Tenn. Code Ann. § 52-1-103: Entitlement to services - Funding

(a) This title does not create entitlement to services and supports from the state, except to the extent that services and supports are necessarily attached to deprivation of liberty by placement in facilities operated by the department. Implementation of any service or support at state expense under this title is subject to the availability of funds appropriated for that purpose in the general appropriations act.

(b) While the department is charged with the planning and development of services for persons supported, such services are subject to the availability of funding and approval of any waiver amendments that are required to effectuate such new programs at such time that they are developed. The assignment of responsibility for services to the department does not create an entitlement to services for persons with a disability or who are older persons. Nor does it expand or affect in any way the population of persons who are currently eligible for programs and services currently available to persons with a disability or who are older persons.