1. (1) The Tier 1 Home for the Aged must maintain written policies and procedures in a manual. The manual must include the following:

   1. (a) Procedures for infection control, including as provided in subsections (1) and (2) and as required by federal law:

      1. 1. Employees shall be screened or tested for tuberculosis according to the procedures of the Tennessee Department of Health. Documentation of such screening or testing shall be maintained in the employee’s personnel file.
      2. 2. No employee who has a reportable communicable disease is permitted to reside or work in a Home for the Aged unless the Home for the Aged has a written protocol approved by the Department of Disability and Aging.

   2. (b) Requirements for ensuring safety in the event of fire as referenced in Chapter 0465-02-

      1. 04. These policies and procedures minimally must ensure: FOR THE AGED
      2. 1. Fire safety features of smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and two (2) alternate means of escape from sleeping rooms in the home; and
      3. 2. Training for all staff in developing and implementing evacuation procedures within the home.
   3. (c) Policies and procedures establishing minimum requirements as referenced in Rules 0465-02-05-.02 and 0465-02-05-.03.
   4. (d) Information for the resident related to his/her rights and how to register grievances and complaints.
   5. (e) A written statement of policies and procedures outlining the responsibilities of the licensee to the resident and any obligation of the resident to the facility.
   6. (f) A written statement prohibiting an owner, responsible attendant, employee or representative thereof to act as a court-appointed guardian, trustee, or conservator for any resident of the home or any of such resident’s property or funds.
   7. (g) A policy that the licensee cooperate in the department’s inspections, including allowing entry at any hour and providing all required records.
   8. (h) A policy prohibiting retaliation against or, in any manner, discrimination against any person because of a complaint made to the department, Adult Protective Services, the Comptroller of the State Treasury, the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, or any other local, state, or federal government entity. A home 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.
   9. (i) A policy requiring the licensee comply with all local laws, rules or ordinances, and with this chapter and all other applicable Office of Licensure chapters.

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-4-103, 52-1-104, 52-1-105, 52-1-107, 52-2-301, 52-2-302, 52-2-403, 52-2-404, 52- 2-406, 52-2-407, and 68-11-201. Administrative History: Emergency rules filed August 22, 2025; effective through February 18, 2026. New rules filed November 18, 2025; effective February 16, 2026.