child;
(3)
Name and address of the person or institution with whom the child has been placed for care;
(4)
Name given to the child by the custodian of the child; and
(5)
Other data required by the state registrar.
(b)
The place where the child was found shall be entered as the place of birth.
(c)
A report registered under this section shall constitute the certificate of birth for the child.
(d)
If the child is subsequently identified and a certificate of birth is found or obtained, the report registered under this section shall not be subject to inspection, except upon order of a court of competent jurisdiction or as provided by regulation.
Acts 1977, ch. 128, § 7; T.C.A., § 53-447.
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 68-3-308 - Delayed registration of birth

(a)
When the birth of a person born in this state has not been filed within the time period provided in §§
68-3-301
and
68-3-302
, a certificate of birth may be filed in accordance with regulations of the office of vital records. The certificate shall be registered subject to such evidentiary requirements as the office of vital records shall, by regulation, prescribe to substantiate the alleged facts of birth.
(b)
A certificate of birth registered six (6) months or more after the date of birth shall be marked "delayed" and show on its face the date of the delayed registration.
(c)
A summary statement of the evidence submitted in support of the delayed registration shall be endorsed on the certificate.
(d)
When an applicant does not submit the minimum documentation required in the regulations for delayed registration or when the state registrar has reasonable cause to question the validity or adequacy of the applicant's sworn statement or the documentary evidence, and if the deficiencies are not corrected, the state registrar shall not register the delayed certificate of birth and shall advise the applicant of the reason for this action.
Acts 1977, ch. 128, § 8; T.C.A., § 53-448.
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 68-3-309 - Judicial determination of facts of birth

(a)
If a delayed certificate of birth is rejected under §
68-3-308
, a petition signed and sworn to by the petitioner may be filed with a court of competent jurisdiction for an order establishing a record of the date and place of the birth and the parentage of the person whose birth is to be registered.
(b)
The petition shall allege that:
(1)
The person for whom a delayed certificate of birth is sought was born in this state;
(2)
No certificate of birth can be found in the office of vital records; and
(3)
Diligent efforts by the petitioner have failed to obtain the evidence required in accordance with §
68-3-308
and regulations adopted pursuant to §
68-3-308
.
(c)
The petition shall be accompanied by a statement of the state registrar made in accordance with §
68-3-308
and all documentary evidence that was submitted to the state registrar in support of registration.
(d)
The court shall fix a time and place for hearing the petition and shall give the state registrar twenty-one (21) days' notice of the time and place for hearing the petition. The state registrar or the state registrar's authorized representative may appear and testify in the proceeding.
(e)
If the court finds, from the evidence presented, that the person for whom a delayed certificate of birth is sought was born in this state, it shall make findings as to the place and date of birth, parentage, and other findings the case may require, and shall issue an order to establish a certificate of birth. This order shall include the birth data to be registered, a description of the evidence presented, and the date of the court's action.
(f)
The clerk of the court shall forward each order to the state registrar no later than forty (40) days from entry of the order. The order shall be registered by the state registrar and shall constitute the authority for placing a delayed certificate of birth on file.
(g)
The person for whom the delayed certificate of birth is sought or the person's parent or legal guardian shall sign the delayed certificate form furnished by the state registrar before a notary public or other person authorized to administer oaths, unless the registrant is deceased or deemed incompetent.
Acts 1977, ch. 128, § 9; T.C.A., § 53-449.
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 68-3-310 - New certificate of birth - Prerequisites

The state registrar shall prepare a new certificate of birth for a person born in Tennessee, upon receipt of required legal documents, as provided in the following cases:
(1)
Adoption.
A certified copy of the order of adoption and a certificate of adoption;
(2)
Report of Foreign Birth.
For a person not born in a state, territory, or possession of the United States whose adoptive parents are residents of this state, a certified copy of the order of readoption or foreign recognition, as authorized in § 36-1-106(c), with the certificate of adoption.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 945,s 9, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 945,s 8, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 945,s 7, eff. 7/1/2024.
Acts 1977, ch. 128, § 12; T.C.A., § 53-450.
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 68-3-311 - New certificate of birth - Adoptions, legitimations, and orders of paternity - Preparation and filing

(a)
(1)
New certificates of birth must be prepared only on adoptions.
(2)
All orders of adoption must be placed on file in the office of vital records.
(3)
The certificate of birth in the original name must be sealed in the system of record and removed from the file and a record inserted that shows the original certificate number, date removed, and code citation.
(4)
Vital records shall only prepare new certificates of birth for persons born in this state, and a certificate of birth in the original name must be on file in the department.
(b)
(1)
The new certificate shall be prepared on a standard form in current use in the department and shall be signed by the state registrar in the space provided for the signature of the attendant at birth.
(2)
The new certificate shall show the date of birth, place of birth, sex, and date of filing as shown on the certificate of birth in the original name.
(3)
A new certificate of birth by adoption shall show the residence of the adoptive parent or parents as at the time the final order of adoption was granted.
(c)
(1)
When an order of adoption has been granted as to only one (1) petitioner and upon receipt of a request of the petitioner, the word "adoption" may be entered on the new certificate of birth in the space provided for the information concerning the other parent.
(2)
The certified request shall be furnished to the state registrar prior to the preparation of the new certificate.
(3)
A new certificate of birth by adoption shall not be prepared if so requested by the court that granted the adoption, the adoptive parent or parents, or the adopted person.
(d)
[deleted by 2024 amendment]
(e)
[deleted by 2024 amendment]
(f)
[deleted by 2024 amendment]
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 945,s 12, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 945,s 11, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 945,s 10, eff. 7/1/2024.
Acts 1977, ch. 128, § 11; T.C.A., § 53-451; Acts 1988, ch. 574, § 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 3 - BIRTHS (§§ 68-3-301 — 68-3-314) › Section 68-3-312 - New certificate of birth - Court report of adoption

(a)
(1)
For each order of adoption entered by a court of competent jurisdiction in this state, the court shall require the preparation of a certificate of adoption on a form prescribed and furnished by the state registrar.
(2)
For each order of adoption entered by a court of competent jurisdiction in another state for the adoption of a person born in this state, the following are acceptable for filing with the state registrar of this state:
(A)
A court order from a court of competent jurisdiction in another state, unless the order has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court of competent jurisdiction; and
(B)
A form prescribed and furnished by that state, which must conform with the standards and legal requirements of the state registrar of this state.
(b)
For each amendment of an order of adoption, the clerk of the court shall forward to the state registrar a certified copy of the amended order of adoption, which shall include the facts as are necessary to identify the original order of adoption and those facts amended in the adoption decree.
(c)
The petitioners shall complete, on a form furnished by the state registrar, the request for a new certificate of birth by adoption and shall cause this form to be forwarded to the state registrar when the final order has been granted in accordance with § 36-1-120(f)(1). This form must furnish information for locating the certificate of birth in the original name and information concerning the adoptive parent or parents to be entered on the new certificate. The form must be signed by the petitioner or petitioners to whom the order was granted and, in stepparent adoptions, the adoptive parent and the other legal parent.
(d)
The clerk of the court or the attorney for the adoptive parent shall forward to the state registrar the certified order of adoption or amendment to the adoption order and a certificate of adoption in accordance with § 36-1-120(f)(1).
(e)
The state registrar shall not process any reports of adoption or orders of adoption for a person born in another state.
(f)
For a person not born in any state, territory, or possession of the United States whose adoptive parents are residents of this state, the state registrar shall issue a Report of Foreign Birth upon receipt of a certified copy of the order of adoption or recognition with the certified certificate of adoption.
(g)
For a new certificate of birth, the state registrar shall issue the new certificate to the requesting party within forty-five (45) days of receipt of the required paperwork and any applicable fee.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 945,s 13, eff. 7/1/2024.
Acts 1977, ch. 128, § 10; T.C.A., § 53-452.