Health Departments, Hospitals, and Mental Health Programs

Local public health services are primarily state and county responsibilities. Any municipality located in a county with an established health department may cooperate in the maintenance of that department and may levy taxes or appropriate funds to pay its proportionate share. T.C.A. § 68-2-605. Municipalities also may participate in a multi-county health district. T.C.A. § 68-2-701. In addition, T.C.A. § 68-9-201 requires health officers involved in tuberculosis control to notify the appropriate health authorities when an infected individual relocates from Tennessee.

The licensing and regulation of hospitals and other health care facilities are primarily state functions. T.C.A. §§ 68-11-101, et seq. A hospital erected and equipped with private funds may be maintained with public funds for up to five years, provided the agreement specifies that the hospital is for public use. Municipalities also may contribute land or money for public welfare hospitals. T.C.A. §§ 68-11-501–507.

Subject to available appropriations and applicable law, the state may provide grants or other financial assistance to municipalities, counties, nonprofit organizations, or combinations thereof for community mental health programs and services. T.C.A. § 33-1-302.