Tennessee Code Title 41. Correctional Institutions and Inmates § 41-21-510

(a) The division also has the authority to permit certain first term inmates and second term inmates to leave correctional institutions during necessary and reasonable hours to engage in approved work, conduct their own businesses or practice legitimate self-employed occupations, provided places of employment are located in the state. Other first term inmates and second term inmates may be released during appropriate times to seek employment in the state during or following terms of imprisonment.

(c) First term inmates assigned to the work release programs may be domiciled in private treatment facilities accredited by the American Correction Association in any area of the state that meets the approval of the commissioner; provided, that the appropriate authorities of those facilities have agreed to board the inmates in accordance with the directives established by the division. Fees for boarding inmates shall be in accordance with written agreements between appropriate officials of the private treatment facilities and the department of correction, but in no case shall fees exceed a per inmate rate of sixteen dollars ($16.00) per day, exclusive of any additional fees that may be agreed upon by the inmate and the private treatment facilities.

(d) Orders for work release programs may be rescinded or modified at any time with or without notice to concerned inmates. Infractions of rules or abuse of privileges shall not be tolerated.