Tennessee Code Title 33. Mental Health and Substance Abuse and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities § 33-1-301

(a) The department is empowered to enter into contractual agreements in furtherance of its functions.

(b) The department may accept grants and gifts of funds and other property of whatever kind from any source, administer the same according to the terms of the grants or gifts, and enter cooperative programs with private and public instrumentalities, including the federal government, to improve mental health and developmental disabilities services and supports in the state.

(c) The department may enter into contracts with other states, or political subdivisions, or corporations chartered in other states, for the purpose of providing preventive and treatment services and supports for service recipients by establishing or supporting various facilities in cooperation with the political or corporate bodies.

(d) The department may establish or review pilot projects, including, but not limited to, projects to provide, develop, or plan service and support for its service recipients or their families through direct administration or through contracting with service providers. Pilot projects are subject to other state and federal laws.

(e) The department of finance and administration shall furnish to the department sufficient space for the department to carry out the department's duties efficiently.