Tenn. Code § 71-1-107
As chief executive officer of the department, the commissioner shall be charged with the supervision and administration of all welfare activities subject to its jurisdiction. The commissioner at all times has the power, which the commissioner may also delegate to officers and employees of the department, of visitation, inspection and administration of local governmental welfare agencies subject to the commissioner's supervision and the books, records and accounts of each institution or agency shall be open to the commissioner's inspection. In the supervision and administration of local welfare activities, the commissioner shall advise with local authorities, and may provide such specialized services as may be necessary to the end that the laws shall be faithfully executed and that the various welfare agencies of the local government shall function effectively in relationship to one another and to the department.
T.C.A. § 71-1-107