Section 52-1-102 - Policy - Values - Service principles(a) It is the policy of the state to plan on the basis of and to promote the use of private and public service providers, without regard for funding source, to achieve outcomes and accomplishments that create opportunities for persons supported and potential persons supported to have the greatest possible control of their lives in the least restrictive environment that is appropriate for each person. The department shall plan for and promote the availability of a comprehensive array of high-quality prevention, early intervention, treatment, and habilitation services and supports based on the needs and choices of persons supported and families served. The department shall include persons supported and, where appropriate, family members of persons supported in planning, developing, and monitoring the service systems.(b) Values upon which the law is predicated include, but are not limited to, individual rights, promotion of self-determination, respect, optimal health and safety, person supported inclusion in the community, and person supported life and service in typical community settings.(c) 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 practices 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 persons supported and their families with dignity and respect;(5) Protection of persons supported 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.Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 688,s 2, eff. 7/1/2024.