Department of Health Names Christy A. Allen Assistant Commissioner

Christy A. Allen is the new assistant commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Health’s Bureau of Health Licensure and Regulation, Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN, announced today. In this role, Allen will oversee a staff of approximately 500 in the Divisions of Health Related Boards, Health Care Facilities and Emergency Medical Services. 

“Christy is an excellent choice for this important position and will be a great asset to the Department. I am extremely fortunate that she will continue her stellar service to the State in leadership of the Bureau of Health Licensure and Regulation,” said Commissioner Cooper. “She will fill a vital role, and has the experience and knowledge needed to meet the scope and complexity of this position.”  

Prior to joining the Department of Health, Allen served as a legal services director and Deputy General Counsel with the Department of Commerce and Insurance, where she advised senior department officials on legal, policy and legislative matters. She was supervising attorney for the Division of Regulatory Boards and the Division of Fire Prevention legal section. Her responsibilities included litigating professional disciplinary cases before boards, commissions and administrative judges. She also had oversight of personnel and contract matters for the department. 

“I look forward to contributing to the momentum Commissioner Cooper has set in motion since her appointment,” said Allen. “With this job comes great responsibility not only to the employees of the bureau and the numerous individuals and health care organizations licensed by the Department, but most importantly to the citizens of Tennessee. I appreciate the opportunity to serve in this capacity.”  

Allen’s previous professional experience also includes serving as staff attorney before numerous boards and commissions including the Boards of Architectural and Engineering Examiners, Licensing Contractors, and Accountancy, and the Motor Vehicle Commission. She has worked in the legal office of the Department of Commerce and Insurance since October 1994. Prior to joining State government, Allen was an associate attorney for the Michael J. Curtis Law Office in Ashland, Ky.

Allen received a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from the George C. Taylor School of Law at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bryn Mawr College. She has been licensed to practice law in Tennessee since 1993. 

The Department of Health’s Bureau of Health Licensure and Regulation is responsible for licensing and certifying health care professionals for 22 health related boards for the State of Tennessee. This division also investigates complaints pertaining to health care professionals and works closely with the Office of General Counsel to present cases before the various boards. The Health Care Facilities Division licenses and regulates health care facilities to ensure compliance with state minimum standards, federal standards of care, and conditions of participation for Medicaid and Medicare programs through facility surveys and incident investigations. The Emergency Medical Services Division provides quality assurance and oversight for pre-hospital emergency medical care and medical transportation systems in the state.

To learn more about the Department of Health, log on to http://state.tn.us/health/.