Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
Standard serological test: means a test for syphilis infection or rubella immunity approved by the department and performed by an approved laboratory. See Tennessee Code 68-5-601
Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
(b) A detailed report of the standard serological test and showing the result of the test shall be transmitted by the laboratory to the health care provider. A copy of the laboratory specimen slip shall be concurrently submitted to the local health department having jurisdiction under the following conditions, when the local health department is not the originating health care provider:
(1) A serologic test for syphilis with a result of reactive; however, a serologic test for syphilis with a result of negative need not be sent to the local health department, unless specifically requested; and(2) A serologic test for rubella with a result of negative; however, a serologic test for rubella with a result of positive need not be sent to the local health department, unless specifically requested.(c) The copy submitted to the local health department shall be held in absolute confidence and not open to public inspection; provided, that it shall be produced as evidence at a trial or proceeding in a court of competent jurisdiction, involving issues in which it may be material and relevant, on order of a judge of the court; and provided further, that it may be used in the compilation of aggregate figures and reports, without disclosing the identities of the persons involved.(d) The physician of any patient who is susceptible to rubella, as indicated by a negative result on a serological test, should counsel the patient about the test results, precautions to take, and recommend immunization after delivery.
