Tenn. Code Ann. § 33-2-202: Mental health planning and policy, and regional planning and policy councils established

The department shall establish a state mental health planning and policy council, a regional citizen-based planning council, and policy councils composed of service recipients, family members of service recipients, service recipient advocates for children, adults, and the elderly, service providers, and other affected persons and organizations for the department's service areas. The councils shall:

(1) Advise the statewide planning and policy council on the three-year plan, including the desirable array of prevention, early intervention, treatment, and habilitation services and supports for service recipients and their families, and such other matters as the commissioner or the statewide planning and policy council may request; and

(2) Provide information and advice to the department on policy, formulation of budget requests, and development and evaluation of services and supports.