Tennessee DPC Guide¶

Quick Summary: Tennessee has explicit DPC legislation (T.C.A. § 56-7-1801 et seq.) and permits physician medication dispensing. A growing DPC community and favorable regulatory environment make Tennessee a strong choice for DPC practice.

[!CAUTION] Verify Current Law: Always confirm current regulations with the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners and review Tennessee Code Title 56 for the most current statutory language.

At a Glance¶

DPC Law Status¶

Legislation¶

Statute: Tennessee Code Annotated § 56-7-1801 et seq.

Effective Date: 2015

Tennessee enacted comprehensive DPC legislation that clearly defines and protects the DPC model.

Key provisions: - DPC agreements explicitly exempted from insurance regulation - Clear definition of direct primary care services - Written agreement required with specific disclosures - Cannot guarantee specific health outcomes - Fee structure transparency required

What This Means¶

• DPC practices operate outside insurance regulatory framework
• Legal clarity for membership agreements
• Standard business regulations apply
• Consumer protection requirements included

Medication Dispensing¶

Regulatory Status¶

Tennessee allows physician dispensing without state registration.

Requirements¶

• DEA Registration: Required for controlled substances
• State Permit: Not required
• Controlled Substances: Permitted with DEA registration
• Labeling: Follow standard labeling requirements
• Record Keeping: Maintain dispensing records

Practical Implications¶

• No state paperwork for dispensing
• DEA registration is primary regulatory requirement
• Can dispense controlled substances with DEA compliance
• Focus on patient convenience and cost savings

Licensing and Registration¶

Medical License¶

Board: Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners

Website: tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/me-board.html

Requirements: - MD or DO degree from accredited school - Completion of accredited residency - Passing examination scores - Good standing in all jurisdictions

Business Registration¶

Entity Registration: Tennessee Secretary of State

Website: sos.tn.gov

Notes: - Register LLC, PLLC, PC, or corporation - Annual report required - Tennessee has no state income tax on wages

DEA Registration¶

Required for: Prescribing and dispensing controlled substances

Website: deadiversion.usdoj.gov

Medicare Considerations¶

Opt-Out Process¶

Tennessee follows the standard federal Medicare opt-out process.

MAC for Tennessee: Palmetto GBA (J10 jurisdiction)

See Medicare Opt-Out Guide for detailed process.

Key Resources¶

State Agencies¶

Professional Organizations¶

DPC Resources¶

• DPC Frontier Tennessee

State-Specific Considerations¶

No State Income Tax¶

Tennessee has no state income tax on wages and salaries, improving take-home income.

Urban Markets¶

• Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga have growing DPC presence
• Differentiation important in these markets
• Suburban areas may offer opportunity

Rural Opportunities¶

• Significant rural primary care shortage
• DPC can address access gaps
• Lower overhead in rural areas
• Telehealth particularly valuable

Healthcare Hub¶

• Nashville is a major healthcare industry hub
• Access to healthcare resources and networks
• Active healthcare business community

Checklist for Starting DPC in Tennessee¶

• Obtain or verify Tennessee medical license
• Register business entity with Secretary of State
• Obtain EIN from IRS
• Register with DEA (if prescribing controlled substances)
• Secure malpractice insurance
• Develop membership agreement with required disclosures
• File Medicare opt-out affidavit (if applicable)

Related Guides¶

• Medicare Opt-Out Guide
• Dispensing Medications
• State DPC Laws Overview

[!NOTE] This guide provides general information. Laws and regulations change. Verify current requirements with the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners.

Tennessee's DPC legislation, no income tax, and favorable dispensing rules make it an excellent state for DPC practice.