Tenn. Code Ann. § 71-5-2308: Contracts for hospital care

For the purpose of caring for indigent sick or injured persons, the county legislative bodies are empowered to enter into contract with any reputable hospital for the care and treatment of indigent sick or injured persons, and may make annual contracts with such hospitals for a right, on the part of the county, to the use of one (1) or more beds in the hospital in which the county shall have the right to place patients for hospital treatment to be rendered by the hospital.