O.C.G.A. § 37-1-29 (2019)

(a) As used in this Code section, the term ‘‘crisis stabilization unit’’ means a short-term residential program operated for the purpose of providing psychiatric stabilization and detoxification services that complies with applicable department standards and that provides brief, intensive crisis services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

(b) The department shall be authorized to certify crisis stabilization units pursuant to this Code section for the purpose of providing psychiatric stabilization and detoxification services in a community based setting rather than inpatient hospitalization and other higher levels of care.

(c) The department shall establish minimum standards and requirements for the certification of crisis stabilization units in its policies and procedures. Following any changes to such policies and procedures pertaining to crisis stabilization units, notification of such changes shall be posted on the department’s website within 45 days and shall remain posted on the website for at least six months. Such policies and procedures shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(1) The capacity to carry out emergency receiving and evaluating functions;

(2) Voluntary and involuntary admission criteria;

(3) The prohibition to hold itself out as a hospital or bill for hospital or inpatient services;

(4) The unit is operated by an accredited and licensed, if applicable, health care authority;

(5) The unit has operating agreements with private and public inpatient hospitals and treatment facilities;

(6) The unit operates within the guidelines of the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act with respect to stabilization and transfer of clients;

(7) Length of stay;

(8) Designation of transitional beds;

(9) Billing;

(10) Physician and registered professional nurse oversight;

(11) Staff to client ratios;

(12) Patient restraint or seclusion;

(13) Safety and emergency protocols;

(14) Pharmacy services;

(15) Medication administration; and

(16) Reporting requirements.

(d) A crisis stabilization unit shall be designated as an emergency receiving facility under Code Sections 37-3-40 and 37-7-40 and an evaluation facility under Code Sections 37-3-60 and 37-7-60, but shall not be designated as a treatment facility under Code Section 37-3-80 or