1. (1) The Department will investigate reports or suspicion of abuse, dereliction, or deficiency in the operation of a licensed service or facility in accordance with T.C.A. § 33-2-416.
2. (2) The licensee shall post a sign in the facility or service displaying the Department’s regional toll-free telephone number which informs persons supported, families, and the public that they may file a complaint with the Department. Any exemptions to posting signs will be determined by the Department.
3. (3) The licensee must report to the Department any serious allegations or suspicion of abuse, dereliction, or deficiency in the operation of the facility or service.
4. (4) The licensee must report to the Department any significant occurrences involving the facility/service or person supported and staff. “Significant occurrences” may include, but is not be limited to, occurrences such as accidents, injuries, or death regarding the person supported; fires, loss of heat/air conditioning, and/or other structural problems with the building(s).

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-4-103, 4-5-202, 33-1-201, 33-1-302, 33-1-303, 33-1-305, 33-1-309, 33-2-301, 33- 2-302, 33-2-404, 33-2-407. Administrative History: New rules filed July 6, 2016; effective October 4, 2016.