§ 52-3-201 — Counselor - Liability for suicide

(a) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Counseling center" means any nonprofit service operated at least partially with volunteer assistance that provides counseling, assistance, or guidance, either in person or by telephone, to persons with mental illness or serious emotional disturbance; and (2) "Counselor" means any psychiatrist, psychologist, licensed psychologist with health service provider designation, certified or licensed marital and family therapist, certified or licensed professional counselor, certified or licensed social worker, or other professional trained in the field of psychiatry or psychology, or any nonprofessional person acting under the guidance or supervision of the professionals described in this subdivision (a)(2). (b) A counselor, while acting within the scope of responsibilities assigned by a counseling center, is not liable civilly or criminally for the suicide or attempted suicide of any person consulting with the counselor.

Legislative History

Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 688,s 2, eff. 7/1/2024.