Section 68-140-305 - Powers and duties of commissionerIn addition to any power, duty, or responsibility given the commissioner or the department under this part, the commissioner has and shall exercise the following powers, duties and responsibilities set forth in this section. These powers and duties may be delegated in whole or part, in writing, to any official of the department, to:
(1) Exercise general supervision, coordination and control over the quality of the state emergency medical services program, and administer and enforce all statutes and regulations, relating to emergency medical services, vehicles and personnel. The commissioner shall designate an emergency medical services director to develop and administer the state emergency medical services program;(2) Initiate enforcement and disciplinary actions before the board and as otherwise provided in this part;(3) Issue such licenses, permits, and certificates for services, vehicles, and personnel in accordance with the regulations promulgated by the board and condition such issuances as may be necessary;(4) Conduct examinations for emergency medical services personnel pursuant to the requirements of the board;(5) Make inspections or investigations of any person providing emergency medical services, which may include personnel, vehicles, facilities, communications, equipment, methods, procedures, materials, records, documents and all other matters and things used in the provision of such services. Inspections shall be conducted annually, upon a complaint, or upon reasonable belief that a violation of this part has occurred;(6) Enter into agreements with emergency medical services program agencies in other states to assure effective delivery of emergency medical services, to the extent permitted or in the manner required by law;(7) Coordinate statewide development and operation of emergency medical services telecommunications systems;(8) Collect fees pursuant to this part and the rules established by the board;(9) Require the submission of such plans, specifications and other information as deemed necessary to carry out this part;(10) Apply for, accept, administer, contract and utilize grants from the federal and state governments, and from any other source, public or private, for the operation and improvement of emergency medical services within the state; and(11) Assess civil penalties as provided in this part.Acts 1983, ch. 440, § 7; T.C.A., §§ 68-39-505, 68-140-505.