Tenn. Code Ann. §63-1-117 - Conditions for Making Medical Records Available for Inspection and Copying

Health care providers are required to make medical records available to the Department of Health for inspection and copying based on the following:

1. Upon written authorization for release of the patient or patient’s representative;
2. Upon written request by the Department’s investigators or inspectors.

Any provider who gives the Department access to patient records based on this law cannot be held liable by a patient for damages for providing the information.  A health care provider who willfully disregards a request for medical records may be subject to discipline by the regulating licensing board. 

If disciplinary actions are filed against a provider, the following information must not be included in the public record:

1. The allegations against the health care provider;
2. Identifying information about the person making the complaint;
3. Patient’s identifying information;
4. Patient’s medical record.