Terms Used In Tennessee Code 33-5-106

  • Child: means a person who is under eighteen (18) years of age. See Tennessee Code 33-1-101
  • Contract: A legal written agreement that becomes binding when signed.
  • Department: means the department of mental health and substance abuse services. See Tennessee Code 33-1-101
  • Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
  • Person: includes a corporation, firm, company or association. See Tennessee Code 1-3-105

A person with a developmental disability, a parent or legal guardian of a child with a developmental disability, a conservator of a person with a developmental disability, the department of children’s services on behalf of a person in its legal custody who has a developmental disability, or the department of human services on behalf of a person in its legal custody who has a developmental disability, referred to as the applicant, may apply to the department through its designated entities for services and supports that they provide directly or by contract. The designated entity shall inform the applicant about all options for services and supports. When services and supports appropriate for the applicant are not available, the designated entity shall notify the applicant in writing of the basis on which the decision was made, possible service options, the prospects for obtaining service, and the time estimated before the service may be available. The applicant shall be notified periodically and in a timely manner of the status of the application. Based upon additional information, change in status may be determined by the designated entity.