1. (1) When used in these rules and in the Uniform Debt-Management Services Act, unless the context otherwise requires:

   1. (a) “Act” shall mean the Uniform Debt-Management Services Act as set forth in T.C.A. §§ 47-18-5501, et seq.
   2. (b) “Branch office” means any office of a provider within this state other than its principal place of business within this state.
   3. (c) “Commissioner” shall mean the commissioner of the Department of Commerce and Insurance.
   4. (d) “Assistant Commissioner” shall mean the assistant commissioner of the Division of Regulatory Boards of the Department of Commerce and Insurance of the State of Tennessee.
   5. (e) “Division” shall mean the assistant commissioner, executive director, staff, employees, and agents of the Division of Regulatory Boards of the Department of Commerce and Insurance of the State of Tennessee or such other agency as shall administer the Act.
   6. (f) “UAPA” shall mean the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act as set forth in T.C.A. §§ 4-5-101, et seq., and any rules promulgated pursuant thereto to the extent such rules are not inconsistent with the Act or these rules.
2. (2) Unless the context otherwise requires or a rule expressly provides otherwise, terms defined in the Act shall have the same meaning when used in these rules.

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 47-18-5502 and 47-18-5532. Administrative History: Original rule filed October 28, 2016; effective January 26, 2017. Rule renumbered from 0780-08-01. Amendments filed March 17, 2026; effective June 15, 2026.