68-1-1002 - Definitions. - Tennessee Statutes

68-1-1002. Definitions.

As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires:

     (1)  “Cancer” means and includes, but is not limited to:

          (A)  A large group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells;

          (B)  Any condition of tumors having the properties of anaplasia, invasion, and metastasis;

          (C)  A cellular tumor, the natural course of which is fatal;

          (D)  Malignant neoplasm; and

          (E)  In-situ cancer.

     (2)  “Commissioner” means the commissioner of health;

     (3)  “Department” means the department of health;

     (4)  “Facility” means a health care facility in which diagnosis or treatment services are provided to patients with cancer, including, but not limited to, an ambulatory surgical treatment center, a freestanding cancer treatment center, a radiation therapy center, a chemotherapy treatment center, a nursing home, an oncology or dermatology clinic, a laboratory, or any other facility that provides screening, detection, diagnostic or therapeutic services to patients with cancer;

     (5)  “Health care practitioner” means a physician, surgeon, or other health care professional licensed under title 63 who is engaged in diagnosing and treating patients who have cancer;

     (6)  “Hospital” means an institution as defined by § 68-11-201;

     (7)  “In-situ cancer” means an abnormality of development and organization of cells. It is a condition of early cancer, without the invasion of neighboring tissue;

     (8)  “Laboratory” means a facility where tests are performed identifying anatomical and cytological changes, and where specimens are interpreted and pathological diagnoses are made; and

     (9)  “Medical, scientific and academic research communities” means those institutions that devote a substantial part of their activity to research and that have internal procedures providing for the collection, study and protection of data.

[Acts 1983, ch. 124, § 3; 1985, ch. 85, § 1; 2000, ch. 775, §§ 2-6.]