Tennessee Code Title 68. Health, Safety and Environmental Protection § 68-9-112

(a)(1) The commissioner may make such rules and regulations as may be deemed necessary to collect all or any part of the established cost of treatment from a patient, or from the person or persons legally liable for the patient's support, who may have income or estate sufficient to make reimbursement without materially affecting their economic support or obligations, or responsibilities to dependents.

(2) All funds collected pursuant to subdivision (a)(1) are to be treated as expendable receipts and are to be used for the operation of the hospitals.

(b)(1) Any resident of Tennessee having or suspected of having tuberculosis, who is considered as acceptable for treatment by the commissioner, may be treated without cost when the person to receive care or treatment, or the person or persons legally responsible for the resident's support, is unable to pay, in whole or in part, the established cost of care and treatment.

(2) The department of human services may be requested to make field investigations.