Tenn. R. 0720-27

Home Care Organizations — Home Health

This Tennessee regulation establishes licensing and operating standards for home care organizations providing home health services, covering application and renewal procedures, disciplinary actions, administrative requirements, personnel qualifications, and patient rights. Operators must obtain and maintain a license from the Tennessee Health Facilities Commission, comply with staffing and supervision requirements, and adhere to policies on patient care, records, and safety. The chapter governs the full lifecycle of licensure from initial application through disciplinary proceedings and renewal.

March, 2026 (Revised) 1 
RULES 
OF 
THE TENNESSEE HEALTH FACILITIES COMMISSION 
 
CHAPTER 0720-27 
STANDARDS FOR HOME CARE ORGANIZATIONS 
PROVIDING HOME HEALTH SERVICES 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 
 
0720-27-.01 Definitions 0720-27-.09 Reserved 
0720-27-.02 Licensing Procedures 0720-27-.10 Infectious and Hazardous Waste 
0720-27-.03 Disciplinary Procedures 0720-27-.11 Records and Reports 
0720-27-.04 Administration 0720-27-.12 Patient Rights 
0720-27-.05 Admissions, Discharge, and Transfers 0720-27-.13 Policies and Procedures for Health Care 
0720-27-.06 Basic Agency Functions Decision-Making 
0720-27-.07 Reserved 0720-27-.14 Disaster Preparedness 
0720-27-.08 Reserved 0720-27-.15 Appendix I 
 
0720-27-.01 DEFINITIONS. 
 
(1) Abuse. T he willful infliction of injury, unreasonable confinement, intimid ation or punishment 
with resulting physical harm, pain or mental anguish. 
 
(2) Administrator. A person who: 
 
(a) Is a licensed physician with at least one (1) year supervisory or administrative 
experience in home health care, hospice care or related health programs; or 
 
(b) Is a registered nurse with at least one (1) year supervisory or administrative experience 
in home health care, hospice care or related health programs; or 
 
(c) Has training and experience in health service administration and at least one (1) year 
of supervisory or administrative experience in home health care, hospice care or 
related health programs. 
 
(3) Adult. An individual who has capacity and is at least 18 years of age. 
 
(4) Advance Directive. An individual instruction or a written statement relating to the subsequent 
provision of health care for the individual, including, but not limited to, a living will or a durable 
power of attorney for health care. 
 
(5) Agency. A Home Care Organization providing home health services. 
 
(6) Agent. An individual designated in an advance directive for health care to make a health care 
decision for the individual granting the power. 
 
(7) Board. The Tennessee Board for Licensing Health Care Facilities. 
 
(8) Branch Office. A location or site from which a home care organization provides home health 
services within a portion of the total geographic area served by the licensed organization. 
The branch office is part of the home care organization providing home health services and is 
located sufficiently close to share administration, supervision, and services in a manner that 
renders it unnecessary for the branch independently to meet the requirements for licensing 
as a home care organization providing home health services. At all times a branch office 
must operate solely under the name of the licensed organization. 
 
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(Rule 0720-27-.01, continued) 
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(9) Capacity. An individual’s ability to understand the significant benefits, risks, and alternatives 
to proposed health care and to make and communicate a health care decision. These 
regulations do not affect the right of a patient to make health care decisions while having the 
capacity to do so. A patient shall be presumed to have capacity to make a health care 
decision, to give or revoke an advance directive, and to designate or disqualify a surrogate. 
Any person who challenges the capacity of a patient shall have the burden of proving lack of 
capacity. 
 
(10) Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). The administering of any means or device to support 
cardiopulmonary functions in a patient, whether by mechanical devices, chest compressions, 
mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, cardiac massage, tracheal intubation, manual or mechanical 
ventilations or respirations, defibrillation, the administration of drugs and/or chemical agents 
intended to restore cardiac and/or respiratory functions in a patient where cardiac or 
respiratory arrest has occurred or is believed to be imminent. 
 
(11) Certified Master Social Worker. A person currently certified as such by the Tennessee Board 
of Social Worker Certification and Licensure. 
 
(12) Clinical Fellow. A Speech Language Pathologist who is in the process of obtaining his or her 
paid professional experience, as defined by a Communications Disorders and Sciences 
Board-approved accreditation agency, before being qualified for licensure. 
 
(13) Clinical Note. A written and dated notation containing a patient assessment, responses to 
medications, treatments, services, any changes in condition and signed by a health team 
member who made contact with the patient. 
 
(14) Commissioner. The Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Health or his or her 
authorized representative. 
 
(15) Competent. A patient who has capacity. 
 
(16) Department. The Tennessee Department of Health. 
 
(17) Designated Physician. A physician designated by an individual or the individual ’s agent, 
guardian, or surrogate, to have primary responsibility for the individual ’s health care or, in the 
absence of a designation or if the designated physician is not reasonably available, a 
physician who undertakes such responsibility. 
 
(18) Do-Not-Resuscitate O rder (DNR). A written order, other than a POST , not to resuscitate a 
patient in cardiac or respiratory arrest in accordance with accepted medical practices. 
 
(19) Emancipated Minor. Any minor who is or has been married or has by court order or otherwise 
been freed from the care, custody and control of the minor’s parents. 
 
(20) Emergency Responder. A paid or volunteer firefighter, law enforcement officer, or other 
public safety official or volunteer acting within the scope of his or her proper function under 
law or rendering emergency care at the scene of an emergency. 
 
(21) Guardian. A judicially appointed guardian or conservator having authority to make a health 
care decision for an individual. 
 
(22) Hazardous Waste. Materials whose handling, use, storage and disposal are governed by 
local, state or federal regulations. 
 
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(Rule 0720-27-.01, continued) 
March, 2026 (Revised) 3 
(23) Health Care. Any care, treatment, service or procedure to maintain, diagnose, treat, or 
otherwise affect an individual ’s physical or mental condition, and includes medical care as 
defined in T.C.A. § 32-11-103(5). 
 
(24) Health Care Decision. Consent, refusal of consent or withdrawal of consent to health care. 
 
(25) Health Care Decision-Maker. In the case of a patient who lacks capacity, the patient ’s health 
care decision-maker is one of the following: the patient ’s health care agent as specified in an 
advance directive, the patient ’s court -appointed guardian or conservator with health care 
decision-making authority, the patient ’s surrogate as determined pursuant to Rule 0720-27-
.13 or T.C.A. § 33-3-220, the designated physician pursuant to these r ules or in the case of a 
minor child, the person having custody or legal guardianship. 
 
(26) Health Care Institution. A health care institution as defined in T.C.A. § 68-11-1602. 
 
(27) Health Care Provider. A person who is licensed, certified or otherwise authorized or permitted 
by the laws of this state to administer health care in the ordinary course of business or 
practice of a profession. 
 
(28) Home Care Organization. As defined by T.C.A. § 68- 11-201, a “home care organization” 
provides home health services, home medical equipment services or hospice services to 
patients on an outpatient basis in either their regular or temporary place of residence. 
 
(29) Home Health Aide. A person who has completed a total of seventy -five (75) hours of training 
which included sixteen (16) hours of clinical training prior to or during the first three (3) 
months of employment and who is qualified to provide basic services, including simple 
procedures as extension of therapy services, personal care regarding nutritional needs, 
ambulation and exercise, and household services essential to health care at home. 
 
(30) Home Health Service. As defined by T.C.A. § 68- 11-201, “home health service” means a 
service provided an outpatient by an appropriately licensed health care professional or an 
appropriately qualified staff member of a licensed home care organization in accordance with 
orders recorded by a physician, and which includes one (1) or more of the following: 
 
(a) Skilled nursing care including part-time or intermittent supervision; 
 
(b) Physical, occupational or speech therapy; 
 
(c) Medical social services; 
 
(d) Home health aide services; 
 
(e) Medical supplies and medical appliances, other than drugs and pharmaceuticals, when 
provided or administered as part of or through the provision of, the services described 
in subparagraph (a) through (d); and 
 
(f) Any of the foregoing items and services which are provided on an outpatient basis 
under arrangements made by the home care organization at a hospital, nursing home 
facility or rehabilitation center and the furnishing of which involves the use of equipment 
of such a nature that the items and services cannot readily be made available to the 
individual in the individual ’s home, or which are furnished at such facility while the 
individual is there to receive any such item or service, but not including transportation 
of the individual in connection with any such item or service. 
 
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(Rule 0720-27-.01, continued) 
March, 2026 (Revised) 4 
(g) Home health service does not include services provided in the home by a sole practice 
therapist, when such services are within the scope of the therapist ’s license and 
incidental to services provided by the sole practice therapist in the office. A sole 
practice therapist means a therapist licensed under Title 63, Chapter 13 or 17, who is 
in sole practice and not in a business arrangement with any other therapist or other 
healthcare provider. Sole practice therapists are not excluded from the requirements of 
professional support services. 
 
(31) Homemaker Service. A non-skilled service in the home to maintain independent living which 
does not require a physician’s order. An agency does not have to be licensed as a home care 
organization to provide such services. 
 
(32) Incompetent. A patient who has been adjudicated incompetent by a court of competent 
jurisdiction and has not been restored to legal capacity. 
 
(33) Individual instruction. An individual ’s direction concerning a health care decision for the 
individual. 
 
(34) Infectious Waste. Solid or liquid wastes which contain pathogens with sufficient virulence and 
quantity such that exposure to the waste by a susceptible host could result in an infectious 
disease. 
 
(35) Licensed Clinical Social Worker. A person currently licensed as such by the Tennessee 
Board of Social Workers. 
 
(36) Licensed Practical Nurse. A person currently licensed as such by the Tennessee Board of 
Nursing. 
 
(37) Licensee. The person or entity to whom the license is issued. The licensee is held 
responsible for compliance with all rules and regulations. 
 
(38) Life Threatening or Serious Injury. Injury requiring the patient to undergo significant additional 
diagnostic or treatment measures. 
 
(39) Medical Record. Medical histories, records, reports, clinical notes, summaries, diagnoses, 
prognoses, records of treatment and medication ordered and given, entries and other written 
electronic or graphic data prepared, kept, made or maintained in an agency that pertains to 
confinement or services rendered to patients. 
 
(40) Medical Social Services. When provided, shall be given by a certified master social worker, a 
licensed clinical social worker, or by a social worker or social work assistant employed by the 
home care organization and under the supervision of a certified master social worker or 
licensed clinical social worker, in accordance wi th the plan of care. The medical social 
services provider shall assist the physician and other team members in understanding the 
significant social and emotional factors related to the health problems, participate in the 
development of the plan of care, prepare clinical and progress notes, work with the family, 
utilize appropriate community resources, participate in discharge planning and in- service 
programs, and act as a consultant to other organized personnel. 
 
(41) Medically Inappropriate Treatment. Resuscitation efforts that cannot be expected either to 
restore cardiac or respiratory function to the patient or other medical or surgical treatments to 
achieve the expressed goals of the informed patient. In the case of the incompetent patient, 
the patient’s representative expresses the goals of the patient. 
 
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(Rule 0720-27-.01, continued) 
March, 2026 (Revised) 5 
(42) Occupational Therapist. A person currently licensed as such by the Tennessee Board of 
Occupational and Physical Therapy Examiners. 
 
(43) Occupational Therapy Assistant. A person currently licensed as such by the Tennessee 
Board of Occupational and Physical Therapy Examiners. 
 
(44) Misappropriation of Patient/Resident Property. T he deliberate misplacement, exploitation or 
wrongful, temporary or permanent use of an individual ’s belongings or money without the 
individual’s consent. 
 
(45) Neglect. The failure to provide goods and services necessary to avoid physical harm, mental 
anguish or mental illness; however, the withholding of authorization for or provision of 
medical care to any terminally ill person who has executed an irrevocable living will in 
accordance with the Tennessee Right to Natural Death Law, or other applicable state law, if 
the provision of such medical care would conflict with the terms of the living will, shall not be 
deemed “neglect” for purposes of these rules. 
 
(46) Patient. Includes but is not limited to any person who is suffering from an acute or chronic 
illness or injury or who is crippled, convalescent or infirm, or who is in need of obstetrical, 
surgical, medical, nursing or supervisory care. 
 
(47) Person. An individual, corporation, estate, trust, partnership, association, joint venture, 
government, governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality, or any other legal or 
commercial entity. 
 
(48) Personally Informing. A communication by any effective means from the patient directly to a 
health care provider. 
 
(49) Physical Therapist. A person currently licensed as such by the Tennessee Board of 
Occupational and Physical Therapy Examiners. 
 
(50) Physical Therapy Assistant. A person currently licensed as such by the Tennessee Board of 
Occupational and Physical Therapy Examiners. 
 
(51) Physician. A person currently licensed as such by the Tennessee Board of Medical 
Examinations or currently licensed by the Tennessee Board of Osteopathic Examination. For 
the purposes of defining “home health services” only, “physician” includes a podiatrist 
licensed under Title 63, Chapter 3, provided, that any home health service ordered is a 
follow-up to treatment provided to the patient by the podiatrist. A physician who is licensed to 
practice medicine, osteopathy or podiatry in a state contiguous to Tennessee may refer a 
patient residing in this state to a home care organization providing home health services duly 
licensed under this chapter; however, this shall not be construed as authorizing an 
unlicensed physician to practice medicine in violation of T.C.A. §§ 63-6-201, 63-9-104 or 63-
3-204, and such a physician shall have previously provided treatment to that patient, and 
shall have had an ongoing physician- patient relationship with the person for whom the 
referral is to be made. 
 
(52) Physician Assistant. A person who has graduated from a physician assistant educational 
program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician 
Assistant, has passed the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination, and is 
currently licensed in Tennessee as a physician assistant under Title 63, Chapter 19. 
 
(53) Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment or POST. Written orders that: 
 
(a) Are on a form approved by the Board for Licensing Health Care Facilities; 
STANDARDS FOR HOME CARE ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDING HOME CHAPTER 0720-27 
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(Rule 0720-27-.01, continued) 
March, 2026 (Revised) 6 
 
(b) Apply regardless of the treatment setting and that are signed as required herein by the 
patient’s physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist; 
and 
 
(c) 1. Specify whether, in the event the patient suffers cardiac or respiratory arrest, 
cardiopulmonary resuscitation should or should not be attempted; 
 
2. Specify other medical interventions that are to be provided or withheld; or 
 
3. Specify both 1. and 2. 
 
(54) Power of Attorney for Health Care. The designation of an agent to make health care 
decisions for the individual granting the power under T.C.A. Title 34, Chapter 6, Part 2. 
 
(55) Qualified Emergency Medical Service Personnel. Includes, but shall not be limited to, 
emergency medical technicians, paramedics, or other emergency services personnel, 
providers, or entities acting within the usual course of their professions, and other emergency 
responders. 
 
(56) Reasonably Available. Readily able to be contacted without undue effort and willing and able 
to act in a timely manner considering the urgency of the patient ’s health care needs. Such 
availability shall include, but not be limited to, availability by telephone. 
 
(57) Registered Nurse. A person currently licensed as such by the Tennessee Board of Nursing. 
 
(58) Respiratory Technician. A person currently licensed as such by the Tennessee Board of 
Respiratory Care. 
 
(59) Respiratory Therapist. A person currently licensed as such by the Tennessee Board of 
Respiratory Care. 
 
(60) Shall or Must. Compliance is mandatory. 
 
(61) Social Work Assistant. A person who has a baccalaureate degree in social work, psychology, 
sociology or other field related to social work, and has at least one (1) year of social work 
experience in a health care setting. Social work related fields include bachelor/masters 
degrees in psychology, sociology, human services (behavioral sciences, not human 
resources), masters degree in counseling fields (psychological guidance and guidance 
counseling) and degrees in gerontology. 
 
(62) Speech Language Pathologist. As defined in T.C.A. § 63- 17-103, a person currently licensed 
as such by the Tennessee Board of Communications Disorders and Sciences. 
 
(63) State. A state of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto 
Rico, or a territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. 
 
(64) Student. A person currently enrolled in a course of study that is approved by the appropriate 
licensing board or equivalent body. 
 
(65) Supervising Health Care Provider. The designated physician or, if there is no designated 
physician or the designated physician is not reasonably available, the health care provider 
who has undertaken primary responsibility for an individual’s health care. 
 
STANDARDS FOR HOME CARE ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDING HOME CHAPTER 0720-27 
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(Rule 0720-27-.01, continued) 
March, 2026 (Revised) 7 
(66) Supervision. Authoritative procedural guidance by a qualified person for the accomplishment 
of a function or activity with initial direction and periodic inspection of the actual act of 
accomplishing the function or activity. Periodic supervision must be provided if the person is 
not a licensed or certified assistant, unless otherwise provided in accordance with these 
rules. 
 
(67) Surrogate. An individual, other than a patient ’s agent or guardian, authorized to make a 
health care decision for the patient. 
 
(68) Treating Health Care Provider. A health care provider who at the time is directly or indirectly 
involved in providing health care to the patient. 
 
Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-5-202, 4-5-204, 39-11-106, 68-11-201, 68-11-202, 68-11-207, 68-11-209, 68-11-
210, 68-11-211, 68-11-213, 68-11-224, and 68- 11-1802. Administrative History: Original rule filed May 
31, 2000; effective August 14, 2000. Amendment filed April 11, 2003; effective June 25, 2003. 
Amendment filed April 28, 2003; effective July 12, 2003. Amendment filed May 27, 2004; effective August 
10, 2004. Amendments filed December 2, 2005; effective February 15, 2006. Amendment filed February 
7, 2007; effective April 23, 2007. Amendment filed January 3, 2012; effective April 2, 2012. Amendment 
filed March 27, 2015; effective June 25, 2015. Amendment filed September 15, 2015; effective December 
14, 2015. Transferred from chapter 1200- 08-26 pursuant to Public Chapter 1119 of 2022 effective July 1, 
2022. 
 
0720-27-.02 LICENSING PROCEDURES. 
 
(1) No person, partnership, association, corporation, or state, county or local government unit, or 
any division, department, board or agency thereof, shall establish, conduct, operate, or 
maintain in the State of Tennessee any home care organization providing home health 
services without having a license. A license shall be issued to the person or persons named 
and for the premises listed in the application for licensure and for the geographic areas 
specified by the certificate of need or at the time of the original licensing. The name of the 
home care organization providing home health services shall not be changed without first 
notifying the department in writing. Licenses are not transferable or assignable and shall 
expire and become invalid annually on the anniversary date of their original issuance. The 
license shall be conspicuously posted in the home care organization providing home health 
services. 
 
(2) In order to make application for a license: 
 
(a) The applicant shall submit an application on a form prepared by the Department. 
 
(b) Each applicant for a license shall pay an annual license fee in the amount of one 
thousand four hundred and four dollars ($1,404.00). The fee must be submitted with 
the application and is not refundable. 
 
(c) The issuance of an application form is in no way a guarantee that the completed 
application will be accepted or that a license will be issued by the Department. Patients 
shall not be admitted to the agency until a license has been issued. Applicants shall not 
hold themselves out to the public as being an agency until the license has been issued. 
A license shall not be issued until the agency is in substantial compliance with these 
rules, including submission of all information required by T.C.A. § 68-11-206(1) or as 
later amended, and all information required by the Commissioner. 
 
(d) The applicant must prove the ability to meet the financial needs of the agency. 
 
STANDARDS FOR HOME CARE ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDING HOME CHAPTER 0720-27 
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(Rule 0720-27-.02, continued) 
March, 2026 (Revised) 8 
(e) The applicant shall not use subterfuge or other evasive means to obtain a license, such 
as filing for a license through a second party when an individual has been denied a 
license or has had a license disciplined or has attempted to avoid inspection and 
review process. 
 
(f) The applicant shall allow the home care agency providing home health services to be 
inspected by a Department surveyor. In the event that deficiencies are noted, the 
applicant shall submit a plan of corrective action to the Board that must be accepted by 
the Board. Once the deficiencies have been corrected, then the Board shall consider 
the application for licensure. 
 
(3) A proposed change of ownership, including a change in a controlling interest, must be 
reported to the Department a minimum of thirty (30) days prior to the change. A new 
application and fee must be received by the Department before the license may be issued. 
 
(a) For the purposes of licensing, the licensee of an agency has the ultimate responsibility 
for the operation of the agency, including the final authority to make or control 
operational decisions and legal responsibility for the business management. A change 
of ownership occurs whenever this ultimate legal authority for the responsibility of the 
agency’s operation is transferred. 
 
(b) A change of ownership occurs whenever there is a change in the legal structure by 
which the agency is owned and operated. 
 
(c) Transactions constituting a change of ownership include, but are not limited to the 
following: 
 
1. Transfer of the agency’s legal title; 
 
2. Lease of the agency’s operations; 
 
3. Dissolution of any partnership that owns, or owns a controlling interest in, the 
agency; 
 
4. One partnership is replaced by another through the removal, addition or 
substitution of a partner; 
 
5. Removal of the general partner or general partners, if the agency is owned by a 
limited partnership; 
 
6. Merger of an agency owner (a corporation) into another corporation where, after 
the merger, the owner’s shares of capital stock are canceled; 
 
7. The consolidation of a corporate agency owner with one or more corporations; or 
 
8. Transfers between levels of government. 
 
(d) Transactions which do not constitute a change of ownership include, but are not limited 
to, the following: 
 
1. Changes in the membership of a corporate board of directors or board of 
trustees; 
 
2. Two (2) or more corporations merge and the originally -licensed corporation 
survives; 
STANDARDS FOR HOME CARE ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDING HOME CHAPTER 0720-27 
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(Rule 0720-27-.02, continued) 
March, 2026 (Revised) 9 
 
3. Changes in the membership of a non-profit corporation; 
 
4. Transfers between departments of the same level of government; or 
 
5. Corporate stock transfers or sales, even when a controlling interest. 
 
(e) Management agreements are generally not changes of ownership if the owner 
continues to retain ultimate authority for the operation of the agency. However, if the 
ultimate authority is surrendered and transferred from the owner to a new manager, 
then a change of ownership has occurred. 
 
(f) Sale/lease-back agreements shall not be treated as changes in ownership if the lease 
involves the agency’s entire real and personal property and if the identity of the lessee, 
who shall continue the operation, retains the exact same legal form as the former 
owner. 
 
(4) Renewal. 
 
(a) In order to renew a license, each home care agency providing home health services 
shall submit to periodic inspections by Department surveyors for compliance with these 
rules. If deficiencies are noted, the licensee shall submit an acceptable plan of 
corrective action and shall remedy the deficiencies. In addition, each licensee shall 
submit a renewal form approved by the board and applicable renewal fee prior to the 
expiration date of the license. 
 
(b) If a licensee fails to renew its license prior to the date of its expiration but submits the 
renewal form and fee within sixty (60) days thereafter, the licensee may renew late by 
paying, in addition to the renewal fee, a late penalty of one hundred dollars ($100) per 
month for each month or fraction of a month that renewal is late; provided that the late 
penalty shall not exceed twice the renewal fee. 
 
(c) In the event that a licensee fails to renew its license within the sixty (60) day grace 
period following the license expiration date, then the licensee shall reapply for a license 
by submitting the following to the Board office: 
 
1. A completed application for licensure; 
 
2. The license fee provided in Rule 0720-27-.02(2)(b); and 
 
3. Any other information required by the Health Services and Development Agency. 
 
(d) Upon reapplication, the licensee shall submit to an inspection of the facility by 
Department of Health surveyors. 
 
Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-5-202, 4- 5-204, 68-11-201, 68-11-202, 68- 11-204, 68- 11-206, 68-11-206(a)(5) 
[effective January 1, 2009], 68-11-209, 68-11-209(a)(1), 68- 11-210, and 68- 11-216 and Chapter 846 of 
the Public Acts of 2008, § 1. Administrative History: Original rule filed May 31, 2000; effective August 
14, 2000. Amendment filed November 19, 2003; effective February 2, 2004. Amendment filed January 19, 
2007; effective April 4, 2007. Public necessity rules filed April 29, 2009; effective through October 11, 
2009. Emergency rules filed October 9, 2009; effective through April 7, 2010. Amendment filed 
September 24, 2009; effective December 23, 2009. Amendment filed December 16, 2013; effective 
March 16, 2014. Amendments filed March 21, 2018; to have been effective June 19, 2018. However, on 
May 24, 2018, the Government Operations Committee filed a 5- day stay; new effective date June 24, 
STANDARDS FOR HOME CARE ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDING HOME CHAPTER 0720-27 
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(Rule 0720-27-.02, continued) 
March, 2026 (Revised) 10 
2018. Transferred from chapter 1200- 08-26 pursuant to Public Chapter 1119 of 2022 effective July 1, 
2022. 
 
0720-27-.03 DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES. 
 
(1) The Board may suspend or revoke a license for: 
 
(a) Violation of federal or state statutes; 
 
(b) Violation of the rules as set forth in this chapter; 
 
(c) Permitting, aiding or abetting the commission of any illegal act in t he agency or the 
patient’s home; 
 
(d) Conduct or practice found by the Board to be detrimental to the health, safety, or 
welfare of the patients of the agency; or 
 
(e) Failure to renew the license. 
 
(2) The Board may consider all factors which it deems relevant, including but not limited to the 
following when determining sanctions: 
 
(a) The degree of sanctions necessary to ensure immediate and continued compliance; 
 
(b) The character and degree of impact of the violation on the health, safety and welfare of 
the patient of the agency; 
 
(c) The conduct of the agency in taking all feasible steps or procedures necessary or 
appropriate to comply or correct the violation; and 
 
(d) Any prior violations by the agency of statutes, rules or orders of the Board. 
 
(3) Inappropriate transfers are prohibited and violation of the transfer provisions shall be deemed 
sufficient grounds to suspend or revoke an agency’s license. 
 
(4) When an agency is found by the Department to have committed a violation of this chapter, 
the Department will issue to the agency a statement of deficiencies. Within ten (10) days of 
receipt of the statement of deficiencies the agency must return a plan of correction indicating 
the following: 
 
(a) How the deficiency will be corrected; 
 
(b) The date upon which each deficiency will be corrected; 
 
(c) What measures or systemic changes will be put in place to ensure that the deficient 
practice does not recur; and 
 
(d) How the corrective action will be monitored to ensure that the deficient practice does 
not recur. 
 
(5) Either failure to submit a plan of correction in a timely manner or a finding by the Department 
that the plan of correction is unacceptable shall subject the agency ’s license to possible 
disciplinary action. 
 
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(Rule 0720-27-.03, continued) 
March, 2026 (Revised) 11 
(6) Any licensee or applicant for a license, aggrieved by a decision or action of the Department 
or Board, pursuant to this chapter, may request a hearing before the Board. The proceedings 
and judicial review of the Board ’s decision shall be in accordance with the Uniform 
Administrative Procedures Act, T.C.A. §§ 4-5-101, et seq. 
 
(7) Reconsideration and Stays. The Board authorizes the member who chaired the Board for a 
contested case to be the agency member to make the decisions authorized pursuant to rule 
1360-04-01-.18 regarding petitions for reconsiderations and stays in that case. 
 
Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-5-202, 4- 5-204, 4-5-219, 4- 5-312, 4-5-316, 4- 5-317, 68-11-202, 68-11-204, and 
68-11-206 through 68-11-209. Administrative History: Original rule filed May 31, 2000; effective August 
14, 2000. Amendment filed March 1, 2007; effective May 15, 2007. Transferred from chapter 1200- 08-26 
pursuant to Public Chapter 1119 of 2022 effective July 1, 2022. 
 
0720-27-.04 ADMINISTRATION. 
 
(1) The home health agency must organize, manage and administ er its home health services to 
attain and maintain the highest practicable functional capacity for each patient regarding 
medical, nursing and rehabilitative needs as indicated by the plan of care. 
 
(2) The home health agency shall ensure a framework for addressing issues related to care at 
the end of life. 
 
(3) The home health agency shall provide a process that assesses pain in all patients. There 
shall be an appropriate and effective pain management program. 
 
(4) The agency develops and maintains administrative control of any branch office. 
 
(5) The organizational structure, home health services provided, administrative control and lines 
of authority for the delegation of responsibility down to the patient care level shall be clearly 
set forth in writing and shall be readily identifiable. Administrative and supervisory functions 
shall not be delegated to another agency. All home health services not provided directly by 
the licensed agency shall be monitored and controlled by that agency. 
 
(6) A governing body (or designated persons so functioning) must: assume full legal authority 
and responsibility for the management and provision of all home health services; fiscal 
operations; quality assessment and performance improvement progr ams. The governing 
body shall appoint a qualified administrator who is responsible for the day -to-day operation of 
the organization and is responsible for designating people to carry out these functions. 
 
(7) The administrator shall organize and direct the organization’ s ongoing functions; the 
professional personnel and the staff; employ qualified personnel and ensure adequate staff 
education and evaluation for all personnel involved in direct patient care; ensure the accuracy 
of public information materials and activities; and implement an effective budgeting and 
accounting system. A person with sufficient experience and training shall be authorized in 
writing to assume temporary duty during the administrator’s short-term absence. 
 
(8) An agency shall have a duly qualified administrator accessible during normal operating hours. 
Any change of administrators shall be reported to the Department within fifteen (15) days. 
 
(9) An administrator shall serve no more than one (1) licensed home care organization unless 
that home care organization provides other categories of home care organization services 
under the same ownership and at the same location. 
 
STANDARDS FOR HOME CARE ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDING HOME CHAPTER 0720-27 
HEALTH SERVICES 
 
(Rule 0720-27-.04, continued) 
March, 2026 (Revised) 12 
(10) The agency shall maintain an office with a working telephone and be staffed during normal 
business hours. 
 
(11) When licensure is applicable for a particular position of employment, a copy of the current 
license or the number and renewal number of the employee’ s current license must be 
maintained in the employee’ s personnel file. Each personnel file shall contain accurate 
information as to the education, training, experience and personnel background of the 
employee. Proof of adequate medical screenings to exclude communicable disease shall be 
maintained in the file of each employee. 
 
(12) Personnel practices shall be supported by written personnel policies. Personnel records shall 
include at a minimum: job descriptions, verification of references and credentials, and 
performance evaluations. Personnel records must be kept current. 
 
(13) An ongoing educational program shall be planned and conducted for the development and 
improvement of skills of all the organization’ s personnel engaged in delivery of home health 
services. Each employee shall receive appropriate orientation to the organization, its policies, 
the employee’ s position, and t he employee ’s duties. Records shall be maintained which 
indicate the subject of and attendance at such staff development programs. 
 
(14) If personnel, under hourly or per visit contracts, are utilized by the agency, there shall be a 
written contract between such personnel and the organization clearly designating: 
 
(a) That patients are accepted for care only by the agency; 
 
(b) Which home health services are to be provided; 
 
(c) That it is necessary to conform to all applicable organization policies including 
personnel qualifications; 
 
(d) The responsibility for participating in developing plans of care; 
 
(e) The manner in which home health services will be controlled, coordinated and 
evaluated by the agency; 
 
(f) The procedures for submitting clinical and progress notes, scheduling visits and 
periodic patient evaluations; and 
 
(g) The procedures for determining charges and reimbursement. 
 
(15) Whenever the rules of this chapter require that a licensee develop a written policy, plan, 
procedure, technique or system concerning a subject, the licensee shall develop the required 
policy, maintain it and adhere to its provisions. An agency which violates a required policy 
also violates the rule establishing the requirement. 
 
(16) Policies and procedures shall be consistent with professionally recognized standards of 
practice. 
 
(17) All agencies shall adopt appropriate policies regarding the testing of patients and staff for 
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and any other identified causative agent of acquired 
immune deficiency syndrome. 
 
(18) Each agency utilizing students shall establish policies and procedures for their supervision. 
 
STANDARDS FOR HOME CARE ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDING HOME CHAPTER 0720-27 
HEALTH SERVICES 
 
(Rule 0720-27-.04, continued) 
March, 2026 (Revised) 13 
(19) No agency shall retaliate against or, in any manner, discriminate against any person because 
of a complaint made in good faith and without malice to the Board, the Department, the 
Department of Human Services Adult Protective Services or the Comptroller of the State 
Treasury. An agency shall neither retaliate nor discriminate because of information lawfully 
provided to these authorities, because of a person’ s cooperation with them or because a 
person is subpoenaed to testify at a hearing involving one of these authorities. 
 
(20) All health care facilities licensed pursuant to T.C.A. §§ 68- 11-201, et seq. shall post the 
following in the main public entrance: 
 
(a) Contact information including statewide toll -free number of the division of adult 
protective services, and the number for the local district attorney’s office; 
 
(b) A statement that a person of advanced age who may be the victim of abuse, neglect, or 
exploitation may seek assistance or file a complaint with the division concerning abuse, 
neglect and exploitation; and 
 
(c) A statement that any person, regardless of age, who may be the victim of domestic 
violence may call the nationwide domestic violence hotline, with that number printed in 
boldface type, for immediate assistance and posted on a sign no smaller than eight and 
one-half inches (8½") in width and eleven inches (11") in height. 
 
 Postings of (a) and (b) shall be on a sign no smaller than eleven inches (11") in width and 
seventeen inches (17") in height. 
 
(21) “No smoking” signs or the international “No Smoking” symbol, consisting of a pictorial 
representation of a burning cigarette enclosed in a red circle with a red bar across it, shall be 
clearly and conspicuously posted at every entrance. 
 
(22) The facility shall develop a concise statement of its charity care policies and shall post such 
statement in a place accessible to the public. 
 
Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-5-202, 4-5-204, 39-17-1803, 39-17-1805, 68-11-201, 68-11-202, 68-11-204, 68-
11-206, 68-11-209, 68-11-222, 68-11-268, and 71-6-121. Administrative History: Original rule filed May 
31, 2000; effective August 14, 2000. Amendment filed June 18, 2002; effective September 1, 2002. 
Amendment filed April 20, 2006; effective July 4, 2006. Amendment filed July 18, 2007; effective October 
1, 2007. Amendment filed February 22, 2010; effective May 23, 2010. Amendment filed March 27, 2015; 
effective June 25, 2015. Transferred from chapter 1200- 08-26 pursuant to Public Chapter 1119 of 2022 
effective July 1, 2022. 
 
0720-27-.05 ADMISSIONS, DISCHARGE, AND TRANSFERS. 
 
(1) Patients shall be accepted to receive home health services on the basis of a reasonable 
expectation that the patient ’s medical, nursing and psychosocial needs can be met 
adequately by the organization in the patient’s regular or temporary place of residence. 
 
(2) Care shall follow a written plan of care established and reviewed by a physician, and care 
shall continue under the supervision of a physician. 
 
(3) The agency staff shall determine if the patient ’s needs can be met by the organization’ s 
services and capabilities. 
 
(4) Every person admitted for care or treatment to any agency covered by these rules shall be 
under the supervision of a physician, as defined in this chapter, who holds a license in good 
STANDARDS FOR HOME CARE ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDING HOME CHAPTER 0720-27 
HEALTH SERVICES 
 
(Rule 0720-27-.05, continued) 
March, 2026 (Revised) 14 
standing. The name of the patient ’s attending physician shall be recorded in the patient ’s 
medical record. 
 
(5) The agency staff shall obtain the patient’s written consent for home health services. 
 
(6) The signed consent form shall be included with the patient’s individual clinical record. 
 
(7) A diagnosis must be entered in the admission records of the agency for every person 
admitted for care or treatment. 
 
(8) No medication or treatment shall be provided to any patient of an agency except on the order 
of a physician or dentist lawfully authorized to give such an order. 
 
(9) A medical record shall be developed and maintained for each patient admitted. 
 
(10) A discharge plan and summary shall be completed on each patient. 
 
(11) The agency must provide an effective discharge planning process that applies to all patients. 
The agency’s discharge planning process, including discharge policies and procedures, must 
be in writing and must: 
 
(a) Be developed and/or supervised by a registered nurse, social worker or other 
appropriately qualified personnel; 
 
(b) Begin upon admission of any patient; 
 
(c) Include the likelihood of a patient’s capacity for self-care; 
 
(d) Identify the patient ’s continuing physical, emotional, housekeeping, transportation, 
social and other needs; 
 
(e) Involve the patient, the patient ’s family or individual acting on the patient ’s behalf, the 
physician, nursing and social work professionals and other appropriate staff, and must 
be documented in the patient’s medical record; and 
 
(f) Be conducted on an ongoing basis throughout the continuum of care. Coordination of 
services may involve promoting communication to facilitate family support, social work, 
nursing care, consultation, referral or other follow-up. 
 
(12) The patient and family members or interested persons must be taught and/or counseled to 
prepare them for post-agency care. 
 
(13) The agency shall ensure that no person on the grounds of race, color, national origin or 
handicap, will be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or otherwise subjected 
to discrimination in the provision of any care or service of the agency. The agency shall 
protect the civil rights of residents under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 504 of the 
Rehabilitation Act of 1973. 
 
Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-5-202, 4-5-204, 68-11-202, and 68-11-209. Administrative History: Original rule 
filed May 31, 2000; effective August 14, 2000. Transferred from chapter 1200-08-26 pursuant to Public 
Chapter 1119 of 2022 effective July 1, 2022. 

STANDARDS FOR HOME CARE ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDING HOME CHAPTER 0720-27 
HEALTH SERVICES 
 
March, 2026 (Revised) 15 
0720-27-.06 BASIC AGENCY FUNCTIONS. 
 
(1) An agency shall provide at least one of the qualifying home health services directly through 
agency employees, but may arrange with another licensed organization or health care 
professional to provide any additional home health services. Home health services provided 
under arrangements with another licensed home care organization or professional 
organization shall be subject to a written contract conforming with the requirements of this 
chapter. 
 
(2) All personnel providing home health services shall assure that their efforts effectively 
complement one another and support the objectives outlined in the plan of care. The medical 
record or minutes of case conferences shall establish that effective interchange, reporting, 
and coordinated patient evaluation does occur. A written summary report for each patient 
shall be sent to the attending physician at least every sixty-two (62) days. 
 
(3) Plan of Care. 
 
(a) The written plan of care, developed in consultation with the organization staff, shall 
cover all pertinent diagnoses, including mental status, types of services and equipment 
required, frequency of services, prognosis, rehabilitation potential, functional 
limitations, activities permitted, nutritional requirements, medications and treatments, 
any safety measures to protect against injury, instructions for timely discharge or 
referral, and any other appropriate items. If a physician refers a patient under a plan of 
care which cannot be completed until after an evaluation visit, the physician shall be 
consulted to approve additions or modifications to the original plan. Orders for home 
health therapy services shall include the specific treatment or modalities to be used 
and their a mount, frequency and duration. The therapist and other organization 
personnel shall participate in developing the plan of care. 
 
(b) The total plan of care shall be reviewed by the attending physician and agency 
personnel involved in the patient ’s care as often as the severity of the patient ’s 
condition requires, but at least once every sixty -two (62) days. Evidence of review by 
the physician must include the physician’ s signature and date of the review on the plan 
of care. A facsimile of the physician ’s signature is acceptable. Professional staff shall 
promptly alert the physician to any changes that suggest a need to alter the plan of 
care. 
 
(4) Drugs and treatments shall be administered by appropriately licensed agency personnel, 
acting within the scope of their licenses. Oral orders for drugs and treatments shall be given 
to appropriately licensed personnel acting within the scope of their licenses, immediately 
recorded, signed and dated, and countersigned and dated by the physician. 
 
(5) Skilled Nursing Services. 
 
(a) The agency shall provide skilled nursing services by or under the supervision of a 
registered nurse who has no current disciplinary action against his/her license, in 
accordance with the plan of care. This person shall be available at all times during 
operating hours and participate in all activities relevant to the professional home health 
services provided, including the development of qualifications and assignment of 
personnel. 
 
(b) The registered nurse’s duties shall include but are not limited to the following: make the 
initial evaluation visit, except in those circumstances where the physician has ordered 
therapy services as the only skilled service; regularly evaluate the patient ’s nursing 
needs; initiate the plan of care and necessary revisions; provide those services 
requiring substantial specialized nursing skill; initiate appropriate preventive and 
STANDARDS FOR HOME CARE ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDING HOME CHAPTER 0720-27 
HEALTH SERVICES 
 
(Rule 0720-27-.06, continued) 
March, 2026 (Revised) 16 
rehabilitative nursing procedures; prepare clinical and progress notes; coordinate 
services; inform the physician and other personnel of changes in the patient ’s condition 
and needs; counsel the patient and family in meeting nursing and related needs; 
participate in in- service programs; supervise and teach other nursing personnel. The 
registered nurse or appropriate agency staff shall initially and periodically evaluate drug 
interactions, duplicative drug therapy and non-compliance to drug therapy. 
 
(c) The licensed practical nurse shall provide services in accordance with agency policies, 
which may include but are not limited to the following: prepare clinical and progress 
notes; assist the physician and/or registered nurse in performing specialized 
procedures; prepare equipment and materials for treatments; observe aseptic 
technique as required; and assist the patient in learning appropriate self -care 
techniques. 
 
(d) A registered nurse may make the actual determination and pronouncement of death 
under the following circumstances: 
 
1. The deceased was receiving the services of a licensed home care organization; 
 
2. The death was anticipated, and the attending physician has agreed in writing to 
sign the death certificate. Such agreement by the attending physician must be 
present with the deceased at the place of death; 
 
3. The nurse is licensed by the state; and 
 
4. The nurse is employed by the home care organization providing services to the 
deceased. 
 
(6) Therapy Services. 
 
(a) All therapy services offered by the agency directly or under arrangement shall be 
planned, delegated, supervised or provided by a qualified therapist in accordance with 
the plan of care. A qualified therapist assistant may provide therapy services under the 
supervision of a qualified therapist in accordance with the plan of care. The therapist 
shall assist the physician in evaluating the level of function, helping develop the plan of 
care (revising as necessary), preparing clinical and progress notes, advising and 
consulting with the family and other agency personnel, and participating in in- service 
programs. 
 
(b) Speech therapy services shall be provided only by or under supervision of a qualified 
speech language pathologist in good standing, or by a person qualified as a Clinical 
Fellow subject to Tennessee Board of Communications Disorders and Sciences Rule 
1370-01-.10. 
 
(c) A qualified therapist may make the initial evaluation visit when therapy is the only 
skilled service ordered. 
 
(7) Home Health Aide Services. 
 
(a) Aides shall be selected on the basis of such factors as: a sympathetic attitude toward 
the care of the sick; the ability to read, write and carry out directions; and the maturity 
and ability to deal effectively with the demands of the job. Aides shall be formally and 
carefully trained in: methods of assisting patients to achieve maximum self -reliance in 
nutrition and meal preparation; the aging process and emotional problems of illness; 
procedures for maintaining a clean, healthy and pleasant environment; changes in a 
STANDARDS FOR HOME CARE ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDING HOME CHAPTER 0720-27 
HEALTH SERVICES 
 
(Rule 0720-27-.06, continued) 
March, 2026 (Revised) 17 
patient’s condition that should be reported; work of the agency and the health team; 
ethics; confidentiality; respect for human dignity and the awareness of individual 
differences; and record keeping. Any home health aide training programs must comply 
with the federal home health aide training and competency regulations. Copies of these 
regulations may be obtained from the department. 
 
(b) The home health aide shall be assigned to a particular patient by a registered nurse. 
Written instructions for patient care shall be prepared by a registered nurs e or therapist 
as appropriate. Duties may include the performance of simple procedures as an 
extension of therapy services, personal care, ambulation and exercises, household 
services essential to health care at home, assistance with medications that are 
ordinarily self -administered, reporting changes in the patient ’s condition and needs, 
and completing appropriate records. 
 
(c) The registered nurse, or appropriate professional staff member if other home health 
services are provided, shall make a supervisory visit to the patient ’s residence at least 
monthly, either when the aide is present to observe and assist or when the aide is 
absent (preferably alternating visits), to assess the aide’ s competence in providing care 
and determine whether goals are being met. 
 
(d) There shall be continuing in- service programs on a regularly scheduled basis with on-
the-job training during supervisor visits and more often as needed. 
 
(8) Medical Social Services, when provided, shall be given by a certified master social worker, a 
licensed clinical social worker, or by a social work assistant employed by the agency and 
under the supervision of a certified master social worker or licensed clinical social worker, 
and in accordance with the plan of care. The medical social services provider shall assist the 
physician and other team members in understanding the significant social and emotional 
factors related to the health problems, participate in the development of the plan of care, 
prepare clinical and progress notes, work with the family, utilize appropriate community 
resources, participate in discharge planning and in- service programs, and act as a consultant 
to other agency personnel. 
 
(9) Performance Improvement. 
 
(a) An agency shall have a committee to review, at least annually, past and present home 
health services including contract services, in accordance with a written plan, to 
determine their appropriateness and effectiveness and to ascertain that professional 
policies are followed in providing these services. 
 
(b) The objectives of the review committee shall be: 
 
1. To assist the agency in using its personnel and facilities to meet individual and 
community needs; 
 
2. To identify and correct deficiencies which undermine quality of care and lead to 
waste of agency and personnel resources; 
 
3. To help the agency make critical judgments regarding the quality and quantity of 
its services through self-examination; 
 
4. To provide opportunities to evaluate the effectiveness of agency policies and 
when necessary make recommendations to the administration as to controls or 
changes needed to assure high standards of patient care; 
 
STANDARDS FOR HOME CARE ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDING HOME CHAPTER 0720-27 
HEALTH SERVICES 
 
(Rule 0720-27-.06, continued) 
March, 2026 (Revised) 18 
5. To augment in-service staff education; 
 
6. To provide data needed to satisfy state licensure and certification requirements; 
 
7. To establish criteria to measure the effectiveness and efficiency of the home 
health services provided to patients; and 
 
8. To develop a record review system for the agency to evaluate the necessity or 
appropriateness of the home health services provided and their effectiveness 
and efficiency. 
 
(10) Infection Control. 
 
(a) There must be an active performance improvement program for developing guidelines, 
policies, procedures and techniques for the prevention, control and investigation of 
infections and communicable diseases. 
 
(b) Formal provisions must be developed to educate and orient all appropriate personnel 
and/or family members in the practice of aseptic techniques such as handwashing and 
scrubbing practices, proper hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, dressing 
care techniques, disinfecting and sterilizing techniques, and the handling and storage 
of patient care equipment and supplies. 
 
(c) Continuing education shall be provided for all agency patient care providers on the 
cause, effect, transmission, prevention and elimination of infections, as evidenced by 
the ability to verbalize/or demonstrate an understanding of basic techniques. 
 
(d) A Home Care Organization Providing Home Health Services shall have an annual 
influenza vaccination program which shall include at least: 
 
1. The offer of influenza vaccination to all staff and independent practitioners at no 
cost to the person or acceptance of documented evidence of vaccination from 
another vaccine source or facility. The Home Care Organization Providing Home 
Health Services will encourage all staff and independent practitioners to obtain 
an influenza vaccination; 
 
2. A signed declination statement on record from all who refuse the influenza 
vaccination for reasons other than medical contraindications (a sample form is 
available at http://tennessee.gov/health/topic/hcf-provider); 
 
3. Education of all employees about the following: 
 
(i) Flu vaccination, 
 
(ii) Non-vaccine control measures, and 
 
(iii) The diagnosis, transmission, and potential impact of influenza; 
 
4. An annual evaluation of the influenza vaccination program and reasons for non-
participation; and 
 
5. A statement that the requirements to complete vaccinations or declination 
statements shall be suspended by the administrator in the event of a vaccine 
shortage as declared by the Commissioner or the Commissioner’s designee. 
 
STANDARDS FOR HOME CARE ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDING HOME CHAPTER 0720-27 
HEALTH SERVICES 
 
(Rule 0720-27-.06, continued) 
March, 2026 (Revised) 19 
(e) The agency shall develop policies and procedures for testing a patient ’s blood for the 
presence of the hepatitis B virus and the HIV (AIDS) virus in the event that an 
employee of the agency, a student studying at the agency or other health care provider 
rendering services at the agency is exposed to a patient ’s blood or other body fluid. 
The testing shall be performed at no charge to the patient, and the test results shall be 
confidential. 
 
(f) The agency and its employees shall adopt and utilize standard precautions (per CDC) 
for preventing transmission of infections, HIV and communicable diseases. 
 
(g) Precautions shall be taken to prevent the contamination of sterile and clean supplies by 
soiled supplies. Sterile supplies shall be packaged and stored in a manner that protects 
the sterility of the contents. 
 
(11) Medical Records. 
 
(a) A medical record containing past and current findings in accordance with accepted 
professional standards shall be maintained for every patient r eceiving home health 
services. In addition to the plan of care, the record shall contain: appropriate identifying 
information; name of physician; all medications and treatments; signed and dated 
clinical notes. Clinical notes shall be written the day on which service is rendered and 
incorporated no less often than weekly; copies of summary reports shall be sent to the 
physician; and a discharge summary shall be dated and signed within 7 days of 
discharge. 
 
(b) A home care organization providing home health services is authorized to receive and 
appropriately act on a written order for a plan of care for a patient concerning a home 
health service signed by a physician that is transmitted to the agency by electronically 
signed electronic mail. Such order that is transmitted by electronic mail shall be 
deemed to meet any requirement for written documentation imposed by this regulation. 
 
(c) All medical records, either written, electronic, graphic or otherwise acceptable form, 
must be retained in their original or legally reproduced form for a minimum period of at 
least ten (10) years after which such records may be destroyed. However, in cases of 
patients under mental disability or minority, their complete agency records shall be 
retained for the period of minority or known mental disability, plus one (1) year, or ten 
(10) years following the discharge of the patient, whichever is longer. Records 
destruction shall be accomplished by burning, shredding or other effective method in 
keeping with the confidential nature of the contents. The destruction of records must be 
made in the ordinary course of business, must be documented and in accordance with 
the agency’s policies and procedures, and no record may be destroyed on an individual 
basis. 
 
(d) Even if the agency discontinues operations, records shal l be maintained as mandated 
by this chapter and the Tennessee Medical Records Act (T.C.A. § 68- 11-308). If a 
patient is transferred to another health care facility or agency, a copy of the record or 
an abstract shall accompany the patient when the agency is directly involved in the 
transfer. 
 
(e) Medical records information shall be safeguarded against loss or unauthorized use. 
Written procedures govern use and removal of records and conditio ns for release of 
information. The patient ’s written consent shall be required for release of information 
when the release is not otherwise authorized by law. 
 
STANDARDS FOR HOME CARE ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDING HOME CHAPTER 0720-27 
HEALTH SERVICES 
 
(Rule 0720-27-.06, continued) 
March, 2026 (Revised) 20 
(f) For purposes of this rule, the requirements for signature or countersignature by a 
physician or other person responsible for signing, countersigning or authenticating an 
entry may be satisfied by the electronic entry by such person of a unique code 
assigned exclusively to him or her, or by entry of other unique electronic or mechanical 
symbols, provided that such person has adopted same as his or her signature in 
accordance with established protocol or rules. 
 
Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-5-202, 4- 5-204, 68-3-511, 68-11-202, 68-11-204, 68- 11-206, 68-11-209, 68-11-
260, and 68-11-304. Administrative History: Original rule filed May 31, 2000; effective August 14, 2000. 
Amendment filed September 13, 2002; effective November 27, 2002. Amendment filed February 23, 
2007; effective May 9, 2007. Amendment filed September 15, 2015; effective December 14, 2015. 
Amendments filed July 18, 2016; effective October 16, 2016. Transferred from chapter 1200- 08-26 
pursuant to Public Chapter 1119 of 2022 effective July 1, 2022. 
 
0720-27-.07 RESERVED. 
 
Administrative History: Transferred from chapter 1200- 08-26 pursuant to Public Chapter 1119 of 2022 
effective July 1, 2022. 
 
0720-27-.08 RESERVED. 
 
Administrative History: Transferred from chapter 1200- 08-26 pursuant to Public Chapter 1119 of 2022 
effective July 1, 2022. 
 
0720-27-.09 RESERVED. 
 
Administrative History: Transferred from chapter 1200- 08-26 pursuant to Public Chapter 1119 of 2022 
effective July 1, 2022. 
 
0720-27-.10 INFECTIOUS AND HAZARDOUS WASTE. 
 
(1) Each agency must develop, maintain and implement written policies and procedures for the 
definition and handling of its infectious and hazardous waste. These policies and procedures 
must comply with the standards of this rule and all other applicable state and federal 
regulations. 
 
(2) The following waste shall be considered to be infectious waste: 
 
(a) Waste human blood and blood products such as serum, plasma, and other blood 
components; 
 
(b) All discarded sharps (including but not limited to, hypodermic needles, syringes, 
pasteur pipettes, broken glass, scalpel blades) used in patient care; and 
 
(c) Other waste determined to be infectious by the agency in its written policy. 
 
(3) Waste must 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 must 
provide for containment of the waste from the point of generation up to the point of proper 
treatment or disposal. Packaging must 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. 
 
(a) Contaminated sharps must be directly placed in leakproof, rigid and puncture- resistant 
containers which must then be tightly sealed. 
STANDARDS FOR HOME CARE ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDING HOME CHAPTER 0720-27 
HEALTH SERVICES 
 
(Rule 0720-27-.10, continued) 
March, 2026 (Revised) 21 
 
(b) Infectious and hazardous waste must be secured in fastened plastic bags before 
placement in a garbage can with other household waste. 
 
(c) Reusable containers for infectious waste must be thoroughly sanitized each time they 
are emptied, unless the surfaces of the containers have been completely protected 
from contamination by disposable liners or other devices removed with the waste. 
 
(4) After packaging, waste must be handled, transported and stored by methods ensuring 
containment and preserving of the integrity of the packaging, including the use of secondary 
containment where necessary. 
 
(5) Waste must be stored in a manner which preserves the integrity of the packaging, inhibits 
rapid microbial growth and putrefaction, and minimizes the potential of exposure or access by 
unknowing persons. Waste must be stored in a manner and location which affords protection 
from animals, precipitation, wind and direct sunlight, does not present a safety hazard, does 
not provide a breeding place or food source for insects or rodents and does not create a 
nuisance. 
 
(6) In the event of spills, ruptured packaging, or other incidents where there is a loss of 
containment of waste, the agency must ensure that proper actions are immediately taken to: 
 
(a) Isolate the area; 
 
(b) Repackage all spilled waste and contaminated debris in accordance with the 
requirements of this rule; and, 
 
(c) Sanitize all contaminated equipment and surfaces appropriately. 
 
Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-5-202, 4-5-204, 68-11-202, and 68-11-209. Administrative History: Original rule 
filed May 31, 2000; effective August 14, 2000. Transferred from chapter 1200- 08-26 pursuant to Public 
Chapter 1119 of 2022 effective July 1, 2022. 
 
0720-27-.11 RECORDS AND REPORTS. 
 
(1) A yearly statistical report, the “Joint Annual Report of Home Care Organizations ,” shall be 
submitted to the Department. The forms are mailed to each home care organization by the 
Department each year. The forms must be complete d and returned to the Department as 
requested. 
 
(2) The agency providing home health services shall report all incidents of abuse, neglect, and 
misappropriation to the Department of Health in accordance with T.C.A. § 68-11-211. 
 
(3) The agency providing home health services shall report the following incidents to the 
Department of Health in accordance with T.C.A. § 68-11-211. 
 
(a) Strike by staff at the facility; 
 
(b) External disasters impacting the facility; 
 
(c) Disruption of any service vital to the continued safe operation of the home care 
organization providing home health services or to the health and safety of its patients 
and personnel; and 
 
STANDARDS FOR HOME CARE ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDING HOME CHAPTER 0720-27 
HEALTH SERVICES 
 
(Rule 0720-27-.11, continued) 
March, 2026 (Revised) 22 
(d) Fires at the home care organization providing home health services that disrupt the 
provision of patient care services or cause harm to the patients or staff, or that are 
reported by the facility to any entity, including but not limited to a fire department 
charged with preventing fires. 
 
(4) The agency shall retain legible copies of the following records and reports for thirty -six (36) 
months following their issuance. They shall be maintained in a single file and shall be made 
available for inspection during normal business hours to any person who requests to view 
them: 
 
(a) Department licensure and fire safety inspections and surveys; 
 
(b) Federal Health Care Financing Administration surveys and inspections, if any; 
 
(c) Orders of the Commissioner or Board, if any; and 
 
(d) Comptroller of the Treasury’s audit report and finding, if any. 
 
Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-5-202, 4-5-204, 68-11-202, 68-11-207, 68-11-209, 68-11-210, 68-11-211, and 68-
11-213. Administrative History: Original rule filed May 31, 2000; effective August 14, 2000. Amendment 
filed April 11, 2003; effective June 25, 2003. Amendments filed January 3, 2012; effective April 2, 2012. 
Transferred from chapter 1200-08-26 pursuant to Public Chapter 1119 of 2022 effective July 1, 2022. 
 
0720-27-.12 PATIENT RIGHTS. 
 
(1) Each patient has at least the following rights: 
 
(a) To privacy in treatment and personal care; 
 
(b) To have appropriate assessment and management of pain; 
 
(c) To be involved in the decision-making of all aspects of their care; 
 
(d) To be free from mental and physical abuse. Should this right be violated, the agency 
must notify the Department within five (5) business days and the Tennessee 
Department of Human Services, Adult Protective Services as required by T.C.A. §§ 71-
6-101 et seq.; 
 
(e) To refuse treatment. The patient must be informed of the consequences of that 
decision, and the refusal and its reason must be reported to the physician and 
documented in the medical record; 
 
(f) To refuse experimental treatment and drugs. The patient ’s or health care decision-
maker’s written consent for participation in research must be obtained and retained in 
the medical record; and 
 
(g) To have their records kept confidential and private. Written consent by the patient must 
be obtained prior to release of information except to persons authorized by law. If the 
patient lacks capacity, written consent is required from the patient ’s health care 
decision-maker. The agency must have policies to govern access and duplication of 
the patient’s record. 
 
(2) Each patient has a right to self -determination, which encompasses the right to make choices 
regarding life- sustaining treatment, including resuscitative services. This right of self -
determination may be effectuated by an advance directive. 
STANDARDS FOR HOME CARE ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDING HOME CHAPTER 0720-27 
HEALTH SERVICES 
 
(Rule 0720-27-.12, continued) 
March, 2026 (Revised) 23 
 
Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-5-202, 4- 5-204, 68- 11-202, 68- 11-204, 68- 11-206, and 68- 11-209. 
Administrative History: Original rule filed May 31, 2000; effective August 14, 2000. Amendment filed 
June 18, 2002; effective September 1, 2002. Amendment filed December 2, 2005; effective February 15, 
2006. Transferred from chapter 1200- 08-26 pursuant to Public Chapter 1119 of 2022 effective July 1, 
2022. 
 
0720-27-.13 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR HEALTH CARE DECISION-MAKING. 
 
(1) Pursuant to this Rule, each home health agency shall maintain and establish policies and 
procedures governing the designation of a health care decision- maker for making health care 
decisions for a patient who is incompetent or who lacks capacity, including but not limited to 
allowing the withholding of CPR measures from individual patients. An adult or emancipated 
minor may g ive an individual instruction. The instr uction may be oral or written. The 
instruction may be limited to take effect only if a specified condition arises. 
 
(2) An adult or emancipated minor may execute an advance directive for health care. The 
advance directive may authorize an agent to make any health care decision the patient could 
have made while having capacity, or may limit the power of the agent, and may include 
individual instructions. The effect of an advance directive that makes no limitation on the 
agent’s authority shall be to authorize the agent to make any health care decision the patient 
could have made while having capacity. 
 
(3) The advance directive shall be in writing, signed by the patient, and shall either be notarized 
or witnessed by two (2) witnesses. Both witnesses shall be competent adults, and neither of 
them may be the agent. At least one (1) of the witnesses shall be a person who is not related 
to the patient by blood, marriage, or adoption and would not be entitled to any portion of the 
estate of the patient upon the death of the patient. The advance directive shall contain a 
clause that attests that the witnesses comply with the requirements of this paragraph. 
 
(4) Unless otherwise specified in an advance directive, the authority of an agent becomes 
effective only upon a determination that the patient lacks capacity, and ceases to be effective 
upon a determination that the patient has recovered capacity. 
 
(5) A facility may use any advanced directive form that meets the requirements of the Tennessee 
Health Care Decisions Act or has been developed and issued by the Board for Licensing 
Health Care Facilities. 
 
(6) A determination that a patient lacks or has recovered capacity, or that another condition 
exists that affects an individual instruction or the authority of an agent shall be made by the 
designated physician, who is authorized to consult with such other persons as he or she may 
deem appropriate. 
 
(7) An agent shall make a health care decision in accordance with the patient ’s individual 
instructions, if any, and other wishes to the extent known to the agent. Otherwise, the agent 
shall make the decision in accordance wi th the patient ’s best interest. In determining the 
patient’s best interest, the agent shall consider the patient ’s personal values to the extent 
known. 
 
(8) An advance directive may include the individual’s nomination of a court-appointed guardian. 
 
(9) A health care facility shall honor an advance directive that is executed outside of this state by 
a nonresident of this state at the time of execution if that advance directive is in compliance 
with the laws of Tennessee or the state of the patient’s residence. 
 
STANDARDS FOR HOME CARE ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDING HOME CHAPTER 0720-27 
HEALTH SERVICES 
 
(Rule 0720-27-.13, continued) 
March, 2026 (Revised) 24 
(10) No health care provider or institution shall require the execution or revocation of an advance 
directive as a condition for being insured for, or receiving, health care. 
 
(11) Any living will, durable power of attorney for health care, or other instrument signed by the 
individual, complying with the terms of Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 32, Chapter 11, and 
a durable power of attorney for health care complying with the terms of Tennessee Code 
Annotated, Title 34, Chapter 6, Part 2, shall be given effect and interpreted in accord with 
those respective acts. Any advance directive that does not evidence an intent to be given 
effect under those acts but that complies with these regulations may be treated as an 
advance directive under these regulations. 
 
(12) A patient having capacity may revoke the designation of an agent only by a signed writing or 
by personally informing the supervising health care provider. 
 
(13) A patient having capacity may revoke all or part of an advance directive, other than the 
designation of an agent, at any time and in any manner that communicates an intent to 
revoke. 
 
(14) A decree of annulment, divorce, dissolution of marriage, or legal separation revokes a 
previous designation of a spouse as an agent unless otherwise specified in the decree or in 
an advance directive. 
 
(15) An advance directive that conflicts with an earlier advance directive revokes the earlier 
directive to the extent of the conflict. 
 
(16) Surrogates. 
 
(a) An adult or emancipated minor may designate any individual to act as surrogate by 
personally informing the supervising health care provider. The designation may be oral 
or written. 
 
(b) A surrogate may make a health care decision for a patient who is an adult or 
emancipated minor if and only if: 
 
1. The patient has been determined by the designated physician to lack capacity, 
and 
 
2. No agent or guardian has been appointed, or 
 
3. The agent or guardian is not reasonably available. 
 
(c) In the case of a patient who lacks capacity, the patient ’s surrogate shall be identified by 
the supervising health care provider and documented in the current clinical record of 
the facility at which the patient is receiving health care. 
 
(d) The patient’s surrogate shall be an adult who has exhibited special care and concern 
for the patient, who is familiar with the patient ’s personal values, who is reasonably 
available, and who is willing to serve. 
 
(e) Consideration may be, but need not be, given in order of descending preference for 
service as a surrogate to: 
 
1. The patient’s spouse, unless legally separated; 
 
2. The patient’s adult child; 
STANDARDS FOR HOME CARE ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDING HOME CHAPTER 0720-27 
HEALTH SERVICES 
 
(Rule 0720-27-.13, continued) 
March, 2026 (Revised) 25 
 
3. The patient’s parent; 
 
4. The patient’s adult sibling; 
 
5. Any other adult relative of the patient; or 
 
6. Any other adult who satisfies the requirements of 0720-27-.13(16)(d). 
 
(f) No person who is the subject of a protective order or other court order that directs that 
person to avoid contact with the patient shall be eligible to serve as the patient ’s 
surrogate. 
 
(g) The following criteria shall be considered in the determination of the person best 
qualified to serve as the surrogate: 
 
1. Whether the proposed surrogate reasonably appears to be better able to make 
decisions either in accordance with the known wishes of the patient or in 
accordance with the patient’s best interests; 
 
2. The proposed surrogate ’s regular contact with the patient prior to and during the 
incapacitating illness; 
 
3. The proposed surrogate’s demonstrated care and concern; 
 
4. The proposed surrogate’ s availability to visit the patient during his or her illness; 
and 
 
5. The proposed surrogate’ s availability to engage in face- to-face contact with 
health care providers for the purpose of fully participating in the decision- making 
process. 
 
(h) If the patient lacks capacity and none of the individuals eligible to act as a surrogate 
under 0720-27-.13(16)(c) through 0720-27-.13(16)(g) is reasonably available, the 
designated physician may make health care decisions for the patient after the 
designated physician either: 
 
1. Consults with and obtains the recommendations of a facility ’s ethics mechanism 
or standing committee in the facility that evaluates health care issues; or 
 
2. Obtains concurrence from a second physician who is not directly involved in the 
patient’s health care, does not serve in a capacity of decision- making, influence, 
or responsibility over the designated physician, and is not under the designated 
physician’s decision-making, influence, or responsibility. 
 
(i) In the event of a challenge, there shall be a rebuttable presumption that the selection of 
the surrogate was valid. Any person who challenges the selection shall have the 
burden of proving the invalidity of that selection. 
 
(j) A surrogate shall make a health care decision in accordance with the patient ’s 
individual instructions, if any, and other wishes to the extent known to the surrogate. 
Otherwise, the surrogate shall make the decision in accordance with the surrogate ’s 
determination of the patient ’s best interest. In determining the patient ’s best interest, 
the surrogate shall consider the patient ’s personal values to the extent known to the 
surrogate. 
STANDARDS FOR HOME CARE ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDING HOME CHAPTER 0720-27 
HEALTH SERVICES 
 
(Rule 0720-27-.13, continued) 
March, 2026 (Revised) 26 
 
(k) A surrogate who has not been designated by the patient may make all health care 
decisions for the patient that the patient could make on the patient ’s own behalf, except 
that artificial nutrition and hydration may be withheld or withdrawn for a patient upon a 
decision of the surrogate only when the designated physician and a second 
independent physician certify in the patient ’s current clinical records that the provision 
or continuation of artificial nutrition or hydration is merely prolonging the act of dying 
and the patient is highly unlikely to regain capacity to make medical decisions. 
 
(l) Except as provided in 0720-27-.13(16)(m): 
 
1. Neither the treating health care provider nor an employee of the treating health 
care provider, nor an operator of a health care institution nor an employee of an 
operator of a health care institution may be designated as a surrogate; and 
 
2. A health care provider or employee of a health care provider may not act as a 
surrogate if the health care provider becomes the patient ’s treating health care 
provider. 
 
(m) An employee of the treating health care provider or an employee of an operator of a 
health care institution may be designated as a surrogate if: 
 
1. The employee so designated is a relative of the patient by blood, marriage, or 
adoption; and 
 
2. The other requirements of this section are satisfied. 
 
(n) A health care provider may require an individual claiming the right to act as surrogate 
for a patient to provide written documentation stating facts and circumstances 
reasonably sufficient to establish the claimed authority. 
 
(17) Guardian. 
 
(a) A guardian shall comply with the patient ’s individual instructions and may not revoke 
the patient’s advance directive absent a court order to the contrary. 
 
(b) Absent a court order to the contrary, a health care decision of an agent takes 
precedence over that of a guardian. 
 
(c) A health care provider may require an individual claiming the right to act as guardian 
for a patient to provide written documentation stating facts and circumstances 
reasonably sufficient to establish the claimed authority. 
 
(18) A designated physician who makes or is informed of a determination that a patient lacks or 
has recovered capacity, or that another condition exists which affects an individual instruction 
or the authority of an agent, guardian, or surrogate, shall promptly record the determination in 
the patient ’s current clinical record and communicate the determination to the patient, if 
possible, and to any person then authorized to make health care decisions for the patient. 
 
(19) Except as provided in 0720 -27-.13(20) through 0720-27-.13(22), a health care provider or 
institution providing care to a patient shall: 
 
(a) Comply with an individual instruction of the patient and with a reasonable interpretation 
of that instruction made by a person then authorized to make health care decisions for 
the patient; and 
STANDARDS FOR HOME CARE ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDING HOME CHAPTER 0720-27 
HEALTH SERVICES 
 
(Rule 0720-27-.13, continued) 
March, 2026 (Revised) 27 
 
(b) Comply with a health care decision for the patient made by a person then authorized to 
make health care decisions for the patient to the same extent as if the decision had 
been made by the patient while having capacity. 
 
(20) A health care provider may decline to comply with an individual instruction or health care 
decision for reasons of conscience. 
 
(21) A health care institution may decline to comply with an individual instruction or health care 
decision if the instruction or decision is: 
 
(a) Contrary to a policy of the institution which is based on reasons of conscience, and 
 
(b) The policy was timely communicated to the patient or to a person then authorized to 
make health care decisions for the patient. 
 
(22) A health care provider or institution may decline to comply with an individual instruction or 
health care decision that requires medically inappropriate health care or health care contrary 
to generally accepted health care standards applicable to the health care provider or 
institution. 
 
(23) A health care provider or institution that declines to comply with an individual instruction or 
health care decision pursuant to 0720-27-.13(20) through 0720-27-.13(22) shall: 
 
(a) Promptly so inform the patient, if possible, and any person then authorized to make 
health care decisions for the patient; 
 
(b) Provide continuing care to the patient until a transfer can be effected or until the 
determination has been made that transfer cannot be effected; 
 
(c) Unless the patient or person then authorized to make health care decisions for the 
patient refuses assistance, immediately make all reasonable efforts to assist in the 
transfer of the patient to another health care provider or institution that is willing to 
comply with the instruction or decision; and 
 
(d) If a transfer cannot be effected, the health care provider or institution shall not be 
compelled to comply. 
 
(24) Unless otherwise specified in an advance directive, a person then authorized to make health 
care decisions for a patient has the same rights as the patient to request, receive, examine, 
copy, and consent to the disclosure of medical or any other health care information. 
 
(25) A health care provider or institution acting in good faith and in accordance with generally 
accepted health care standards applicable to the health care provider or institution is not 
subject to civil or criminal liability or to discipline for unprofessional conduct for: 
 
(a) Complying with a health care decision of a person apparently having authority to make 
a health care decision for a patient, including a decision to withhold or withdraw health 
care; 
 
(b) Declining to comply with a health care decision of a person based on a belief that the 
person then lacked authority; or 
 
(c) Complying with an advance directive and assuming that the directive was valid when 
made and had not been revoked or terminated. 
STANDARDS FOR HOME CARE ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDING HOME CHAPTER 0720-27 
HEALTH SERVICES 
 
(Rule 0720-27-.13, continued) 
March, 2026 (Revised) 28 
 
(26) An individual acting as an agent or surrogate is not subject to civil or criminal liability or to 
discipline for unprofessional conduct for health care decisions made in good faith. 
 
(27) A person identifying a surrogate is not subject to civil or criminal liability or to discipline for 
unprofessional conduct for such identification made in good faith. 
 
(28) A copy of a written advance directive, revocation of an advance directive, or designation or 
disqualification of a surrogate has the same effect as the original. 
 
(29) The withholding or withdrawal of medical care from a patient in accordance with the 
provisions of the Tennessee Health Care Decisions Act shall not, for any purpose, constitute 
a suicide, euthanasia, homicide, mercy killing, or assisted suicide. 
 
(30) Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment (POST). 
 
(a) Physician Orders for Scope of T reatment (POST) may be issued by a physician for a 
patient with whom the physician has a bona fide physician- patient relationship, but 
only: 
 
1. With the informed consent of the patient; 
 
2. If the patient is a minor or is otherwise incapable of making an informed decision 
regarding consent for such an order, upon request of and with the consent of the 
agent, surrogate, or other person authorized to consent on the patient ’s behalf 
under the Tennessee Health Care Decisions Act; or 
 
3. If the patient is a minor or is otherwise incapable of making an informed decision 
regarding consent for such an order and the agent, surrogate, or other person 
authorized to consent on the patient ’s behalf under the Tennessee Health Care 
Decisions Act, is not reasonably available, if the physician determines that the 
provision of cardiopulmonary resuscitation would be contrary to accepted 
medical standards. 
 
(b) A POST may be issued by a physician assistant, nurse practitioner or clinical nurse 
specialist for a patient with whom such physician assistant, nurse practitioner or clinical 
nurse specialist has a bona fide physician assistant -patient or nurse- patient 
relationship, but only if: 
 
1. No physician, who has a bona fide physician- patient relationship with the patient , 
is present and available for discussion with the patient (or if the patient is a minor 
or is otherwise incapable of making an informed decision, with the agent, 
surrogate, or other person authorized to consent on the patient ’s behalf under 
the Tennessee Health Care Decisions Act); 
 
2. Such authority to issue is contained in the physician assistant ’s, nurse 
practitioner’s or clinical nurse specialist’s protocols; 
 
3. Either: 
 
(i) The patient is a resident of a nursing home licensed under Title 68 or an 
ICF/MR facility licensed under Title 33 and is in the process of being 
discharged from the nursing home or transferred to another facility at the 
time the POST is being issued; or 
 
STANDARDS FOR HOME CARE ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDING HOME CHAPTER 0720-27 
HEALTH SERVICES 
 
(Rule 0720-27-.13, continued) 
March, 2026 (Revised) 29 
(ii) The patient is a hospital patient and is in the process of being discharged 
from the hospital or transferred to another facility at the time the POST is 
being issued; and 
 
4. Either: 
 
(i) With the informed consent of the patient; 
 
(ii) If the patient is a minor or is otherwise incapable of making an informed 
decision regarding consent for such an order, upon request of and with the 
consent of the agent, surrogate, or other person authorized to consent on 
the patient’s behalf under the Tennessee Health Care Decisions Act; or 
 
(iii) If the patient is a minor or is otherwise incapable of making an informed 
decision regarding consent for such an order and the agent, surrogate, or 
other person authorized to consent on the patient ’s behalf under the 
Tennessee Health Care Decisions Act, is not reasonably available and 
such authority to issue is contained in the physician assistant, nurse 
practitioner or clinical nurse specialist ’s protocols and the physician 
assistant or nurse determines that the provision of cardiopulmonary 
resuscitation would be contrary to accepted medical standards. 
 
(c) If the patient is an adult who is capable of making an informed decision, the patient ’s 
expression of the desire to be resuscitated in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest 
shall revoke any contrary order in the POST. If the patient is a minor or is otherwise 
incapable of making an informed decision, the expression of the desire that the patient 
be resuscitated by the person authorized to consent on the patient ’s behalf shall revoke 
any contrary order in the POST. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require 
cardiopulmonary resuscitation of a patient for whom the physician or physician 
assistant or nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist determines cardiopulmonary 
resuscitation is not medically appropriate. 
 
(d) A POST issued in accordance with this section shall remain valid and in effect until 
revoked. In accordance with this rule and applicable regulations, qualified emergency 
medical services personnel; and licensed health care practitioners in any facility, 
program, or organizati on operated or licensed by the Board for Licensing Health Care 
Facilities, the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, or the 
Department of Intellectual and Developmental D isabilities, or operated, licensed, or 
owned by another state agency, shall follow a POST that is available to such persons 
in a form approved by the Board for Licensing Health Care Facilities. 
 
(e) Nothing in these rules shall authorize the withholding of other medical interventions , 
such as medications, positioning, wound care, oxygen, suction, treatment of airway 
obstruction or other therapies deemed necessary to provide comfort care or alleviate 
pain. 
 
(f) If a person has a do- not-resuscitate order in effect at the time of such person’ s 
discharge from a health care facility, the facility shall complete a POST prior to 
discharge. If a person with a POST is transferred from one health care facility to 
another health care facility, the health care facility initiating the transfer shall 
communicate the existence of the POST to qualified emergency medical service 
personnel and to the receiving facility prior to the transfer. The transferring facility shall 
provide a copy of the POST that accompanies the patient in transport to the receiving 
health care facility. Upon admission, the receiving facility shall make the POST a part 
of the patient’s record. 
STANDARDS FOR HOME CARE ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDING HOME CHAPTER 0720-27 
HEALTH SERVICES 
 
(Rule 0720-27-.13, continued) 
March, 2026 (Revised) 30 
 
(g) These rules shall not prevent, prohibit, or limit a physician from using a written order, 
other than a POST, not to resuscitate a patient in the event of cardiac or respiratory 
arrest in accordance with accepted medical practices. This action shall have no 
application to any do- not-resuscitate order that is not a POST, as defined in these 
rules. 
 
(h) Valid do- not-resuscitate orders or emergency medical services do- not-resuscitate 
orders issued before July 1, 2004, pursuant to then- current law, shall remain valid and 
shall be given effect as provided in these rules. 
 
Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-5-202, 4-5-204, 68-11-202, 68-11-204, 68-11-206, 68-11-209, 68-11-224, and 68-
11-1801 through 68- 11-1815. Administrative History: Original rule filed May 31, 2000; effective August 
14, 2000. Amendment filed April 28, 2003; effective July 12, 2003. Repeal and new rule filed December 2, 
2005; effective February 15, 2006. Amendment filed February 7, 2007; effective April 23, 2007. 
Amendments filed January 3, 2012; effective April 2, 2012. Amendment filed March 27, 2015; effective 
June 25, 2015. Transferred from chapter 1200-08-26 pursuant to Public Chapter 1119 of 2022 effective 
July 1, 2022. 
 
0720-27-.14 DISASTER PREPAREDNESS. 
 
(1) Disaster Preparedness Policies and Procedures. 
 
(a) All licensed home care organizations shall develop, implement, and maintain a written 
emergency response policy and corresponding procedures to ensure the continuous 
provision of patient services as scheduled during a natural disaster, public health 
emergency, or other emergency event. The policy and procedures shall, at a minimum: 
 
1. Contain the information needed to ensure compliance with the local 
comprehensive emergency plan; 
 
2. Address contingency plans to address service interruptions and provisions for the 
continued operation or alternative arrangements for power -dependent medical 
equipment in the patient’s home. 
 
(b) Branch offices shall follow the policies and procedures established by the licensed 
home health agency of which they are a part. 
 
(2) Emergency Planning Coordination With Local Government Authorities. 
 
(a) All home care organizations shall establish and maintain communications with the 
county Emergency Management Agency in the county of their license. The home care 
organizations shall cooperate, to the extent possible, in area disaster drills and local 
emergency situations. 
 
(b) Branch offices may adopt and follow the disaster preparedness procedures established 
by the licensed home health organization of which they are a part. Branch offices who 
do so are not required to establish or maintain communications with the county 
Emergency Management Agency; however, they should collaborate with emergency 
management agencies when appropriate and as directed by the licensed home health 
organization. A branch office that develops its own disaster preparedness procedures 
must establish and maintain communications with the local county Emergency 
Management Agency. 
 
STANDARDS FOR HOME CARE ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDING HOME CHAPTER 0720-27 
HEALTH SERVICES 
 
(Rule 0720-27-.14, continued) 
March, 2026 (Revised) 31 
(c) Each home care organization shall conduct both the physical facility and community 
emergency drills as required in these regulations, even if the local Emergency 
Management Agency is unable to participate. 
 
(d) A file of documents demonstrating communications and cooperation with the local 
agency must be maintained. 
 
Authority: T.C.A. §§ 68-11-202, 68-11-204, 68-11-206, and 68-11-209. Administrative History: Original 
rule filed May 31, 2000; effective August 14, 2000. Transferred from chapter 1200- 08-26 pursuant to 
Public Chapter 1119 of 2022 effective July 1, 2022. Amendments filed December 18, 2025; effective 
March 18, 2026. 
 
0720-27-.15 APPENDIX I 
 
(1) Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment (POST) Form. 

(This space intentionally left blank) 
 
STANDARDS FOR HOME CARE ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDING HOME CHAPTER 0720-27 
HEALTH SERVICES 
 
(Rule 0720-27-.15, continued) 
March, 2026 (Revised) 32 

A COPY OF THIS FORM SHALL ACCOMPANY PATIENT WHEN TRANSFERRED OR DISCHARGED 
 
Tennessee Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment 
(POST, sometimes called “POLST”) 
 
This is a Physician Order Sheet based on the medical conditions and 
wishes of the person identified at right (“patient”). Any section not 
completed indicates full treatment for that section. When need occurs, first 
follow these orders, then contact physician. 
Patient’s Last Name 
First Name/Middle Initial 
Date of Birth 
Section 
A 
Check One 
Box Only 
CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR): Patient has no pulse and is not breathing. 
 Resuscitate(CPR)  Do Not Attempt Resuscitation (DNR / no CPR) (Allow Natural Death) 
When not in cardiopulmonary arrest, follow orders in B, C, and D. 
Section 
B 

Check One 
Box Only 
MEDICAL INTERVENTIONS. Patient has pulse and/or is breathing. 
 
 Comfort Measures Only. Relieve pain and suffering through the use of any medication by any route, positioning, 
wound care and other measures. Use oxygen, suction and manual treatment of airway obstruction as needed for 
comfort. Do not transfer to hospital for life-sustaining treatment. Transfer only if comfort needs cannot be 
met in current location. Treatment Plan: Maximize comfort through symptom management. 
 
 Limited Additional Interventions. In addition to care described in Comfort Measures Only above, use medical 
treatment, antibiotics, IV fluids and cardiac monitoring as indicated. No intubation, advanced airway interventions, or 
mechanical ventilation. May consider less invasive airway support (e.g. CPAP, BiPAP). Transfer to hospital if 
indicated. Generally avoid the intensive care unit. Treatment Plan: Basic medical treatments. 
 
 Full Treatment. In addition to care described in Comfort Measures Only and Limited Additional Interventions above, 
use intubation, advanced airway interventions, and mechanical ventilation as indicated. Transfer to hospital and/or 
intensive care unit if indicated. Treatment Plan: Full treatment including in the intensive care unit. 
 
Other Instructions: 
 
Section 
C 
Check One 
ARTIFICIALLY ADMINISTERED NUTRITION. Oral fluids & nutrition must be offered if feasible. 
 No artificial nutrition by tube. 
 Defined trial period of artificial nutrition by tube. 
 Long-term artificial nutrition by tube. 
 
 Other Instructions: 
 
Section 
D 

 Must be 
Completed 
Discussed with: 
 Patient/Resident 
 Health care agent 
 Court-appointed guardian 
 Health care surrogate 
 Parent of minor 
 Other: (Specify) 
 
The Basis for These Orders Is: (Must be completed) 
 Patient’s preferences 
 Patient’s best interest (patient lacks capacity or preferences unknown) 
 Medical indications 
 (Other) 
Physician/NP/CNS/PA Name (Print) Physician/NP/CNS/PA Signature Date 

NP/CNS/PA (Signature at Discharge) 
MD/NP/CNS/PA Phone Number: 
 Signature of Patient, Parent of Minor, or Guardian/Health Care Representative 
Preferences have been expressed to a physician and/or health care professional. It can be reviewed and updated at any time if 
your preferences change. If you are unable to make your own health care decisions, the orders should reflect your 
preferences as best understood by your surrogate. 
STANDARDS FOR HOME CARE ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDING HOME CHAPTER 0720-27 
HEALTH SERVICES 
 
(Rule 0720-27-.15, continued) 
March, 2026 (Revised) 33 
Name (print) Signature Relationship (write “self” if patient) 
Agent/Surrogate Relationship Phone Number 
Health Care Professional Preparing Form Preparer Title Phone Number Date Prepared 
 
HIPAA PERMITS DISCLOSURE OF POST TO OTHER HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS AS NECESSARY 
 
Directions for Health Care Professionals 

Completing POST 
 
Must be completed by a health care professional based on patient preferences, patient best interest, and medical 
indications. 
 
To be valid, POST must be signed by a physician or, at discharge or transfer from a hospital or long term care facility, by a 
nurse practitioner (NP), clinical nurse specialist (CNS), or physician assistant (PA). Verbal orders are acceptable with 
follow-up signature by physician in accordance with facility/community policy. 
 
Persons with DNR in effect at time of discharge must have POST completed by health care facility prior to discharge and 
copy of POST provided to qualified medical emergency personnel. 
 
Photocopies/faxes of signed POST forms are legal and valid. 

Using POST 
 
Any incomplete section of POST implies full treatment for that section. 
 
No defibrillator (including AEDs) should be used on a person who has chosen “Do Not Attempt Resuscitation.” 
 
Oral fluids and nutrition must always be offered if medically feasible. 
 
When comfort cannot be achieved in the current setting, the person, including someone with “Comfort Measures Only ,” 
should be transferred to a setting able to provide comfort (e.g., treatment of a hip fracture). 
 
IV medication to enhance comfort may be appropriate for a person who has chosen “Comfort Measures Only.” 
 
Treatment of dehydration is a measure which prolongs life. A person who desires IV fluids should indicate “Limited 
Interventions” or “Full Treatment.” 
 
A person with capacity, or the Health Care Agent or S urrogate of a person without capacity, can request alternative 
treatment. 

Reviewing POST 
 
This POST should be reviewed if: 
 
(1) The patient is transferred from one care setting or care level to another, or 
(2) There is a substantial change in the patient’s health status, or 
(3) The patient’s treatment preferences change. 
 
Draw line through sections A through D and write “VOID” in large letters if POST is replaced or becomes invalid. 
STANDARDS FOR HOME CARE ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDING HOME CHAPTER 0720-27 
HEALTH SERVICES 
 
(Rule 0720-27-.15, continued) 
March, 2026 (Revised) 34 
COPY OF FORM SHALL ACCOMPANY PATIENT WHEN TRANSFERRED OR DISCHARGED. 

(2) Advance Directive for Health Care Form. 
 
ADVANCE DIRECTIVE FOR HEALTH CARE* 
(Tennessee) 
 
I, ____________________________________, hereby give these advance instructions on how I want to 
be treated by my doctors and other health care providers when I can no longer make those treatment 
decisions myself. 
 
Part I Agent: I want the following person to make health care decisions for me. This includes any health care 
decision I could have made for myself if able, except that my agent must follow my instructions below: 
 
Name: Relation: Home Phone: Work Phone: 
Address: Mobile Phone: Other Phone: 
 
Alternate Agent: If the person named above is unable or unwilling to make health care decisions for me, 
I appoint as alternate the following person to make health care decisions for me. This includes any health 
care decision I could have made for myself if able, except that my agent must follow my instructions 
below: 
 
Name: Relation: Home Phone: Work Phone: 
Address: Mobile Phone: Other Phone: 
 
My agent is also my personal representative for purposes of federal and state privacy laws, including 
HIPAA. 
 
When Effective (mark one):  I give my agent permission to make health care decisions for me at any 
time, even if I have capacity to make decisions for myself.  I do not give such permission (this form 
applies only when I no longer have capacity). 

Part 2 Indicate Your Wishes for Quality of Life: By marking “yes” below, I have indicated conditions I would 
be willing to live with if given adequate comfort care and pain management. By marking “ no” below, I 
have indicated conditions I would not be willing to live with (that to me would create an unacceptable 
quality of life). 
 
  
Yes No 
Permanent Unconscious Condition : I become totally unaware of people or surroundings with 
little chance of ever waking up from the coma. 
  
Yes No 
Permanent Confusion: I become unable to remember, understand, or make decisions. I do not 
recognize loved ones or cannot have a clear conversation with them. 
  
Yes No 
Dependent in All Activities of Daily Living: I am no longer able to talk or communicate clearly or 
move by myself. I depend on others for feeding, bathing, dressing, and walking. Rehabilitation or 
any other restorative treatment will not help. 
  
Yes No 
End-Stage Illnesses: I have an illness that has reached its final stages in spite of full treatment. 
Examples: Widespread cancer that no longer responds to treatment; chronic and/or damaged 
heart and lungs, where oxygen is needed most of the time and activities are limited due to the 
feeling of suffocation. 

Indicate Your Wishes for Treatment: If my quality of life becomes unacceptable to me (as indicated by 
one or more of the conditions marked “no” above) and my condition is irreversible (that is, it will not 
Instructions: Parts 1 and 2 may be used together or 
independently. Please mark out/void any unused part(s). 
Part 5, Block A or Block B must be completed for all uses. 
STANDARDS FOR HOME CARE ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDING HOME CHAPTER 0720-27 
HEALTH SERVICES 
 
(Rule 0720-27-.15, continued) 
March, 2026 (Revised) 35 
improve), I direct that medically appropriate treatment be provided as follows. By marking “yes” below, I 
have indicated treatment I want. By marking “no” below, I have indicated treatment I do not want. 
 
  
Yes No 
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) : To make the heart beat again and restore breathing 
after it has stopped. Usually this involves electric shock, chest compressions, and breathing 
assistance. 
  
Yes No 
Life Support/Other Artificial Support : Continuous use of breathing machine, IV fluids, 
medications, and other equipment that helps the lungs, heart, kidneys, and other organs to 
continue to work. 
  
Yes No 
Treatment of New Conditions : Use of surgery, blood transfusions, or antibiotics that will deal 
with a new condition but will not help the main illness. 
  
Yes No 
Tube feeding/IV fluids: Use of tubes to deliver food and water to a patient ’s stomach or use of IV 
fluids into a vein, which would include artificially delivered nutrition and hydration. 
Part 3 Other instructions, such as hospice care, burial arrangements, etc.: 

(Attach additional pages if necessary) 
 
Part 4 Organ donation: Upon my death, I wish to make the following anatomical gift for purposes of 
transplantation, research, and/or education (mark one): 
 
 Any organ/tissue  My entire body  Only the following organs/tissues: 
 
 No organ/tissue donation 

SIGNATURE 
 
Part 5 Your signature must either be witnessed by two competent adults (“Block A”) or by a notary public 
(“Block B”). 
 
Signature: _______________________________________ Date: ____________________ 
 (Patient) 
 
Block A Neither witness may be the person you appointed as your agent or alternate, and at least one of 
the witnesses must be someone who is not related to you or entitled to any part of your estate. 
 
Witnesses: 
 
1. I am a competent adult who is not named as the 
agent or alternate. I witnessed the patient ’s signature on 
this form. 
 
Signature of witness number 1 
 
2. I am a competent adult who is not named as the 
agent or alternate. I am not related to the patient by blood, 
marriage, or adoption and I would not be entitled to any 
portion of the patient ’s estate upon his or her death under 
any existing will or codicil or by operation of law. I 
witnessed the patient’s signature on this form. 
 
Signature of witness number 2 
 
STANDARDS FOR HOME CARE ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDING HOME CHAPTER 0720-27 
HEALTH SERVICES 
 
(Rule 0720-27-.15, continued) 
March, 2026 (Revised) 36 
Block B You may choose to have your signature witnessed by a notary public instead of the witnesses 
described in Block A. 
 
STATE OF TENNESSEE 
COUNTY OF 
 
I am a Notary Public in and for the State and County named above. The person who signed this 
instrument is personally known to me (or proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence) to be the 
person who signed as the “patient.” The patient personally appeared before me and signed above or 
acknowledged the signature above as his or her own. I declare under penalty of perjury that the patient 
appears to be of sound mind and under no duress, fraud, or undue influence. 

My commission expires: 
 Signature of Notary Public 

WHAT TO DO WITH THIS ADVANCE DIRECTIVE : (1) provide a copy to your physician(s); (2) keep a 
copy in your personal files where it is accessible to others; (3) tell your closest relatives and friends what 
is in the document; and (4) provide a copy to the person(s) you named as your health care agent. 
 
* This form replaces the old forms for durable power of attorney for health care, living will, appointment of 
agent, and advance care plan, and eliminates the need for any of those documents. 
 
Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-5-202, 4- 5-204, 68- 11-202, 68- 11-204, 68- 11-209, 68- 11-224, and 68- 11-1805. 
Administrative History: Original rule filed February 16, 2007; effective May 2, 2007. Repeal and new 
rule filed August 28, 2012; effective November 26, 2012. Amendment filed March 27, 2015; effective June 
25, 2015. Amendments filed February 8, 2017; effective May 9, 2017. Transferred from chapter 1200- 08-
26 pursuant to Public Chapter 1119 of 2022 effective July 1, 2022.