TRA Establishes New 211 Guidelines

TRA ESTABLISHES NEW STATEWIDE 2-1-1 GUIDELINES

Nashville, Tennessee – The Tennessee Regulatory Authority (TRA) has approved the establishment of new guidelines for Tennessee’s 2-1-1 service. Abbreviated dialing codes, such as 2-1-1, are specifically dedicated three digit phone numbers established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and assigned by the TRA.

Tennessee 2-1-1 is a statewide community access phone number that residents can dial to get important information about an area’s community services. The services may include volunteer opportunities, protective services, legal services and utility information and much more.

The TRA’s new guidelines were established to provide statewide standards that govern 2-1-1 services in Tennessee. Among the standards proposed are those related to accreditation of 2-1-1 call takers, the handling of 2-1-1 calls, reporting requirements, and transfer or abandonment of 2-1-1 service.

"In view of the vast differences in the size, structure, and availability of resources among 2-1-1 providers, our aim in establishing these guidelines is to set a baseline of expectations for providers," said TRA Chairman Herb Hilliard. "Because of the differences among these providers, we hope they would work proactively towards achieving these standards in the future."

The new guidelines were unanimously approved by the Directors at a recent TRA conference.

The mission of the TRA is to promote the public interest by balancing the interests of utility consumers and providers. For more information, visit us online at www.tn.gov/tra, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tntra or on Twitter at @statetntra.

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