Tenn. Code Ann. § 33-4-104: Treatment for physical disorder prior to admission

In considering an applicant for admission, if it appears that the person has a physical disorder that requires immediate medical care and the admitting facility cannot appropriately provide the medical care, the person shall be taken first to a physician or hospital for treatment of the medical condition. When the person has received appropriate medical attention and treatment, the person may then be transported to the appropriate facility for treatment of the person's mental illness or serious emotional disturbance.