Frequently Asked Questions Regarding COVID-19
Is the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) operating during the COVID-19 pandemic?
All TDCI Divisions are open and fully operational Monday through Friday during regular business hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CDT). In the best interest of public health, our team is working remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic.
How do I contact a member of the TDCI staff?
TDCI can be reached by phone at (615) 741-2242 and by email at Ask.TDCI@TN.Gov. Additionally, all TDCI staff members can be contacted directly either by using the State Phone Directory (which can be found here) or via email.
Should I visit the Davy Crockett Tower to renew my license or attend a meeting during the COVID-19 pandemic?
For your safety, we ask Tennesseans to please follow social distancing protocols and refrain from unscheduled in-person visits to our offices. Please work directly with agency staff via telephone or email on matters requiring staff attention. We urge all Tennesseans to follow Governor Bill Lee’s Executive Orders including staying at home when sick to help stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus and save lives.
Can I make an Open Records Request during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Yes. Requestors should complete and submit an automated Open Records Request form to TDCI staff. The form is available here.
Where can I find the latest information from TDCI pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic?
TDCI’s Divisions share information about the COVID-19 pandemic in our newsroom and our COVID-19 webpage. Additionally, we are engaging our licensees, stakeholders, and consumers regularly with emails, blogs, graphics and videos that can be found on our website and posted to our social media channels.
Insurance
Will my insurance carrier cover the cost of testing for the COVID-19 virus?
Yes. At TDCI’s request, all licensed health insurance carriers in Tennessee have agreed to waive the costs (copays and deductibles) of all testing for the COVID-19 virus. Additionally, several carriers have waived copays and cost-sharing for treatment of COVID-19 as well. Carriers have agreed to ensure that telehealth visits will be covered for medically appropriate services to limit the further spread of COVID-19. To learn more, read our guidance here.
What steps has TDCI taken to help consumers maintain insurance coverage during the pandemic?
TDCI has urged insurance carriers to maintain existing insurance coverage for consumers during the pandemic. A copy of our guidance can be found here.
What information is available to consumers about business interruption insurance coverage?
In order to assist stakeholders, TDCI has created a separate FAQ devoted to questions about business interruption insurance that can be accessed on our website.
Are auto insurance carriers offering refunds to customers?
Yes. In most cases, auto insurance carriers are returning a percentage of auto premium payments to Tennessee customers. To find out if your carrier is offering refund payments, consumers should contact their carrier or their licensed insurance professional directly.
When can I take my insurance producer examination?
Pearson Vue reopened regular testing locations in Tennessee on May 1 for individuals to take their insurance producer exams. Additional locations will be added to better serve our community. Find a testing center at https://pearsonvue.com
What is TDCI doing to ensure restaurant delivery drivers have auto insurance coverage during the pandemic?
Many restaurants are utilizing to-go and delivery orders during the COVID-19 pandemic and, as such, restaurant workers may deliver food. However, some drivers may not be covered under a restaurant’s commercial automobile policy. TDCI has requested that licensed property and casualty insurance carriers work with restaurants and employees to add delivery coverage to a restaurant’s commercial policies or employees’ personal auto policies for those employees engaged in delivering food on behalf of a restaurant. TDCI will approve riders or endorsements based on this request within one business day. Additional details about our guidance can be found here.
Where can members of the Tennessee captive insurance industry get guidance and important information related to the COVID-19 pandemic?
TDCI’s Captive Insurance Section has prepared COVID-19 Guidance for the captive insurance industry.
What should I do if I discover "balance billing” related to treatment for the COVID-19 virus?
If Tennesseans who received treatment for COVID-19 discover an instance of ‘balance billing’ related to their treatment from their healthcare provider, they should immediately contact our department and file a complaint. To learn more about balance billing visit us here.
Division of Fire Prevention/State Fire Marshal’s Office
Should fire protection and life safety systems be maintained in all commercial and multi-occupancy residential buildings during the pandemic?
How can licensees or permit holders get more information about renewals?
Please contact the SFMO Licensing Section at 615-741-7170 or by email at SFMO.permits-licensing@tn.gov.
Is the Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy (TFACA) providing firefighter training during the pandemic?
The Tennessee Fire and Codes Academy is conducting training and our campus is currently open. Students wishing to attend courses on campus are required to provide documentation of a negative test for COVID. A COVID test should be administered no more than 14 days prior to the start date of training. Students are screened each day with CDC approved questions including temperature checks. Social distancing is in place in buildings and masks are required in classroom settings and where social distancing cannot be maintained.
Why is the prevention of home fires critical during the COVID-19 pandemic?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, an emergency such as a home fire could endanger lives and further strain healthcare and emergency resources. To help save lives and aid first responders, we have asked Tennessee residents to renew their commitment to practicing good fire safety habits to reduce the risk of starting a home fire.
Division of Regulatory Boards
How can licensees learn more information related to the COVID-19 pandemic and their businesses during this period?
Our Division of Regulatory Boards are in the process of emailing all licensees with the most recent available guidance and information pertaining to their professions and the COVID-19 pandemic.
I operate a close contact business such as a hair/nail salon or barbershop that is regulated by TDCI. Where can I get information about safely reopening?
Information about close contact business licensees can be found here.
I am a licensed funeral and cemetery professional. Where can I get information about safely reopening?
Information for licensed funeral and cemetery professionals can be found here.
Will my license be suspended during the pandemic because I am unable to complete required continuing education training during this period?
No. On March 19, 2020, Governor Lee signed Executive Order No. 15 which provides the TDCI Commissioner the discretion to reasonably extend deadlines for obtaining required education and continuing education to boards, commissions, and administratively attached agencies. Effective until May 18, 2020 or until further such notice, no license will be suspended for failure to complete continuing education requirements.
Are meetings of TDCI’s boards and commissions still being conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Meetings of TDCI’s boards and commissions are being conducted remotely via WebEx. To see a list of upcoming scheduled meetings, visit TDCI’s calendar. Videos of the meetings are available on our YouTube Channel following the meeting.
Who can I contact with questions related to my license and the pandemic?
While our team is working remotely, we are available to answer questions and provide information to stakeholders upon request during office hours. Licensees may contact our Customer Service Center with their questions at (615) 741-2241 or by email at reg.boards@tn.gov.
Contractors & Home Improvement
I am a professional licensed throughout the Board for Licensing Contractors. Where can I get more information about meetings, submitting exam scores and other information?
Information for licensed contractors can be found here.
Securities
Should I invest money with someone who approaches me about making investments related to the COVID-19 pandemic?
Use caution! Bad actors can be expected to develop schemes that capitalize on investors’ worries related to the pandemic. Investors should steer clear of any investments sounding too good to be true, such as guarantees of high returns with no risk, and vet their investment professional about their licenses and registrations. Remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. To protect consumers, we have shared information related to learning the red flags of scams and swindles that may arise from the pandemic and from Economic Impact Payments.
Where can I get more information about someone who approaches me about an investment opportunity during the pandemic?
Before you invest, research the background and experience of financial brokers, advisers, and firms at https://brokercheck.finra.org/. Investors should also contact members of the Securities Division with questions about any investment opportunity or the person offering it for sale before investing in the product.
Who should I contact if I suspect I may have been the victim of fraud during the pandemic?
Consumers who suspect they might be a victim of securities or insurance fraud should contact the Tennessee Securities Division – Financial Services Investigations Unit at (615) 741-5900. To file a complaint online, visit us here.
Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy (TLETA)/Peace Officer Standards Training (POST) Commission
Are TLETA classes and POST meetings still being held during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Governor Lee approved the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy to begin training in very limited groups on May 18, 2020. From that point, class sizes increased incrementally until a full occupancy 135- person Basic Law Enforcement School began on July 5, 2020. Specialized schools will be announced on the TLETA website upon their finalized and confirmed schedule. The Basic Law Enforcement School beginning July 5, 2020 was comprised of those students who were accepted and enrolled in the class previously scheduled to begin on March 29, 2020. Students initially scheduled for the July basic class were rescheduled to attend the September 27, 2020 Basic Law Enforcement School.
Tennessee Emergency Communications Board
Should I call 9-1-1 if I suspect a member of my family or I have COVID-19?
No. 9-1-1 is for emergencies only.
Should I call 9-1-1 to find testing locations or to get tested for COVID-19?
No. 9-1-1 is for emergencies only.
When should I call 9-1-1 for COVID-19 related symptoms?
Do call 9-1-1 if you develop symptoms requiring emergency assistance such as:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion or difficulty waking up
- Bluish lips or face
Who should I call if I have symptoms of COVID-19 that are not severe?
Contact a local health provider for shortness of breath or other serious symptoms, particularly if you are an older adult or have serious underlying medical conditions such as asthma, high blood pressure, HIV, diabetes or other conditions.
Should I notify the 9-1-1 Call Taker if I believe I have been exposed to COVID-19?
Yes. Notify the 9-1-1 Call Taker if you or anyone in your residence has been exposed to COVID-19, has symptoms of COVID-19, or has tested positive or been diagnosed with COVID-19. The Call Taker may ask additional questions related to symptoms regardless of the reason you are calling. Please be patient and answer all questions.