Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-140-201

Every hospital, either public or private, that does business within this state and provides general medical and surgical services shall provide a hospital emergency service in accordance with rules and regulations adopted by the board for licensing health care facilities, and shall furnish such hospital emergency services to any applicant who applies for hospital emergency services in case of injury or acute medical condition where the injury or condition is liable to cause death or severe injury or illness.