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 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 7 - PRIMARY HEALTH CARE CENTERS (§§ 68-1-701 — 68-1-703) › Section 68-1-702 - Participation of public and private agencies and individuals - Rules and regulations

(a)
The commissioner of health is authorized to contract with and otherwise seek participation from appropriate public and private agencies and institutions and individuals, as the commissioner may deem necessary, to accomplish the purposes of this part. Particular attention will be given to educational functions to improve health care manpower distribution.
(b)
The commissioner is authorized to adopt, promulgate and enforce rules and regulations under which primary care centers shall be operated, and to effectuate the purposes and provisions of this part.
Acts 1973, ch. 165, § 2; 1975, ch. 108, § 2; 1980, ch. 663, § 2; T.C.A., § 53-125.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 7 - PRIMARY HEALTH CARE CENTERS (§§ 68-1-701 — 68-1-703) › Section 68-1-703 - Approval by state and local agencies required

In order to ensure cooperation and acceptance of the purposes of this part by the community to be served, the sponsor of any new primary health care center shall, prior to the establishment of a new primary health care center in a community, obtain the approval of the appropriate health systems agency and the [former] primary care advisory board [repealed], including those centers that utilize, or plan to utilize, federal funds, either as grants, or as fees receivable as reimbursements for services delivered for medicare or medicaid patients.
Acts 1973, ch. 165, § 3; 1980, ch. 663, § 3; T.C.A., § 53-126.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 8 - CARE OF NEWBORN INFANTS (§§ 68-1-801 — 68-1-806) › Section 68-1-801 - Part definitions

As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1)
"Commissioner" means the commissioner of health or the commissioner's designated representative;
(2)
"Committee" means the perinatal advisory committee;
(3)
"Department" means the department of health; and
(4)
"Perinatal" means the period from time of conception through the first year of life of the infant and sixty (60) days post partum for the mother.
Acts 1974, ch. 645, § 1; 1977, ch. 327, § 1; T.C.A., § 53-127.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 8 - CARE OF NEWBORN INFANTS (§§ 68-1-801 — 68-1-806) › Section 68-1-802 - Development of plan for perinatal care

(a)
The department is directed to develop a plan to establish a program for the diagnosis and treatment of certain life-threatening conditions present in the perinatal period.
(b)
The program shall assist pregnant women and their fetuses and newborn infants by developing a regionalized system of care, including highly specialized personnel, equipment, and techniques, that will decrease the existing high mortality rate, neonatal death rate, pre-term birth rate, and the lifelong disabilities that currently prevail in surviving newborn infants.
(c)
No programs shall be planned except those that are specifically funded by appropriations in the annual budget.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 240,s 1, eff. 4/30/2019.
Acts 1974, ch. 645, § 2; 1977, ch. 327, § 2; T.C.A., § 53-128.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 8 - CARE OF NEWBORN INFANTS (§§ 68-1-801 — 68-1-806) › Section 68-1-803 - Appointment of advisory committee - Terms - Travel expenses

(a)
The commissioner shall appoint a perinatal advisory committee to consult with the department in the administration of this part.
(b)
The committee shall be composed of the director, or the director's designee, of each obstetrical and each newborn unit of each regional perinatal center within the state, as designated by the commissioner, in addition to at least one (1) representative from each of the following categories:
(1)
Medical schools;
(2)
Health and environment agencies;
(3)
Hospital administrators;
(4)
Medical specialists in obstetrical and newborn conditions;
(5)
Family physicians;
(6)
Obstetrical and neonatal intensive care nurses; and
(7)
The general public.
(c)
Total membership of the committee shall not exceed twenty-one (21).
(d)
Each member shall hold office for a term of four (4) years and until the member's successor is appointed and qualified.
(e)
Any person appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which the person's predecessor was appointed shall be appointed for the remainder of the term.
(f)
The committee shall meet as frequently as the commissioner deems necessary, but not less than once each year.
(g)
The committee members shall receive no compensation, but shall be reimbursed for travel expenses, 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 1974, ch. 645, § 3; 1976, ch. 806, § 1(86); 1977, ch. 327, § 3; 1979, ch. 172, § 1; T.C.A., § 53-129.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 8 - CARE OF NEWBORN INFANTS (§§ 68-1-801 — 68-1-806) › Section 68-1-804 - Items to be considered for inclusion in program

The department, with the advice of the committee, shall, in developing the plan for this program, consider the feasibility of designing this program so as to:
(1)
Develop standards for determining eligibility for diagnosis and treatment under this program;
(2)
Assist in the regional development, expansion and maintenance of newborn centers, including purchase of equipment, for the diagnosis and treatment of high-risk pregnant women and their fetuses and newborn infants;
(3)
Extend financial assistance in order to provide diagnosis of and treatment for pregnant women and their fetuses and newborn infants, by providing necessary medical, surgical, hospital, outpatient clinic and ambulatory services;
(4)
Develop a regional system or systems of rapid transportation and referral to the obstetrical and newborn centers from throughout the state for pregnant women and their fetuses and newborns who require life-sustaining care;
(5)
Develop or expand regional education and training activities to further facilitate meeting the intent of this part;
(6)
Employ all necessary administrative personnel as may be provided in the budget to carry out this part;
(7)
Promulgate all rules and regulations necessary to effectuate the purposes of this part;
(8)
Develop or expand a communication/consultation system or systems;
(9)
In consultation with organizations representing state pediatric physicians, develop appropriate standards for the dissemination of information and educational material about conditions and diseases that commonly affect newborn infants, such as respiratory syncytial virus; and
(10)
Assist in the regional development, expansion, and maintenance of specialty level II birthing centers in every health region with certified obstetricians and pediatricians available who are trained in the prevention, early diagnoses, treatment, and stabilization of complications of pregnancy and childbirth.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 240,s 2, eff. 4/30/2019.
Acts 1974, ch. 645, § 4; 1977, ch. 327, § 4; T.C.A., § 53-130; Acts 2008, ch. 874, § 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 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 8 - CARE OF NEWBORN INFANTS (§§ 68-1-801 — 68-1-806) › Section 68-1-805 - Report regarding births involving neonatal abstinence syndrome and opioid use by women of childbearing age

On or before January 15, 2018, the commissioner of health, in consultation with the perinatal advisory committee and with the assistance of relevant state agencies, shall report to the health committee of the house of representatives and the health and welfare committee of the senate concerning the following aspects of births involving neonatal abstinence syndrome and opioid use by women of childbearing age for the last two (2) available fiscal years or calendar years, as may be available:
(1)
From data available to the bureau of TennCare, the number of births involving neonatal abstinence syndrome to enrollees in the TennCare program, the lengths of stay in a hospital for infants born with neonatal abstinence syndrome to enrollees in the TennCare program, and the costs to the program of those births;
(2)
From information available to managed care organizations participating in the TennCare program, a description of any initiatives by the managed care organizations to address health outcomes, costs, and other issues raised by births involving neonatal abstinence syndrome and opioid use by women of childbearing age;
(3)
From data available to the department of health, and district and county health departments, the number of women with a substance abuse diagnosis involving opioid use who received family planning services and the number of those women who received long acting reversible contraceptives;
(4)
From data available to the department of children's services, the number of cases involving investigations that included an infant born with neonatal abstinence syndrome, the number of such infants in custody of the department, and the number of visits made by the department to families with an infant born with neonatal abstinence syndrome; and
(5)
From data available to the bureau of TennCare and the department of health, the number of cases in which the source of opiates in the mother of an infant born with neonatal abstinence syndrome can be reasonably associated with a substance prescribed to the mother.
Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 483,s 2, eff. 6/6/2017.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 8 - CARE OF NEWBORN INFANTS (§§ 68-1-801 — 68-1-806) › Section 68-1-806 - Report on quality and outcomes in perinatal care

On or before March 1 of each year the bureau of TennCare, in consultation with the perinatal advisory committee and with the assistance of relevant state agencies, shall report to the health committee of the house of representatives and the health and welfare committee of the senate concerning the following aspects of quality and outcomes in perinatal care for the last two (2) available fiscal years or calendar years, as may be available:
(1)
From information available to managed care organizations participating in the TennCare program, a description of any initiatives by the managed care organizations to improve key performance indicators of perinatal care outcomes such as maternal deaths, neonatal and fetal perinatal deaths, and pre-term births; and
(2)
From vital statistical data available to the bureau of TennCare and the department, a determination of the effectiveness of managed care organizations' initiatives toward improving perinatal care outcomes to residents in each health region.
Added by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 240,s 3, eff. 4/30/2019.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 9 - MEDICAL CARE DIVISION (§§ 68-1-901 — 68-1-904) › Section 68-1-901 - Director of division - Assistants and employees

(a)
The director of the medical care division shall be duly licensed in accordance with the laws of Tennessee to practice medicine in Tennessee, and shall have been engaged in the active practice of the director's profession for not less than five (5) years immediately preceding the director's appointment.
(b)
It is the duty of the commissioner of health, in conjunction with the director of the medical care division, and after consultation with the [former] public health council [repealed] of the department of health, to appoint such assistants and employees as may be necessary to carry on the work of the medical care division, and all the assistants and employees shall hold office and receive compensation in accordance with provisions of title 4, chapter 4, governing the tenure and compensation of like employees in other departments.
Acts 1939, ch. 102, § 1; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 328.1 (Williams, § 255.68a); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 53-201.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 9 - MEDICAL CARE DIVISION (§§ 68-1-901 — 68-1-904) › Section 68-1-902 - Administration and disbursement of funds - Medical care fund established

(a)
The medical care division, subject to supervision by the department of health, as provided in this part, shall administer and expend all funds appropriated by the general assembly or made available by allotment by the federal government to the state, or from contributions from counties, cities or other local units of government, or from other sources, appropriated, allotted or contributed for medical care in accordance with any future act of the general assembly or the congress of the United States, having as its object the inauguration of a state or national program of medical care.
(b)
It is the duty of the state treasurer, whenever funds are available for carrying out this part, to set up in the state treasury a separate fund to be known as the "medical care fund," and credit to the fund all appropriations, allotments or contributions, from whatever source specially designated and identified as funds for medical care or medical service, in accordance with the purpose specified in this part, and to preserve this separate fund for disbursement and expenditure solely and alone at the discretion of the commissioner of health, medical care division, in the manner provided by law.
(c)
This section shall not apply to funds allocated for medical care where federal laws or regulations require administration by another state administrative unit.
Acts 1939, ch. 102, § 2; C. Supp. 1950, § 328.2 (Williams, § 255.68b); Acts 1957, ch. 78, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 53-202.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 9 - MEDICAL CARE DIVISION (§§ 68-1-901 — 68-1-904) › Section 68-1-903 - Application of part

(a)
The enforcement of this part shall in no way interfere with or supersede any existing law or cooperative federal, state or local program carried on under the Social Security Act (
42 U.S.C. § 301
et seq.), or other federal acts, or any other state, federal or local law.
(b)
Nothing in this part shall apply to or affect medical care or medical service furnished wards of the state, who are inmates of any state institution, such as state prisons, mental health institutes, developmental centers, home for the blind, homes for the deaf, or juvenile correction institutions, but this part shall apply with respect to medical care or medical service furnished at public expense to any other person not an inmate of a state institution having an established and organized medical staff in regular attendance upon the inmates of the institution; it being the purpose of this part to coordinate, improve and better supervise the expenditure of public funds appropriated and designed for medical care and medical service to citizens of the state generally, who under future laws shall become entitled to receive medical care or medical service at public expense under the proposed national program of medical care; and is not intended to interfere with or interrupt the established and organized routine or special medical care and medical service rendered by the state to its wards regularly residing in any sort of state institution.
Acts 1939, ch. 102, § 3; C. Supp. 1950, § 328.3 (Williams, § 255.68c); impl. am. Acts 1977, ch. 123, § 1; T.C.A. (orig ed.), § 53-203.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 10 - TENNESSEE CANCER REPORTING SYSTEM ACT OF 1983 (§§ 68-1-1001 — 68-1-1011) › Section 68-1-1001 - Short title

This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Tennessee Cancer Reporting System Act of 1983."
Acts 1983, ch. 124, § 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 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 10 - TENNESSEE CANCER REPORTING SYSTEM ACT OF 1983 (§§ 68-1-1001 — 68-1-1011) › Section 68-1-1002 - Part definitions

As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1)
"Cancer" means and includes, but is not limited to:
(A)
A large group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells;
(B)
Any condition of tumors having the properties of anaplasia, invasion, and metastasis;
(C)
A cellular tumor, the natural course of which is fatal;
(D)
Malignant neoplasm; and
(E)
In-situ cancer.
(2)
"Commissioner" means the commissioner of health;
(3)
"Department" means the department of health;
(4)
"Facility" means a health care facility in which diagnosis or treatment services are provided to patients with cancer, including, but not limited to, an ambulatory surgical treatment center (ASTC), a freestanding cancer treatment center, a radiation therapy center, a chemotherapy treatment center, a nursing home, an oncology or dermatology clinic, a laboratory, or any other facility that provides screening, detection, diagnostic or therapeutic services to patients with cancer;
(5)
"Health care practitioner" means a physician, surgeon, or other health care professional licensed under title 63 who is engaged in diagnosing and treating patients who have cancer;
(6)
"Hospital" means an institution as defined by §
68-11-201
;
(7)
"In-situ cancer" means an abnormality of development and organization of cells. It is a condition of early cancer, without the invasion of neighboring tissue;
(8)
"Laboratory" means a facility where tests are performed identifying anatomical and cytological changes, and where specimens are interpreted and pathological diagnoses are made; and
(9)
"Medical, scientific and academic research communities" means those institutions that devote a substantial part of their activity to research and that have internal procedures providing for the collection, study and protection of data.
Acts 1983, ch. 124, § 3; 1985, ch. 85, § 1; 2000, ch. 775, §§ 2 - 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 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 10 - TENNESSEE CANCER REPORTING SYSTEM ACT OF 1983 (§§ 68-1-1001 — 68-1-1011) › Section 68-1-1004 - Reports to department - Rules and regulations

(a)
The department shall require the reporting of cancer and the submission of such specified additional information on reported cases as the commissioner deems necessary and appropriate.
(b)
The commissioner shall promulgate rules and regulations, including emergency rules, that are necessary for carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the department under this part. The promulgation of rules and regulations shall be in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
Acts 1983, ch. 124, § 5; 2000, ch. 775, § 8; 2009, ch. 566, § 12.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 10 - TENNESSEE CANCER REPORTING SYSTEM ACT OF 1983 (§§ 68-1-1001 — 68-1-1011) › Section 68-1-1006 - Confidentiality of data

(a)
(1)
All data obtained from the reports required by this part are for the confidential use of the department and persons that the commissioner determines are necessary to carry out the intent of this part.
(2)
Information that could possibly identify individuals whose medical records have been used for collecting data may not be included in materials available to the public.
(b)
In order to carry out the legislative intent set out in §
68-1-1003
, that the data obtained from the reports required by this part are also to be made available for valid research projects, the commissioner, with the advice of the [former] advisory committee [repealed] established by this chapter, is authorized to make available to members of the research community, pursuant to §
68-1-1003
, specific and personally identifiable portions of the data collected; provided, that the following guidelines are observed:
(1)
The researcher sets out clearly the uses for which the data are desired;
(2)
The researcher clearly states the reasons for which confidential and personally identifiable portions of the data are necessary;
(3)
The researcher assures that the data received from the department will be maintained by the researcher with the same level of confidentiality as that maintained by the department; and
(4)
Upon completion of the research project, all data provided by the department and all copies of the data shall be destroyed.
(c)
Guidelines for such research applications shall be set out by departmental regulations. For the purposes of this part, those approved to obtain data for research shall not be considered agents of the commissioner.
Acts 1983, ch. 124, § 7; 1985, ch. 85, § 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 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 10 - TENNESSEE CANCER REPORTING SYSTEM ACT OF 1983 (§§ 68-1-1001 — 68-1-1011) › Section 68-1-1007 - Liability for release of information - Compliance not violative of confidentiality

A hospital, laboratory, facility, or health care practitioner that reports information to the department or allows the commissioner or the commissioner's authorized representative access to the medical records of cancer patients, as required by this part, shall not be held liable to any person for the release of the information to the department, nor shall the release of the information to the department be construed as a violation of any requirement of law or professional obligation to maintain the confidentiality of patient information.
Acts 1983, ch. 124, § 8; 2000, ch. 775, § 10.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 10 - TENNESSEE CANCER REPORTING SYSTEM ACT OF 1983 (§§ 68-1-1001 — 68-1-1011) › Section 68-1-1008 - Tests and supervision of patients prohibited

No patient whose medical records are the subject of data collected in the reports required by this part shall be subjected to any medical examination or case supervision by the commissioner or the commissioner's agents for the purposes of this part.
Acts 1983, ch. 124, § 9.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 10 - TENNESSEE CANCER REPORTING SYSTEM ACT OF 1983 (§§ 68-1-1001 — 68-1-1011) › Section 68-1-1009 - Violations - Penalties - Enforcement

(a)
Any person receiving information containing the personal identity of any patient, who willfully divulges that identity, except as lawfully provided for in this chapter, commits a Class C misdemeanor.
(b)
It is the duty of the district attorney general to prosecute a suit, based on subsection (a), when requested by the commissioner, the county health officer or local board of health.
Acts 1985, ch. 85, § 5; 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 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 10 - TENNESSEE CANCER REPORTING SYSTEM ACT OF 1983 (§§ 68-1-1001 — 68-1-1011) › Section 68-1-1010 - Interstate sharing of information - Confidentiality

(a)
In order to obtain complete information on Tennessee cancer patients who have been diagnosed or treated in other states, and in order to provide information to other states regarding their residents who have been diagnosed or treated for cancer in Tennessee, the commissioner or the commissioner's authorized representative is authorized to enter into appropriate written agreements with other states that maintain statewide cancer registries, allowing the exchange of information on cancer patients.
(b)
Each state with which the commissioner agrees to exchange information must agree in writing to keep all patient-specific information confidential and to require any research personnel to whom the information is made available to keep it confidential.
Acts 2000, ch. 775, § 11.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 10 - TENNESSEE CANCER REPORTING SYSTEM ACT OF 1983 (§§ 68-1-1001 — 68-1-1011) › Section 68-1-1011 - Annual publishing of reports

The department shall annually compile and publish reports utilizing the data collected pursuant to this part and shall make these reports available to the governor, the general assembly, and the public.
Acts 2000, ch. 775, § 12.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 11 - SUDDEN, UNEXPLAINED CHILD DEATH ACT (§§ 68-1-1101 — 68-1-1103) › Section 68-1-1101 - Short title - Legislative findings - Definitions

(a)
This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Sudden, Unexplained Child Death Act."
(b)
The legislature finds and declares that:
(1)
Protection of the health and welfare of the children of this state is a goal of its people and the unexpected death of a child is an important public health concern that requires legislative action;
(2)
The parents, guardians, and other persons legally responsible for the care of a child who dies unexpectedly have a need to know the cause of death;
(3)
Collecting accurate data on the cause and manner of unexpected deaths will better enable the state to protect children from preventable deaths, and thus will help reduce the incidence of such deaths; and
(4)
Identifying persons responsible for abuse or neglect resulting in unexpected death will better enable the state to protect other children who may be under the care of the same persons, and thus will help reduce the incidence of such deaths.
(c)
As used in this part and in §
68-3-502
, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1)
"Certified child death pathologist" means a pathologist who is board certified or board eligible in forensic pathology, and who has received training in, and agrees to follow, the autopsy protocol, policies and guidelines for child death investigation, as prescribed by the chief medical examiner for the state of Tennessee;
(2)
"Chief medical examiner" means the individual appointed pursuant to title 38, chapter 7; and
(3)
"Sudden infant death syndrome" means the sudden death of an infant under one (1) year of age that remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation, including performance of a complete autopsy, examination of the death scene, and review of the clinical history.
Acts 2001, ch. 321, § 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 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 11 - SUDDEN, UNEXPLAINED CHILD DEATH ACT (§§ 68-1-1101 — 68-1-1103) › Section 68-1-1103 - Implementation

In order to implement this part, the commissioner of health shall:
(1)
Promulgate rules and regulations in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, as may be necessary to obtain in proper form all information relating to the occurrence of a sudden, unexplained child death that is relevant and appropriate for the establishment of a reliable statistical index of the incidence, distribution and characteristics of cases of sudden, unexplained child death;
(2)
Promulgate rules and regulations in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act that establish minimum standards for conducting and completing an investigation, including an autopsy if deemed necessary, into the sudden, unexplained death of any child from birth to age seventeen (17). Initial rules promulgated pursuant to this subdivision (2) are authorized to be promulgated as emergency rules, pursuant to §
4-5-208
. In promulgating the rules, the commissioner may rely, in whole or in part, on any nationally recognized standards regarding such investigations. Compliance with the rules shall make county governments eligible for reimbursement, to the extent authorized by those rules, of the costs of any autopsy deemed necessary;
(3)
Collect factual information from physicians, coroners, medical examiners, hospitals, and public health officials who have examined any child known or believed to have experienced sudden, unexplained death; provided, that no information shall be collected or solicited that reasonably could be expected to reveal the identity of the child;
(4)
Make information collected pursuant to subdivision (3) available to physicians, coroners, medical examiners, hospitals, public health officials, and educational and institutional organizations conducting research as to the causes and incidence of sudden, unexplained child death;
(5)
Cause appropriate counseling services to be established and maintained for families affected by the occurrence of sudden infant death syndrome;
(6)
Conduct educational programs to inform the general public of any research findings that may lead to the possible means of prevention, early identification, and treatment of sudden infant death syndrome; and
(7)
Develop educational literature to inform the general public of the risks and prevalence of sudden infant death syndrome and other infant sleep-related deaths that are sometimes mislabeled as sudden infant death syndrome, so that such information may lead to the possible means of prevention. The commissioner shall make the literature set out in this subdivision (7) available on the department of health's website.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 667, s 1, eff. 4/12/2018.
Acts 2001, ch. 321, § 3; 2005, ch. 356, § 1; 2009 , ch. 566, § 12.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 12 - PUBLIC SCHOOL NURSE PROGRAM (§§ 68-1-1201 — 68-1-1206) › Section 68-1-1201 - Creation

(a)
There is created within the department of health the Tennessee public school nurse program.
(b)
The chief medical officer for the state, appointed pursuant to §
68-1-102(c)
, shall serve as executive director of the program.
(c)
In order to attain the highest level of school attendance, to promote excellence of academic performance and achievement, and to significantly reduce school dropout rates, the executive director, acting through the program, shall strive to improve and safeguard the physical and mental health and well-being of the student population of Tennessee's public schools.
Acts 1988, ch. 988, § 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 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 12 - PUBLIC SCHOOL NURSE PROGRAM (§§ 68-1-1201 — 68-1-1206) › Section 68-1-1203 - New positions

(a)
As additional funding is made available for the school nurse program within the general appropriation acts, new school nurse positions may be created within the program. However, in order to ensure orderly, efficient, and effective development, expansion of the program shall occur incrementally and shall not, in any given year, exceed the level at which quality of service or standards of supervisory control may be lowered.
(b)
(1)
Nurses within the program shall be administratively attached and assigned to the various county and district health departments or local education agencies (LEAs) across the state; however, such nurses shall remain under the supervisory control and direction of the executive director of the school nurse program.
(2)
Until such time as the program shall employ school nurses in sufficient numbers to adequately provide services, i.e., a ratio of at least one (1) permanent, full time, school nurse per three thousand (3,000) students, but in no case, less than one (1) permanent, full time, school nurse for each county-wide system, to all LEAs, the executive director shall give priority in the assignment of school nurses to those health departments or LEAs that serve counties that are plagued by problems of poverty, unemployment and underemployment and are medically underserved to the greatest degree.
(c)
(1)
In order to supplement the personnel resources otherwise available to the program, the executive director is authorized to enter into internship or residency agreements with any nursing school, accredited by the board of nursing, that offers a program of education and training for students preparing to become school nurses.
(2)
In the event of any such agreement, the executive director shall formulate guidelines to ensure that the activities of the student nurses are appropriately supervised and reviewed by departmental personnel.
Acts 1988, ch. 988, § 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 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 12 - PUBLIC SCHOOL NURSE PROGRAM (§§ 68-1-1201 — 68-1-1206) › Section 68-1-1204 - Rules and regulations - Public school nurse advisory council

(a)
The commissioner of health, acting in consultation with the executive director of the program, is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to efficiently and effectively implement this part.
(b)
(1)
The rules and regulations shall include, but shall not necessarily be limited to, policies and procedures whereby a public school nurse advisory council may be created by a local education agency (LEA) with one (1) or more full-time school nurses.
(2)
The primary purpose of the advisory council shall be to develop and submit recommendations to the executive director of the school nurse program and to the governing board of the LEA concerning the effective and efficient utilization and coordination of state and local school nurse personnel and resources.
(3)
The membership of the advisory council shall include both locally employed school nurses and state employed school nurses.
(4)
All rules and regulations shall be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
Acts 1988, ch. 988, § 1; 1989, ch. 356, § 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 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 12 - PUBLIC SCHOOL NURSE PROGRAM (§§ 68-1-1201 — 68-1-1206) › Section 68-1-1205 - Compliance with laws pertaining to abortion or birth control referrals or information by employees - Abstinence

Each employee of the program, including each intern resident employed pursuant to §
68-1-1203(c)
, shall at all times remain in compliance with, and shall fully abide by, all applicable federal, state and local statutes, rules, regulations, ordinances and policies pertaining to abortion. Furthermore, each employee of the program, including each intern or resident employed pursuant to §
68-1-1203(c)
, shall at all times remain in compliance with and shall fully abide by all applicable federal, state and local statutes, rules, regulations, ordinances and policies pertaining to birth control devices and contraceptives. While present on the property or premises of any local education agency (LEA) or while otherwise engaged in the activities of the program, no such employee shall at any time make abortion referrals or otherwise advocate or encourage abortion nor prescribe any form of birth control device or contraceptive. It shall be the policy of the program, and of each employee engaged in the activities of the program, including each intern or resident employed pursuant to §
68-1-1203(c)
, to vigorously encourage and urge students to abstain from entering into any sexual relationship or activity.
Acts 1988, ch. 988, § 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 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 12 - PUBLIC SCHOOL NURSE PROGRAM (§§ 68-1-1201 — 68-1-1206) › Section 68-1-1206 - Local agencies not preempted

This part shall not be construed to terminate the ability of a local education agency (LEA) to locally employ and supervise school nurses who are not employees of the program.
Acts 1988, ch. 988, §§ 2, 3.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 13 - DOWN SYNDROME INFORMATION ACT OF 2018 (§§ 68-1-1301 — 68-1-1304) › Section 68-1-1301 - Short title

This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Down Syndrome Information Act of 2018."
Acts 2018, ch. 773, § 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 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 13 - DOWN SYNDROME INFORMATION ACT OF 2018 (§§ 68-1-1301 — 68-1-1304) › Section 68-1-1302 - Part definitions

As used in this part:
(1)
"Department" means the department of health; and
(2)
"Down syndrome" means a chromosomal condition caused by an error in cell division that results in the presence of an extra whole or partial copy of chromosome 21.
Acts 2018, ch. 773, § 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 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 13 - DOWN SYNDROME INFORMATION ACT OF 2018 (§§ 68-1-1301 — 68-1-1304) › Section 68-1-1303 - Information regarding Down syndrome to be made available

(a)
The department shall, within existing resources, make available up-to-date, evidence-based information about Down syndrome. The online information must include:
(1)
Information regarding first-call programs;
(2)
Links to organizations providing information and resources related to Down syndrome; and
(3)
Other educational and support programs.
(b)
The department may make available this information on the department's website.
(c)
The intent of this section is to make information available to individuals who render prenatal care, postnatal care, or genetic counseling to any person who has received a prenatal or postnatal diagnosis of Down syndrome.
Acts 2018, ch. 773, § 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 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 13 - DOWN SYNDROME INFORMATION ACT OF 2018 (§§ 68-1-1301 — 68-1-1304) › Section 68-1-1304 - Positive test result for Down syndrome - Information provided to expectant or new parent

(a)
A healthcare provider who renders prenatal or postnatal care or a genetic counselor who renders genetic counseling may, upon receipt of a positive test result from a test for Down syndrome, provide the expectant or new parent with the information provided by the department under this part.
(b)
Nothing in this section creates a duty of care or other legal obligation beyond the requirements set forth in this section.
Acts 2018, ch. 773, § 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 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 14 - TENNESSEE RESOURCE MOTHERS PROGRAM (§§ 68-1-1401 — 68-1-1408) › Section 68-1-1401 - Established

There is established within the department of health the "Tennessee resource mothers program."
Acts 1992, ch. 990, § 2a.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 14 - TENNESSEE RESOURCE MOTHERS PROGRAM (§§ 68-1-1401 — 68-1-1408) › Section 68-1-1402 - Legislative intent

(a)
It is the intention of the general assembly that the program:
(1)
Be designed with the main emphasis of the program aimed at reducing the infant mortality and low birth weight rates in the state;
(2)
Facilitate good health practices and the utilization of health care services through prenatal and well-child visits and compliance with medical recommendations;
(3)
Be targeted to reach teenagers pregnant with their first child, but may also serve high risk pregnant women on a limited basis;
(4)
Be structured to provide services at least through the infant's first birthday; and
(5)
Be structured to ensure that participation by those persons targeted to be reached by the program be totally voluntary.
(b)
It is further the intention of the general assembly that the following results be attained:
(1)
A decrease in the percentage of low weight births;
(2)
An increase in the proportion of postpartum teens returning to school;
(3)
A reduction in smoking and other risk behaviors among teenagers served; and
(4)
Improvement in parenting skills.
Acts 1992, ch. 990, § 2b.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 14 - TENNESSEE RESOURCE MOTHERS PROGRAM (§§ 68-1-1401 — 68-1-1408) › Section 68-1-1403 - Elements of program

The program shall contain the following elements:
(1)
Lay women from the community shall be recruited and provided with intensive training to serve as "resource mothers" for pregnant and parenting teens;
(2)
(A)
The resource mother's role is to become a support person for the teenager and the teenager's family. Through a plan of scheduled home visits, the resource mother is to perform the following tasks:
(i)
Identify pregnant teens and get them into prenatal care early in their pregnancy;
(ii)
Assist pregnant teens in obtaining medicaid, WIC, family planning, education, and other community services;
(iii)
Ensure that teens and infants keep health care appointments, providing help with transportation and babysitting, if needed;
(iv)
Reinforce recommendations of health care providers and give basic health information and advice in areas such as nutrition, avoidance of smoking and alcohol, infant development, and infant care; and
(v)
Instruct the teenager in good parenting skills;
(B)
Failure of a pregnant or parenting teen to heed advice, rendered by a resource mother pursuant to subdivision (2)(A)(iv) does not, in and of itself, constitute neglect sufficient to justify removal of the infant from the custody of such teen;
(3)
Qualifications to be a resource mother include:
(A)
A high school diploma or equivalency degree;
(B)
A valid driver license and transportation;
(C)
A telephone in the home; and
(D)
The ability to relate well with teenagers;
(4)
In order to avoid duplication of services and to enhance the delivery of services under the program, services may also be provided through employees of the departments of health and children's services, coordinating their efforts with programs currently in existence that serve the targeted population; and
(5)
The department of health shall, to the greatest extent possible, utilize medicaid records and services and assistance from the department of children's services in providing the needed training and provision of services under this part.
Acts 1992, ch. 990, § 2c; 1996, ch. 1079, § 148.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 14 - TENNESSEE RESOURCE MOTHERS PROGRAM (§§ 68-1-1401 — 68-1-1408) › Section 68-1-1404 - Training

The resource mothers shall initially be trained in prenatal care and related health topics, infant development and parenting, community resources, and communication skills. Ongoing supervision and in-service training of the resource mother shall continue as long as the resource mother provides services under the program.
Acts 1992, ch. 990, § 2d.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 14 - TENNESSEE RESOURCE MOTHERS PROGRAM (§§ 68-1-1401 — 68-1-1408) › Section 68-1-1405 - Coordination of services

In order to avoid duplication of services, the resource mothers program shall, to the greatest extent possible, coordinate the delivery of services with a model teenage pregnancy program that was created pursuant to [former] §
37-3-111
[repealed], if any, in operation in the area to be served by the resource mothers designated site.
Acts 1992, ch. 990, § 2e.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 14 - TENNESSEE RESOURCE MOTHERS PROGRAM (§§ 68-1-1401 — 68-1-1408) › Section 68-1-1406 - Evaluation of program - Report

The department of health shall evaluate the resource mothers program through site visits and prepare written quarterly reports on the program site objectives. The report shall include a review of the following statistics:
(1)
The number of pregnant teens entering the program;
(2)
The number of infants entering the program;
(3)
The number of infant deaths;
(4)
The number and percent of low weight births;
(5)
The number and percent of teens entering the program in the first trimester of pregnancy; and
(6)
The number and percent of postpartum teens returning to school.
Acts 1992, ch. 990, § 2f.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 14 - TENNESSEE RESOURCE MOTHERS PROGRAM (§§ 68-1-1401 — 68-1-1408) › Section 68-1-1407 - Gifts and donations

The department of health is authorized to accept gifts or donations of money, goods or services from private individuals or organizations to accomplish the purposes of this part, under such reasonable terms and conditions as the commissioner may establish.
Acts 1992, ch. 990, § 2g.