- (1) DCS public records shall, at all times during normal and customary business hours designated by DCS, be open for personal inspection by any citizen of this state, and those in charge of the records shall not refuse such right of inspection to any citizen, unless refusal is provided for by state or federal law.
- (2) DCS staff shall timely and efficiently provide access and assistance to persons requesting to view or receive copies of public records. No provisions of these rules shall be used to hinder access to open public records. The integrity and organization of public records, as well as the efficient and safe operation of DCS, and those it supports, shall be protected as provided by law.
- (3) All public records requests shall be managed by DCS’s Office of General Counsel and handled in accordance with applicable federal and state confidentiality laws.
Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-5-201, et seq., 10-7-503, 10-7-506, and 37-5-112; Tennessean v. Electric Power Board of Nashville, 979 S.W.2d 297 (Tenn. 1998); Wells v. Wharton, 2005 Tenn. App. Lexis 762; and Op. Tenn. Atty. Gen. 01-021 (Feb. 8, 2001). Administrative History: Original rule filed September 19, 2006; effective December 3, 2006. Amendments filed May 27, 2025; effective August 25, 2025.