Tennessee Code Title 52. Department of Disability and Aging § 52-2-106

(a) It is the intent of the general assembly that the system of care developed pursuant to this part provides a comprehensive array of services and supports that are geographically available, are equitably and efficiently allocated statewide and in each grand division of the state, and allow people to be in their own community settings, based on the needs and choices of individuals and families served.  Services and supports provided to persons generally and as part of the medical assistance program, pursuant to title 71, chapter 5, shall seek to alleviate geographic service and support disparities across this state and its grand divisions.  In striving to alleviate the geographic disparities, the state should seek to allocate budget improvements and other new resources in a manner that promotes equitable distribution of services and supports among the grand divisions of this state.

(b) In order to implement subsection (a), the state shall strive to avoid gaps in services and endeavor to achieve a delivery system that ensures that services are available to persons supported on a substantially equitable basis, regardless of place of residence within this state.  To that end, the commissioner of finance and administration shall report to the health and welfare committee of the senate and the health committee of the house of representatives, no later than January 15, 2008, and annually by each January 15 thereafter, on the following indicators of equity in the service delivery system: