Tennessee Code Title 33. Mental Health and Substance Abuse and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities § 33-2-801

(a) The commissioner shall appoint a chief officer for each facility to serve at the pleasure of the commissioner.

(b) The commissioner shall appoint chief officers of facilities without regard to residence on the basis of merit as measured by administrative abilities and a demonstrated quality of leadership. The chief officer shall hold a recognized degree as a psychiatrist, doctor of medicine, behavioral scientist, social scientist, public administrator, hospital administrator, or other profession involved with human development, human welfare, or health administration.

(c) Chief officers have all of the authority conferred upon them by this title and such other authority as is delegated to them by the commissioner. Chief officers have the authority to administer oaths.