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 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-144) › Section 68-1-117 - Program for health care professional development for underserved and disadvantaged populations in Tennessee

(a)
There is established a program for health care professional development for underserved and disadvantaged populations in Tennessee at Meharry Medical College School of Medicine. The program shall develop resources for recruiting, training and deploying physicians for service in areas of Tennessee with disadvantaged and medically underserved populations.
(b)
The program shall:
(1)
Develop programs in undergraduate medical education with positions for qualified Tennessee residents, especially for residents from disadvantaged and medically underserved areas (MUAs);
(2)
Expand specialty training in family medicine, preventive medicine, and enhance generalist physician training in the disciplines of internal medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrics/gynecology;
(3)
Increase recruitment of students from disadvantaged communities and health resource shortage areas (HRSAs) of the state;
(4)
Deploy physicians into disadvantaged communities in service to local health departments and counties demonstrating need; and
(5)
Expand academic and student support services as required for enrolled Meharry students from disadvantaged communities and HRSAs of the state.
Acts 1998, ch. 1000, § 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 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-144) › Section 68-1-118 - Specific authorization required for release of information

The department of health or any employee of the department of health shall not release information that is not specifically authorized by state or federal law to any insurance company, agency, company or firm, pertaining to the health of any person without the patient's consent, or, if a minor, the consent of the minor's parent, guardian or legal custodian, or pursuant to an appropriate court order.
Acts 2001, ch. 427, § 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 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-144) › Section 68-1-120 - [Repealed]

Repealed by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 466, s 9, eff. 7/1/2024.
Acts 2003 , ch. 169, § 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 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-144) › Section 68-1-122 - Memorandum of understanding regarding annual health professional shortage area designation process

(a)
The department of health shall enter into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Tennessee Primary Care Association, the Tennessee Hospital Association, and the Tennessee Rural Health Recruitment and Retention Center to work cooperatively with respect to the annual health professional shortage area (HPSA) designation process.
(b)
The MOU shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
(1)
A communication plan including each of the parties during the annual HPSA designation process;
(2)
A plan to ensure that the information and methodology utilized to determine the HPSA designation is adequate and accurate; and
(3)
A period for comment to the department by the other three (3) MOU parties prior to the submission of the recommendations to the federal government for approval.
Acts 2006, ch. 571, § 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 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-144) › Section 68-1-123 - Report on access to care and safety net adequacy

On or before January 15 of each year, the commissioner of health, in consultation with the department of finance and administration and any other state agency involved in the administration of the safety net program, shall report to the general assembly on data relating to access to care and safety net adequacy related issues. The data shall address adequacy of access and the array of services to which access is available. The report shall also seek to address the allocation of scarce health care resources in the safety net, with attention to developing a rational health care system that does not duplicate services. The report shall specifically assess access to care in rural and underserved areas across the state. The comptroller of the treasury shall also comment on the report. The commissioner shall present the findings of the report to the health and welfare committee of the senate and the health committee of the house of representatives.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 236,s 63, eff. 4/19/2013.
Acts 2006, ch. 571, § 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 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-144) › Section 68-1-124 - Coordination of programs to prevent and treat diabetes - Central data repository

The commissioner is authorized to appoint an individual within the department to coordinate with other state government departments and agencies to ensure that all programs that impact the prevention and treatment of diabetes are coordinated, that duplication of efforts are minimized, and that the impact of the programs is maximized in an attempt to reduce the health consequences and complications of diabetes in this state. The department of health shall serve as the central repository for this state for data related to the prevention and treatment of diabetes.
Acts 2008, ch. 896, § 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 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-144) › Section 68-1-126 - Plan to establish demonstration sites

Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the department of health shall assist the council on children's mental health care in developing a plan that will establish demonstration sites in certain geographic areas where children's mental health care is child-centered, family-driven, and culturally and linguistically competent and that provides a coordinated system of care for children's mental health needs in this state.
Acts 2008, ch. 1062, § 14.
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 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-144) › Section 68-1-127 - Health advisory for MRSA infections

(a)
No later than July 15 of each year, the department of health shall issue an advisory to the department of education which shall be distributed to schools serving students in grades kindergarten through twelve (K-12) and in early childhood programs explaining the risks of community-associated methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections and providing guidance on the most current methods on recognizing and preventing these infections.
(b)
The departments of health and education shall also prominently display on their websites links to this information.
Acts 2010 , ch. 828, § 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 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-144) › Section 68-1-129 - Optical examination waiver form for Alzheimer's and dementia patients

(a)
The department shall develop an optical examination waiver form to permit any patient diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, Alzheimer's related dementia, or vascular dementia, to obtain lenses, spectacles, eye glasses, or optical devices using an expired prescription when such patient's disease or dementia would preclude the patient from undergoing an optical examination. The department shall make such forms available on its website.
(b)
Such optical examination waiver form shall be signed by a licensed physician who has determined:
(1)
The patient has Alzheimer's disease, Alzheimer's related dementia, or vascular dementia;
(2)
The symptoms of the disease or dementia significantly affect the patient's ability to sit for an optical examination to obtain a new optical prescription;
(3)
The patient's lenses, spectacles, eye glasses, or optical devices are lost, broken, or damaged to a degree that renders them unusable; and
(4)
The patient would derive significant benefit from replacement.
(c)
It is lawful for any optician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist licensed in this state to fill the most recent expired prescription for any lenses, spectacles, eye glasses, or optical devices for a patient; provided, that the prescription is filled once pursuant to an optical examination waiver form described in subsection (b).
Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 683, s 1, eff. 7/1/2014.
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 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-144) › Section 68-1-130 - Development of plan to create apprentice program for use by licensing boards and commissions

(a)
The boards and commissions created in title 63, in consultation with the division of health related boards, shall develop a plan to create an apprentice program for use by such boards and commissions.
(b)
The plan developed pursuant to subsection (a) shall include, but not be limited to, the subjects of:
(1)
Apprenticeship training;
(2)
Supervisory standards;
(3)
Occupational instruction;
(4)
Wages and benefits;
(5)
Licensure; and
(6)
The role of the division of health related boards in implementing and maintaining the program.
(c)
The apprentice plan shall be submitted to the speaker of the senate, the speaker of the house of representatives, the government operations committees of the senate and house of representatives, the commissioner of commerce and insurance, the commissioner of health, and the commissioner of labor and workforce development on or before December 31, 2014.
Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 881,s 2, eff. 5/1/2014.
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 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-144) › Section 68-1-131 - Reports on existing apprenticeship programs of boards and commissions

Each of the boards and commissions created in title 63 that have statutorily created apprenticeship programs in effect as of July 1, 2014, or that previously had such programs in effect, shall submit a report to the persons and entities listed in §
68-1-130(c)
on or before December 31, 2014, that includes:
(1)
(A)
The reason the apprentice program was created; and
(B)
The reason the apprentice program is no longer in effect, if applicable;
(2)
Historical data on the apprentice program since its creation, including:
(A)
The number of persons participating in the program each year; and
(B)
Program outcomes, including the percentage of program participants who have continued in their chosen fields;
(3)
A description of the apprentice program and its objectives; and
(4)
(A)
The number of persons licensed in each profession regulated by such boards and commissions from July 1, 2009, to July 1, 2014; and
(B)
The number of persons employed in each profession regulated by such boards and commissions from July 1, 2009, to July 1, 2014.
Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 881, s 2, eff. 5/1/2014.
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 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-144) › Section 68-1-132 - Development of tobacco prevention programs

Using a science and experience-based approach, the department of health shall develop and implement comprehensive tobacco prevention programs for this state. These programs shall include, when available, peer-reviewed and science-based educational materials on tobacco harm reduction and the comparative risks of alternative nicotine products, vapor products, smokeless tobacco products, cigarettes, and other combustible tobacco products.
Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 353,s 15, eff. 7/1/2015.
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 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-144) › Section 68-1-133 - Department of health website - Links to asthma prevention protocols

(a)
The commissioner of health shall encourage public health organizations, the medical community, the department of education, the department of labor and workforce development, the department of general services, and other relevant stakeholders to examine the asthma prevention protocols posted on the website of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and related information to assist the medical profession, schools, public venues, workplaces, and other relevant stakeholders, in making appropriate responses to assist in:
(1)
Diagnosing environmentally associated exacerbation of asthma in people with asthma;
(2)
Avoiding new asthma cases;
(3)
Better identifying and avoiding potential triggers so as to protect persons with these conditions; and
(4)
Reducing medical costs and lost work or school time.
(b)
On or before December 31, 2016, the commissioner shall include on the department of health website the internet links to the protocols identified in subsection (a), as existing asthma prevention protocols are helpful tools to better assist people affected by environmental illnesses and multiple chemical sensitivities.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 886, s 1, eff. 4/27/2016.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-144) › Section 68-1-134 - Calculation of income for members of uniformed services for purposes of determining eligibility for supplemental food program

To the extent permitted by federal law, in calculating income for the purpose of determining eligibility for the special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children, the department of health shall not include as income the basic allowance for subsistence (BAS) for applicants who are members of a uniformed service.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 950,s 1, eff. 7/1/2016.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-144) › Section 68-1-137 - Program established to provide access to voluntary reversible long-acting contraception

(a)
As used in this section:
(1)
"Family planning centers" means health clinics that receive funding under the Title X program overseen by the United States department of health and human services (Pub. L. No. 91-572), as well as other health clinics that the commissioner of health finds are qualified and willing to perform comprehensive family planning services; and
(2)
"Voluntary reversible long-acting contraception" or "VRLACs," also known as "long-acting reversible contraceptives" or "LARCs," means highly effective methods of contraception that last for several years and are easy to use. VRLACs include, but are not limited to, intrauterine contraceptives and birth control implants.
(b)
(1)
The department of health shall administer a program to improve access to VRLACs for women.
(2)
The program shall include:
(A)
Training for family planning centers regarding contraceptive methods, including VRLACs, client-centered and non-coercive counseling strategies, and managing side effects;
(B)
Training for all public health facilities to ensure that they are qualified and able to provide forms of contraception, including VRLACs;
(C)
Assistance to family planning centers regarding administrative or technical issues such as coding, billing, pharmacy rules, and clinic management related to the provision of forms of contraception, including VRLACs and other methods;
(D)
General financial support to expand the capacity of family planning centers to provide VRLACs, to train and staff providers, and to keep supplies in stock and available for same-day access by patients;
(E)
Education and outreach to the public about the availability, effectiveness, and safety of contraception including VRLAC;
(F)
Education and outreach to the public to inform women about alternatives to abortion, including adoption services, and the numerous public and private agencies and services that are available to assist women during pregnancy and after the birth of the child;
(G)
Compiling a list of the contraceptive methods available for both over-the-counter and directly through pharmacies, as California and Oregon have done; and
(H)
Other services the commissioner of health deems necessary to improve access to comprehensive family planning options.
(c)
Implementation and the continuation of the program established in this section is subject to the availability of federal funds made available to the state for that purpose.
Acts 2018 , ch. 686, § 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 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-144) › Section 68-1-138 - Prohibited offer or payment, or offer or solicitation, of commission for referral of patient or patronage with respect to alcohol or drug services

(a)
A healthcare facility or provider licensed under this title, with respect to alcohol and drug services, as defined in §
33-2-402
, shall not knowingly:
(1)
Offer or pay a commission, benefit, rebate, kickback, or bribe, directly or indirectly, in cash or in kind, or engage in any split-fee arrangement, in any form whatsoever, to induce the referral of a patient or patronage to or from:
(A)
A licensee or facility licensed under title 33, chapter 2, part 4; or
(B)
A recovery residence, an employee of a recovery residence, a nationally recognized recovery residence standards organization or its affiliate, or an employee of a nationally recognized recovery residence standards organization or an employee of its affiliate under title 33, chapter 2, part 14;
(2)
Solicit or receive a commission, benefit, rebate, kickback, or bribe, directly or indirectly, in cash or in kind, or engage in any split-fee arrangement, in any form whatsoever, in return for referring a patient or patronage to or from:
(A)
A licensee or facility licensed under title 33, chapter 2, part 4; or
(B)
A recovery residence, an employee of a recovery residence, a nationally recognized recovery residence standards organization or its affiliate, or an employee of a nationally recognized recovery residence standards organization or an employee of its affiliate under title 33, chapter 2, part 14;
(3)
Solicit or receive a commission, benefit, rebate, kickback, or bribe, directly or indirectly, in cash or in kind, or engage in any split-fee arrangement, in any form whatsoever, in return for the acceptance or acknowledgment of treatment from:
(A)
A licensee or facility licensed under title 33, chapter 2, part 4; or
(B)
A recovery residence, an employee of a recovery residence, a nationally recognized recovery residence standards organization or its affiliate, or an employee of a nationally recognized recovery residence standards organization or an employee of its affiliate under title 33, chapter 2, part 14; or
(4)
Aid, abet, advise, or otherwise participate in the conduct prohibited under subdivision (a)(1), (a)(2), or (a)(3).
(b)
Any healthcare facility or provider licensed under this title, with respect to alcohol and drug services, that violates this section is subject to suspension or revocation of the healthcare facility's or provider's license by the appropriate licensing board and the imposition of civil penalties as authorized under this title.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 309, s 8, eff. 7/1/2022.
Acts 2018 , ch. 855, § 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 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-144) › Section 68-1-139 - Training program for certified nurse practitioners in treating and processing minor who is victim of sexual offense

(a)
As used in this section, "minor" means any person who has not attained eighteen (18) years of age.
(b)
The department of health may seek a federal grant from the federal department of health and human services' health resources and services administration, or any other applicable entity, for the purpose of developing a training program for certified nurse practitioners in treating and processing a minor who is a victim of an offense described in §
39-13-504
, §
39-13-505
, §
39-13-506
, §
39-13-509
, §
39-13-518
, §
39-13-522
, §
39-13-527
, §
39-13-531
, or §
39-13-532
. Participation in the training program must be free of charge for the certified nurse practitioner participants.
Added by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 275, s 1, 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 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-144) › Section 68-1-140 - Inclusion of data related to complications of induced abortions in annual report of selected induced termination of pregnancy data

The department of health shall include data related to complications of induced abortions, including the number of complications and the types of complications, in its annual report of selected induced termination of pregnancy data. The department shall not release any data pursuant to this section in a manner that could identify individual patients.
Added by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 307,s 1, eff. 7/1/2019.
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 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-144) › Section 68-1-141 - Dementia education

(a)
By January 1, 2022, the department of health, in collaboration with the bureau of TennCare, shall, as a part of its existing public health programs and services, educate healthcare professionals and public health practitioners on:
(1)
The importance of risk reduction, early detection, and timely diagnosis of cognitive impairment and dementia;
(2)
The use of validated cognitive assessment tools; and
(3)
Provision of effective care planning, including treatment options, support and services, long-term care options, advanced directives, and care coordination at all stages of dementia, including appropriate counseling and referral.
(b)
Using the State and Local Public Health Partnerships to Address Dementia Roadmap from the centers for disease control and prevention's Healthy Brain Initiative, the department of health, in partnership with the department of disability and aging, members of the state Alzheimer's disease and related dementia advisory council, and the Tennessee Dementia Friendly Communities, shall in its existing relevant public health programs, including the Tennessee Dementia Friendly Communities initiative, continue to incorporate information on:
(1)
Increasing understanding and awareness of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, including its links to chronic disease, such as vascular risk factors;
(2)
Early signs of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias that should be discussed with healthcare professionals and the value of early detection and timely diagnosis; and
(3)
Increasing data and surveillance, encouraging additional data analysis, and encouraging accurate reporting on death certificates.
(c)
The department shall strive to provide uniform, consistent guidance in nonclinical terms, with an emphasis on cultural relevancy and health literacy, specifically targeting populations at higher risk for developing dementia in its public awareness and educational outreach programs.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 688,s 154, eff. 7/1/2024.
Added by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 114, s 1, eff. 4/13/2021.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-144) › Section 68-1-142 - Dissemination of information concerning health effects and dangers of using vapor products to students

(a)
As used in this section:
(1)
"Junior high school" means a school in which any combination of grades corresponding to grade seven through grade ten (7-10) are taught; however, the school must include grade nine (9);
(2)
"Middle school" means a school designed to serve grades five through eight (5-8) only, or any combination of grades five through eight (5-8);
(3)
"Senior high school" means a school in which any combination of grades corresponding to grade nine through grade twelve (9-12) are taught; however, the school must include grade twelve (12); and
(4)
"Vapor product":
(A)
Means a noncombustible product containing nicotine or another substance that employs a mechanical heating element, battery, electronic circuit, or other mechanism, regardless of shape or size, that can be used to produce or emit vapor;
(B)
Includes an electronic cigarette, electronic cigar, electronic cigarillo, electronic pipe, or similar product, and a vapor cartridge or other container of a solution containing nicotine or another substance that is intended to be used with or in an electronic cigarette, electronic cigar, electronic cigarillo, electronic pipe, or similar product; and
(C)
Does not include a product regulated under Chapter V of the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (
21 U.S.C. § 351
et seq.).
(b)
The department of health, in coordination with the department of education, shall disseminate information from the centers for disease control and prevention concerning the health effects and dangers of using vapor products to students in public middle schools, public junior high schools, and public senior high schools in this state.
Added by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 157,s 1, eff. 4/20/2021.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-144) › Section 68-1-144 - Remote use of special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children

(a)
As allowed via federal department of agriculture waiver of the physical presence requirement in
42 U.S.C. § 1786(d)(3)(C)
, the department of health may utilize remote use of the special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children at a substantially similar level as has been available during calendar years 2020, 2021, and 2022. The department may promote remote use options and educate eligible recipients about remote use.
(b)
The department of health shall conduct a review of remote use of the special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children and deliver a report to the chairs of the health and welfare committee of the senate and the health committee of the house of representatives no later than December 15, 2022. The report must include information on best practices, resources, and communications utilized during the remote use period.
(c)
As used in this section, "remote use" means effectuating the requirements of the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children via telephone, audio video equipment, or similar technology.
Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1099, s 1, eff. 5/27/2022.
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 2 - QUARANTINE (§§ 68-1-201 — 68-1-204) › Section 68-1-201 - Power to quarantine

(a)
The commissioner has the power to:
(1)
Declare quarantine whenever, in the commissioner's judgment, the welfare of the public requires it; and
(2)
Prescribe such rules and regulations as may be deemed proper for the prevention of the introduction of yellow fever, cholera and other epidemic diseases into the state.
(b)
(1)
Whenever yellow fever, cholera, smallpox or other epidemic diseases appear in any locality within the state, and information thereof is brought to the knowledge of the department, the commissioner shall prepare and carry into effect such rules and regulations as, in the commissioner's judgment, will, with the least inconvenience to commerce and travel, prevent the spread of the disease.
(2)
Whenever the commissioner determines that an influenza outbreak may pose a threat of an epidemic, the commissioner shall prepare and carry into effect rules and regulations that, in the commissioner's judgment, will, with the least inconvenience to commerce and travel, prevent the spread of the disease.
(c)
As used in this part, "quarantine" means the limitation of a person's freedom of movement, isolation of a person, or preventing or restricting access to premises upon which the person or the cause or source of a disease may be found, for a period of time as may be necessary to confirm or establish a diagnosis, to determine the cause or source of a disease, or to prevent the spread of a disease.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 550, s 5, eff. 5/26/2021.
Acts 1879, ch. 151, § 2; Shan., § 3096; impl. am. Acts 1923, ch. 7, § 46; Code 1932, § 5758; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 53-105; Acts 2006, ch. 588, § 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 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 2 - QUARANTINE (§§ 68-1-201 — 68-1-204) › Section 68-1-202 - Quarantine stations

(a)
The commissioner shall select suitable localities for establishing quarantine stations, and may erect necessary temporary buildings for the disinfection of passengers, baggage, cargo and other matter believed to convey the contagious principle of cholera, yellow fever, smallpox and other epidemic diseases, and may enforce the transshipment of passengers as the commissioner may deem necessary.
(b)
The commissioner shall assign to the charge of each station a competent physician and necessary assistants, who shall receive such compensation as the commissioner may deem reasonable and just.
Acts 1879, ch. 151, § 2; Shan., §§ 3097, 3098; impl. am. Acts 1923, ch. 7, § 46; Code 1932, §§ 5759, 5760; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 53-106, 53-107.
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 2 - QUARANTINE (§§ 68-1-201 — 68-1-204) › Section 68-1-203 - Violating quarantine a misdemeanor

Any person who willfully disregards or evades quarantine, or violates any rule or regulation made in attempting to prevent the spread of any epidemic disease, commits a Class B misdemeanor.
Acts 1879, ch. 151, § 3; Shan., § 3099; mod. Code 1932, § 5761; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 53-108; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 112.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 2 - QUARANTINE (§§ 68-1-201 — 68-1-204) › Section 68-1-204 - Recommendations by commissioner to governor on allocation of health care resources in affected areas

In the event that an emergency or disaster as defined in §
58-2-101
occurs, that involves outbreaks of disease that present a danger of an epidemic, the commissioner shall make appropriate recommendations to the governor for actions under this title and title 58, chapter 2, to allocate all available heath care resources in the affected areas for immediate and long-term health care needs of the affected populations.
Acts 2006, ch. 588, § 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 3 - DENTAL HYGIENE (§§ 68-1-301 — 68-1-305) › Section 68-1-301 - Special care of mouth and teeth - Development of statewide strategy - Report

The commissioner of health has general supervision of the interests of health and life of the citizens of this state, with special reference to the care and preservation of the mouth and teeth. With an understanding of the need to address the lack of resources available for the treatment of adult emergency dental situations, the commissioner will, in conjunction with professional organizations comprised of dental and related health care providers, organizations representing dental health recipients and other key stakeholders, develop a statewide strategy for the provision of adult emergency oral health care, utilizing public and private sector resources. The commissioner will report to the legislature on the progress of this strategy no later than January 15, 2009.
Acts 1919, ch. 172, § 4; impl. am. Acts 1923, ch. 7, § 46; Shan. Supp., § 3100a3; Code 1932, § 5762; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 53-109; Acts 2008, ch. 998, § 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 3 - DENTAL HYGIENE (§§ 68-1-301 — 68-1-305) › Section 68-1-302 - Instruction as to the care of the teeth - Appointment of director - Assistance of teachers

The commissioner shall appoint a director to instruct the pupils of the public schools and inmates of the charitable institutions in the importance of the care and preservation of the teeth, and to lecture to the teachers of the schools and institutions with the purpose of securing their assistance in having the pupils of the schools carry out the director's instructions.
Acts 1919, ch. 172, § 4; impl. am. Acts 1923, ch. 7, § 46; Shan. Supp., § 3100a4; mod. Code 1932, § 5763; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 53-110.
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 3 - DENTAL HYGIENE (§§ 68-1-301 — 68-1-305) › Section 68-1-303 - Supervision over dentists and dental equipment - Distribution of literature - Annual reports

(a)
The commissioner has general supervision over dentists and dental equipment in the various state institutions.
(b)
The commissioner shall distribute such literature throughout the state as will inform the people in the proper way to care for the teeth, and shall submit an annual report to the governor and Tennessee State Dental Association on the work done by and under the commissioner.
Acts 1919, ch. 172, § 4; impl. am. Acts 1923, ch. 7, § 46; Shan. Supp., § 3100a5; Code 1932, § 5764; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 53-111.
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 3 - DENTAL HYGIENE (§§ 68-1-301 — 68-1-305) › Section 68-1-304 - County mouth hygienists

(a)
To assist the commissioner in carrying out the duties of the commissioner's office, the commissioner is authorized to appoint a reputable dentist in each county seat, who shall serve without compensation and shall be known as county mouth hygienist.
(b)
County health departments, both rural and metro, with existing dental staff and facilities receiving state or federal funds, shall, as a high priority to the extent possible within budgetary limitations, provide indigent children with comprehensive dental services and indigent adults with emergency dental services for the relief of pain and infections. The language "to the extent possible within budget limitations" as used in this section does not relieve metropolitan health departments with dental staffs and clinical facilities from occasionally providing emergency services to adult patients who present for relief of pain and infection. Subject to and within current or existing budget limitations, metropolitan health departments are to see adult emergency patients during cancelled or open appointments in their schedule. Nothing in this section precludes the health departments from charging a fee for those services. The commissioner has authority to monitor compliance and may request corrective actions if necessary.
Acts 1919, ch. 172, § 5; Shan. Supp., § 3100a6; Code 1932, § 5765; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 53-112; Acts 2008, ch. 998, § 2; 2010, ch. 766, § 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 3 - DENTAL HYGIENE (§§ 68-1-301 — 68-1-305) › Section 68-1-305 - Comprehensive state oral health plan

(a)
The commissioner of health is authorized to develop a comprehensive state oral health plan. The plan may be used to direct skilled personnel and funding decisions in order to reduce the prevalence of oral disease. The plan may enable the state to compete more effectively for funding resources and opportunities.
(b)
The commissioner may develop the plan in consultation with public and private agencies, partners, and stakeholders, including the state oral health coalition and members of the public health, dental, and medical communities.
(c)
The plan may:
(1)
Include state-specific data;
(2)
Be maintained in a current and relevant form with updates every five (5) years;
(3)
Be distributed broadly to public partners and policymakers; and
(4)
Provide specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-framed (S.M.A.R.T.) objectives.
(d)
The plan may also include:
(1)
A logic model;
(2)
A strong infrastructure;
(3)
Accessibility to current resources;
(4)
Identified knowledge gaps in resources and recommendations for eliminating those gaps;
(5)
Healthy People 2020 oral health objectives;
(6)
Identified priority populations and the burdens of oral disease;
(7)
Identified partners with the ability to leverage resources;
(8)
A communication plan for addressing new or emerging oral health knowledge specifically for:
(A)
Dental caries;
(B)
Water fluoridation; and
(C)
School-based or school-linked dental sealant programs;
(9)
Programs to address oral cancer and periodontal diseases;
(10)
Efforts to address infection control in dental settings;
(11)
Evaluation activities at the initiation of the planning process that involve recommendations for types of evaluation and plans for monitoring outcomes related to plan implementation;
(12)
Identified best practices for replication of program implementation; and
(13)
A proposal that identifies the process for updating the plan as required by this section.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 968,s 1, eff. 4/27/2016.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-6-201) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 4 - VACCINES (§§ 68-1-401 — 68-1-403) › Section 68-1-401 - Production and distribution by department - Charge - Regulations

(a)
It is the duty of the department of health to manufacture and distribute throughout the state of Tennessee such vaccines and other biological products as the division of laboratories is equipped to produce.
(b)
The commissioner of health, with the approval of the governor, shall adopt rules and regulations governing the manufacture and distribution of vaccines and biological products.
(c)
Subject to the rules and regulations prescribed by subsection (b), health officers and health departments of this state and the heads of state institutions may from time to time make requisitions for vaccines and other products, which requisitions shall, if deemed reasonable and necessary, be honored in the order in which the requisitions are presented to the commissioner.
(d)
A reasonable charge may be made to cover the cost of manufacture, distribution and essential overhead expenses, funds as received to be deposited with the state treasurer and disbursed in the same manner as are any state appropriations for the department.
(e)
All receipts from the sale of the products provided for in this section shall continue as a manufacturing account of the department for the continuance of the service by the division of laboratories and shall not revert to the general fund.
Acts 1933, ch. 157, § 1; C. Supp. 1950, § 5757.1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 53-113.
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 4 - VACCINES (§§ 68-1-401 — 68-1-403) › Section 68-1-402 - Hepatitis vaccinations

(a)
When hepatitis A outbreaks in communities are of such a nature and proportion that the centers for disease control or the commissioner of health deems it appropriate to do targeted or widespread vaccination for hepatitis A, then vaccine shall be made available to that community through state funds, if no federal vaccine program covers the cost of any or all of the vaccine necessary to carry out the vaccination program.
(b)
For the purpose of funding the cost of the vaccine required by this section during outbreaks, it is the legislative intent to provide a sum-sufficient appropriation in each fiscal year's annual appropriation bill, which will be subject to approval of the commissioner of finance and administration.
Acts 1996, ch. 1041, §§ 1, 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 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-1-2503) › Part 5 - CONTROL AND PREVENTION OF DIABETES (§§ 68-1-501 — 68-1-503) › Section 68-1-501 - Identification of goals and benchmarks and development of agency plans

The bureau of TennCare, the department of health, and the department of finance and administration shall collaborate to identify goals and benchmarks while also developing individual agency plans to reduce the incidence of diabetes in this state, improve diabetes care, and control complications associated with diabetes.
Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 404,s 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
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 5 - CONTROL AND PREVENTION OF DIABETES (§§ 68-1-501 — 68-1-503) › Section 68-1-502 - Reports

The bureau of TennCare and the department of health shall jointly submit a report to the health committee of the house of representatives and the health and welfare committee of the senate by February 1 of each odd-numbered year on the following:
(1)
The financial impact and reach diabetes of all types is having on the agency, the state, and localities. Items included in this assessment shall include the number of lives with diabetes impacted or covered by the entity, the number of lives with diabetes and family members impacted by prevention and diabetes control programs implemented by the entity, the financial toll or impact diabetes and its complications places on the program, and the financial toll or impact diabetes and its complications places on the program in comparison to other chronic diseases and conditions;
(2)
An assessment of the benefits of implemented programs and activities aimed at controlling diabetes and preventing the disease. This assessment shall also document the amount and source for any funding directed to such agency from the general assembly for programs and activities aimed at reaching those with diabetes;
(3)
A description of the level of coordination existing between the agencies on activities, programmatic activities, and messaging on managing, treating, or preventing all forms of diabetes and its complications; and
(4)
The development or revision of detailed action plans for battling diabetes with a range of actionable items for consideration by the general assembly. The plans shall identify proposed action steps to reduce the impact of diabetes, prediabetes, and related diabetes complications. The plan shall also identify expected outcomes of the action steps proposed in the following biennium while also establishing benchmarks for controlling and preventing relevant forms of diabetes. The role of the department of health in developing these plans shall be limited to primary prevention.
Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 404,s 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
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 5 - CONTROL AND PREVENTION OF DIABETES (§§ 68-1-501 — 68-1-503) › Section 68-1-503 - Applicability of requirements of part

The requirements of this part shall be limited to the diabetes information, data, initiatives, and programs within each agency prior to July 1, 2015, unless there is unobligated funding for diabetes in each agency that may be used for new research, data collection, reporting, or other requirements of this part.
Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 404,s 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
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 68-1-701 - Establishment of centers

(a)
The department of health is authorized to establish one (1) or more primary health care centers in Tennessee.
(b)
It is the intent of the general assembly that the establishment of these centers will demonstrate new and more effective ways of providing health care in communities of the state, and will assist in achieving a better distribution of health care personnel into areas of Tennessee where a shortage of such personnel currently exists, and that these centers will provide primary health care services to patients and will enhance the delivery of health care in communities.
Acts 1973, ch. 165, § 1; 1975, ch. 38, § 1; 1975, ch. 108, § 1; 1980, ch. 663, § 1; 1980, ch. 851, § 11; T.C.A., § 53-124; Acts 1985, ch. 120, §§ 17, 18; 1989, ch. 279, §§ 1-3; 1994, ch. 569, § 3; 1995, ch. 15, §§ 1-3; 1996, ch. 659, § 6; 1998, ch. 842, § 1.