Tennessee § 68-5-104 - Quarantine — Penalty for escape.

Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 68-5-104 — Quarantine — Penalty for escape., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 68-5-104. Quarantine — Penalty for escape.

It is the duty of the local health authorities, on receipt of a report of a case, or suspected case, of disease declared to be communicable, contagious, or one which has been declared by the commissioner of health to be subject to isolation or quarantine, to confirm or establish the diagnosis, to determine the source or cause of the disease and to take such steps as may be necessary to isolate or quarantine the case or premise upon which the case, cause or source may be found, as may be required by the rules and regulations of the state department of health. The commissioner is authorized and directed to promulgate and publish such rules and regulations as may be necessary to prevent the spread of contagious or communicable diseases in order to protect the public health and welfare. Any person isolated or quarantined in accordance with any statute or rule or regulation promulgated and published in accordance with statutes relating to isolation or quarantine, who willfully escapes from such isolation or quarantine, commits a Class B misdemeanor. Whenever any one of the local health authorities, either municipal or county as the case may be, isolates, quarantines or placards any person or house for communicable diseases, it is the duty of the health official to deliver or cause to be delivered to the head of the household a copy of this law or such portion of this law as may pertain to the particular case under consideration. Acts 1905, ch. 519, §§ 3, 12; Shan., §§ 3114a1, 3114a2, 3114a11; Code 1932, §§ 5792, 5793, 5802; Acts 1957, ch. 14, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 53-607, 53-608, 53-617; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 112. Cross-References. Isolation or quarantine of persons infected with sexually transmitted diseases, § 68-10-106 . Penalty for Class B misdemeanor, § 40-35-111 . Quarantine, §§ 68-1-201 — 68-1-203 . Quarantine of HIV, § 39-13-108 . Quarantine, tuberculosis, title 68, ch. 9, part 2.

Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 68-5-104

What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 68-5-104 cover?

Section 68-5-104 ("Quarantine — Penalty for escape.") is part of the Tennessee Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Tennessee. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Tennessee § 68-5-104?

A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 68-5-104" (Tennessee). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Tennessee law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Tennessee official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.

How does Tennessee § 68-5-104 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Tennessee can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Tennessee.