The primary agencies for local health services are the county board of health and the county health department.  Each county is authorized to establish a board of health that is charged with the following duties: governing the policies of full-time county health departments, advising the county mayor on the enforcement of state health regulations, advising the county mayor on the adoption of rules to promote the general health of the county, and preparing an annual budget. The board must consist of the following members:

1. The county mayor;
2. The county director of schools or his or her designee;
3. Two physicians nominated by the county medical society;
4. One dentist nominated by the county dental society;
5. One pharmacist nominated by the county pharmaceutical society;
6. One registered nurse nominated by the county nurses' association;
7. The county health director (ex officio member);
8. The county health officer (ex officio member); and
9. A veterinarian and a citizen representative (optional members).

T.C.A. § 68-2-601.

If the county fails to establish an active board of health, the commissioner of health may establish a health advisory committee.  T.C.A. § 68-2-601.