Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1200-07-01-.11 - Requirements for Disclosure of Vital Records

Vital records are public information and can be requested and verified upon request.  Tennessee regulations have created exceptions for the disclosure of information in the following circumstances:

1. Information that is labeled for “Medical and Health Use only” in the birth record or labeled “Confidential” in a marriage or divorce certificate;
2. Information regarding cause of death can only be provided to the deceased’s spouse, children, parents, next of kin, or authorized representative;
3. Sealed information in a birth certificate;
4. Information concerning a person in the federal witness protection program;
5. Identifying information for children who are adopted or legitimated.

Vital records are to be kept by the State or Local Registrar but are not available for hands-on inspection.  A search for records may be conducted only with sufficient information to be able to locate the record requested.  The State Registrar may allow data from vital records to be used for research purposes.  The Registrar may also disclose non-confidential data to respond to requests from local, state, or federal agencies.