Tennessee Code Title 8. Public Officers and Employees § 8-30-210

(a) No employee may receive payment, unless the commissioner or the commissioner's agent has certified that the employee has been appointed and employed in accordance with this chapter and the rules, regulations and orders issued thereunder.

(b) If the commissioner wrongfully withholds certification of the payroll voucher or account of any employee, the employee may maintain a proceeding in a court of record to compel the commissioner to certify such payroll voucher or account.