# Tenn. Code Ann. § 33-1-203: Principles of service

> Tennessee · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T33_C1_S33-1-203

## Section

- **Citation:** Tenn. Code Ann. § 33-1-203
- **Heading:** Principles of service
- **Jurisdiction:** Tennessee
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** TN Code / Title 33 / Chapter 1 / Section 33-1-203

## Text

The following service principles are fundamental to carrying out the department's responsibilities: (1) Stable service systems that provide flexibility, advocacy, effective communication, targeted outcomes, continuous evaluation, and improvement based on best practice and research; (2) Early identification of needs and the inclusion of both prevention and early intervention services and supports; (3) Timely response to the needs, rights and desires of those served; (4) Treating service recipients and families with dignity and respect; (5) Protection of service recipients from abuse, neglect, and exploitation; (6) Accurate and responsible accountability for the use of public resources; (7) Ongoing education and skills development of the workforce; and (8) Cultural competence of persons providing service. Acts 2000, ch. 947, § 1.
The following service principles are fundamental to carrying out the department's responsibilities:
(1) Stable service systems that provide flexibility, advocacy, effective communication, targeted outcomes, continuous evaluation, and improvement based on best practice and research;
(2) Early identification of needs and the inclusion of both prevention and early intervention services and supports;
(3) Timely response to the needs, rights and desires of those served;
(4) Treating service recipients and families with dignity and respect;
(5) Protection of service recipients from abuse, neglect, and exploitation;
(6) Accurate and responsible accountability for the use of public resources;
(7) Ongoing education and skills development of the workforce; and
(8) Cultural competence of persons providing service.
Acts 2000, ch. 947, § 1.

## Nearby sections

- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 33-1-101 Title definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T33_C1_S33-1-101.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 33-1-201 Responsibilities of department - State policy toward mental illness or serious emotional disturbance](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T33_C1_S33-1-201.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 33-1-202 Statement of values underlying title](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T33_C1_S33-1-202.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 33-1-203 Principles of service](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T33_C1_S33-1-203.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 33-1-204 Unnecessary entitlements not created](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T33_C1_S33-1-204.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 33-1-301 Powers of department - Contracts - Property and monetary grants - Pilot programs](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T33_C1_S33-1-301.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 33-1-302 Other powers of department - Power to make grants and contracts - Cooperative programs - Rulemaking - Operation of facilities](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T33_C1_S33-1-302.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 33-1-303 Powers of commissioner](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T33_C1_S33-1-303.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 33-1-304 Duties of commissioner](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T33_C1_S33-1-304.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 33-1-305 Power of commissioner to adopt rules, prescribe forms and investigate complaints](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T33_C1_S33-1-305.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 33-1-306 Designation of administrative law judges or hearing officers](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T33_C1_S33-1-306.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 33-1-307 Departmental information systems - Report](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T33_C1_S33-1-307.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 33-1-308 Interagency agreements](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T33_C1_S33-1-308.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 33-1-309 Adoption of rules](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T33_C1_S33-1-309.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T33_C1_S33-1-203. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.