United States Public Law 92-541, commonly known as the Teague-Cranston Act, called for the creation of five new medical schools in five states to meet the needs of medically under served areas of the country. The act, as passed, required that the new schools be "located in proximity to, and operated in conjunction with, Veterans' Administration medical facilities." This worked in ETSU's favor as the university is located adjacent to the Mountain Home VA Hospital. Signed into law by President Richard Nixon, this would eventually lead to the establishment of the Quillen College of Medicine.

Following the passage of the Teague-Cranston Act, on February 14, 1974 Senator Nave of the Tennessee General Assembly called for consideration of state legislation to establish a medical school at East Tennessee State University. Eventually passing both the Tennessee House and Senate, the bill was vetoed by Governor Winfield Dunn of Memphis. Motions to override the veto were made in both chambers and were successful. Senate Bill no.1549 became law on March 6, 1974.

With the passage of the Teague-Cranston Act and efforts to establish a medical school underway in the Tennessee Legislature, East Tennessee State University had already begun the planning process for the new medical school. This plan was submitted to the Tennessee Board of Regents on February 1, 1974 by the ETSU Medical Education Study Committee which clarified the specifics of what the Quillen College of Medicine would eventually become. The physical copy of this item can be found in the Archives of Appalachia at East Tennessee State University. For access or more information please contact the Archives of Appalachia.

Following the passage of the Teague-Cranston Act and Tennessee state legislation, with the Plan for Medical Education in place, the next step was qualifying for federal funds. With the help of U.S. Representative Jimmy Quillen and the State Board of Regents Chancellor Roy Nicks, the application for funds was approved by the Veterans Administration on July 11, 1974. However, it was not until Dr. Culp's last day in office as President of ETSU, that the Liason Committee on Medical Education issued a letter of reasonable assurance that the new medical school would be accredited. The physical copy of this item can be found in the Archives of Appalachia at East Tennessee State University. For access to the physical copy or more information please contact the Archives of Appalachia.