Pain Management Clinic Regulatory Changes in Tennessee

During the recent 2015 legislative session, changes were made in the regulation of pain management clinics in Tennessee. Here is a brief synopsis so that you and your community may better understand the new requirements.
  • Certificate owner of a pain management clinic must be awarded to an owner of the clinic that is also a licensed medical doctor, licensed osteopathic physician, licensed advanced practice nurse, or a licensed physician assistant who practices in TN with an unrestricted, unencumbered license.  Effective July 1, 2015 -  Prior to this ANYONE could own a pain management clinic and be the certificate holder.
  • Application for certificate must show proof that the clinic has a medical director who:

    1. Has a sub-specialty certification in pain medicine as accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME through the ABMS or the AOA (American Osteopathic Association), or is eligible to sit for the board examination offered by ABMS or AOA, and maintains the minimum number of continuing medical education (CME) hours in pain management to satisfy retention of ABMS or AOA certification;

    2. Meets the requirement of the ABPM (American Board of Pain Management) and is qualified to take the ABPM examination by July 1, 2016, when diplomate status is required and maintains the required number of continuing medical education as required by ABPM;

    3. Is Board certified by the American Board of Interventional Pain Physicians (ABIPP) by passing exam 1 and maintaining the minimum number of CME hours in pain management to satisfy retention of ABIPP diplomate status; or

    4. Has an active pain management practice in a clinic accredited in outpatient interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation by the commission on accreditation of rehabilitation facilities or any successor organization by July 1, 2016.
  • Adds a requirement that, by January 1, 2017, the commissioner of health develop recommended pain clinic standards for the operation of a pain management clinic that can be used by certified pain clinics in this state as a guide for operating a pain clinic.  
                  from: 

Count It, Lock It, Drop It


Do You:
  • Lock up you prescription or over-the-counter medications?
  • Count your prescription or over-the-counter medications?
  • Have children/teenagers living in or visiting your home?
  • Have visitors in your home?
  • Had medications taken without your permission?
If you said no to any of the above questions, go to www.CountItLockItDropIt.org for more information.