Tenn. Code Ann. § 33-6-301: "Severe impairment" defined

For purposes of this part, unless the context requires otherwise, "severe impairment" means a condition in which an adult or an emancipated child: (1) As a result of a mental illness or serious emotional disturbance: (A) Is in danger of serious physical harm resulting from the person's failure to provide for the person's essential human needs of health or safety; or (B) Manifests severe deterioration in routine functioning evidenced by repeated and escalating loss of cognitive or volitional control over the person's actions; and (2) Is not receiving care that is essential for the person's health or safety. Acts 2000, ch. 947, § 1.

For purposes of this part, unless the context requires otherwise, "severe impairment" means a condition in which an adult or an emancipated child:

(1) As a result of a mental illness or serious emotional disturbance: (A) Is in danger of serious physical harm resulting from the person's failure to provide for the person's essential human needs of health or safety; or (B) Manifests severe deterioration in routine functioning evidenced by repeated and escalating loss of cognitive or volitional control over the person's actions; and

(A) Is in danger of serious physical harm resulting from the person's failure to provide for the person's essential human needs of health or safety; or

(B) Manifests severe deterioration in routine functioning evidenced by repeated and escalating loss of cognitive or volitional control over the person's actions; and

(2) Is not receiving care that is essential for the person's health or safety.