Knoxville Senior AdvisorWho licenses assisted living in Tennessee?
The Tennessee Health Facilities Commission licenses assisted-care living facilities under rule chapter 0720-26, along with homes for the aged (0720-21) and nursing homes (0720-18).
How often are Tennessee ACLFs inspected?
The rule requires an unannounced inspection within 15 months of the previous one, and more often when needed to protect residents.
Does Tennessee require a staff ratio in assisted living?
No numeric ratio applies to the general building; the rule requires an awake responsible attendant at all times and enough staff to meet residents' needs, and secured units must have an awake attendant on the unit 24/7.
Can someone at nursing-home level of care stay in a Tennessee ACLF?
Yes, if the treating physician certifies in writing that the person's needs can be met safely and the facility can assure a timely evacuation.
What is the 13-minute rule?
A Tennessee ACLF may not keep a resident who cannot be evacuated within 13 minutes unless the building meets the stricter institutional occupancy codes.
Where do we file a complaint about a facility?
Call the Health Facilities Commission's complaint intake line at 1-877-287-0010 or use HFC's online Public Records and Complaints portal.
Who investigates elder abuse in Tennessee?
Adult Protective Services, part of the Tennessee Department of Human Services, at 1-888-277-8366, 24 hours a day.
Who is the long-term care ombudsman for Knoxville?
The East Tennessee District Long-Term Care Ombudsman at ETHRA, 865-691-2551 ext. 4223, serving Knox and 15 other East Tennessee counties.
What must an ACLF disclose before admission in Tennessee?
It must disclose in writing whether it carries liability insurance and with which carrier, its medication disposal policy, a statement of fees and services and a copy of residents' rights, and it must give 30 days' notice before fees change.
Can a Tennessee ACLF keep a resident who needs IV therapy?
It cannot admit someone who needs IV therapy, tube feeding or suctioning, but it can keep a current resident who needs them intermittently for up to three 21-day periods, or on an ongoing basis under hospice or a board waiver.
Who can be an ACLF administrator in Tennessee?
An administrator certified by the state board, or a Tennessee-licensed nursing home administrator, who is at least 21, has a high school diploma or GED, passes a criminal background check, has no conviction for abusing a vulnerable adult, and completes 24 classroom hours of continuing education every two years.
Side by side
| These answers are | These answers are not | |
|---|---|---|
| Basis | Tennessee rules and published data, cited on our guide pages | Legal, tax or medical advice |
| Scope | General answers for the seven-county Knoxville area | A decision about your parent's case |
| Freshness | Checked October 2026 | Guaranteed after rules or rates change |
