TennesseeSelected Statutes and RegulationsAffecting Patient Confidentiality

[Note:  This information is provided for training purposes
and is not a substitute for knowing all of the ethical standards
and current laws regulating the practice of one’s profession.] 

A. LEGAL PROTECTIONS OF CONFIDENTIALITY

I.  Nondisclosure Laws – (Prohibiting Disclosure Without Patient Consent)
Statutory Law:
Mental Health Records are Confidential – § 33-3-103
Substance Abuse Records are Confidential & Privileged – § 33-10-408
Regulatory Law:
Patient’s Right to Confidentiality – TN. Comp. Rules & Regs. 0460-01-.16
Must Disclose Minimum Necessary Information – (See Tenn HIPAA Implementation )
Licensing Board Regulations
Psychology Board of Examiners – “Professional Ethics” – 1180-1-.09
Social Work Licensure & Certification – “Standards of Conduct” – 1365-01-.10
Professional Counselors – “Professional Ethics” – 0450-01-.13
Marital and Family Therapists – “Professional Ethics” – 0450-02-.13
Clinical Pastoral Therapists – “Professional Ethics” – 0450-03-.13

II. Therapist-Patient Privilege Statutes (Protecting Confidentiality in Court)
Professional Counselor/MFT/CPT–Client Privilege – § 63-22-114
Psychiatrist-Patient Privilege – § 24-1-207
Psychologist/Psychological Examiner-Client Privilege – § 63-11-213
Social Worker-Client Privilege – § 63-23-109

B. POTENTIAL LEGAL LIMITATIONS OF CONFIDENTIALITY

I.  Laws Requiring Providers To Initiate Disclosure of Confidential Information
[ Duty to Protect, Warn or Take Precautions Third Parties… § 33-3-206 – 33-3-208 ]
Reports Mandated by Statute:
Abuse/Neglect of Aged or Incapacitated Adult… § 71-6-103
Abuse/Neglect of Child… § 37-1-403
Other ?????

II. Exceptions to Therapist-Patient Privilege (Potential Subpoenas & Court Orders)
Child sexual abuse cases. . .§ 37-1-614
Civil Commitment Proceedings; Court Orders . . .§ 33-3-114

III.  Laws Granting Others Access to Records/Information Without Patient Consent
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Lay Volunteers??????
Interagency Exchange of Information if Required, etc ??????
Parent Access to Treatment Records of Minor Child  ?????
Involuntary Commitment:  Records Avao;ab;e to CSB, Magistrate, Others..§????????
Other?????

IV.  Laws Allowing Others to Re-Disclose Information Without Patient Consent
Court-Ordered Testimony by CASA Volunteer Who Has Obtained Treatment Info/Records
Testimony by CSB Evaluator in Involuntary Commitment Hearing..§ ??????
Third Party Payer Potential Re-disclosure of Information Providers Submit…§ ??????
Disclosure by State Inpatient Facilities to CSBs For Discharge Planning…§ ??????
Disclosure Among State Agencies § ??????
Other?????

C.  LEGAL REQUIREMENTS RE:
INFORMING PROSPECTIVE CLIENTS/PATIENTS
ABOUT LIMITS OF CONFIDENTIALITY

Psychology Board of Examiners – “Professional Ethics” [via APA Ethics Code] – 1180-1-.09
Social Workers Required to Inform – 1365-01-.10, 3(e) [+ NASW Ethics Code]
Professional Counselors – “Professional Ethics” – [via ACA Ethics Code] 0450-01-.13
Marital and Family Therapists – “Professional Ethics” – [ via AAMFT Ethics Code] 0450-02-.13
Clinical Pastoral Therapists – “Professional Ethics” – [via AAPC Ethics Code]  0450-03-.13

D.  LEGAL REQUIREMENTS RELEVANT TO
TRAINING SUPERVISEES ABOUT CONFIDENTIALITY

Clinical Pastoral Therapists and their Supervisees- 0450-03-.13 ( 1)
Marital & Family Therapists and their Supervisees- 0450-02-.13 ( 1)

[Note:  This information is provided for training purposes
and is not a substitute for knowing all of the ethical standards
and current laws regulating the practice of one’s profession.]