Section 63-1-162 - Section definitions - Public safety continuing education course - Course requirements(a) As used in this section:(1) "Board" means the board of medical examiners created pursuant to chapter 6 of this title;(2) "Continuing education" means the healthcare professional's licensing board required continued postgraduate education intended to provide healthcare professionals with knowledge of new developments or reinforcement of previously learned information in the healthcare professional's field;(3) "Department" means the department of health; and(4) "Healthcare professional" means a person licensed to practice a healing art in this state pursuant to this title.(b) The department shall collaborate with a Tennessee organization approved by the board that is accredited as a sponsor of continuing medical education to create a continuing education program for the purpose of providing healthcare professionals with information or training relative to public safety that includes, but is not limited to: (1) Identifying and reporting individuals who may need emergent or non-emergent treatment related to their mental health;(2) The emergency and non-emergency involuntary admission process, including the duty or authority established under title 33 to involuntarily detain, evaluate, or admit an individual to an inpatient treatment facility;(3) Safety in healthcare settings, including how to protect staff and patients from threats, including threats of mass violence and an active shooter; and(4) Maintaining HIPAA compliance while completing any necessary communication, writing, or reporting during the emergency and non-emergency involuntary admission process.(c) The program must be approved by the board prior to implementation.(d) The program must be accessible to all healthcare professionals online.(e) The program must be a minimum of two (2) hours of continuing education credit, and the healthcare professional licensing boards under this title shall count the program toward the boards' continuing education requirements.(f) The department shall make the program available on the board's website within six (6) months of board approval as required by subsection (c).(g) The department, upon approval by the board, may periodically update any curriculum developed pursuant to this section to account for new research and information.Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 749,s 1, eff. 4/22/2024.