TN.gov Newsroom

Residents Should Request Federal or State Government ID

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Health has received information that individuals not associated with or employed by the department may be impersonating state health workers in Roane County. If a person approaches you or visits your home or business with health-related information, he or she should present state or federal identification that confirms the person’s place of employment. All others are not involved or affiliated with the Department of Health’s activities and response to the coal ash spill in Roane County.

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

Birth Rates Also Rise Again for Tennessee

NASHVILLE - Tennessee’s new parents in 2008 have voted, and results are in for the top choices for baby names. The list of most popular names for Tennessee babies born in 2008 includes some newcomers breaking into the top ten, and shows some formerly popular names falling out of favor.

Violators Subject to Disciplinary Action, Monetary Penalties

NASHVILLE – Last week, the Tennessee Board of Dentistry unanimously approved a policy to clarify the current rule governing clinical techniques for teeth whitening. The Board’s interpretation of the statutes and rules limits the prescribing and dispensing of teeth whitening gels or pastes to licensed dentists, or licensed dental hygienists and registered dental assistants under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist.

Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine Offers Support to Smokers Who Want to Quit

NASHVILLE - New Year's Day is the most popular day each year for deciding to adopt healthier habits, including quitting smoking. While quitting can be difficult, it can be done, and is easier to accomplish with professional support. Tennesseans have a much greater chance of quitting for good and achieving their New Year's resolution with help from the Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine, 1-800-QUIT-NOW, a free cessation coaching service available to all adult state residents.

NASHVILLE - Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN, has suspended new admissions of residents to River Park Health Care effective December 19, 2008, and imposed a state civil monetary penalty of $6,000. The federal civil penalty has been imposed at $6,250 a day. Additionally, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has informed the facility of its plans to terminate the facility’s Medicare provider agreement effective December 28, 2008.

NASHVILLE – Trudy Stein-Hart has been named 2008 Rural Health Worker of the Year by the Rural Health Association of Tennessee. Stein-Hart works for the Department of Health and serves as director of the Tennessee Comprehensive Cancer Control Program. The award was announced in late November during the association’s 14th annual conference, and honors an individual who has made an outstanding contribution of major significance to rural health.

National Handwashing Awareness Week is December 7-13

NASHVILLE - Washing your hands is not only a good hygiene practice, but is also an important way to protect yourself from disease. That’s the message of National Handwashing Awareness Week, observed December 7 through 13. The theme this year is "Spread the Word, Not the Germs!" The Tennessee Department of Health urges Tennesseans to join this effort to reduce the spread of infectious diseases.