Yes, owners of construction businesses are required to carry workers’ compensation coverage on themselves or be listed on the Exemption Registry. There are a few exceptions, for example, Construction Services Providers who work directly for a property owner with no subcontractors; or Construction Services Providers who work on their own property; or where the employment of the Construction Services Provider is casual labor. See Tennessee Code §50-6-902.
See the Workers' Compensation Exemption Registry at https://tn.gov/exemptionregistry
See additional FAQs at https://www.tn.gov/workforce/injuries-at-work/employers/employers/wc-exemption-registry/exemption-registry-forms-and-faqs.html
Tennessee Department of Labor/Bureau of Workers' Compensation