Hospitals and Health Care Facilities - As enacted, defines a home for the aged that houses three or fewer nonrelated persons as a tier 1 home for the aged that is subject to licensure and regulation by the department of intellectual and developmental disabilities; defines a home for the aged that houses four or more nonrelated persons as a tier 2 home for the aged that is subject to licensure and regulation by the health facilities commission; makes other related changes to the meaning of a home for the aged. - Amends TCA Title 68.

This law clarifies how Tennessee regulates small homes for the aged by dividing them into two categories based on the number of unrelated residents they house. Homes with three or fewer residents are now classified as tier 1 and are licensed and regulated by the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, while homes with four or more residents are classified as tier 2 and fall under the authority of the Health Facilities Commission. The legislation also updates rules regarding medication administration, allowing unlicensed staff to administer drugs in tier 1 homes but requiring a licensed medical professional in tier 2 homes. Additionally, tier 2 homes must meet specific fire safety standards set by the commission, which includes input from certified fire safety experts and local zoning approvals.