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TN Rule 0940-05-42

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TN Rule 0940-05-42 Minimum Program Requirements for Non-Residential Opioid Treatment Program Facilities

Jurisdiction: TN Agency: Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS)
OTP (100%)
Plain-English summary

This Tennessee regulation establishes minimum program requirements for non-residential Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) facilities licensed by TDMHSAS, covering methadone and buprenorphine-based medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder. Operators must comply with licensing procedures (including simultaneous SAMHSA/DEA registration), conduct initial and comprehensive assessments within specified timeframes, maintain detailed service recipient records, and adhere to requirements for counseling, medication management, drug screening, diversion control, and staffing. The rule also addresses special populations (including pregnant women), mobile units, telehealth delivery, and coordination with the State Opioid Treatment Authority (SOTA).

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Regulation text
September, 2025 (Revised) 1 
RULES 
OF 
THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH 
AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES 
 
CHAPTER 0940-05-42 
MINIMUM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL 
OPIOID TREATMENT PROGRAM FACILITIES 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 
 
0940-05-42-.01 Definitions 0940-05-42-.15 Medication Management 
0940-05-42-.02 Application of Rules 0940-05-42-.16 Pharmacotherapy Guidelines 
0940-05-42-.03 Licensing Procedures 0940-05-42-.17 Drug Screens 
0940-05-42-.04 Designation of State Opioid Treatment 0940-05-42-.18 Medically Supervised Withdrawal 
 Authority (SOTA) and Powers and Duties 0940-05-42-.19 Diversion Control Plan 
 of SOTA 0940-05-42-.20 Central Registry 
0940-05-42-.05 Policy and Procedures 0940-05-42-.21 Reporting Requirements 
0940-05-42-.06 Intake, Admissions, and Discharges 0940-05-42-.22 Quality of Care 
0940-05-42-.07 Service Recipient Record Requirements 0940-05-42-.23 Infectious Hazardous Waste 
0940-05-42-.08 Multiple Enrollments 0940-05-42-.24 Infection Control 
0940-05-42-.09 Orientation 0940-05-42-.25 Managing Disruptive Behavior 
0940-05-42-.10 Service Recipient Transfers 0940-05-42-.26 Hours of Operation 
0940-05-42-.11 Individualized Treatment Plan 0940-05-42-.27 Service Recipients’ Rights 
0940-05-42-.12 Special Populations 0940-05-42-.28 Community Relations 
0940-05-42-.13 Repealed 0940-05-42-.29 Personnel and Staffing Requirements 
0940-05-42-.14 Counseling 0940-05-42-.30 Mobile Units 
 
0940-05-42-.01 DEFINITIONS. 
 
(1) Definitions of general terms used in these rules can be found in Rules Chapter 0940-05-01. 
 
(2) Definitions specific to this chapter are as follows: 
 
(a) “Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) ” or “Alcohol & Drug Non- Residential Opioid 
Treatment Program ” (also may be referred to herein as “ Facility” or “Program,” 
previously referred to as “ Non-Residential Substitution -Based Treatment Center for 
Opiate Addiction”) includes, but is not limited to, standalone clinics offering methadone, 
products containing buprenorphine, or products containing any other formulation 
approved by the FDA for detoxification and maintenance treatment of opioid use 
disorder by preventing symptoms of withdrawal, with the goal of the service recipient 
becoming free from any drug which is not medically indicated. 
 
(b) “Advanced Practice Nurse” means a person qualified by the Tennessee Board of 
Nursing under Rules Division 1000-04 as an advanced practice nurse with a certificate 
of fitness with privileges to write and sign prescriptions and/or issue legend drugs. 
Advanced practice nurses may perform any and all functions allowed by current federal 
and state laws and regulations within this practice setting and within their scope of 
allowed professional licensure. 
 
(c) “Buprenorphine” means a partial opioid agonist used as an analgesic and as a 
medication treatment in the management of opioid use disorder. It has been approved 
by the FDA for maintenance treatment of opioid use disorder. 
 
(d) “Central Registry ” means an electronic system used to register service recipients 
currently receiving medication- assisted treatment at an OTP. The Tennessee 
Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS or 
department) or State Opioid Treatment Authority (SOTA) may require Facilities to 
initiate a clearance inquiry and service recipient registration into an approved central 
MINIMUM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL CHAPTER 0940-05-42 
OPIOID TREATMENT PROGRAM FACILITIES 
 
(Rule 0940-05-42-.01, continued) 
September, 2025 (Revised) 2 
registry for the purpose of gathering Facility information, evaluating treatment 
outcomes, collecting demographic information, and preventing simultaneous enrollment 
in other Facilities. 
 
(e) “Coordination of Care” means the process of coordinating care, treatment, or services 
provided by an organization, including referral to appropriate community resources and 
liaison with others involved in care, treatment, or services (for example, with an 
individual’s physician, primary care provider, or another healthcare organization or 
agency) to meet the ongoing identified needs of the individual served, to ensure 
implementation of the plan of care, treatment, or services, and to avoid unnecessary 
duplication of services. The aim is to facilitate the appropriate and efficient delivery of 
healthcare services both within and across systems. 
 
(f) “Counseling Session” means a therapeutic discussion between service recipient(s) and 
a Facility counselor for a period of no less than thirty (30) minutes designated to 
address a service recipient ’s opioid use disorder, coping strategies, and Individualized 
Treatment Plans. Therapeutic discussions may be delivered across different platforms 
but must be in compliance with all applicable state and federal regulations. 
 
(g) “DEA” means the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. 
 
(h) “Detoxification” or “Short-Term Withdrawal Management ” means the dispensing of 
treatment medication in decreasing doses to the service recipient to alleviate adverse 
physical or psychological effects incident to withdrawal from the continuous or 
substantial use of an opioid drug and as a method of bringing the service recipient to a 
drug-free state. 
 
(i) “Dispense” or “Dispensing” means to prepare and give out dose(s) of a medication for 
opioid use disorder to a service recipient at the Facility. 
 
(j) “Diversion Control Plan ” means specific measures, including assigning responsibilities 
to medical and administrative staff, to reduce the possibility of diversion of controlled 
substances. 
 
(k) “FDA” means the United States Food and Drug Administration. 
 
(l) “Guest Dose” means any treatment dose provided on a temporary basis at a Facility 
other than the service recipient’s home clinic. 
 
(m) “Home Clinic” means the Facility where an individual is admitted and primarily treated 
as a Facility service recipient. 
 
(n) “Inspection” means any examination, either onsite or by virtual means, by the 
department, or its representatives, of a Facility including, but not limited to, the 
premises, staff, persons in care, and documents pertinent to initial and continued 
licensing, so that the department may determine whether or not a Facility is operating 
in compliance with licensing requirements. The term “ inspection” includes any survey, 
monitoring visit, complaint investigation, or other inquiry conducted for the purposes of 
making a compliance determination with respect to licensing requirements. 
 
(o) “Maintenance Treatment ” means the dispensing of a medication intended to treat 
opioid use disorder, at relatively stable dosage levels, for a continuous, open- ended 
period deemed medically necessary by a program provider or medical director. The 
medication shall be provided in conjunction with efforts to address the service 
recipient’s needs and goals for treatment, and with the intention to restore normal 
MINIMUM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL CHAPTER 0940-05-42 
OPIOID TREATMENT PROGRAM FACILITIES 
 
(Rule 0940-05-42-.01, continued) 
September, 2025 (Revised) 3 
function in a service recipient ’s life and improve family and community relationships. 
The maintenance dose, or dose rendered as part of a service recipient ’s maintenance 
treatment, is the individualized dose of the treatment medication considered to 
consistently suppress signs or symptoms of withdrawal from opioid drugs and opioid 
drug cravings for individuals with opioid use disorder. 
 
(p) “Medical Director ” means a physician licensed by the Tennessee Board of Medical 
Examiners or the Tennessee Board of Osteopathic Examination who has been 
designated by the governing body of the Facility to be responsible for the 
administration of all medical services performed by the Facility, including compliance 
with all federal, state, and local laws and rules regarding medical treatment of opioid 
use disorder. The medical director shall have the experience and credentials specified 
in paragraph 0940-05-42-.29(4) of these rules. 
 
(q) “Medical Record ” means medical histories, records, reports, summaries, diagnoses, 
prognoses, records of treatment and medication ordered and given, entries, x -rays, 
radiology interpretations and other written electronics, or graphic data prepared, kept, 
made, or maintained in a Facility that pertains to services rendered to service 
recipients. 
 
(r) “Medication-Assisted Treatment” means the use of FDA approved medications for the 
purpose of detoxification and maintenance treatment of opioid use disorder in 
combination with counseling and behavioral therapies. 
 
(s) “Methadone” means a synthetic opioid agonist which has been approved by the FDA 
for detoxification and maintenance treatment of opioid use disorder. 
 
(t) “Mobile Unit” or a “Mobile Methadone Unit,” refers to the operation of a “mobile narcotic 
treatment program” as described in 21 C.F.R. Part 1301. 
 
(u) “Multidisciplinary Treatment Team ” or “Treatment Team ” means professionals, which 
may include a licensed physician, licensed advanced practice nurse, licensed physician 
assistant, licensed nurse, or qualified counseling provider, who assess service recipient 
progress. 
 
(v) “Office of Licensure ” means the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and 
Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) Office of Licensure. 
 
(w) “Opiate/Opioid” means a drug that contains opium, derivatives of opium or any of 
several semi-synthetic or synthetic drugs with opium-like activity. 
 
(x) “Opioid Use Disorder ” means a problematic pattern of opioid use leading to problems 
or distress, with at least two (2) present symptoms listed within the current DSM in a 
twelve (12) -month period. It is a chronic, lifelong disorder, with serious potential 
consequences including disability, return to illicit drug use, and death. 
 
(y) “Observed Drug Screen” means testing conducted and witnessed by a Facility staff 
person to ensure against falsification of, or tampering with, the results of a drug screen. 
 
(z) “Patient” or “Service Recipient” shall refer to an individual receiving treatment for opioid 
use disorder at an OTP. 
 
(aa) “Physician Assistant” means a person licensed by the Tennessee Board of Physician 
Assistants, with authorization from their supervising physician, to write and sign 
prescriptions and/or issue legend drugs. Physician assistants may perform any and all 
MINIMUM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL CHAPTER 0940-05-42 
OPIOID TREATMENT PROGRAM FACILITIES 
 
(Rule 0940-05-42-.01, continued) 
September, 2025 (Revised) 4 
functions allowed by the current federal and state regulations within this practice setting 
and within their scope of allowed professional licensure. 
 
(bb) “Program Director” means the person designated by the Facility ’s governing body who 
is responsible for the operation of the Facility, for the overall compliance with federal, 
state, and local laws, rules, and regulations, and for all Facility employees including 
practitioners, agents, or other persons providing services at the Facility. 
 
(cc) “Program Provider” means any physician, physician assistant, pharmacist, or advanced 
practice nurse, including the medical director, who is employed by the Facility to 
provide medical services to service recipients. Any Facility program provider who is not 
a medical director shall work under the supervision of the Facility’s medical director. 
 
(dd) “Prescription Monitoring Program ” or “PMP” means a program established by the 
Tennessee Department of Health to monitor the prescribing and dispensing of 
Schedule II, III, IV and V controlled substances. 
 
(ee) “Psychiatrist” means a physician, who specializes in the assessment and treatment of 
individuals having psychiatric disorders, is certified by the American Board of 
Psychiatry and Neurology or has the documented equivalent in education and training, 
and who is fully licensed to practice medicine in the State of Tennessee. 
 
(ff) “Qualified Counseling Provider ” means an individual qualified by education and/or 
experience for the specific duties of their position as outlined in Subparagraph 0940 -
05-42-.29(4)(f) of these rules to provide counseling services to individuals receiving 
treatment at a Facility. Qualified Counseling Providers may only perform those duties 
within the scope of their applicable professional practice acts and Tennessee licensure 
requirements. 
 
(gg) “Random Testing” means drug screens conducted by the Facility that lack a definite 
pattern of which service recipients are tested and when they are tested; indiscriminate 
testing. 
 
(hh) “Service Recipient Transfer ” means any service recipient who changes locations of 
their home clinic without receiving a discharge status or without a break in treatment 
between clinics. 
 
(ii) “S.M.A.R.T. goals” means objective goals created using the S.M.A.R.T. goal framework 
that aids in creating personal and professional goals for service recipients. These goals 
are intended to be utilized in a service recipient ’s treatment plan or individual 
counseling sessions to track achievement of short - and long-term goals and progress 
at the Facility. S.M.A.R.T. goals shall be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, 
and time-sensitive. 
 
(jj) “State Opioid Treatment Authority, ” “SOTA,” or “Office of the SOTA” means any 
individual person(s) designated by the Commissioner of Mental Health and Substance 
Abuse Services to exercise the responsibility and authority for governing the treatment 
of opioid use disorder in accordance with all applicable state and federal regulations. 
The individual(s) also serve(s) as a liaison with the appropriate federal agencies. 
 
(kk) “Supervising Physician” means a licensed and actively practicing physician who has 
been identified as accepting the responsibility for supervising physician assistants and 
advanced practice nurses. 
 
MINIMUM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL CHAPTER 0940-05-42 
OPIOID TREATMENT PROGRAM FACILITIES 
 
(Rule 0940-05-42-.01, continued) 
September, 2025 (Revised) 5 
(ll) “TDMHSAS” means the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance 
Abuse Services. 
 
(mm) “Telehealth” means the distribution of health- related services and information via 
electronic information and telecommunication technologies. Telehealth services are 
intended to remotely support and facilitate the delivery of both clinical and non -clinical 
services to its recipients. Telehealth technologies include, but are not limited to, live 
video conferencing, mobile health applications, and phone calls. 
 
(nn) “Treatment” means a broad range of services including outreach, identification, 
assessment, diagnosis, short-term withdrawal management, therapy, medical services, 
lectures/seminars, group process social services, and follow -up or aftercare for 
individuals with opioid use disorder. The overall goal is to eliminate the opioid use 
disorder as a contributing factor to physical, psychological, and social dysfunction and 
to decrease or reverse the progress of any associated problems. 
 
(oo) “Treatment Plan,” “Individualized Treatment Plan, ” or “ITP” means a comprehensive, 
progressive, personalized plan that includes all prescribed treatment services. It is 
person-centered, recovery oriented, culturally competent and addresses personalized 
goals and objectives. 
 
(pp) “Volunteer” means a person who is not paid by the licensee and whose varied skills are 
used by the licensee to support and supplement the efforts of the paid Facility staff. 
 
Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-3-1601, 4 -4-103, 33- 1-302, 33- 1-305, 33 -1-309, 33 -2-301, 33 -2-302, 33- 2-404, 
and 33- 2-407. Administrative History: Original rule filed June 8, 1999; effective August 22, 1999. 
Amendment filed February 18, 2003; effective May 4, 2003. Amendment filed April 11, 2003; effective 
June 25, 2003. Per Executive Order 44 (February 23, 2007), rule was transferred from 1200- 08-21 on 
May 15, 2008. Repeal and new rule filed September 20, 2012; effective December 19, 2012. 
Amendments filed June 6, 2025; effective September 4, 2025. 
 
0940-05-42-.02 APPLICATION OF RULES. 
 
(1) In addition to this chapter, the licensee of a Facility shall comply with the following rules: 
 
(a) Chapter 0940-05-02 Licensure Administration and Procedures; 
 
(b) Applicable Life Safety Rules for Business Occupancies (Rule 0940-05-04-.04); 
 
(c) If services are provided to mobile, non-ambulatory service recipients, then Mobile Non-
Ambulatory Rule (Rule 0940-05-04-.09); 
 
(d) Rules for Adequacy of Facility Environment and Ancillary Services found in Chapter 
0940-05-05; and 
 
(e) Applicable Minimum Program Requirements for All Services and Facilities found in 
Chapter 0940-05-06. 
 
(2) If any provision of these rules or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held 
invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of these rules which 
can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to that end the provisions 
of these rules are declared severable. 
 
Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-3-1601, 4 -4-103, 33- 1-302, 33- 1-305, 33 -1-309, 33 -2-301, 33 -2-302, 33- 2-404, 
and 33- 2-407. Administrative History: Original rule filed June 8, 1999; effective August 22, 1999. 
MINIMUM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL CHAPTER 0940-05-42 
OPIOD TREATMENT PROGRAM FACILITIES 
 
(Rule 0940-05-42-.02, continued) 
September, 2025 (Revised) 6 
Amendment filed February 18, 2003; effective May 4, 2003. Per Executive Order 44 (February 23, 2007), 
rule was transferred from 1200 -08-21 on May 15, 2008. Repeal and new rule filed September 20, 2012; 
effective December 19, 2012. Amendments filed June 6, 2025; effective September 4, 2025. 
 
0940-05-42-.03 LICENSING PROCEDURES. 
 
(1) When making an application for a new license, the appli cant shall submit an application on a 
form provided by the department along with a copy of the Certificate of Need (CON) issued 
by the Tennessee Health Facilities Commission or any other applicable state agency. If the 
CON is not required, documentation must be submitted to the Office of Licensure and the 
SOTA office as to why it was not required. Any condition placed on the CON will also be 
placed on the license. 
 
(2) The written application for operation of a Facility shall be filed simultaneously with the Federal 
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) and the DEA, and/or 
any other applicable federal agencies. 
 
(3) Service recipients shall not be admitted to the Facility until a license has been issued. 
 
(4) Service recipients shall not be admitted to the Facility until the Facility is registered and active 
in the Central Registry. 
 
Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-3-1601, 4 -4-103, 33- 1-302, 33- 1-305, 33 -1-309, 33 -2-301, 33 -2-302, 33- 2-404, 
and 33- 2-407. Administrative History: Original rule filed June 8, 1999; effective August 22, 1999. 
Amendment filed March 1, 2007; effective May 15, 2007. Per Executive Order 44 (February 23, 2007), 
rule was transferred from 1200 -08-21 on May 15, 2008. Repeal and new rule filed September 20, 2012; 
effective December 19, 2012. Amendments filed June 6, 2025; effective September 4, 2025. 
 
0940-05-42-.04 DESIGNATION OF STATE OPIOID TREATMENT AUTHORITY (SOTA) AND 
POWERS AND DUTIES OF SOTA. 
 
(1) The Commissioner of the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services shall 
designate an individual within the department to serve as the SOTA to facilitate oversight and 
technical assistance to licensed Facilities under this Chapter. The individual designated shall 
have demonstrated education and background evidencing comprehensive knowledge of 
opioid drugs and their effects. 
 
(2) The powers and duties of the SOTA, and SOTA designees, include, but are not limited to, the 
following: 
 
(a) Facilitating the development and implementation of rules, regulations, standards and 
best practice guidelines to assure the quality of services delivered by Facilities; 
 
(b) Acting as a liaison between relevant State and federal agencies; 
 
(c) Reviewing opioid treatment guidelines and regulations developed by the federal 
government; 
 
(d) Assuring delivery of technical assistance and informational materials to Facilities as 
needed; 
 
(e) Performing unannounced inspections of Facilities; 
 
(f) Consulting with the federal government regarding approval or disapproval of requests 
for exceptions to federal regulations, where appropriate; 
MINIMUM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL CHAPTER 0940-05-42 
OPIOD TREATMENT PROGRAM FACILITIES 
 
(Rule 0940-05-42-.04, continued) 
September, 2025 (Revised) 7 
 
(g) Reviewing and approving exceptions to federal and state dosage policies and 
procedures; 
 
(h) Receiving and addressing service recipient appeals and grievances; 
 
(i) Monitoring of performance outcomes. The following performance indicators may be 
used to evaluate the impact of the Facility on service recipients and the community and 
may include, but not be limited to: 
 
1. Service recipient satisfaction; 
 
2. Service recipient employment status; 
 
3. Improvement in medical conditions; 
 
4. Drop-out rate; 
 
5. Recidivism rates; 
 
6. Alcohol use; 
 
7. Criminal arrests; 
 
8. Illicit drug use, as indicated by drug screens; and 
 
9. Improvement in social and living standards. 
 
(j) Working cooperatively with other relevant state agencies to determine the service need 
in the location of a proposed Facility. 
 
Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-3-1601, 4- 4-103, 33-1-302, 33- 1-305, 33-1-309, 33- 2-301, 33- 2-302, and 33- 2-
404. Administrative History: Original rule filed June 8, 1999; effective August 22, 1999. Amendment 
filed February 18, 2003; effective May 4, 2003. Amendment filed April 30, 2003; effective July 14, 2003. 
Amendment filed April 20, 2006; effective July 4, 2006. Amendment filed July 18, 2007; effective October 
1, 2007. Per Executive Order 44 (February 23, 2007), rule was transferred from 1200- 08-21 on May 15, 
2008. Repeal and new rule filed September 20, 2012; effective December 19, 2012. Amendments filed 
June 6, 2025; effective September 4, 2025. 
 
0940-05-42-.05 POLICY AND PROCEDURES. 
 
(1) The governing body of the Facility shall ensure it is administered and operated in accordance 
with written policies and procedures in the below -listed subject areas and in accordance with 
these rules. Each Facility shall clear ly identify the governing body, as defined in Paragraph 
0940-05-01-.01(18), in its policies and procedures manual including the name and contact 
information of the governing body. 
 
(a) Intake, Admissions, and Discharges (0940-05-42-.06); 
 
(b) Service Recipient Record Requirements (0940-05-42-.07); 
 
(c) Multiple Enrollments (0940-05-42-.08); 
 
(d) Orientation (0940-05-42-.09); 
 
MINIMUM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL CHAPTER 0940-05-42 
OPIOD TREATMENT PROGRAM FACILITIES 
 
(Rule 0940-05-42-.05, continued) 
September, 2025 (Revised) 8 
(e) Service Recipient Transfers (0940-05-42-.10); 
 
(f) Individual Program Plan (0940-05-42-.11); 
 
(g) Special Populations (0940-05-42-.12); 
 
(h) [REPEALED] (0940-05-42-.13); 
 
(i) Counseling (0940-05-42-.14); 
 
(j) Medication Management (0940-05-42-.15); 
 
(k) Pharmacotherapy Guidelines (0940-05-42-.16); 
 
(l) Drug Screens (0940-05-42-.17); 
 
(m) Medically Supervised Withdrawal (0940-05-42-.18); 
 
(n) Diversion Control Plan (0940-05-42-.19); 
 
(o) Central Registry (0940-05-42-.20); 
 
(p) Reporting Requirements (0940-05-42-.21); 
 
(q) Quality of Care (0940-05-42-.22); 
 
(r) Infectious Hazardous Waste (0940-05-42-.23); 
 
(s) Infection Control (0940-05-42-.24); 
 
(t) Managing Disruptive Behavior (0940-05-42-.25); 
 
(u) Hours of Operation (0940-05-42-.26); 
 
(v) Service Recipients’ Rights (0940-05-42-.27); 
 
(w) Community Relations (0940-05-42-.28); 
 
(x) Personnel and Staffing Requirements (0940-05-42-.29); and 
 
(y) Mobile Units (0940-05-42-.30). 
 
Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-3-1601, 4- 4-103, 33-1-302, 33- 1-305, 33-1-309, 33- 2-301, 33- 2-302, and 33- 2-
404. Administrative History: Original rule filed June 8, 1999; effective August 22, 1999. Amendment 
filed February 18, 2003; effective May 4, 2003. Per Executive Order 44 (February 23, 2007), rule was 
transferred from 1200-08-21 on May 15, 2008. Repeal and new rule filed September 20, 2012; effective 
December 19, 2012. Amendments filed June 6, 2025; effective September 4, 2025. 
 
0940-05-42-.06 INTAKE, ADMISSIONS, AND DISCHARGES. 
 
(1) Prior to admission to the Facility, each prospective service recipient shall be evaluated by the 
medical director or program provider and clinical staff who have been determined to be 
qualified by education, training, and experience to perform or coordinate the provision of such 
assessments. The purpose of such assessments shall be to determine whether medication -
assisted treatment will be the most appropriate treatment modality for the service recipient. 
MINIMUM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL CHAPTER 0940-05-42 
OPIOD TREATMENT PROGRAM FACILITIES 
 
(Rule 0940-05-42-.06, continued) 
September, 2025 (Revised) 9 
No prospective service recipient shall be processed for admission until it has been verified 
that the prospective service recipient meets all applicable criteria. 
 
(2) Except as otherwise authorized by law, no prospective service recipient shall be admitted for 
treatment without written authorization. If a prospective service recipient lacks the legal 
authority to consent for treatment, the Facility shall obtain consent from a parent, legal 
guardian, and/or legal representative in writing for admission to such treatment. Such 
consent shall be documented in the service recipient’s medical record. The following 
information shall be explained by a trained staff person to the service recipient and other 
consenters and documented in the service recipient’s file: 
 
(a) The Facility’s services and treatment; 
 
(b) The specific conditions that will be treated; 
 
(c) Explanation of treatment options, including maintenance treatment and short -term 
withdrawal management, if available, and clinic charges, including the fee agreement, 
signed by the prospective service recipient or the service recipient’s legal 
representative; and 
 
(d) The Facility’s rules regarding service recipient conduct and responsibilities. 
 
(3) A program provider shall document that treatment is medically necessary. The admissions 
and initial dosing decision ultimately rests with the medical director or a program provider, as 
applicable and allowed by federal and state laws, rules, and regulations. 
 
(4) A Facility shall only admit and retain service recipients whose known needs can be met by 
the Facility in accordance with its licensed Facility purpose and applicable federal and state 
laws, rules, and regulations. 
 
(5) Pregnant females with an opioid use disorder shall be given priority for admission and 
services when a Facility has a waiting list for admissions and it is determined that the health 
of the mother and/or unborn child is more endangered than is the health of other service 
recipients waiting for services. 
 
(6) No Facility shall provide incentives for referral of prospective service recipients to the clinic. 
 
(7) Initial Assessment. Within fourteen (14) days of admission, the Facility shall complete an 
initial assessment. The initial assessment shall focus on the service recipient’s eligibility and 
need for treatment and shall provide indicators for the service recipient’s disease severity and 
the need for any appropriate referrals. Whenever possible and with service recipient consent, 
the initial assessment shall include a family member or significant other to assist in the 
provision of accurate information and a full understanding and retention of instructions given 
to the service recipient. The initial assessment shall include, but not be limited to, the 
following: 
 
(a) A physical examination that includes a review of systems, vital signs, a pain 
assessment, and laboratory testing; 
 
(b) Relevant health history (e.g., determination of chronic or acute medical conditions such 
as diabetes, renal disease, hepatitis, sickle cell anemia, tuberculosis, HIV exposure, 
sexually transmitted infections, chronic cardiopulmonary disease, and pregnancy); 
 
(c) A personal and family medical and mental health history; 
 
MINIMUM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL CHAPTER 0940-05-42 
OPIOD TREATMENT PROGRAM FACILITIES 
 
(Rule 0940-05-42-.06, continued) 
September, 2025 (Revised) 10 
(d) A determination of currently prescribed medications; 
 
(e) A personal and family history of substance use; 
 
(f) A determination of current opioid use disorder; 
 
(g) Determination of length of opioid use disorder; 
 
(h) An observed drug screen in compliance with Paragraph 0940-05-42-.17(4); 
 
(i) A screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), tuberculosis, and other 
communicable diseases based on the medical director’s discretion. The Facility shall 
maintain a documented policy and procedure for screening for communicable 
diseases, which includes the process for screening methods used by the Facility and 
the process for providing referrals for patients for further communicable disease 
screening, testing, or treatment, as appropriate. Patient -specific factors that warrant a 
deviation from these rules or the Facility’s policy and procedures shall be documented 
in the patient’s medical record; 
 
(j) Other tests as determined to be necessary by the Facility’s policies and procedures or 
by the program provider (e.g., CBC, EKG, chest x -ray, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV 
testing). Tests not directly conducted by the Facility at admission shall be conducted 
within seven (7) days after admission. The Facility is responsible for obtaining and 
maintaining documentation of required laboratory tests performed by an alternative 
provider. 
 
(k) A determination if the service recipient needs special services, such as treatment for 
alcohol use disorder or psychiatric services, and determination that the Facility is 
capable of addressing these needs either directly or through referral. If referral to an 
outside provider is deemed necessary, efforts of the Facility in making the referral shall 
be documented in the service recipient’s medical record. 
 
(l) The Facility may utilize components of the initial assessment performed by an outside 
provider if conducted within fourteen (14) days of admission and obtained by the 
Facility within seven (7) days of admission. 
 
(8) Comprehensive Assessment. Within thirty (30) days of admission, the Facility shall have 
completed a comprehensive assessment. The comprehensive assessment shall include 
information obtained from the patient, family members, friends, peers, and other collateral 
sources, where appropriate and with the service recipient’s written consent. The 
comprehensive assessment shall include, but not be limited to, the following: 
 
(a) A review of the information collected in the initial assessment; 
 
(b) A review of any outside medical records obtained by the Facility with the service 
recipient’s, or their legal representative’s, written consent; 
 
(c) A social and family history; 
 
(d) A criminal justice history, including any current criminal justice involvement; and 
 
(e) A psychosocial assessment that shall include information about the service recipient’s: 
 
1. Motivation for treatment; 
 
MINIMUM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL CHAPTER 0940-05-42 
OPIOD TREATMENT PROGRAM FACILITIES 
 
(Rule 0940-05-42-.06, continued) 
September, 2025 (Revised) 11 
2. Personal treatment goals; 
 
3. Personal strengths; 
 
4. Individualized needs; 
 
5. Urgent needs, including suicide risk; 
 
6. Abilities and/or interests; 
 
7. Presenting problems, including a thorough analysis of the service recipient’s 
high-risk behaviors such as: 
 
(i) Licit and illicit drugs used, including alcohol; 
 
(I) Amount(s) and method(s) used; 
 
(II) Frequency of use; and 
 
(III) Duration of use; 
 
(ii) Symptoms of physical dependence or withdrawal; 
 
(iii) History of treatment for addictive behaviors; 
 
(iv) Adverse consequences of use; and 
 
(v) Inappropriate use of prescribed substances; 
 
8. Use of tobacco and other nicotine products; 
 
9. Previous behavioral health services, including: 
 
(i) Diagnostic information; 
 
(ii) Treatment information; and 
 
(iii) Efficacy of current or previously used medication; 
 
10. Mental status; 
 
11. Current level of functioning; 
 
12. Need for, and availability of, social supports; 
 
13. Adverse childhood experiences; 
 
14. Level of education; and 
 
15. Adjustment to disabilities/disorders. 
 
(9) At the time of admission, the Facility shall conduct an inquiry with the Central Registry in 
accordance with Rule 0940-05-42-.20. 
 
MINIMUM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL CHAPTER 0940-05-42 
OPIOD TREATMENT PROGRAM FACILITIES 
 
(Rule 0940-05-42-.06, continued) 
September, 2025 (Revised) 12 
(10) Non-Admissions. The Facility shall maintain written logs that identify persons who were 
considered for admission or initially screened for admission but were not admitted. Such logs 
shall identify the reasons why the persons were not admitted and what referrals were made 
for them by the Facility. 
 
(11) Discharge and Aftercare Plans. A Facility shall complete an individualized discharge and 
aftercare plan for service recipients who complete their course of treatment. 
 
(a) Upon admission a Facility shall begin development of a service recipient’s discharge 
plan. 
 
(b) All discharge and aftercare plans shall include documentation that the Facility’s 
treatment team has discussed with the service recipient an individualized treatment 
plan appropriate to the service recipient’s discharge and aftercare plans. 
 
(c) The service recipient’s discharge planning shall include the development of a list of 
treatment resources available to the service recipient in their community. This list shall 
be developed in consultation with the service recipient, shall be in writing, and shall be 
made available to the service recipient upon discharge. The Facility shall assist the 
service recipient in obtaining the appropriate referral. 
 
(d) The discharge plan shall be completed within seven (7) days of discharge by the 
person who has primary responsibility for coordinating or providing for the care of the 
service recipient. It shall include a final assessment of the service recipient’s status at 
the time of discharge and aftercare planning. If applicable, parents or guardian, or 
responsible persons may participate in discharge and aftercare planning. The reason 
for any service recipient not participating in discharge and aftercare planning shall be 
documented in the service recipient’s medical record. 
 
(e) Service recipients that have lost contact with the Facility for greater than thirty (30) 
days shall be discharged from the Facility and will require a new admission upon 
return. 
 
Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-3-1601, 4- 4-103, 33-1-302, 33- 1-305, 33-1-309, 33- 2-301, 33- 2-302, and 33- 2-
404. Administrative History: Original rule filed June 8, 1999; effective August 22, 1999. Amendment 
filed February 18, 2003; effective May 4, 2003. Per Executive Order 44 (February 23, 2007), rule was 
transferred from 1200-08-21 on May 15, 2008. Repeal and new rule filed September 20, 2012; effective 
December 19, 2012. Amendments filed June 6, 2025; effective September 4, 2025. 
 
0940-05-42-.07 SERVICE RECIPIENT RECORD REQUIREMENTS. 
 
(1) Facilities shall organize and coordinate service recipient records in a manner which 
demonstrates that all pertinent service recipient information is accessible to all appropriate 
staff and to the SOTA and TDMHSAS. 
 
(2) All documentation will be clearly dated and initialed or signed by the staff member involved. 
 
(3) Records shall be preserved in accordance with T.C.A. § 33- 3-101(d). The records may be 
generated, maintained, or transferred in whole or in part to any recording medium that 
assures accurate preservation of the record. 
 
(4) The Facility shall discuss final storage or disposition of the Facility’s records with TDMHSAS 
ninety (90) days in advance of the closing of a Facility. 
 
MINIMUM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL CHAPTER 0940-05-42 
OPIOD TREATMENT PROGRAM FACILITIES 
 
(Rule 0940-05-42-.07, continued) 
September, 2025 (Revised) 13 
(5) The service recipient’s records shall include, but not be limited to, the following 
documentation: 
 
(a) A voluntary, written, Facility -specific informed consent to treatment from each service 
recipient at admission to include: 
 
1. Information about all treatment procedures, services, and other policies and 
regulations throughout the course of treatment shall be presented to the patient. 
This information shall include clinic charges in the form of a fee agreement that is 
signed, either in person or electronically, by the service recipient; 
 
2. Acknowledgment of the individualized, prescribed therapy before dosing begins, 
including information about potential interactions with and adverse reactions to 
other substances, including interactions and adverse reactions to alcohol, other 
prescribed medications, over-the-counter medications, other medical procedures, 
and food; 
 
3. Information that the goal of opioid treatment is stabilization of functioning; 
 
4. Information that short-term withdrawal management from opioids over thirty (30) 
to one hundred eighty (180) days is a treatment alternative to long- term 
maintenance, if available; 
 
5. Acknowledgment that the service recipient has been informed of the Facility’s 
rules regarding service recipient conduct and responsibilities and continuing 
documentation of the service recipient’s compliance with the Facility’s policies; 
 
6. Acknowledgment that the service recipient has been informed of their rights 
(Rule 0940-05-42-.27); 
 
7. Information that, at regular intervals and in full consultation with the service 
recipient, the Facility shall discuss the service recipient’s present level of 
functioning, course of treatment and future goals; and 
 
8. Information that the service recipient may choose to withdraw from or be 
maintained on the medication as they desire, unless medically contraindicated. 
 
(b) Documentation of the initial and comprehensive assessments as required by 
Paragraphs 0940-05-42-.06(8) and (9); 
 
(c) Medical reports including results of the physical examination; past and family medical 
history; review of systems; laboratory reports, including results of required toxicology 
screens; and progress notes, including documentation of current dose and other 
dosage data. Information in the medical record shall be entered by a program provider 
and other licensed health professionals. The service recipient’s medical record may 
also include clinical data obtained from outside medical providers with the patient’s 
written consent; 
 
(d) Dated and signed case entries of all significant contacts with service recipients, 
including a record of each counseling session in chronological order; 
 
(e) Dates and results of treatment team meetings for service recipients; 
 
MINIMUM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL CHAPTER 0940-05-42 
OPIOD TREATMENT PROGRAM FACILITIES 
 
(Rule 0940-05-42-.07, continued) 
September, 2025 (Revised) 14 
(f) The initial treatment plan, any amendments to the plan, reviews of the plan, and the 
long-term, individualized treatment plan, including any amendments to that document 
and reviews of the plan; 
 
(g) Documentation that services listed in the plan are available and have been provided or 
offered; 
 
(h) Documentation that the service recipient was informed about the process and factors 
considered in decisions impacting the service recipient’s treatment (for example, take-
home medication privileges, changes in counseling sessions, changes in frequency of 
toxicology screens); 
 
(i) A record of correspondence with the service recipient, family members and other 
individuals and a record of each referral for services and its results; 
 
(j) Documentation that the service recipient was provided a copy of the Facility’s rules and 
regulations and a copy of the service recipient’s rights and responsibilities and that 
these items were discussed with them; 
 
(k) A closing summary, including reasons for discharge and any referral. In the case of 
death, the reported cause of death shall be documented; 
 
(l) A written fee agreement as detailed in Rule 0940 -05-42-.06 dated and signed by the 
service recipient, or the service recipient’s legal representative, prior to provision of any 
services. This fee agreement shall include an explanation of the financial aspects of 
treatment and the consequences of nonpayment of required fees, including the 
procedures for medically supervised withdrawal in the event that a service recipient 
becomes unable to pay for treatment. If the service recipient’s financial responsibility 
changes, a new fee agreement shall be signed, either in person or electronically, prior 
to the provision of further services; 
 
(m) Documentation of Central Registry clearance as required under these rules; and 
 
(n) All other information and documents as required by the SOTA and these rules. 
 
Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4 -3-1601, 4- 4-103, 33-1-302, 33- 1-305, 33-1-309, 33- 2-301, 33- 2-302, and 33- 2-
404. Administrative History: Original rule filed September 20, 2012; effective December 19, 2012. 
Amendments filed June 6, 2025; effective September 4, 2025. 
 
0940-05-42-.08 MULTIPLE ENROLLMENTS. 
 
(1) The Facility shall have a procedure which shall ensure that no service recipient is enrolled in 
more than one (1) Facility at a time. 
 
(2) The procedure shall take into account requirements for service recipient confidentiality. 
 
(3) The Facility shall obtain a written release of information from the service recipient in order to 
check the records of every Facility within Tennessee and those Facilities within seventy -five 
(75) miles of the Facility, or those Facilities that participate with the Central Registry. The 
release of information shall state that its purpose is to obtain information and records 
developed during prior admission(s). Results of this check shall be maintained in the service 
recipient’s medical record. This check shall be duplicated if the service recipient is 
discharged and readmitted at any time. 
 
MINIMUM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL CHAPTER 0940-05-42 
OPIOD TREATMENT PROGRAM FACILITIES 
 
(Rule 0940-05-42-.08, continued) 
September, 2025 (Revised) 15 
Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4- 3-1601, 4- 4-103, 33-1-302, 33- 1-305, 33-1-309, 33- 2-301, 33- 2-302, and 33- 2-
404. Administrative History: Original rule filed June 8, 1999; effective August 22, 1999. Amendment 
filed June 21, 2007; effective September 4, 2007. Per Executive Order 44 (February 23, 2007), rule was 
transferred from 1200-08-21 on May 15, 2008. Repeal and new rule filed September 20, 2012; effective 
December 19, 2012. Amendments filed June 6, 2025; effective September 4, 2025. 
 
0940-05-42-.09 ORIENTATION. 
 
(1) The Facility shall provide, and document, an orientation to service recipients within twenty -
four (24) hours of admission for treatment and again within thir ty (30) days following the 
admission date. The orientation shall be designed to educate the service recipient and 
ensure that the service recipient understands the Facility’s program. 
 
(2) Orientation shall be done by a designated staff person who has been determined to be 
qualified by education, training, and experience to perform the task. 
 
(3) Facilities shall ensure that each service recipient signs, either in person, electronically, or by 
documented verbal acknowledgment, a statement confirming that the following information 
has been explained to the service recipient: 
 
(a) The expected benefits of the treatment that the service recipient is expected to receive; 
 
(b) The service recipient ’s responsibilities for adhering to the treatment regimen and the 
consequences of non-adherence; and 
 
(c) An explanation of individualized treatment planning. 
 
(4) Facilities shall ensure that each service recipient signs, either in person or electronically, a 
statement confirming that they have been offered short -term withdrawal management 
services as an admission alternative, if available, and that the following has been discussed 
with the service recipient: 
 
(a) An explanation of the types of short -term withdrawal management services offered by 
the Facility, including administrative short-term withdrawal management; and 
 
(b) An individualized assessment of the medical risks and benefits of short-term withdrawal 
management for the service recipient. 
 
Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4- 3-1601, 4- 4-103, 33-1-302, 33- 1-305, 33-1-309, 33- 2-301, 33- 2-302, and 33- 2-
404. Administrative History: Original rule filed June 8, 1999; effective August 22, 1999. Amendment 
filed June 21, 2007; effective September 4, 2007. Per Executive Order 44 (February 23, 2007), rule was 
transferred from 1200-08-21 on May 15, 2008. Repeal and new rule filed September 20, 2012; effective 
December 19, 2012. Amendments filed June 6, 2025; effective September 4, 2025. 
 
0940-05-42-.10 SERVICE RECIPIENT TRANSFERS. 
 
(1) If a prospective service recipient has previously been discharged from treatment at another 
OTP, the admitting Facility shall initiate an investigation into the prospective service 
recipient’s prior treatment history, inquiring of the last program attended and the reasons for 
discharge from treatment. 
 
(2) Service recipients who were terminated from a prior Facility due to noncompliance shall be 
admitted as a new service recipient. 
 
MINIMUM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL CHAPTER 0940-05-42 
OPIOD TREATMENT PROGRAM FACILITIES 
 
(Rule 0940-05-42-.10, continued) 
September, 2025 (Revised) 16 
Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-3-1601, 4- 4-103, 33-1-302, 33- 1-305, 33-1-309, 33- 2-301, 33- 2-302, and 33- 2-
404. Administrative History: Original rule filed June 8, 1999; effective August 22, 1999. Per Executive 
Order 44 (February 23, 2007), rule was transferred from 1200- 08-21 on May 15, 2008. Repeal and new 
rule filed September 20, 2012; effective December 19, 2012. Amendments filed June 6, 2025; effective 
September 4, 2025. 
 
0940-05-42-.11 INDIVIDUALIZED TREATMENT PLAN. 
 
(1) A Facility shall develop an Individualized Treatment Plan (ITP) for each ser vice recipient 
within thirty (30) days of admission. Each service recipient shall be involved in the 
development and review of their ITP. The initial ITP and all reviews shall be signed, either in 
person, electronically, or by documented verbal acknowledgement, by the service recipient, 
qualified counseling provider, and program provider. ITPs shall document the following: 
 
(a) A consistent pattern of substance use treatment services and medical care appropriate 
to the individual service recipient’s needs; and 
 
(b) S.M.A.R.T. goals discussed and agreed upon by the qualified counseling provider, 
program provider and the service recipient. The Facility may use alternative treatment 
planning methods provided that the methodology is evidence -based and provides 
similar details to those of the S.M.A.R.T. goals as defined by these rules. 
 
(2) The admission requirements of Rule 0940 -05-42-.06 shall be completed prior to the 
development of an ITP. 
 
(3) Medical care, including referral for necessary medical service, and evaluation and follow -up 
of service recipient complaints shall be compatible with current and accepted standards of 
medical practice. All service recipients shall receive a physical examination at least annually. 
All other medical procedures performed at the time of admission shall be reviewed by the 
medical staff on an annual basis, and all clinically indicated tests and procedures shall be 
repeated. The medical director or program provider shall record the results of the annual 
medical examination and review of service recipient medical records in each service 
recipient’s medical record. 
 
(4) In recognition of the varied medical needs of service recipients, any case histories, ITPs, 
short-term withdrawal management plans, and discharge plans shall be reviewed at least 
every ninety (90) days for service recipients in treatment less than one (1) year and at least 
every six (6) months for service recipients in treatment more than one (1) year. This review 
will be conducted by the medical director or program provider along with the primary qualified 
counseling provider and other appropriate members of the treatment team involved in the 
service recipient’s treatment. This review shall also include an assessment of the current 
dosage, schedule, and the rehabilitative progress of the individual, as part of a determination 
that additional medical services are indicated. If this review results in a determination that 
additional or different medical or behavioral health services are indicated, the Facility shall 
ensure that such services are made available to the service recipient, either at the Facility or 
by referral to the appropriate medical professional. Any referrals shall be documented in the 
service recipient’s medical record and followed up on as appropriate. 
 
(5) When the program provider prescribes other controlled substances to service recipients in 
the Facility, the Facility shall ensure that such prescription is in compliance with all applicable 
statutes and regulations and with current and accepted standards of medical practice. Such 
prescriptions shall not be issued to any service recipient unless the program provider first 
sees the service recipient and assesses the service recipient’s potential for misuse of such 
medications. 
 
MINIMUM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL CHAPTER 0940-05-42 
OPIOD TREATMENT PROGRAM FACILITIES 
 
(Rule 0940-05-42-.11, continued) 
September, 2025 (Revised) 17 
(6) As part of the rehabilitative services provided by the Facility, each service recipient shall be 
provided with individual and group counseling appropriate to their needs. The frequency and 
duration of counseling provided to service recipients shall be in conformity with Rule 0940-
05-42-.14 and be consistent with the ITP. ITPs shall indicate a specific level of counseling 
services needed by the service recipient as part of the rehabilitative process. 
 
(7) All service recipients shall receive HIV and hepatitis risk reduction education appropriate to 
their needs. 
 
(8) When appropriate, the Facility shall provide each service recipient information regarding 
enrollment in a vocational education program, engaging in a vocational activity (vocational 
evaluation, education, or skill training), or assisting the service recipient in efforts to seek 
gainful employment. Deviations from compliance with these requirements shall be explained 
in the service recipient’s medical record. Each Facility shall take steps to ensure that a 
comprehensive range of rehabilitative services, including vocational, educational, legal, 
mental health, treatment for other substances of misuse, and social services, are made 
available to the service recipients who demonstrate a need for such services. The Facility 
can fulfill this responsibility by providing support services directly or by appropriate referral. 
Support service(s) recommended and utilized shall be documented in the service recipient’s 
medical record. 
 
(9) All Facilities will develop and implement policies for matching service recipient’s needs to 
treatment. These policies may include treatment phasing in which the intensity of medical, 
counseling, and rehabilitative services provided to a service recipient is individualized for 
each service recipient depending upon the service recipient’s phase of treatment. 
 
(10) If the service recipient experiences a return to drug use, their ITP shall document evidence of 
intensified services. Such evidence shall include, but is not limited to, an increase in 
individual or group counseling session(s) and a reduction in the service recipient’s take-home 
privileges. 
 
(11) The program providers shall initiate and lead a discussion regarding patient readiness to 
taper down or taper off treatment medications employed in the patient’s treatment with each 
patient no later than one (1) year after initiating treatment and then every six (6) months 
thereafter or at any time upon the patient’s request. Documentation of this discussion shall be 
included in the patient’s ITP. Nothing in this part shall be construed to mean that patients 
should be forced to taper down or off of treatment medications. 
 
Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-3-1601, 4- 4-103, 33-1-302, 33- 1-305, 33-1-309, 33- 2-301, 33- 2-302, and 33- 2-
404. Administrative History: Original rule filed June 8, 1999; effective August 22, 1999. Amendment 
filed April 11, 2003; effective June 25, 2003. Per Executive Order 44 (February 23, 2007), rule was 
transferred from 1200-08-21 on May 15, 2008. Repeal and new rule filed September 20, 2012; effective 
December 19, 2012. Amendments filed June 6, 2025; effective September 4, 2025. 
 
0940-05-42-.12 SPECIAL POPULATIONS. 
 
(1) The Facility shall ensure that program providers are knowledgeable in the management of 
opioid use disorder in the context of chronic pain and pain management. The Facility may not 
prohibit a service recipient diagnosed with chr onic pain from receiving medication- assisted 
treatment for either maintenance treatment or short-term withdrawal management. 
 
(a) With the service recipient’s written consent, the Facility shall ensure continuity of care 
and communication between the Facility’s program providers and any outside providers 
regarding the service recipients receiving opioid use disorder and pain treatment. 
 
MINIMUM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL CHAPTER 0940-05-42 
OPIOD TREATMENT PROGRAM FACILITIES 
 
(Rule 0940-05-42-.12, continued) 
September, 2025 (Revised) 18 
(b) If the service recipient refuses consent for the two (2) entities to communicate and 
coordinate care, the Facility shall document refusal and may make clinically 
appropriate decisions regarding treatment, such as, take -home medication privileges, 
medication dosing, or an increase in counseling. 
 
(2) The Facility shall ensure that service recipients with mental health needs are identified and 
referred to appropriate treatment with appropriate follow up. Any referrals or attempts at 
referrals shall be documented in the service recipient’s medical record. 
 
(a) The Facility shall closely monitor service recipients during medically supervised 
withdrawal, or dose tapering, to identify symptoms of mental illness. 
 
(b) The Facility shall establish and document a list of available mental health providers in 
the community that the Facility can refer patients to, as appropriate. 
 
(3) The Facility shall have a policy regarding the treatment of co- morbid disorders such as 
psychiatric and medical disorders. The goal of treatment shall be to facilitate treatment for 
these disorders as seamlessly as possible, while maximizing service recipient convenience 
and compliance with appointments and recommendations. The Facility shall attempt to 
ensure a smooth referral process and exchange of information. The Facility shall organize 
and facilitate communication between two or more participants involved in a service 
recipient’s care (such as the Facility and primary care provider, specialty services, mental 
health services, family members, and/or significant others) to achieve safer and more 
effective care. This shall be documented in the service recipient’s medical record. 
 
(4) The Facility shall address misuse of alcohol and other non- opioid substances by providing 
treatment or referral to outside providers, as appropriate. 
 
(a) The Facility shall ensure that staff is trained and knowledgeable regarding current 
effective strategies for treating misuse of alcohol, opioids, methadone, amphetamines, 
cocaine, barbiturates, benzodiazepines and other drugs. 
 
(b) Ongoing multi-drug use is not necessarily a reason for discharge. The treatment team 
shall consider the service recipient’s condition and address the situation from an 
individualized clinical perspective. The program provider shall consider the risks and 
benefits of the service recipient’s current level of care being provided, medication 
dosage, and other services being provided when treating service recipients with 
ongoing multi -drug use. The program provider shall refer the service recipient to a 
higher level of care when indicated. This referral shall be documented in the service 
recipient’s medical record. 
 
(c) Social barriers to higher levels of care, such as inability to pay or concerns regarding 
loss of employment, shall be documented. In cases where a higher level of care is 
recommended yet declined by the client or unattainable due to external factors, the 
clinician shall document the rationale for the refusal or reasons for not being able to 
access the recommended higher level of care. 
 
Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4- 3-1601, 4- 4-103, 33-1-302, 33- 1-305, 33-1-309, 33- 2-301, 33- 2-302, and 33- 2-
404. Administrative History: Original rule filed June 8, 1999; effective August 22, 1999. Per Executive 
Order 44 (February 23, 2007), rule was transferred from 1200- 08-21 on May 15, 2008. Repeal and new 
rule filed September 20, 2012; effective December 19, 2012. Amendments filed June 6, 2025; effective 
September 4, 2025. 

MINIMUM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL CHAPTER 0940-05-42 
OPIOD TREATMENT PROGRAM FACILITIES 
 
September, 2025 (Revised) 19 
0940-05-42-.13 REPEALED. 
 
Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-3-1601, 4- 4-103, 33-1-302, 33- 1-305, 33-1-309, 33- 2-301, 33- 2-302, and 33- 2-
404. Administrative History: Original rule filed June 8, 1999; effective August 22, 1999. Repeal filed 
April 30, 2003; effective July 14, 2003. Per Executive Order 44 (February 23, 2007), rule was transferred 
from 1200-08-21 on May 15, 2008. Repeal and new rule filed September 20, 2012; effective December 
19, 2012. Repeal filed June 6, 2025; effective September 4, 2025. 
 
0940-05-42-.14 COUNSELING. 
 
(1) Counseling is essential to promote and guide the service recipient to a more productive 
lifestyle of abstinence from illicit medications or drugs. The assigned qualified counseling 
provider is responsible for developing and implementing the service recipient’s ITP, in 
coordination with the treatment team. The ITP shall include S.M.A.R.T. goals or a similar 
treatment planning method, developed by the qualified counseling provider, the service 
recipient, and the treatment team. The qualified counseling provider is responsible for 
assisting the service recipient to alter lifestyles and patterns of behavior to improve the 
service recipient’s quality of life. 
 
(2) The qualified counseling provider caseload shall: 
 
(a) Be no larger than one (1) qualified counseling provider to fifty (50) service recipients; 
 
1. The Facility can petition the SOTA office, in writing, for a consideration to exceed 
the ratio for a period no longer than six (6) months. The Facility shall include 
justification and documentation for requiring the adjustment; and 
 
2. An extension can be submitted, for a period not to exceed an additional six (6) 
months, to the SOTA office with sufficient documentation outlining why an 
extension is necessary; 
 
(b) Allow the Facility to provide adequate: 
 
1. Psychosocial assessment; 
 
2. Treatment planning; and 
 
3. Individualized counseling; 
 
(c) Allow for regularly scheduled counseling sessions; and 
 
(d) Allow service recipients access to their primary counselor if more frequent contact is 
merited by need or is requested by the service recipient. 
 
1. Telehealth is available as an option for more frequent contact with the counselor 
if desired or needed by the service recipient. Telehealth visits shall not exceed 
fifty percent (50%) of the service recipient’s total visits. 
 
2. In extraordinary situations, telehealth sessions may account for more than fifty 
percent (50%) of a patient’s counseling sessions if first approved by the SOTA. 
 
(3) The qualified counseling provider supervisor caseload shall be no larger than one (1) 
qualified counseling provider supervisor to twenty -five (25) service recipients. The Facility 
can petition the SOTA office, in writing, for consideration to exceed the ratio for a period no 
longer than six (6) months. The Facility shall include justification and documentation for 
requiring the adjustment. 
MINIMUM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL CHAPTER 0940-05-42 
OPIOD TREATMENT PROGRAM FACILITIES 
 
(Rule 0940-05-42-.14, continued) 
September, 2025 (Revised) 20 
 
(4) The Facility shall take service recipient preferences into account when assigning their 
qualified counseling provider, as appropriate. 
 
(5) For all service recipients, the following counseling schedule shall be followed: 
 
(a) During the first thirty (30) days of treatment, counseling session(s) shall be scheduled 
to take place at least two (2) times per week. The initial counseling session shall be 
conducted in person, and counseling sessions conducted via telehealth shall not 
exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the required sessions. 
 
(b) During the next ninety (90) days of treatment (day thirty -one (31) to day one hundred 
twenty (120)), counseling session(s) shall be scheduled to take place either via 
telehealth or in person at least one (1) time per week. 
 
(c) During the following ninety (90) days of treatment (day one hundred twenty -one (121) 
to day two hundred ten (210)), counseling session(s) shall be scheduled to take place 
either via telehealth or in person at least two (2) times per month. 
 
(d) For subsequent ninety (90) -day periods of treatment (day two hundred eleven (211) 
forward), counseling session(s) shall be scheduled to take place either via telehealth or 
in person as needed or indicated in the service recipient’s ITP, but not less frequently 
than monthly. 
 
(e) Counseling sessions occurring on day thirty -one (31) and forward can utilize telehealth 
visits for up to fifty percent (50%) of the service recipient’s sessions. Session type shall 
be based on counselor evaluation and service recipient needs and be clearly 
documented in the service recipient’s medical record. In extraordinary situations, 
telehealth sessions accounting for more than fifty percent (50%) of a patient’s 
counseling sessions may be approved by the SOTA upon request. 
 
(6) Exceptions to the frequency of counseling sessions shall be service recipient -specific and 
clearly justified and documented in the patient’s ITP. 
 
(7) The program provider evaluating the service recipient’s eligibility for take- home doses shall 
carefully consider the service recipient’s participation in the counseling sessions as a factor in 
their decision. 
 
(8) The qualified counseling provider or program provider is responsible for documentation of 
their significant contact with each service recipient, which shall be filed in the service 
recipient’s medical record. Significant contact can include, but not be limited to, in- person 
counseling, telephone calls, telehealth calls, or web-based calls. 
 
(9) The counseling session documentation shall include a thorough and detailed description of: 
 
(a) The reason for or nature of the contact; 
 
(b) The service recipient’s current condition; 
 
(c) Significant events occurring since prior contact; 
 
(d) The assessment of the service recipient’s status; 
 
(e) A description of the therapeutic technique used during the session; and 
 
MINIMUM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL CHAPTER 0940-05-42 
OPIOD TREATMENT PROGRAM FACILITIES 
 
(Rule 0940-05-42-.14, continued) 
September, 2025 (Revised) 21 
(f) A plan for action or further treatment that addresses the goals of the treatment plan. 
 
(10) Each entry shall be completed within twenty -four (24) hours of the contact and shall be 
clearly dated and initialed or signed by the staff person involved. 
 
(11) Opportunities for family involvement in counseling shall be provided and documented. 
 
Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-3-1601, 4- 4-103, 33-1-302, 33- 1-305, 33-1-309, 33- 2-301, 33- 2-302, and 33- 2-
404. Administrative History: Original rule filed June 8, 1999; effective August 22, 1999. Per Executive 
Order 44 (February 23, 2007), rule was transferred from 1200- 08-21 on May 15, 2008. Repeal and new 
rule filed September 20, 2012; effective December 19, 2012. Amendments filed June 6, 2025; effective 
September 4, 2025. 
 
0940-05-42-.15 MEDICATION MANAGEMENT. 
 
(1) Opioid Drugs. Facilities shall develop and implement written policies and procedures for 
prescribing, dispensing, and administration of medications and their security. No 
standardized routines or schedules of increases or dec reases of medications may be 
established or used. These policies and procedures shall include the following: 
 
(a) Administration. 
 
1. A program provider shall perform a medical assessment to determine the service 
recipient’s initial dose and schedule. The provider shall communicate the initial 
dose and schedule to the person supervising medication and document the dose 
in the service recipient’s medical record. 
 
2. A program provider may assign such dose and schedule by verbal order only on 
an emergency basis. If a verbal order is given, the program provider shall 
examine the service recipient within seventy -two (72) hours of the verbal order. 
Both the verbal order and the results of the physical examination shall be 
documented in the service recipient’s medical record. 
 
3. The initial dose of methadone shall be based on the clinical judgment of the 
program provider and in compliance with relevant federal rules and regulations. 
A transferring service recipient may receive an initial dosage of no more than the 
last daily dosage authorized at the former Facility unless in the clinical judgment 
of the medical director, there are extenuating circumstances documented in the 
service recipient’s medical records which justify an initial dosage that is greater 
than the last daily dosage authorized at the former Facility. 
 
4. Subsequent doses shall be authorized by a program provider. Additional dosage 
may be dispensed on the first day where the program provider documents that 
the initial dose does not suppress withdrawal symptoms. Service recipients are 
stabilized on methadone when they are receiving a therapeutic dose that is 
sufficient to stop opioid cravings and misuse and sufficient to keep the service 
recipient comfortable for at least twenty-four (24) hours. 
 
5. No dosage increases shall occur on the days that the Facility is closed. 
 
6. No methadone may be administered unless the service recipient has undergone 
all of the screening and admission procedures required, unless there is an 
emergency situation that is fully documented in the service recipient’s medical 
record. In that case, intake procedures shall be completed on the next working 
day. No take-home medication may be given in such an emergency. 
MINIMUM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL CHAPTER 0940-05-42 
OPIOD TREATMENT PROGRAM FACILITIES 
 
(Rule 0940-05-42-.15, continued) 
September, 2025 (Revised) 22 
 
7. No dose of methadone in excess of one hundred eighty (180) milligrams per day 
may be ordered or administered without the prior approval of the SOTA. Except 
provided: 
 
(i) Service recipients transferring to the Facility who are already established 
on doses greater than one hundred eighty (180) milligrams per day may 
continue their previously established dose, at the program provider’s 
discretion, for up to one (1) week to allow for sufficient time to receive 
SOTA approval; and 
 
(ii) Service recipients that are guest-dosing at the Facility and receiving a dose 
of greater than one hundred eighty (180) milligrams per day will not require 
SOTA approval. 
 
8. Benzodiazepine Use. If a service recipient has a positive benzodiazepine screen: 
 
(i) The treatment team shall meet with the service recipient, either in person 
or via video conferencing platform, within fourteen (14) days of receiving 
the results of the screen, to develop a benzodiazepine action plan in the 
service recipient’s medical record. The plan shall be reviewed and signed 
by the medical director or designated program provider; 
 
(ii) If the plan requires the service recipient to become abstinent from 
benzodiazepines, a time period for supervised withdrawal shall be 
established. Coordination, or the attempt to coordinate with the 
benzodiazepine prescriber must be documented in the service recipient’s 
medical record; 
 
(iii) The Facility shall provide benzodiazepine gradual dose reductions or 
tapering services either directly or through referral to another provider. Any 
referrals must be documented in the service recipient’s medical record; 
 
(iv) If the plan calls for the continued use of benzodiazepines, the Facility shall 
coordinate the care with a qualified provider and document this 
coordination in the service recipient’s medical record; 
 
(v) The Facility shall document any follow -up action to any deviation from the 
benzodiazepine action plan; and 
 
(vi) The benzodiazepine action plan and subsequent progress notes about 
plan implementation shall be documented in the service recipient’s medical 
record. 
 
(b) Any opioid drug ordered and administered shall be documented on an individual 
medication administration record. The record shall include: 
 
1. Name of medication; 
 
2. Date prescribed; 
 
3. Dosage; 
 
4. Frequency of administration; 
 
MINIMUM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL CHAPTER 0940-05-42 
OPIOD TREATMENT PROGRAM FACILITIES 
 
(Rule 0940-05-42-.15, continued) 
September, 2025 (Revised) 23 
5. Route of administration; 
 
6. Date and time administered; and 
 
7. Documentation of staff administering medication or supervising self -
administration. 
 
(c) Take-home doses of methadone or buprenorphine shall comply with the following 
requirements: 
 
1. Take-home doses of methadone or buprenorphine shall not exceed what is 
permitted by the applicable rules of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health 
Administration or other applicable federal agency. Except provided: 
 
(i) Service recipients that provide an unfavorable drug screen but otherwise 
demonstrate treatment stability, as determined and documented by the 
program provider, shall receive not more than thirteen (13) take -homes at 
a time (i.e., presenting to the Facility once every other week) for a 
minimum of twenty-eight (28) days beginning the day the service recipient 
first receives the reduced number of take-homes; 
 
(ii) Service recipients that provide an unfavorable drug screen and 
demonstrate treatment instability, as determined and documented by the 
program provider, shall receive not more than four (4) take- homes per 
week (i.e., presenting to the clinic three (3) nonconsecutive days per week) 
for a minimum of twenty -eight (28) days beginning the day the service 
recipient first receives the reduced number of take-homes; or 
 
(iii) Service recipients that pose a high risk of diversion, including presenting 
an inappropriate amount of medication for a diversion control call -back, or 
otherwise demonstrating noncompliance with the service recipient’s 
responsibilities of the Facility’s diversion control plan, shall receive not 
more than four (4) take-homes per week (i.e., presenting to the clinic three 
(3) nonconsecutive days per week) for a minimum of twenty -eight (28) 
days beginning the day the service recipient first receives the reduced 
number of take-homes. 
 
2. All requests for take -home exceptions shall be submitted to the SOTA and any 
other applicable federal agency for approval consideration. 
 
(i) The Facility shall check the PMP database prior to requesting any take -
home or dosing exceptions and include this information with the exception 
request. 
 
(ii) The Facility shall provide counseling prior to providing take -home doses to 
any service recipient. Progress notes in the service recipient’s medical 
record shall document the counseling provided. 
 
(iii) The Facility shall include the service recipient’s Central Registry ID 
number, details regarding the service recipient’s treatment stability, details 
regarding the need for the exception request and why alternatives would 
not be appropriate. 
 
3. The Facility shall document in the service recipient’s medical record the basis for 
determining treatment stability approving and “take -home” medication for the 
MINIMUM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL CHAPTER 0940-05-42 
OPIOD TREATMENT PROGRAM FACILITIES 
 
(Rule 0940-05-42-.15, continued) 
September, 2025 (Revised) 24 
service recipient. The following examples should be considered as a guide in 
determining the service recipient’s treatment stability and determining eligibility 
for “take-home” medications: 
 
(i) Cessation of illicit drug use; 
 
(ii) Regularity of program attendance; 
 
(iii) Length of time and level of treatment in medication therapy (ability to 
responsibly self-medicate); 
 
(iv) Absence of known recent criminal activity; 
 
(v) Absence of serious behavioral problems; 
 
(vi) Absence of misuse of drugs, including excessive use of alcohol; 
 
(vii) Other special needs of the service recipient, such as split dosing, physical 
health needs, pain treatment, etc.; 
 
(viii) Capacity to safely store “take -home” medication within the service 
recipient’s home; 
 
(ix) Stability of the home environment and social relationships; 
 
(x) Service recipient’s work, school, or other daily-life activity schedule; and 
 
(xi) Hardship experienced by the service recipient in traveling to and from the 
Facility. 
 
(d) Adverse drug reactions and errors shall be reported to a program provider immediately 
and corrective action shall be initiated. The adverse reaction or error shall be recorded 
in the service recipient’s medical record, the medication administration record, the 
nurse progress notes, and the ITP, and all persons who are authorized to administer 
medication or supervise self-medication shall be alerted. 
 
(e) All medications shall be stored in a locked safe when not being administered or self -
administered. 
 
(f) Medication orders and dosage changes shall be written, printed, or provided 
electronically, on a form which clearly displays the program provider’s signature. The 
Facility shall maintain an accurate, perpetual inventory at all times. Every dose shall be 
recorded in the service recipient’s individual medication record at the time the dose is 
dispensed or administered. The perpetual inventory shall be totaled and recorded in 
milligrams daily. Any inventory variances shall be documented, including the reason for 
the variance and any follow -up actions, and be made available for inspection by the 
SOTA office. 
 
(g) No standardized routines or schedules of increases or decreases of medications may 
be established or used. 
 
(h) Computer-Based Recording. 
 
1. Any such computerized system shall have the capability of producing a hardcopy 
printout of any medical or dosing order data which the Facility is responsible for 
MINIMUM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL CHAPTER 0940-05-42 
OPIOD TREATMENT PROGRAM FACILITIES 
 
(Rule 0940-05-42-.15, continued) 
September, 2025 (Revised) 25 
maintaining under the laws and/or regulations of this state and/or the federal 
government. Any computerized system shall, upon the request of the SOTA, 
send or provide such a printout within forty -eight (48) hours, excluding 
weekends. 
 
2. In the event a Facility experiences system down -time, the Facility must have a 
written or readily retrievable auxiliary policy and procedure for documentation of 
all medical and dosing orders. The auxiliary procedure shall ensure that each 
medical or dosing order is authorized, and that all appropriate data are retained 
for on-line data entry as soon as the computer system is available for use again. 
 
(i) Guest Dosing. 
 
1. Guest dosing shall be provided for a maximum of fourteen (14) days. Anything 
beyond fourteen (14) days shall be approved by the SOTA before dosing occurs. 
 
2. Service recipients shall have been enrolled at the home clinic for a minimum of 
thirty (30) days before being eligible for a guest dose. Service recipients enrolled 
less than thirty (30) days at the home clinic shall be eligible for guest dosing only 
if approved by the SOTA. 
 
3. Service recipients shall have two (2) consecutive favorable drug screens before 
being eligible for a guest dose unless the program provider determines that the 
benefits of guest dosing outweigh the risks and documents the justification for 
granting guest dosing privileges in the service recipient’s medical record. 
 
Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4 -3-1601, 4- 4-103, 33-1-302, 33- 1-305, 33-1-309, 33- 2-301, 33- 2-302, and 33- 2-
404. Administrative History: Original rule filed September 20, 2012; effective December 19, 2012. 
Amendments filed June 6, 2025; effective September 4, 2025. 
 
0940-05-42-.16 PHARMACOTHERAPY GUIDELINES. 
 
(1) The Facility shall de velop pharmacotherapy guidelines for service recipients covering the 
Facility’s own prescribing and the review of prescriptions from other providers. These shall 
minimally include: 
 
(a) Procedures to ensure that service recipients’ prescriptions from outside providers will 
be reported to the medical staff and reviewed by the program provider at admission 
and annually thereafter; 
 
(b) Procedures describing the Facility’s response when information about prescriptions 
from outside providers is not reported including, but not limited to, the loss of take-
home privileges, to ensure compliance with this rule; and 
 
(c) If a Facility is unable to acquire information about a service recipient’s prescriptions, 
the Facility shall document efforts made to obtain information about prescriptions from 
outside providers or pharmacies in the service recipient’s medical record. 
 
(2) The Facility shall query the PMP when clinically indicated at the program provider’s discretion 
and at a minimum: 
 
(a) Upon admission of a service recipient; and 
 
(b) Every three (3) months for the first one (1) year of treatment, and every six (6) months 
thereafter. The service recipient’s medical record shall include documentation of the 
MINIMUM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL CHAPTER 0940-05-42 
OPIOD TREATMENT PROGRAM FACILITIES 
 
(Rule 0940-05-42-.16, continued) 
September, 2025 (Revised) 26 
check of the PMP database, the date upon which it occurred, the results of the PMP 
check, and any follow-up actions from the results. If the PMP report yields a result that 
the service recipient is receiving other controlled prescription medication(s), 
appropriate documentation of the prescription(s) must be in the service recipient’s 
medical record. 
 
Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4 -3-1601, 4- 4-103, 33- 1-302, 33 -1-305, 33- 1-309, 33- 2-302, and 33- 2-404. 
Administrative History: Original rule filed September 20, 2012; effective December 19, 2012. 
Amendments filed June 6, 2025; effective September 4, 2025. 
 
0940-05-42-.17 DRUG SCREENS. 
 
(1) Random urine drug screening or other adequately tested toxicological procedures shall be 
used for the purposes of assessing the service recipient’s progress in treatment. 
 
(2) Drug screening procedures shall be individualized and shall include at least an initial 
observed drug screen for newly admitted service recipients, then a weekly drug screen 
during the first thirty (30) days of treatment, and at least eight (8) drug screens annually 
thereafter. In addition to the initial observed drug screen, the patient shall receive at least one 
(1) random observed drug screen annually. 
 
(3) Service recipients whose drug screen results are unfavorable, or otherwise indicate treatment 
instability, shall be notified of the drug screen result within seventy -two (72) hours and 
receive a randomized drug screen at least every two (2) weeks, for a minimum of twenty -
eight (28) days from the date of receiving the result of most recent unfavorable drug screen. 
 
(4) Each sample collected shall be screened to include, but not be limited to: 
 
(a) Opioids, including synthetic opioids; 
 
(b) Methadone, buprenorphine, or any other treatment medication used by the Facility’s 
program, as applicable; 
 
(c) Benzodiazepines; 
 
(d) Cocaine; 
 
(e) Methamphetamine/amphetamines; and 
 
(f) Other drugs as indicated by individual service recipient use patterns, community 
standards, regional variation, or clinical indication (e.g., THC, carisoprodol, 
barbiturates) or as directed by the SOTA. 
 
(5) Collection and testing shall be done in a manner that assures that specimens collected from 
service recipients are unadulterated. In the case of urine collection, such collection and 
testing shall include random direct observation conducted professionally, ethically, and in a 
manner which respects the service recipients’ privacy. 
 
(6) A drug screen is considered unfavorable when the results indicate the presence of any drug 
or substances listed in Paragraph (4) of this rule that is illegal or for which the service 
recipient cannot provide a valid prescription or any drug or substance prohibited by the 
Facility or SOTA; the presence of medication which is documented as part of the service 
recipient’s treatment plan shall not be considered an unfavorable screen. Any refusal to 
participate in a random drug screen shall be considered an unfavorable screen. 
 
MINIMUM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL CHAPTER 0940-05-42 
OPIOD TREATMENT PROGRAM FACILITIES 
 
(Rule 0940-05-42-.17, continued) 
September, 2025 (Revised) 27 
(7) Unfavorable drug screen results after the first six (6) months in a Facility shall result in the 
following: 
 
(a) Upon the first unfavorable drug screen result, the Facility shall contact the service 
recipient within seventy-two (72) hours of receiving the drug screen result and provide 
mandatory and documented weekly counseling, which shall include weekly meetings 
with a qualified counseling provider, either in person or via telehealth platforms, for a 
minimum of twenty-eight (28) days. 
 
(b) Upon a second unfavorable drug screen result within six (6) months of the first 
unfavorable drug screen result, the Facility shall: 
 
1. Contact the service recipient within seventy -two (72) hours of receiving the drug 
screen result, provide mandatory and documented weekly counseling which shall 
include weekly meetings with a qualified counseling provider, either in person or 
via telehealth platforms, for a minimum of twenty-eight (28) days; and 
 
2. Provide mandatory, in- person, documented treatment team meetings with the 
service recipient and review the service recipient’s ITP to ensure it is addressing 
the service recipient’s needs; 
 
(c) Upon a third unfavorable drug screen result within six (6) months of the second 
unfavorable drug screen result, the Facility shall: 
 
1. Contact the service recipient within seventy -two (72) hours of receiving the drug 
screen result and provide mandatory and documented weekly counseling, which 
shall include weekly meetings with a qualified counseling provider, in- person, for 
a minimum of twenty-eight (28) days; and 
 
2. Provide mandatory, in- person, and documented treatment team meetings with 
the service recipient, which shall include, at a minimum: a review of the ITP, a 
discussion related to the need for continuing treatment; a discussion of other 
treatment alternatives; and documentation on whether a referral to a higher level 
of care is appropriate. 
 
(8) The Facility shall document both the results of drug screens and the follow -up therapeutic 
action taken in the service recipient’s medical record. 
 
(9) The Facility shall work carefully with toxicology laboratories to ensure valid, appropriate 
results of toxicological screens. 
 
(10) The Facility shall ensure that program providers demonstrate competence in recognizing 
factors that may contribute to “false negative” and “false positive” laboratory results. 
 
(11) Absence of methadone or other medications ordered by the Facility for the service recipient 
shall be considered evidence of possible medication diversion and evaluated by the program 
provider accordingly. 
 
(12) Nothing contained in this rule shall preclude any Facility from administering any additional 
drug screens it determines necessary. 
 
Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4 -3-1601, 4- 4-103, 33-1-302, 33- 1-305, 33-1-309, 33- 2-301, 33- 2-302, and 33- 2-
404. Administrative History: Original rule filed September 20, 2012; effective December 19, 2012. 
Amendments filed June 6, 2025; effective September 4, 2025. 
 
MINIMUM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL CHAPTER 0940-05-42 
OPIOD TREATMENT PROGRAM FACILITIES 
 
September, 2025 (Revised) 28 
0940-05-42-.18 MEDICALLY SUPERVISED WITHDRAWAL. 
 
(1) In the event the service recipient becomes unable to pay for treatment, the Facility shall 
develop procedures for administrative withdrawal or medically supervised withdrawal, 
including an appropriate time frame over which the procedure would take place. The 
schedule of withdrawal may be brief, less than thirty (30) days if necessary. Such procedures 
shall include documentation of referral of the service recipient to alternative treatment 
resources. 
 
(a) The Facility shall develop policies and procedures clearly describing under what 
circumstances a service recipient may be subject to administrative withdrawal. 
Administrative withdrawal may result from: 
 
1. Non-payment of fees. The Facility shall make every effort to consider all clinical 
data including service recipient participation and compliance with treatment prior 
to initiating administrative withdrawal for non- payment. If the service recipient 
has a history of compliance and cooperation with treatment, the Facility shall 
document every effort to explore alternatives to administrative withdrawal with 
the service recipient prior to initiation of administrative withdrawal; 
 
2. Disruptive conduct or behavior considered to have an adverse effect on the 
Facility, staff, or service recipient population to justify the involuntary withdrawal 
and discharge of a service recipient; or 
 
3. Other reasons as determined by the Facility and approved by the SOTA. 
 
(b) Medically supervised withdrawal occurs as a voluntary and therapeutic withdrawal 
agreed upon by staff and service recipient. In some cases, the withdrawal may be 
against the advice of clinical staff (against medical advice). 
 
1. The Facility shall supply an individualized schedule of dose reduction well 
tolerated by the service recipient. 
 
2. The Facility shall offer supportive treatment, including increased counseling 
sessions and referral to a self -help group or another counseling provider as 
appropriate. 
 
3. If the service recipient leaves the Facility’s program abruptly against medical 
advice, the Facility may readmit the service recipient within thirty (30) days 
without having to complete a new Initial or Comprehensive Assessment referred 
to in Paragraphs 0940- 05-42-.06(7) and (8). The Facility shall document 
attempting to assist the service recipient in any issues which may have 
precipitated their abrupt departure. 
 
4. The Facility shall make provisions for continuing care for each service recipient 
following the last dose of medication and for re- entry to maintenance treatment if 
the service recipient experiences a return to drug use or if the service recipient 
should reconsider medically supervised withdrawal. 
 
Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4 -3-1601, 4- 4-103, 33-1-302, 33- 1-305, 33-1-309, 33- 2-301, 33- 2-302, and 33- 2-
404. Administrative History: Original rule filed September 20, 2012; effective December 19, 2012. 
Amendments filed June 6, 2025; effective September 4, 2025. 

MINIMUM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL CHAPTER 0940-05-42 
OPIOD TREATMENT PROGRAM FACILITIES 
 
September, 2025 (Revised) 29 
0940-05-42-.19 DIVERSION CONTROL PLAN. 
 
(1) Each clinic shall develop policies and procedures for a Diversion Control Plan that contains 
specific measures to reduce the possibility of diversion of controlled substances and that 
assigns specific responsibility to the medical and administrative staff of the Facility for 
carrying out the diversion control functions described in the Diversion Control Plan. The 
Diversion Control Plan shall contain, at a minimum, a random call -back program with 
mandatory compliance. 
 
(a) This call-back shall be in addition to the regular schedule of clinic visits. 
 
(b) Each service recipient receiving three (3) or more consecutive take -home medications 
per week shall be called back randomly within the three (3) -month period immediately 
following the previous call-back. 
 
(c) Upon call back a service recipient shall report to the clinic within twenty -four (24) hours 
of notification, with all take -home medications. If a service recipient call -back displays 
treatment instability, such as absence from the scheduled call -back, not having the 
appropriate quantity of take- homes, or the packaging shows signs of tampering, the 
service recipient shall be required to attend the clinic at least three (3) nonconsecutive 
days per week for a minimum of twenty -eight (28) days prior to returning to regular 
clinic attendance schedule, in accordance with Subpart 0940-05-42-.15(1)(c)1.(iii). 
 
(d) Service recipients shall be informed of the above requirements and the Facility’s 
policies and procedures regarding call -backs and receiving take -homes, including 
follow-up actions for any call-back results that demonstrate treatment instability. 
 
(e) The Facility shall document individual call -back results in the service recipient medical 
record. 
 
(2) The Facility’s policies and procedures for the Diversion Control Plans shall include the 
method for which the Facility will prevent the diversion of controlled substances from within 
the Facility. The plan shall include, at a minimum: maintaining a perpetual inventory, 
procedures for ordering and receiving controlled substances, and conducting investigations if 
theft or diversion is suspected. 
 
Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4 -3-1601, 4- 4-103, 33-1-302, 33- 1-305, 33-1-309, 33- 2-301, 33- 2-302, and 33- 2-
404. Administrative History: Original rule filed September 20, 2012; effective December 19, 2012. 
Amendments filed June 6, 2025; effective September 4, 2025. 
 
0940-05-42-.20 CENTRAL REGISTRY. 
 
(1) All Facilities shall participate in the department’s Central Registry. 
 
(2) Service recipients shall be informed of the Facility’s participation in the Central Registry; and, 
prior to initiating a Central Registry inquiry, the Faci lity shall obtain the service recipient’s 
written consent. 
 
(3) To prevent multiple enrollment of a service recipient in more than one Facility, the Facility 
shall initiate a clearance inquiry by submitting to the approved Central Registry the name, 
date of birth, anticipated date of admission or discharge, and any other relevant information 
required for the clearance procedure or as required by the SOTA. If a multiple enrollment 
verification indicates that a service recipient may be enrolled at more than one (1) Facility, 
the Facility shall immediately attempt to contact the other Facility to coordinate care. This 
coordination of care shall be documented in the service recipient’s medical record. 
 
MINIMUM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL CHAPTER 0940-05-42 
OPIOD TREATMENT PROGRAM FACILITIES 
 
(Rule 0940-05-42-.20, continued) 
September, 2025 (Revised) 30 
(4) Reports received by the Central Registry shall be treated as confidential and shall not be 
released except to a licensed Facility or its designated legal representative or as approved by 
the SOTA, or as required by law. Information made available by the Central Registry to 
Facilities or their designated legal representatives or as approved by the SOTA shall also be 
treated as confidential. 
 
(5) If a Facility operates within seventy-five (75) miles of another Facility in an adjoining state, the 
Facility shall share service recipient information with the service recipient’s written consent, 
with the Facility in the other state, or with the other state’s Central Registry, if applicable, to 
prevent multiple enrollment of persons in more than one (1) Facility. 
 
(6) The Facility shall submit information to the Central Registry, as directed by the SOTA, for the 
purposes of outcome tracking and emergency preparedness. Information can include, but not 
be limited to: service recipient photo and contact information, service recipient dosing, and 
periodic assessments. 
 
(7) The Facility shall verify that the information contained in the Central Registry is current and 
accurate at least monthly. This verification shall be documented by the Facility. 
 
Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4 -3-1601, 4- 4-103, 33-1-302, 33- 1-305, 33-1-309, 33- 2-301, 33- 2-302, and 33- 2-
404. Administrative History: Original rule filed September 20, 2012; effective December 19, 2012. 
Amendments filed June 6, 2025; effective September 4, 2025. 
 
0940-05-42-.21 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS. 
 
(1) The Facility shall submit to the SOTA all reports resulting from a survey, inspection, or 
complaint investigation from the DEA, SAMHSA, the Facility’s accrediting organization, and 
any other applicable agency or organization, either electronically or by mail, within five (5) 
business days of receiving such documents. 
 
(2) The Facility shall report each case of communicable disease to the local county health officer 
in the manner provided by T.C.A. § 68- 5-102 and Division 1200- 14 of the Rules of the 
Tennessee Department of Health. 
 
(3) The Facility shall report within twenty-four (24) hours to the Office of Licensure and the Office 
of the SOTA the abuse of a service recipient, an unexpected occurrence or accident that 
results in death or serious injury to a service recipient, or any action taken against the Facility 
by the DEA, accrediting body or other state, local or federal agency. Additionally, the 
following are examples of events that should be reported: 
 
(a) Medication errors that caused or had the potential to cause harm to the service 
recipient; 
 
(b) Criminal acts; 
 
(c) Suicide or attempted suicide; 
 
(d) Rape; 
 
(e) Neglect of a service recipient; 
 
(f) Service recipient altercations; 
 
(g) Service recipient abuse; 
 
MINIMUM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL CHAPTER 0940-05-42 
OPIOD TREATMENT PROGRAM FACILITIES 
 
(Rule 0940-05-42-.21, continued) 
September, 2025 (Revised) 31 
(h) Misappropriation of service recipient funds, including any grant funding, if applicable; 
 
(i) Restraint-related incidents; 
 
(j) Overdose occurring within the Facility; or 
 
(k) Improper disclosure of a service recipient’s protected health information. 
 
(4) Specific incidents that might result in a disruption of the delivery of health care services at the 
Facility shall be reported to the Office of Licensure and the Office of the SOTA within twenty -
four (24) hours after the Facility learns of the incident. These specific incidents include the 
following: 
 
(a) Strike by the staff at the Facility; 
 
(b) External disaster impacting the Facility; 
 
(c) Disruption of any service vital to the continuous, safe operation of the Facility or to the 
health and safety of its service recipients and personnel; and 
 
(d) Fires at the Facility which disrupt the provision of service recipient care services, cause 
harm to service recipients or staff, or which are reported by the Facility to any entity, 
including, but not limited to, a fire department or other local emergency services. 
 
(5) Within seven (7) days of any event described in Paragraph (3), the Facility shall file a report 
with the Office of Licensure and the Office of the SOTA on the incident consisting of the 
following: 
 
(a) The actions implemented to prevent the reoccurrence of the event; 
 
(b) The time frames for the action(s) to be implemented; 
 
(c) The person(s) designated to implement and monitor the action(s); and 
 
(d) The strategies for the measurements of effectiveness to be established. 
 
Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4 -3-1601, 4- 4-103, 33-1-302, 33- 1-305, 33-1-309, 33- 2-301, 33- 2-302, and 33- 2-
404. Administrative History: Original rule filed September 20, 2012; effective December 19, 2012. 
Amendments filed June 6, 2025; effective September 4, 2025. 
 
0940-05-42-.22 QUALITY OF CARE. 
 
(1) The Facility shall develop and implement a plan for continuous quality improvement. At a 
minimum, the plan shall include: 
 
(a) Structured assessment of the program which addresses Facility program management, 
staffing, policies and procedures, and general operations; 
 
(b) A service delivery assessment which, at a minimum, shall evaluate the appropriateness 
of the ITP development and clinical services delivered, completeness of documentation 
in service recipients’ medical records, and the quality of and participation in staff 
training programs, linkage to other community healthcare services, and availability of 
services and medications for other conditions (e.g. prenatal, tuberculosis, HIV); 
 
MINIMUM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL CHAPTER 0940-05-42 
OPIOD TREATMENT PROGRAM FACILITIES 
 
(Rule 0940-05-42-.22, continued) 
September, 2025 (Revised) 32 
(c) An assessment of the aggregate cost of services per service recipient per week for 
services rendered; and 
 
(d) An assessment of medication-related issues including take-home procedures, security, 
inventory and dosage issues. 
 
(2) Such process shall serve to continuously monitor the Facility’s compliance with the 
requirements set forth in these rules. Responsibility for administering and coordinating the 
quality improvement process shall be delegated to a staff person who has been determined 
by the Facility to be qualified by education, training, and experience to perform such tasks. 
The Facility’s medical director shall be actively involved in the process. 
 
(3) A Facility shall participate in additional quality improvement outcome studies as directed by 
the SOTA. 
 
Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4 -3-1601, 4- 4-103, 33-1-302, 33- 1-305, 33-1-309, 33- 2-301, 33- 2-302, and 33- 2-
404. Administrative History: Original rule filed September 20, 2012; effective December 19, 2012. 
Amendments filed June 6, 2025; effective September 4, 2025. 
 
0940-05-42-.23 INFECTIOUS HAZARDOUS WASTE. 
 
(1) Each Facility shall develop, maintain and implement written policies and procedures for the 
definition and handling of its infectious wastes. These policies and procedures shall comply 
with the standards of this section and all other applicable state and federal regulations. 
 
(2) Waste shall be packaged in a manner that will protect waste handlers and the public from 
possible injury and disease that may result from exposure to the waste. Such packaging shall 
provide for containment of the waste from the point of generation up to the point of proper 
treatment of disposal. Packaging shall be selected and utilized for the type of waste the 
package will contain, how the waste will be treated and disposed, and how it will be handled 
and transported, prior to treatment and disposal. 
 
Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4 -3-1601, 4- 4-103, 33-1-302, 33- 1-305, 33-1-309, 33- 2-301, 33- 2-302, and 33- 2-
404. Administrative History: Original rule filed September 20, 2012; effective December 19, 2012. 
Amendments filed June 6, 2025; effective September 4, 2025. 
 
0940-05-42-.24 INFECTION CONTROL. 
 
(1) The Facility shall have policies and procedures to be followed for infection control, including: 
 
(a) Reporting all suspected or diagnosed cases of infectious disease including 
tuberculosis, AIDS, and sexually transmitted infecti ons (STI) promptly to the 
regional health department in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal 
laws, rules, and regulations; 
 
(b) Management of service recipients who are infected with Hepatitis B or C virus, 
HIV/AIDS, or other STI; 
 
(c) Nondiscrimination of employees and service recipients regarding their HIV/AIDS 
status; 
 
(d) Use of standard precautions for prevention of transmission of HIV/AIDS, 
Hepatitis B or C Virus, and other blood-borne pathogens; 
 
MINIMUM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL CHAPTER 0940-05-42 
OPIOD TREATMENT PROGRAM FACILITIES 
 
(Rule 0940-05-42-.24, continued) 
September, 2025 (Revised) 33 
(e) Infectious disease skin or blood testing will be made available on a voluntary 
basis for any service recipient who requests it and be documented in appropriate 
records. If a clinic does not have the capacity to conduct pelvic exams, the clinic 
shall establish and document a relationship with a community health care 
provider so that referrals can be made and care can be coordinated; 
 
(f) Assurance that a service recipient’s HIV, other STI, and tuberculosis status will 
be kept confidential in accordance with T.C.A. § 33- 3-103; Health Insurance 
Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) regulations at 45 C.F.R. Parts 
160 and 164, Subparts A and E; and Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse 
Service Recipient Records regulations at 42 C.F.R. Part 2; 
 
(g) Documentation that details the Facility’s procedures for providing referrals and 
collaboration between the health department and the Facility to communicate 
appropriate information to assure that the service recipient receives appropriate 
care; 
 
(h) Informed consent of service recipients before screening and treatment; 
 
(i) Conducting case management activities to ensure that individuals receive 
appropriate treatment services for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B or C Virus, and other 
STIs; 
 
(j) Ensuring that the Facility, either directly or through arrangements with other 
public or private non -profit entities, will make available tuberculosis services in 
accordance with current recommendations from the Tennessee Department of 
Health or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and 
 
(k) Responding to relevant public health crises that impact the Facility and the 
population it serves, including plans to collaborate with federal, state, and local 
health officials in the event of a declared public health emergency. 
 
Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4 -3-1601, 4- 4-103, 33-1-302, 33- 1-305, 33-1-309, 33- 2-301, 33- 2-302, and 33- 2-
404. Administrative History: Original rule filed September 20, 2012; effective December 19, 2012. 
Amendments filed June 6, 2025; effective September 4, 2025. 
 
0940-05-42-.25 MANAGING DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR. 
 
(1) The Facility shall develop policies and procedures that address the methods for managing 
disruptive behavior. If restrictive procedures are used to manage disruptive behaviors, written 
policies and procedures shall govern their use. At a minimum, any restrictive procedure shall 
be used by the Facility only after all less restrictive alternatives for dealing with the problem 
behavior have been tried or considered and have been determined to be inappropriate or 
ineffective. 
 
Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4 -3-1601, 4- 4-103, 33-1-302, 33- 1-305, 33-1-309, 33- 2-301, 33- 2-302, and 33- 2-
404. Administrative History : Original rule filed September 20, 2012; effective December 19, 2012. 
Amendments filed June 6, 2025; effective September 4, 2025. 
 
0940-05-42-.26 HOURS OF OPERATION. 
 
(1) A Facility’s hours of operation shall accommodate persons involved in activities such as 
school, homemaking, child care and variable shift work. 
 
MINIMUM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL CHAPTER 0940-05-42 
OPIOD TREATMENT PROGRAM FACILITIES 
 
(Rule 0940-05-42-.26, continued) 
September, 2025 (Revised) 34 
(2) The Facility shall provide comprehensive services, including dosing and counseling at least 
six (6) hours per day from Monday through Friday and at least three (3) hours on Saturday. 
 
(3) Additionally, the Facility may close for six (6) nonconsecutive days for holidays. Facilities 
shall notify the SOTA and service recipients of the date of any holiday when the Facility will 
be closed at least fourteen (14) days in advance of the holiday. 
 
(4) Any Facility may also be closed for one (1) mandatory training day, if required by the SOTA. 
 
(5) Facilities shall provide the SOTA with at least fourteen (14) days notice prior to any change in 
Facility hours. 
 
(6) A Facility that intends to voluntarily close shall notify TDMHSAS no later than ninety (90) 
days prior to closure. In order to assure continuity of care, any Facility which closes, either 
voluntarily or involuntarily, shall comply with all directions received from the TDMHSAS 
regarding the orderly transfer of service recipients and their records. 
 
(7) Facilities shall notify the SOTA office of any closures due to unanticipated emergency 
conditions that prohibit the Facility from providing service to service recipients. Examples can 
include, but are not limited to: fires, floods, or damage to the Facility. 
 
(8) Facilities shall obtain approval from the SOTA office for any Facility closures due to 
anticipated events. Examples can include, but are not limited to: anticipated severe weather, 
or planned Facility repairs. 
 
Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4 -3-1601, 4- 4-103, 33-1-302, 33- 1-305, 33-1-309, 33- 2-301, 33- 2-302, and 33- 2-
404. Administrative History: Original rule filed September 20, 2012; effective December 19, 2012. 
Amendments filed June 6, 2025; effective September 4, 2025. 
 
0940-05-42-.27 SERVICE RECIPIENTS’ RIGHTS. 
 
(1) All applications, certificates, records, reports and all legal documents, petitions and records 
made or information received pursuant to treatment in a Facility directly or indirectly 
identifying a service recipient shall be kept confidential and shall not be disclosed by any 
person except the individual identified. 
 
(2) Nothing in this rule shall prohibit disclosure, upon proper inquiry, of information as to the 
current medical condition of a service recipient to any member of the Facility or to the service 
recipient’s relatives or friends in accordance with T.C.A. § 33- 3-103; Health Insurance 
Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) regulations at 45 C.F.R. Parts 160 and 
164, Subparts A and E; and Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Service Recipient 
Records regulations at 42 C.F.R. Part 2. 
 
(3) Service recipients shall not be abused or neglected. 
 
(4) Facilities shall develop and implement written policies and procedures regarding the rights 
and responsibilities of service recipients under Rules 0940 -05-06-.07 and 0940- 05-06-.08 
and the handling and resolution of complaints. 
 
(5) Other service recipient rights include: 
 
(a) Right to a humane treatment environment that affords reasonable protection from 
harm, exploitation, and coercion; 
 
(b) Right to be informed about the ITP and to participate in the planning, as able; 
MINIMUM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL CHAPTER 0940-05-42 
OPIOD TREATMENT PROGRAM FACILITIES 
 
(Rule 0940-05-42-.27, continued) 
September, 2025 (Revised) 35 
 
(c) Right to be promptly and fully informed of any changes in the plan of treatment; 
 
(d) Right to accept or refuse treatment; 
 
(e) Right to receive a written notice of the address and telephone number of the state 
licensing authority, the department; and 
 
(f) Right to obtain from the Facility, upon written request, a copy of the Facility ’s most 
recent completed report of licensing compliance inspection. The Facility is not required 
to release a report until the Facility has had the opportunity to file a written plan of 
compliance for any violations as provided for in these rules. 
 
(6) The written policies and procedures shall include provisions for service recipients and others 
to present complaints, either orally or in writing, and to have their complaints addressed and 
resolved as appropriate in a timely manner. 
 
Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4 -3-1601, 4- 4-103, 33-1-302, 33- 1-305, 33-1-309, 33- 2-301, 33- 2-302, and 33- 2-
404. Administrative History: Original rule filed September 20, 2012; effective December 19, 2012. 
Amendments filed June 6, 2025; effective September 4, 2025. 
 
0940-05-42-.28 COMMUNITY RELATIONS. 
 
(1) The Facility shall have policies and procedures for community relations, including identifying 
Facility personnel who is responsible for developing and implementing the plan. 
 
(2) A Facility shall take proactive efforts to limit disruption outside of its Facility and that may be 
connected with patients it serves. 
 
(3) Each Facility shall provide TDMHSAS, when requested, with a specific plan describing the 
efforts it will make to assure responsiveness to community needs. 
 
(4) Each Facility shall document community relations efforts and community contacts, including 
the resolution of issues identified by community members or service recipients. 
 
Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4 -3-1601, 4- 4-103, 33-1-302, 33- 1-305, 33-1-309, 33- 2-301, 33- 2-302, and 33- 2-
404. Administrative History: Original rule filed September 20, 2012; effective December 19, 2012. 
Amendments filed June 6, 2025; effective September 4, 2025. 
 
0940-05-42-.29 PERSONNEL AND STAFFING REQUIREMENTS. 
 
(1) A personnel record for each staff member of a Facility shall include an application for 
employment and/or resume and a record of any disciplinary action taken. A licensee shall 
maintain written records for each employee and each individual file shall include: 
 
(a) Identifying information including name, current address, current telephone number, and 
emergency contact person(s); 
 
(b) A ten (10)-year employment history or a complete employment history if the person has 
not worked in ten (10) years; 
 
(c) Records of educational qualifications, if applicable; 
 
(d) Date of employment; 
 
MINIMUM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL CHAPTER 0940-05-42 
OPIOD TREATMENT PROGRAM FACILITIES 
 
(Rule 0940-05-42-.29, continued) 
September, 2025 (Revised) 36 
(e) Documentation of training and orientation of the person’s duties and responsibilities; 
 
(f) Any records relevant to the employee’s performance; 
 
(g) Evidence that any professional license required as a condition of employment is current 
and in good standing; 
 
(h) Annual verification of basic skills and annual evaluation of personnel performance. 
Included shall be written verification that the employee has reviewed the evaluation and 
has had an opportunity to comment on it; and 
 
(i) Training and development activities designed to educate the staff in meeting the needs 
of the service recipients being served, including STI/HIV education. 
 
(2) Tuberculosis. 
 
(a) All new employees, including volunteers who have routine contact with service 
recipients, shall be tested within three (3) business days of employment for latent 
tuberculosis infection utilizing the two- step Mantoux method or a single interferon-
gamma release blood assay (IGRA). 
 
(b) Employees shall have a test for tuberculosis annually and at the time of exposure to 
active tuberculosis and three (3) months after exposure. Annual tuberculosis testing of 
previously TST-negative employees and volunteers shall be performed by the one-step 
Mantoux method. 
 
(c) Employee records shall include the date and type of annual tuberculin tests given to 
the employee, date of tuberculin test results, and, if applicable, date and results of 
chest x-ray and any drug treatment for tuberculosis. 
 
(3) Staffing. 
 
(a) Program Director. The governing body of each Facility shall designate in writing a 
program director who is responsible for the operation of the Facility and overall 
compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding the operation 
of opioid treatment programs, and for all employees including practitioners, agents, or 
other persons providing services at the Facility. Facilities shall notify the SOTA in 
writing within ten (10) calendar days whenever there is a change in program director. 
 
(b) Medical Director. The governing body of each Facility shall designate in writing a 
medical director to be responsible for the administration of all medical services, 
including compliance with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding 
the medical treatment of opioid use disorder. No physician may serve as medical 
director of more than two (2) Facilities without the prior written approval of the SOTA. 
The medical director shall be physically present, or available for telehealth services and 
consultation, at the Facility the equivalent of twenty -five percent (25%) of the time the 
Facility is open to the public each month. Facilities shall notify the SOTA in writing 
within ten (10) calendar days whenever a temporary absence of the medical director 
may cause non- compliance with this staffing requirement, or whenever there is a 
change in medical director. 
 
(c) Program Physician. Facilities are required to provide sufficient physician services to 
provide the medical treatment and oversight necessary to serve service recipient 
needs. Program physician services include, but are not limited to, performing medical 
history and physical exams, determining a diagnosis under current DSM criteria, 
MINIMUM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL CHAPTER 0940-05-42 
OPIOD TREATMENT PROGRAM FACILITIES 
 
(Rule 0940-05-42-.29, continued) 
September, 2025 (Revised) 37 
determination of opioid use disorder, ordering take -home privileges, discussing cases 
with the treatment team, and issuing any emergency orders. 
 
(d) Physician Assistants and Advanced Practice Nurses. Licensed physician assistants 
and advanced practice nurses with a certificate of fitness with privileges to write and 
sign prescriptions and/or issue legend drugs may perform any functions under 
Tennessee law or regulations. 
 
(e) Program Providers. The Facility shall provide on-site program provider services at least 
one (1) hour per week for every thirty-five (35) service recipients. 
 
(f) Nurses. Facilities shall ensure that adequate nursing care is provided at all times the 
Facility is in operation and that a nurse is present at all times when medication is 
administered at the Facility. Facilities that do not employ a registered nurse to 
supervise the nursing staff shall ensure that licensed practical nurses adhere to written 
protocols and are properly supervised consistent with Division 1000- 02 Rules and 
Regulations of Licensed Practical Nurses. 
 
(g) Qualified Counseling Providers. There shall be sufficient group and individual 
counseling available to meet the requirements pursuant to Rule 0940-05-42-.14. 
 
(h) Pharmacists. The Facility is encouraged to incorporate pharmacist-provided services in 
the Facility, including providing medication education, overseeing medication 
procurement and administration, being involved in the development of the Facility’s 
policies and procedures regarding the use of medications, and be available for 
consultation for Facility staff and patients. 
 
(4) Staff Qualifications. 
 
(a) Medical Director. All medical directors shall be licensed to practice medicine or 
osteopathy in Tennessee, shall maintain their licenses in good standing, and shall have 
the following experience and/or credentials: 
 
1. Three (3) years of documented experience in the provision of services to persons 
with a substance use disorder, including the treatment of opioid use disorder; 
 
2. Board eligibility in psychiatry and two (2) years of documented experience in the 
treatment of persons with a substance use disorder, including the treatment of 
opioid use disorder; or 
 
3. Certification or actively engaged in a recognized course of study or another 
formal process for pursuing certification as an addiction medicine specialist and 
two (2) years of documented experience in the treatment of persons with a 
substance use disorder, including the treatment of opioid use disorder. 
 
(b) Waiver from Medical Director Qualifications. Facilities that are unable to secure the 
services of a medical director who meets the requirements of subparagraph (a) above 
may apply to the TDMHSAS Office of Licensure for a waiver. The TDMHSAS Office of 
Licensure, in consultation with the SOTA, may grant such a waiver when there is 
showing that: 
 
1. The Facility has made good faith efforts to secure a qualified medical director; 
 
2. The Facility can secure the services of a licensed physician who is willing to 
serve as medical director and participate in the training plan; 
MINIMUM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL CHAPTER 0940-05-42 
OPIOD TREATMENT PROGRAM FACILITIES 
 
(Rule 0940-05-42-.29, continued) 
September, 2025 (Revised) 38 
 
3. A training plan has been developed which is acceptable to the SOTA and which 
consists of a combination of continuing education in addiction medicine and in-
service training by a medical consultant who meets the qualifications specified in 
subparagraph (a) above; and 
 
4. A medical consultant who meets the requirements of subparagraph (a) above 
shall be available, consistent with a training plan approved by the SOTA, to 
oversee the training of the medical director and the delivery of medical services 
at the Facility requesting the waiver. 
 
(c) Program Provider. All program providers shall be licensed to practice in Tennessee, 
shall maintain their licenses in good standing, and shall have at least one (1) year of 
documented experience in the treatment of persons with a substance use disorder. 
 
(d) Waiver from Program Provider Qualifications. Facilities seeking to employ a program 
provider, in addition to the medical director, but are unable to secure the services of a 
program provider who meets the requirements of subparagraph (c) above may apply to 
the TDMHSAS Office of Licensure for a waiver. The TDMHSAS Office of Licensure, in 
consultation with the SOTA, may grant such a waiver when there is a showing that: 
 
1. The Facility has made good faith efforts to secure a qualified program physician; 
 
2. The Facility can secure the services of a licensed physician who is willing to 
serve as program physician and participate in the training plan; 
 
3. A training plan has been developed which is acceptable to the SOTA and which 
consists of a combination of continuing education in addiction medicine and in-
service training by the Facility’s medical director; and 
 
4. The Facility employs a qualified medical director who has the experience and 
credentials specified in subparagraph (a) above, has completed the training 
program specified in subparagraph (b) above or has completed the continuing 
education specified in subparagraph (f) below. 
 
(e) Nurses. All registered nurses and licensed practical nurses shall be licensed to practice 
in Tennessee and shall maintain their license in good standing. 
 
(f) Qualified Counseling Providers. All qualified counseling providers shall: 
 
1. Meet one (1) of the following conditions; and 
 
(i) Licensed by the State of Tennessee as one (1) of the following (with 
experience or supervision as described, where specified): or 
 
(I) Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor I or II (commonly referred to as 
LADAC I or LADAC II); 
 
(II) Psychologist; 
 
(III) Psychological examiner; 
 
(IV) Physician with experience or training in counseling; 
 
(V) Physician assistant with experience or training in counseling; 
MINIMUM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL CHAPTER 0940-05-42 
OPIOD TREATMENT PROGRAM FACILITIES 
 
(Rule 0940-05-42-.29, continued) 
September, 2025 (Revised) 39 
 
(VI) Registered nurse with experience or training in counseling; 
 
(VII) Social worker meeting one of the following; 
 
I. If licensed as a bachelor’s -level social worker (LBSW) with 
training in counseling and direct supervision by a master’s -
level social worker (LCSW or LMSW); 
 
II. Licensed as a master’s-level social worker (LMSW); or 
 
III. Licensed as a clinical social worker (LCSW). 
 
(VIII) Professional Counselor; or 
 
(IX) Marriage and Family Therapist. 
 
(ii) Actively engaged in a recognized course of study or another formal 
process for pursuing licensure of a discipline described in subpart (i) 
above. Supervision shall be in accordance with the respective laws, rules, 
and regulations governing the professional licensure pursued. 
 
2. Be qualified by education and/or experience for the specific duties of their 
position and only perform those duties within the scope of their applicable 
professional practice acts and Tennessee license. 
 
(g) Pharmacist. All pharmacists shall be licensed to practice in Tennessee and shall 
maintain their license in good standing. 
 
(h) Program Directors. All Facility program directors shall have at least one (1) year of 
supervisory or administrative experience in the field of mental health or substance use 
disorder treatment, or a minimum of six (6) months of experience with approval from 
the SOTA. 
 
(i) Professional Practice. All professional staff, including, but not limited to, physicians, 
physician assistants, nurses, pharmacists, and counselors, may perform only those 
duties that are within the scope of their applicable professional practice acts and 
Tennessee licenses. 
 
(5) Staff Training and Orientation. Prior to working with service recipients, all staff providing 
treatment or services shall be oriented in accordance with these rules and shall thereafter 
receive additional training with these rules. 
 
(a) Orientation shall include instruction in: 
 
1. The Facility’s written policies and procedures regarding its purposes and 
description; service recipient rights, responsibilities, and complaints; 
confidentiality; and other policies and procedures that are relevant to the 
employee’s range of duties and responsibilities; 
 
2. The employee’s assigned duties and responsibilities; and 
 
3. Reporting service recipient progress and problems to supervisory personnel and 
procedures for handling medical emergencies or other incidents that affect the 
delivery of treatment or services. 
MINIMUM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL CHAPTER 0940-05-42 
OPIOD TREATMENT PROGRAM FACILITIES 
 
(Rule 0940-05-42-.29, continued) 
September, 2025 (Revised) 40 
 
(b) Additional training consisting of a minimum of eight (8) hours of training or instruction 
shall be provided annually for each staff member who provides treatment or services to 
service recipients. Such training shall be in subjects that relate to the employee’s 
assigned duties and responsibilities, and in subjects about current clinical practice 
guidelines for medication -assisted treatment. In -house training for staff may be 
substituted for external training with the approval of the SOTA. The following areas 
shall receive emphasis during training: 
 
1. Dosage level as determined through a provider’s clinical decision-making and the 
individual service recipient’s needs; 
 
2. Counseling; 
 
3. Drug screens; 
 
4. Treatment stability; 
 
5. Treating multiple substance use disorders; 
 
6. Opioid treatment during pregnancy and chronic diseases; 
 
7. HIV and other infectious diseases; 
 
8. Co-morbid psychiatric conditions; 
 
9. FDA-approved drugs for the treatment of opioid use disorder; 
 
10. Take-home medication practices; 
 
11. Chronic pain and pain management; and 
 
12. Referring service recipients for primary care or other specialized services. 
 
(c) The SOTA may require Facilities to attend mandatory training in addition to any other 
training required by these rules. 
 
(d) Facilities shall maintain records documenting that each staff member has received the 
required annual training. 
 
(6) Employee Drug Screening. Facilities shall establish and implement written policies and 
procedures for pre -employment and ongoing random drug screening of all Facility 
employees. Each sample collected shall be screened for opioids, methadone, 
amphetamines, cocaine, benzodiazepines, and other drugs as indicated by the SOTA. 
 
(7) A minimum of one (1) on -duty staff member certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) 
and trained in the Abdominal Thrust Technique and First Aid shall be maintained. 
 
Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4 -3-1601, 4- 4-103, 33-1-302, 33- 1-305, 33-1-309, 33- 2-301, 33- 2-302, and 33- 2-
404. Administrative History: Original rule filed September 20, 2012; effective December 19, 2012. 
Amendments filed June 6, 2025; effective September 4, 2025. 

MINIMUM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL CHAPTER 0940-05-42 
OPIOD TREATMENT PROGRAM FACILITIES 
 
September, 2025 (Revised) 41 
0940-05-42-.30 MOBILE UNITS. 
 
(1) Facilities that plan to operate a mobile unit must also comply with Title 21 of the C.F.R. Parts 
1300, 1301, and 1304. 
 
(2) Procedure for Initiation of Mobile Unit Services. 
 
(a) The Facility shall provide written notification of intent to provide mobile unit services to 
the SOTA and the Office of Licensure along with a Certificate of Need (CON), if 
required by the Tennessee Health Facilities Commission or any other applicable state 
agency. The OTP must receive written approval from the SOTA and Office of Licensure 
prior to providing services via the mobile unit. 
 
(b) At a minimum of thirty (30) days prior to operating the mobile unit, a schedule of 
locations where the unit will provide services shall be submitted to the SOTA. 
 
(c) The SOTA shall be notified of changes to the declared scheduled fourteen (14) days in 
advance of operating at the alternative locations. Should it be required by the 
Tennessee Health Facilities Commission (or any other applicable state agency), the 
appropriate CON for the alternative location shall be provided with the notification of 
change. 
 
(3) Policy and Procedures. 
 
(a) Registration. All required DEA and vehicle registrations shall be maintained at the 
Facility and available for inspection, upon request. 
 
(b) Operations. The Facility shall develop and implement policies and procedures for the 
operation of the mobile unit, including but not limited to: 
 
1. The transfer and use of medications; 
 
2. Security of the mobile unit and staff; 
 
3. Staffing; 
 
4. Downtime procedures and emergencies; and 
 
5. Regulatory compliance. 
 
Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4 -3-1601, 4- 4-103, 33-1-302, 33- 1-305, 33-1-309, 33- 2-301, 33- 2-302, and 33- 2-
404. Administrative History: New rule filed June 6, 2025; effective September 4, 2025.