Tennessee Code Title 71. Welfare § 71-6-109

If the department determines that the adult is financially capable of paying for the protective services received, according to standards to be set by the department, the adult shall reimburse the state for the cost of providing the protective services. If the department determines that the adult is not financially capable of paying for the protective services received, the state shall bear the cost of providing the protective services. Otherwise, the department may recover such cost from the adult in any court of competent jurisdiction.