The commissioner, in turn, has an executive leadership team reporting directly to him that manages various areas or responsibilities within the department.

There are six metro health departments[5] in Tennessee, located in the following counties: Davidson, Hamilton, Knox, Madison, Shelby, and Sullivan.

In some county health departments, medical staff members are available for diagnosing and treating acute and chronic illnesses; some also provide dental care.

County health departments can also assist with those wanting certificates of births and deaths that occur in Tennessee.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) is responsible for those food service providers that are physically a part of another retail establishment, such as a gas station or convenience store.

Establishments, operations and services licensed and regulated by the Tennessee Department of Health include food service providers that are ‘free-standing’ and not associated with other retail operations; hotels, motels and camps; public swimming pools, spas, hot tubs and camps; body art facilities; correctional facilities; and more.

Illnesses such as West Nile Virus, La Cross Encephalitis and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, though rare, do occur in the state.

Rabies, once a scourge in the state, is exceptionally rare thanks to effective vaccination programs for animals and heightened awareness in humans.