reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › SAFETY (§§ 68-101-101 — 68-143-103) › Chapter 140 - EMERGENCY SERVICES (§§ 68-140-101 — 68-140-604) › Part 3 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ACT OF 1983 (§§ 68-140-301 — 68-140-335) › Section 68-140-307 - Standards for vehicles and equipment

(a)
Standards for the design, construction, equipment, sanitation, operation and maintenance of ambulances, invalid vehicles, and for the operations and minimum emergency care equipment for emergency response vehicles shall be promulgated by the board, including, but not limited to, restrictions on the amount of mileage of an operational vehicle and mandatory mechanical inspections for vehicles over a certain mileage. The board may authorize standards for the licensure of air ambulance services to provide for such special personnel equipment operation and activities as may be necessary. Permits shall not be required for individual aircraft. The board shall promulgate rules and regulations to require the inspection of air ambulance medical equipment and supplies and to require the issuance of a healthcare inspection verification sticker.
(b)
Services performed by fixed wing air ambulance organizations that are provided without compensation pursuant to §
68-140-317(a)(2)
shall be conducted under part 91 of the federal air regulations. Pilots of such aircraft shall possess a commercial certificate with instrument rating.
Acts 1983, ch. 440, § 9; T.C.A., § 68-39-507; Acts 2004, ch. 551, § 2; 2007 , ch. 483, § 1; 2009 , ch. 453, § 1; T.C.A., § 68-140-507.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › SAFETY (§§ 68-101-101 — 68-143-103) › Chapter 140 - EMERGENCY SERVICES (§§ 68-140-101 — 68-140-604) › Part 3 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ACT OF 1983 (§§ 68-140-301 — 68-140-335) › Section 68-140-308 - Certificates for EMS personnel

(a)
Licenses, certificates, and authorizations issued for emergency medical services personnel, shall be valid for a period of up to two (2) years. The department shall establish a system of license renewals, which will allow for the distribution of the license workload. Such system shall provide for expiration of the applicant's professional license on the last day of the applicant's birth month within the license period. The fee imposed for any license issued under the interval method shall be proportional to biennial fees adopted pursuant to this part. The fee imposed under the interval method for a period of other than twenty-four (24) months shall be proportional and shall be rounded to the nearest dollar.
(b)
Licenses shall be issued or renewed upon application to the department; provided, that the applicant meets the requirements set forth in rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. Such licenses may be conditioned as may be necessary by the department or board. Requirements for written or practical examinations and required grades for examination shall be established by rule and regulation of the board.
(c)
A licensee, permit or certificate holder may renew the license within sixty (60) days following the license expiration date upon payment of the renewal fee in addition to a late penalty established by the board for each month or fraction of a month that payment for renewal is late; provided, that the late penalty shall not exceed twice the renewal fee. If a licensee fails to renew the license within sixty (60) days following the license expiration date, then the licensee shall reapply for licensure in accordance with the rules established by the board.
(d)
An applicant currently certified or licensed in another state who meets the requirements for licensure and renewal as approved by the board shall be eligible for licensure without examination. Upon submission of an application and appropriate fees to the department, licenses shall be issued if the applicant is:
(1)
A Tennessee resident;
(2)
Employed by a service operating in Tennessee; or
(3)
A nonresident applicant licensed in another state and in good standing in the applicant's state of residence, if the applicant's state of residence grants the same or similar reciprocity privileges to Tennessee residents who are licensed by and in good standing in Tennessee.
Acts 1983, ch. 440, § 10; 1986, ch. 586, § 3; T.C.A., § 68-39-508; Acts 1992, ch. 796, § 3; 2000, ch. 933, § 1; T.C.A. § 68-140-508; Acts 2012, ch. 728, §§ 14, 15.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › SAFETY (§§ 68-101-101 — 68-143-103) › Chapter 140 - EMERGENCY SERVICES (§§ 68-140-101 — 68-140-604) › Part 3 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ACT OF 1983 (§§ 68-140-301 — 68-140-335) › Section 68-140-309 - Duties and authority of EMS personnel and physician on the scene

(a)
EMS personnel shall exercise the skills and abilities needed to render appropriate emergency medical care and provide emergency medical services in accordance with authorized procedures in the respective level of training, and shall administer care to patients based upon knowledge and application of principles derived from accepted practice and medical approval, and shall fully comply with the board's regulations governing activities and performance for the category of license or certification. Licensed emergency medical services personnel, a physician or a nurse shall accompany and attend every patient transported by ambulance in this state. Nothing in this part shall be construed to authorize or require any medical treatment or transportation to any hospital or emergency care facility of a patient who objects to the treatment or transport on religious grounds.
(b)
If the licensed emergency medical services personnel and the physician on the scene disagree on the proper course of treatment, the physician should confer with the base hospital physician before ordering treatment. When no base hospital physician is available, the physician on the scene controls.
(c)
Licensed emergency medical services personnel may function within hospital emergency services under nursing supervision in accordance with policies and procedures adopted by the hospital.
(d)
Nothing in this part shall be construed so as to prevent emergency medical personnel under medical direction from:
(1)
Providing care that is not EMS, as defined by §
68-140-302
, including non-emergent care or transportation by ambulance; or
(2)
Treating patients on scene who do not require transport.
(e)
Nothing in this part shall be construed so as to allow a provider of emergency medical services, as defined by §
68-140-302
, to function as a "home care organization" as defined under §
68-11-201
.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 715, s 1, eff. 7/1/2014.
Acts 1983, ch. 440, § 11; 1990, ch. 932, § 2; 1990, ch. 1060, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A., § 68-39-509; Acts 1992, ch. 796, § 4; 1993, ch. 273, § 2; 1997 , ch. 161, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A., § 68-140-509; Acts 2012 , ch. 728, §§ 16-18.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › SAFETY (§§ 68-101-101 — 68-143-103) › Chapter 140 - EMERGENCY SERVICES (§§ 68-140-101 — 68-140-604) › Part 3 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ACT OF 1983 (§§ 68-140-301 — 68-140-335) › Section 68-140-310 - Training for epinephrine injections

Subject to the availability of a volunteer physician, nurse or licensed paramedic, the department shall approve and coordinate training in a course in epinephrine injections for administration to those persons suffering from serious adverse reactions (anaphylaxis) to insect stings, and this training may authorize lay individuals eighteen (18) years of age or over to administer epinephrine in emergency situations. Further, such individuals must demonstrate a need for such training, which can be based upon occupational or family circumstances. Possession of the drug shall be limited to those persons suffering from the allergic condition and the dosage of epinephrine shall be pre-measured.
Acts 1983, ch. 440, § 12; T.C.A., §§ 68-39-510, 68-140-510; Acts 2012, ch. 728, § 19.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › SAFETY (§§ 68-101-101 — 68-143-103) › Chapter 140 - EMERGENCY SERVICES (§§ 68-140-101 — 68-140-604) › Part 3 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ACT OF 1983 (§§ 68-140-301 — 68-140-335) › Section 68-140-312 - Liability

(a)
Neither a physician nor a nurse who, in good faith, gives orders or instructions to emergency medical services personnel, operating within their technical abilities for emergency care authorized by this part, nor any personnel following such orders, shall be liable civilly or criminally by reason of having issued or followed the orders except insofar as the rules of law of negligence are applicable.
(b)
Emergency medical services personnel shall not be liable for trespass when rendering services in good faith in compliance with this part. Any person who in good faith reports any alleged violations of this part shall not be civilly liable for damages.
Acts 1983, ch. 440, § 14; T.C.A., § 68-39-512; Acts 1992, ch. 796, § 6; T.C.A., § 68-140-512; Acts 2012, ch. 728, § 20.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › SAFETY (§§ 68-101-101 — 68-143-103) › Chapter 140 - EMERGENCY SERVICES (§§ 68-140-101 — 68-140-604) › Part 3 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ACT OF 1983 (§§ 68-140-301 — 68-140-335) › Section 68-140-313 - Enforcement of part

Whenever the commissioner has reason to believe that a violation of this part, the regulations promulgated under this part, or an order of the board, is occurring, or is about to occur, the commissioner may initiate any of the following enforcement measures:
(1)
The commissioner may initiate a proceeding before the board seeking any and all remedies hereinafter provided to the board;
(2)
The commissioner may initiate a civil action in the chancery court of Davidson County or of the county in which the alleged offender resides or does business. In such action, the commissioner may seek and the court is authorized to grant any form of relief, injunctive and other, available at law or equity;
(3)
If the activity involved appears to be a criminal offense, the commissioner may refer the matter to the appropriate district attorney general for prosecution;
(4)
With respect to any person required to be licensed, permitted, or authorized by this part, the commissioner may assess a civil penalty against such person in an amount not to exceed fifty dollars ($50.00) per day for each violation. In assessing the civil penalty, the commissioner may consider the following:
(A)
Whether the amount imposed will be a substantial economic deterrent to the violator;
(B)
The circumstances leading to the violation of the board's order;
(C)
The severity of the violation and the risk of harm to the public;
(D)
Economic benefits gained by the violator as a result of non-compliance; and
(E)
The interest of the public; and
(5)
Civil penalties assessed by the commissioner pursuant to subdivision (4) are final thirty (30) days after the date the assessment is served unless the alleged violator, within that time, seeks review by the board. If the violator fails to pay an assessment when it becomes final, the commissioner may apply to the appropriate court for a judgment and seek execution of such judgment.
Acts 1983, ch. 440, § 15; 1986, ch. 586, § 4; T.C.A., § § 68-39-513, 68-140-513.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › SAFETY (§§ 68-101-101 — 68-143-103) › Chapter 140 - EMERGENCY SERVICES (§§ 68-140-101 — 68-140-604) › Part 3 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ACT OF 1983 (§§ 68-140-301 — 68-140-335) › Section 68-140-314 - Hearings - Remedies - Materials exempt from public records act - Prehearing discovery

(a)
Hearings before the board on enforcement or disciplinary actions shall be conducted in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. The following remedies are available to the board in such actions:
(1)
The board may suspend, modify, revoke or condition the authorization of any person who holds an authorization pursuant to this part;
(2)
The board may issue an order requiring corrective action or the cessation of activities by any person as deemed necessary to correct or mitigate a violation. In particular, the board may issue an order against any person who conducts any of the activities regulated pursuant to this part without the proper authorization; and
(3)
The board may affirm, modify or reverse any action of the commissioner.
(b)
(1)
All materials, documents, and other matters relating to, compiled or created in the course of an investigation conducted by the department pursuant to this section shall be exempt from the public records act until the filing of a notice of charges. After the filing of a notice of charges, only the information and those materials and documents upon which the charges are based are available for disclosure under the public records act, compiled in title 10, chapter 7; provided, that the identifying information of the following, as well as all investigator created documents and reports, shall remain confidential at all times, unless and until introduced in the proceedings of a hearing conducted by the board:
(A)
A complainant;
(B)
Any witness who requests anonymity;
(C)
A patient; and
(D)
Medical records.
(2)
This section does not modify or limit the prehearing discovery provisions set forth in the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, part 3.
Acts 1983, ch. 440, § 16; T.C.A., § 68-39-514; Acts 2001, ch. 354, § 1; T.C.A., § 68-140-514.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › SAFETY (§§ 68-101-101 — 68-143-103) › Chapter 140 - EMERGENCY SERVICES (§§ 68-140-101 — 68-140-604) › Part 3 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ACT OF 1983 (§§ 68-140-301 — 68-140-335) › Section 68-140-315 - Criminal offenses and penalties

It is a Class C misdemeanor for any person to:
(1)
Impersonate or fraudulently represent oneself as an emergency medical services provider, or interfere with a properly identified emergency care provider at the scene of an emergency, or to knowingly interfere with the performance of a duly authorized and identified representative of the department engaged in regulatory activities;
(2)
Knowingly and willfully summon an ambulance or report that emergency medical service is needed when such person knows that such service is not needed; or
(3)
Knowingly or willfully violate or fail to comply with this part.
Acts 1983, ch. 440, § 17; 1989, ch. 591, § 113; T.C.A., § 68-39-515; Acts 1992, ch. 796, § 7; T.C.A., § 68-140-515.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › SAFETY (§§ 68-101-101 — 68-143-103) › Chapter 140 - EMERGENCY SERVICES (§§ 68-140-101 — 68-140-604) › Part 3 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ACT OF 1983 (§§ 68-140-301 — 68-140-335) › Section 68-140-317 - Fees

(a)
(1)
The board shall establish fees for licenses, permits, and for the licenses, certification and authorization of EMS personnel. The board may assess fees for the application, testing, inspection, or other services needed to carry out this part. Licensed emergency medical services personnel who are volunteer personnel associated with nonprofit corporations or associations providing emergency medical services, and otherwise non-salaried for their provision of emergency care, shall be exempt from license fees, but shall be liable for testing and training materials or other costs incurred by the board, and shall promptly notify and amend their fee status upon any change in the nature of their remuneration for activities involving emergency medical care.
(2)
The board shall have the authority to waive any fees applicable to 501(c)(3) organizations that provide air ambulance service by way of fixed wing aircraft for indigent patients; provided, that such 501(c)(3) organizations shall not receive fee for service payments for such air ambulance services for indigent patients from insurance, private pay or third party reimbursement.
(b)
Except as otherwise expressly provided by law, failure to remit any fees duly authorized by the board shall be grounds for denial of license or renewal, suspension of licenses or permits, or may otherwise constitute an offense within this part.
(c)
Applications and fees submitted and received prior to or by expiration dates shall extend licenses, permits, and certificates for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days to allow administrative processing. An applicant with expired certification can apply for reinstatement upon good cause being shown to the board, and payment of all fees, including any reinstatement fees, and fulfilling any condition that may be established by the board.
Acts 1983, ch. 440, § 19; 1986, ch. 586, § 5; T.C.A., § 68-39-517; Acts 1992, ch. 796, § 9; 2004, ch. 551, § 1; 2010 , ch. 773, § 2; T.C.A., § 68-140-517; Acts 2012 , ch. 728, § 21.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › SAFETY (§§ 68-101-101 — 68-143-103) › Chapter 140 - EMERGENCY SERVICES (§§ 68-140-101 — 68-140-604) › Part 3 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ACT OF 1983 (§§ 68-140-301 — 68-140-335) › Section 68-140-318 - Continuation of rules, regulations, permits and agreements - Construction of part

(a)
Rules and regulations previously promulgated under the Emergency Medical Service Act of 1972, formerly compiled in part 1 of this chapter, which part was formerly chapter 39, part 1 of this title [repealed], shall remain in effect as the rules and regulations under this part. Any of these rules or regulations that may conflict with a statutory provision of this chapter is rendered void, but shall not affect the validity of the remaining rules and regulations. Further, standards for services, personnel, and vehicles established prior to this part shall remain in force until new standards are promulgated as regulations by the board pursuant to this part.
(b)
All certificates, licenses and permits issued under part 1 of this chapter, which part was formerly chapter 39, part 1 of this title [repealed], shall remain in effect under this part until such times as they expire or are revoked or modified pursuant to this part.
(c)
Any contracts, agreements, plans, grants, or other documents developed under the former Emergency Medical Service Act of 1972 [repealed] shall remain in effect under this part.
(d)
This part is intended to supplement other provisions of the Tennessee Code Annotated and shall not be construed to repeal any other provisions specifically enacted for the provision of emergency medical services, except that the administration of any other laws pertaining to ambulance or emergency medical services shall be in accordance with the general policies and regulations adopted by the board.
(e)
Nothing in this part is intended to change any provision of the Tennessee Medical Practices Act, compiled in title 63, chapter 6.
(f)
Nothing in this part shall be construed as mandating that a county provide a county ambulance service.
Acts 1983, ch. 440, §§ 20, 21, 23; T.C.A., §§ 68-39-518, 68-140-518.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › SAFETY (§§ 68-101-101 — 68-143-103) › Chapter 140 - EMERGENCY SERVICES (§§ 68-140-101 — 68-140-604) › Part 3 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ACT OF 1983 (§§ 68-140-301 — 68-140-335) › Section 68-140-319 - Records required to be kept by licensees and permittees - Disclosures

(a)
Each ambulance service and invalid vehicle operator, licensed or permitted by the department shall maintain the following:
(1)
Run records;
(A)
Information required to be contained in such records shall be promulgated by the board;
(B)
All information contained in run records relative to, in whole or in part, a patient's medical histories, records, reports and summaries, diagnoses, prognoses, records of treatment and medication ordered and given, x-ray and radiology interpretations, physical therapy charts and notes, and lab reports, shall be considered "medical records";
(C)
Notwithstanding another law to the contrary, an ambulance service provider shall furnish to a patient or a patient's authorized representative a copy of the patient's run record or records within five (5) business days upon request in writing by the patient or the representative, and shall furnish a copy of a patient's run record or records to a surveyor employed by the health facilities commission within five (5) business days upon request in writing by the surveyor or health facilities commission staff; and
(D)
Except as otherwise provided by law, such patient's run record or records are not a public record, and this part does not impair any privilege of confidentiality conferred by law on patients, their personal representatives, or heirs. This subdivision (a)(1)(D) does not impair or abridge the right of the patient or the patient's authorized representative to obtain copies of the patient's hospital records in the manner provided in §
68-11-304
. This subdivision (a)(1)(D) does not prohibit a health facilities commission surveyor investigating an incident in a certified or licensed healthcare facility from obtaining a copy of this record without a subpoena incident to a health facility investigation. This subdivision (a)(1)(D) does not prohibit a patient's run record or records from being subpoenaed by a court of competent jurisdiction. As used in this subdivision (a)(1), "run record" includes any list of patients that is compiled or maintained by or for such patient's ambulance service provider, but does not include the dispatch log; and
(2)
All other records deemed necessary and promulgated by the board.
(b)
The department of health may disclose de-identified data that is collected pursuant to subsection (a), including for the purpose of providing opioid overdose response and resources throughout this state.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 466, s 14, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 203, s 1, eff. 4/24/2023.
Acts 1997 , ch. 280, § 2; T.C.A., § 68-140-519.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › SAFETY (§§ 68-101-101 — 68-143-103) › Chapter 140 - EMERGENCY SERVICES (§§ 68-140-101 — 68-140-604) › Part 3 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ACT OF 1983 (§§ 68-140-301 — 68-140-335) › Section 68-140-320 - Designation of government employee as officer for exposure control to perform infection control procedures

(a)
A local government or any licensed ambulance service may utilize one (1) or more of its employees licensed as a paramedic or critical care paramedic as its designated officer or officers for exposure control to perform infection control procedures necessary for prevention, exposure control and post-exposure evaluation on persons employed by that local government or licensed ambulance service as emergency response employees.
(b)
For the purposes of this part, "emergency response employees" (EREs) include licensed emergency medical services personnel, certified emergency medical responders, and firefighters.
(c)
All procedures authorized by this part shall be approved and performed under the medical direction of a Tennessee licensed physician.
(d)
For the purposes of this part, infection control procedures shall include the following:
(1)
Administering tuberculosis skin tests, influenza immunizations, hepatitis B immunizations, and other immunizations to EREs as ordered by the medical director;
(2)
Conducting prevention, informational and education programs for EREs pertaining to airborne and bloodborne diseases; and
(3)
Post-exposure evaluation of an ERE who may have been exposed to potentially life-threatening airborne or bloodborne diseases, including, but not limited to, tuberculosis, HIV or hepatitis B. The post-exposure evaluation shall consist of ascertaining information relative to the events regarding the perceived exposure, as well as assessing the degree or significance of the exposure for the purpose of informing the medical director. The medical director shall determine the potential public health risk and recommend the immediate course of action pertaining to the medical care of the ERE and any potential public health risk relative thereto. Further evaluation, treatment and follow-up of the ERE's condition shall be performed at a licensed hospital or physician's office.
(e)
Nothing in this part shall relieve nor limit any entity employing EREs from the statutory obligations imposed under chapter 10 of this title, the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1972, compiled in title 50, chapter 3, or from occupational safety and health standards promulgated pursuant to
29 CFR 1910
.
Acts 1998, ch. 958, § 1; T.C.A., § 68-140-520; 2012 , ch. 728, §§ 22, 23.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › SAFETY (§§ 68-101-101 — 68-143-103) › Chapter 140 - EMERGENCY SERVICES (§§ 68-140-101 — 68-140-604) › Part 3 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ACT OF 1983 (§§ 68-140-301 — 68-140-335) › Section 68-140-322 - Oaths and subpoenas

(a)
(1)
Any elected officer of the board, or any duly appointed or elected chair has the authority to administer oaths to witnesses. Upon probable cause being established, the board, by a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the members to which the board is entitled, may issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents and records.
(2)
Service of a subpoena issued by the board shall be made by the sheriff of the county of residence of the licensee or person upon whom the subpoena is served.
(b)
(1)
A licensee or person served by subpoena shall have thirty (30) days to request in writing a hearing before the board for the sole purpose of making a special appearance to quash or modify the subpoena. The subpoena for attendance of the person or the production of books and records shall be stayed until the board votes upon the request to quash or modify the subpoena. A majority vote of the members to which the board is entitled shall be required to quash or modify a subpoena.
(2)
A motion to appeal from a decision by the board regarding a request to quash or modify a subpoena shall be made to the chancery court in Davidson County within fifteen (15) days of such decision.
(c)
If any witness fails or refuses to obey a subpoena issued by it, the board is authorized to make application to any court of record in this state within the jurisdiction of which the witness is found or resides, and the court shall have power to attach the body of the witness and compel the witness to appear before the board and give testimony or produce books, records or papers as ordered, and any failure to obey the court order may be punished by the court issuing the order as a civil contempt.
(d)
Each witness who appears before the board by order of the board shall receive for attendance the compensation provided by law for attendance of witnesses in a court of record, which shall be paid from the funds of the board in the same manner as all other expenses of the board are paid.
Acts 1999, ch. 445, § 3; T.C.A., § 68-140-522.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › SAFETY (§§ 68-101-101 — 68-143-103) › Chapter 140 - EMERGENCY SERVICES (§§ 68-140-101 — 68-140-604) › Part 3 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ACT OF 1983 (§§ 68-140-301 — 68-140-335) › Section 68-140-323 - Training on domestic violence issues

As a part of its training curriculum for emergency medical services personnel, the department shall approve and coordinate the use of materials concerning domestic violence.
Acts 2001, ch. 3, § 3; T.C.A., § 68-140-523.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › SAFETY (§§ 68-101-101 — 68-143-103) › Chapter 140 - EMERGENCY SERVICES (§§ 68-140-101 — 68-140-604) › Part 3 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ACT OF 1983 (§§ 68-140-301 — 68-140-335) › Section 68-140-324 - Choice of licenses for emergency medical services personnel

A licensee may upgrade or downgrade a license by submitting the appropriate documentation to the EMS division administrative office, by completing any requirements and paying any fees established by the board.
Acts 2003, ch. 156, § 1; T.C.A., § 68-140-524; Acts 2012, ch. 728, § 24.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › SAFETY (§§ 68-101-101 — 68-143-103) › Chapter 140 - EMERGENCY SERVICES (§§ 68-140-101 — 68-140-604) › Part 3 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ACT OF 1983 (§§ 68-140-301 — 68-140-335) › Section 68-140-325 - Criminal background check as condition of employment

(a)
As a condition for employment of any licensed, certificated or authorized emergency medical services personnel, employers shall be allowed to initiate a criminal background check on any person applying for employment, or any employee that is currently employed by such employer, and such criminal background investigation shall be at the expense of the employer.
(b)
Applicants shall:
(1)
Provide past work history and personal references to be checked by the employer;
(2)
Agree to the release of only such information and investigative records to the employer, or to any agency that contracts with this state, necessary for the purpose of verifying whether the individual has been convicted of a felony in this state;
(3)
Supply a fingerprint sample and submit to a criminal history records check to be conducted by the Tennessee bureau of investigation, the federal bureau of investigation, other law enforcement agency, or any legally authorized entity; and
(4)
Release any information required for a criminal background investigation by a professional background screening organization or criminal background check service or registry.
(c)
Any cost incurred by the Tennessee bureau of investigation, federal bureau of investigation, professional background screening organization, law enforcement agency or other legally authorized entity, in conducting such investigations of such applicants shall be paid by such applicants. In the event that such applicants fail to pay for these incurred expenses, the responsibility for payment will fall to the employer originally requesting such criminal background checks. Payments of such cost to the Tennessee bureau of investigation are to be made in accordance with §§
38-6-103
and
38-6-109
.
Acts 2004, ch. 873, § 1; T.C.A., § 68-140-525; Acts 2012 , ch. 728, § 25.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › SAFETY (§§ 68-101-101 — 68-143-103) › Chapter 140 - EMERGENCY SERVICES (§§ 68-140-101 — 68-140-604) › Part 3 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ACT OF 1983 (§§ 68-140-301 — 68-140-335) › Section 68-140-326 - Color schemes for ambulances in certain jurisdictions

(a)
Notwithstanding department of health rule
1200-12-1
.02(3)(a)-(f), or any other provision of law to the contrary, any municipality, located within any county having a population of more than eight hundred thousand (800,000), according to the 2000 federal census or any subsequent federal census, that owns, operates or maintains ambulances as a part of the services provided by the municipality is authorized to select the color of its ambulances; provided, that the color scheme is the same as is used by the fire department in the municipality.
(b)
Subsection (a) shall also apply in any county having a metropolitan form of government and a population in excess of five hundred thousand (500,000), according to the 2000 federal census or any subsequent federal census.
(c)
Subsection (a) shall also apply in any county having a population of not less than one hundred fifty-three thousand (153,000) nor more than one hundred fifty-three thousand one hundred (153,100), according to the 2000 federal census or any subsequent federal census.
Acts 2006, ch. 731, § 2; 2008 , ch. 783, § 1; T.C.A., § 68-140-526.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › SAFETY (§§ 68-101-101 — 68-143-103) › Chapter 140 - EMERGENCY SERVICES (§§ 68-140-101 — 68-140-604) › Part 3 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ACT OF 1983 (§§ 68-140-301 — 68-140-335) › Section 68-140-327 - Certification by paramedic training centers

(a)
In order to be certified by the board pursuant to §
68-140-304(10)
, the training program offered by the paramedic training center must follow the United States department of transportation paramedic national standard curriculum. In addition, only paid career members of a fire department that operates its own fire training academy to provide training for career paramedics employed by the fire department are eligible to enter and graduate from the paramedic training program. Upon written intergovernmental agreement, paid career members of any fire department that operates within the county are also eligible to enter and graduate from the paramedic training program.
(b)
Pursuant to §
68-140-304(10)
, any fire department that operates its own fire training academy shall have the option of permitting a fire fighter recruit to have between three (3) and five (5) years to complete the training for certification as a paramedic.
Acts 2006, ch. 752, § 2; 2008 , ch. 799, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A., § 68-140-527; Acts 2012 , ch. 728, § 26.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › SAFETY (§§ 68-101-101 — 68-143-103) › Chapter 140 - EMERGENCY SERVICES (§§ 68-140-101 — 68-140-604) › Part 3 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ACT OF 1983 (§§ 68-140-301 — 68-140-335) › Section 68-140-328 - Treatment of heart attack patients

(a)
The department shall recognize hospitals that meet the criteria of a ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) receiving center or STEMI referring center. Such recognition is limited to inclusion on a list, maintained by the department, of STEMI receiving centers and STEMI referring centers. The list shall be published on the department's division of emergency medical services' website.
(b)
The department may recognize certification or accreditation from a department-approved nationally recognized certifying or accrediting organization, as sufficient to recognize a hospital as a STEMI receiving center or a STEMI referring center.
(c)
To be recognized as a STEMI receiving center or a STEMI referring center by the department, a hospital must submit written notification to the board for licensing healthcare facilities and submit proof that the hospital meets the applicable criteria set forth by a department-approved nationally recognized certifying or accrediting organization.
(d)
If a hospital loses its certification or accreditation, it shall notify the board for licensing healthcare facilities. The department must then remove the hospital from the department's list.
(e)
Each ambulance service shall develop and implement pre-hospital care protocol plans related to the assessment, treatment, and transport of STEMI heart attack patients by licensed emergency medical services personnel. The protocol shall include plans for the triage and transport of STEMI heart attack patients to the closest or most appropriate STEMI receiving center, or, when appropriate, to a STEMI referring center, based on nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines. The emergency medical services board has the authority to promulgate rules to implement and enforce this section.
(f)
STEMI receiving centers are encouraged to coordinate, through agreement, with STEMI referring centers throughout the state to provide appropriate access to care for acute heart attack patients.
Added by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 722,s 2, eff. 7/1/2018.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › SAFETY (§§ 68-101-101 — 68-143-103) › Chapter 140 - EMERGENCY SERVICES (§§ 68-140-101 — 68-140-604) › Part 3 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ACT OF 1983 (§§ 68-140-301 — 68-140-335) › Section 68-140-329 - Treatment of stroke patients

(a)
The emergency medical services board shall promulgate rules establishing protocol guidelines for evidence-based pre-hospital assessment, treatment, education, and transport of stroke patients by emergency medical providers.
(b)
Based on the protocol guidelines established by the board, each ambulance service shall establish and implement pre-hospital care protocol plans related to the assessment, triage, and transport of stroke patients. The protocol guidelines shall include specific language incorporating entry and transfer plans for patients with suspected large vessel occlusion to the most appropriate stroke-ready facility.
(c)
Each licensed ambulance service in this state shall refer to protocol guidelines, as part of current training requirements, to assure that licensed emergency medical services personnel receive regular training on the assessment and treatment of stroke patients, including those most severe stroke cases, which may include a large vessel occlusion.
Acts 2018, ch. 722, § 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › SAFETY (§§ 68-101-101 — 68-143-103) › Chapter 140 - EMERGENCY SERVICES (§§ 68-140-101 — 68-140-604) › Part 3 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ACT OF 1983 (§§ 68-140-301 — 68-140-335) › Section 68-140-330 - Waiver of initial licensure fees for low - income persons

(a)
As used in this section:
(1)
"Licensing" means the procedure through which the privilege to engage in a profession regulated under this part is granted by the board;
(2)
"Licensure fee" means a fee imposed by the board on persons licensed to practice a profession for the privilege of services;
(3)
"Low-income persons" means persons who are enrolled in a state or federal public assistance program, including, but not limited to, temporary assistance for needy families (TANF), medicaid, or supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP); and
(4)
"Veteran" means a former member of the United States armed forces, including the reserves and national guard, who was trained and certified as a combat medic or corpsman.
(b)
(1)
When a license is required for persons to practice in a profession under this part, the board shall waive all initial licensure fees for low-income persons and veterans.
(2)
(A)
Persons seeking a waiver of initial licensure fee requirements shall apply to the board in a format prescribed by the board.
(B)
The board shall process the application within thirty (30) days of its receipt from the applicant.
(3)
The board shall promulgate rules to effectuate the purposes of this section.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1011, s 2, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1011, s 1, eff. 7/1/2022.
Acts 2018 , ch. 954, § 3.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › SAFETY (§§ 68-101-101 — 68-143-103) › Chapter 140 - EMERGENCY SERVICES (§§ 68-140-101 — 68-140-604) › Part 3 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ACT OF 1983 (§§ 68-140-301 — 68-140-335) › Section 68-140-331 - EMT/AEMT training centers

(a)
The board may authorize a total of thirty (30) EMT/AEMT training centers operated by ambulance services licensed in this state.
(b)
In order to be certified by the board pursuant to §
68-140-304(13)
, a training program offered by an EMT/AEMT training center must follow the National EMS Scope of Practice Model for Emergency Medical Service Personnel as promulgated by the United States department of transportation, national highway traffic safety administration. Ambulance services licensed in this state may establish an EMT/AEMT training program. The ambulance service must:
(1)
Have an instructor coordinator approved by the division of emergency medical services who serves as the training coordinator or lead instructor for the ambulance service; and
(2)
Charge a special enrollment fee of one hundred seventy-five dollars ($175) to each student to be paid directly to the division of emergency medical services to be allocated to the general fund.
(c)
(1)
A training program offered by an EMT/AEMT training center must not offer training to more than three (3) classes of students per year, per type of class.
(2)
A training program offered by an EMT/AEMT training center must not have more than twenty (20) total students per class.
(d)
A training program offered by an EMT/AEMT training center may utilize online or virtual interactive training for didactic instruction subject to the same rules and regulations for online and virtual interactive training provided by accredited EMS education institutions.
(e)
The general assembly urges ambulance services operating EMT/AEMT training centers in accordance with this section and the Tennessee board of regents to develop partnerships as practicable to increase the capacity of this state to prepare EMTs, AEMTs, and paramedics.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 684, s 1, eff. 3/28/2022.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 489, s 1, eff. 5/24/2019.
Acts 2018 , ch. 998, § 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › SAFETY (§§ 68-101-101 — 68-143-103) › Chapter 140 - EMERGENCY SERVICES (§§ 68-140-101 — 68-140-604) › Part 3 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ACT OF 1983 (§§ 68-140-301 — 68-140-335) › Section 68-140-332 - Proof of license, registration, or certification by electronic means

Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, a person who is licensed, registered, or certificated to provide emergency medical services in this state and who is required by statute or rule to keep proof of their license, registration, or certification on their person may satisfy that requirement by providing the proof by electronic means.
Added by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 328,s 1, eff. 5/8/2019.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › SAFETY (§§ 68-101-101 — 68-143-103) › Chapter 140 - EMERGENCY SERVICES (§§ 68-140-101 — 68-140-604) › Part 3 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ACT OF 1983 (§§ 68-140-301 — 68-140-335) › Section 68-140-333 - Use of EMS - A by licensed ambulance service

(a)
An EMS-A may be utilized by a licensed ambulance service if the EMS-A:
(1)
Satisfies all necessary pre-employment background screening, including a criminal background check and sex offender registry check;
(2)
Is accompanied with at least one (1) EMT while responding to a request for emergency medical care;
(3)
Does not engage in patient care above the EMS-A's scope of training and licensure;
(4)
Becomes licensed as an EMR or EMT within twelve (12) months of the EMS-A's initial employment date; and
(5)
Is not included in a compact between states.
(b)
For the purposes of the department's emergency medical services standards and categories, an EMS-A must be regarded as an EMT.
Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1012, s 2, eff. 5/9/2022.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › SAFETY (§§ 68-101-101 — 68-143-103) › Chapter 140 - EMERGENCY SERVICES (§§ 68-140-101 — 68-140-604) › Part 3 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ACT OF 1983 (§§ 68-140-301 — 68-140-335) › Section 68-140-334 - Use of EMR by licensed ambulance service

(a)
An EMR may be utilized by a licensed ambulance service if the EMR:
(1)
Satisfies all necessary pre-employment background screening to include criminal background and sex offender registry;
(2)
Is accompanied with at least one (1) EMT while responding to a request for emergency medical care;
(3)
Does not engage in patient care above the EMR's scope of training and licensure;
(4)
Becomes licensed as an EMT within twelve (12) months of the EMR's initial employment date as an EMR employee or twelve (12) months following the EMR's initial licensure as an EMR while employed; and
(5)
Is not included in a compact between states.
(b)
For the purposes of the department's emergency medical services standards and categories, an EMR must be regarded as an EMT.
Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1012,s 2, eff. 5/9/2022.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › SAFETY (§§ 68-101-101 — 68-143-103) › Chapter 140 - EMERGENCY SERVICES (§§ 68-140-101 — 68-140-604) › Part 3 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ACT OF 1983 (§§ 68-140-301 — 68-140-335) › Section 68-140-335 - Pay supplement for in-service training course—Eligibility—Eligibility for service members

(a)
A licensed Tennessee ambulance service with full-time employed emergency medical services personnel who successfully complete in each year an in-service training course, appropriate to the emergency medical services personnel's rank and responsibility, of at least forty (40) hours duration at a training center must receive from the board of emergency medical services a pay supplement of eight hundred dollars ($800) for each emergency medical services personnel who completes the in-service training course to be paid to the emergency medical services personnel in addition to the emergency medical services personnel's regular salary.
(b)
Full-time, ambulance service-employed emergency medical services personnel are eligible for the educational incentive described in subsection (a) upon satisfactory completion, as determined by the board, of forty (40) hours of such training in each year.
(c)
Notwithstanding another law to the contrary, emergency medical services personnel who served, or serve, on active duty in the armed forces of the United States during a period of armed conflict prescribed by presidential proclamation or federal law must receive the cash salary supplement provided pursuant to this section, if such service prevented, or prevents, such emergency medical services personnel from attending the in-service training program pursuant to this section.
Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 372, s 1, eff. 1/1/2024.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › SAFETY (§§ 68-101-101 — 68-143-103) › Chapter 140 - EMERGENCY SERVICES (§§ 68-140-101 — 68-140-604) › Part 4 - AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS (§§ 68-140-401 — 68-140-409) › Section 68-140-401 - Legislative intent

It is the intent of the general assembly that an automated external defibrillator (AED) may be used in accordance with §
68-140-403
for the purpose of saving the life of another person in cardiac arrest.
Acts 1998, ch. 963, § 2; T.C.A., § 68-140-701.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › SAFETY (§§ 68-101-101 — 68-143-103) › Chapter 140 - EMERGENCY SERVICES (§§ 68-140-101 — 68-140-604) › Part 4 - AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS (§§ 68-140-401 — 68-140-409) › Section 68-140-402 - Part definitions

As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1)
"AED" or "defibrillator" means an automated external defibrillator; and
(2)
"Automated external defibrillator (AED)" means a medical device heart monitor and defibrillator that:
(A)
Has received approval of its premarket notification, filed pursuant to
21 U.S.C. § 360(R)
, from the United States food and drug administration;
(B)
Is capable of recognizing the presence or absence of ventricular fibrillation or rapid ventricular tachycardia, and is capable of determining, without intervention by an operator, whether defibrillation should be performed; and
(C)
Upon determining that defibrillation should be performed, automatically charges and requests delivery of an electrical impulse to an individual's heart.
Acts 1998, ch. 963, § 3; T.C.A. §§ 68-140-710; T.C.A., § 68-140-702.