Tennessee State Laws and Regulations
The information provided in this FAQ is intended to provide general information only and does not constitute legal counsel or advice. Members are encouraged to seek their own independent legal counsel to establish compliant policies, procedures, and programs.
Downloadable Resources:
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- Employee Confidentiality Agreement
- Employee Orientation Checklist
- Client Records Checklist
- Quality Assurance
- Initial Training Requirements
Overview
A list of overall rules and regulations for Tennessee. Click on the appropriate question to expand for more information.
What kinds of facilities require a license?
What kinds of facilities are exempt from licensure?
What kinds of facilities provide addiction services in Tennessee?
What does it mean to be ‘licensed’ or ‘accredited’ in this industry?
Licensing & Certification
A list of rules and regulations for Tennessee relating to licensing and certification. Click on the appropriate question to expand for more information.
Which body authorizes and oversees substance abuse treatment facilities in the State of Tennessee?
What are the benefits of licensure?
What information must be provided in my initial application for a license?
What kinds of licenses are available?
What can a facility do in circumstances where an application is rejected?
Does a license have to be renewed?
What kinds of inspections might there be for licensure determination?
How can a facility prepare for inspections, on-site reviews and audits?
Why might a licensing application be unsuccessful?
What effect does accreditation or certification on the licensing process?
Zoning and Land Use
A list of rules and regulations for Tennessee relating to zoning and land use. Click on the appropriate question to expand for more information.
What are the protections afforded to small group homes used for the purpose of residential substance abuse treatment?
Are there any proximity restrictions regulating how close treatment centers may be to each other? Can I open a residential treatment center right next to one that is already there?
Other than spacing considerations, do treatment facilities have any specific obligations to their neighbors?
What are the basic physical plant requirements for treatment facilities?
Care, Treatment, and Services
A list of rules and regulations for Tennessee relating to care, treatment, and services. Click on the appropriate question to expand for more information.
What information must be disclosed to the service recipient during intake and what should we put in our admissions agreement?
How does a facility decide whether a service recipient meets criteria for placement in a particular level of care?
What services should be offered at each different type of facility?
What rules govern administration of service recipient medications?
What rights are guaranteed to service recipients?
What are the rules about restrictive practices of behavior control?
What grounds are needed in order to dismiss a service recipient from a program?
What type of paperwork must accompany a service recipient discharge?
I need to discharge a service recipient that relapsed, but am I at risk if he or she overdoses tonight and how can I protect myself?
How must clients’ privacy be protected?
What are the staffing requirements of a substance abuse facility?
Payment and Marketing
A list of rules and regulations for Tennessee relating to payment and marketing. Click on the appropriate question to expand for more information.
How must I respond to service recipients who are unable to pay the required deductibles? Can I waive a program participant’s financial responsibility?
What are the key issues insurers raise to demand recoupment of fees from substance abuse treatment programs?
What marketing practices are prohibited?
What are the limits of gift giving to potential referral sources?
What kind of benefits can I offer existing or new service recipients?
Recovery Residences
A list of rules and regulations for Tennessee relating to recovery residences. Click on the appropriate question to expand for more information.
What is a recovery home?
Do we need a license to open a recovery home?
In the absence of licensing, how can recovery homes demonstrate their commitment to meeting minimum quality standards?
What is the process through which a sober home can be accepted as an affiliate of Tennessee Alliance of Recovery Residences?
What are the protections afforded by federal law to small group homes used for the purpose of residential drug rehabilitation?
Can local governments put special restrictions on recovery homes?
What other aspects must I consider before choosing a location for our recovery home?
What would our obligations to residents be?
What kind of agreement can we ask our residents to sign?
Can we insist on drug tests and searches?
Can a recovery home bill insurance for required and/or random drug testing?
Can we make residents’ obligations contractually enforceable?
What kind of ownership and staffing structures are common with these types of residential arrangements?
Are there any other organizations where we could find more information?
Reminder:
The information provided in this FAQ is intended to provide general information only and does not constitute legal counsel or advice. Members are encouraged to seek their own independent legal counsel to establish compliant policies, procedures, and programs.
Members must log in to see the full answer and download the forms.
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