Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-1-1201: Creation.

(a) There is created within the department of health the Tennessee public school nurse program.

(b) The chief medical officer for the state, appointed pursuant to § 68-1-102(c), shall serve as executive director of the program.

(c) In order to attain the highest level of school attendance, to promote excellence of academic performance and achievement, and to significantly reduce school dropout rates, the executive director, acting through the program, shall strive to improve and safeguard the physical and mental health and well-being of the student population of Tennessee's public schools.