Tenn. Code Ann. § 41-21-221: Examination and disposition of deceased inmate

(a) Whenever an inmate dies in the penitentiary, the warden shall forthwith notify the commissioner of correction, if practicable, and summon at least one (1) licensed physician of the county of the prison to examine the body of the deceased, whose duty it is to attend and ascertain, as nearly as may be, the cause of death, and report the cause to the commissioner. The warden shall also notify the county medical examiner or the state chief medical examiner in accordance with title 38, chapter 7.

(b) Disposition of the body must be consistent with the provisions for the disposition of dead bodies in accordance with title 68, chapter 4.