Tennessee Code Title 71. Welfare § 71-6-113

(a) It is the legislative intent that the departments of mental health and substance abuse services, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and health, or their successor agencies, shall assist the department of human services with providing the services required under this part.

(b) When the department of human services is unable to find a resource for any person in need of protective services who, because of mental or physical illness, intellectual disability or developmental disabilities, is in need of specialized care or medical treatment, the departments of mental health and substance abuse services, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and health, or their successor agencies, shall, based upon available resources, give priority to the person for appropriate placement or treatment if the person is eligible for placement.