2018 Georgia Code Annotated

TITLE 31 HEALTH

Chap.

• 1. General Provisions; Access to Eye Care, 31-1-1 through 31-1-23.
• 2. Department of Community Health, 31-2-1 through 31-2-20.
• 2A. Department of Public Health, 31-2A-1 through 31-2A-57.
• 3. County Boards of Health, 31-3-1 through 31-3-16.
• 4. Council on Maternal and Infant Health, 31-4-1 through 31-4-3. [Repealed], 31-4-1 through 31-4-3.
• 5. Administration and Enforcement, 31-5-1 through 31-5-24.
• 5A. Department of Community Health, 31-5A-1 through 31-5A-8. [Redesignated], 31-5A-1 through 31-5A-8.
• 6. State Health Planning and Development, 31-6-1 through 31-6-95.
• 7. Regulation and Construction of Hospitals and Other Health Care Facilities, 31-7-1 through 31-7-412.
• 8. Care and Protection of Indigent and Elderly Patients, 31-8-1 through 31-8-306.
• 9. Consent for Surgical or Medical Treatment, 31-9-1 through 31-9-7.
• 9A. Woman's Right to Know, 31-9A-1 through 31-9A-8.
• 9B. Physician's Obligation in Performance of Abortions, 31-9B-1 through 31-9B-3.
• 10. Vital Records, 31-10-1 through 31-10-33.
• 11. Emergency Medical Services, 31-11-1 through 31-11-139.
• 12. Control of Hazardous Conditions, Preventable Diseases, and Metabolic Disorders, 31-12-1 through 31-12-14.
• 12A. Smokefree Air, 31-12A-1 through 31-12A-13.
• 13. Radiation Control, 31-13-1 through 31-13-25.
• 14. Hospitalization for Tuberculosis, 31-14-1 through 31-14-14.
• 15. Care and Treatment of Cancer Patients, 31-15-1 through 31-15-6.
• 15A. Bone Mass Measurement Coverage, 31-15A-1 through 31-15A-3.
• 16. Care and Treatment of Chronic Renal Disease Patients, 31-16-1 through 31-16-8.
• 17. Control of Venereal Disease, 31-17-1 through 31-17-8.
• 17A. Control of HIV, 31-17A-1 through 31-17A-3.
• 18. Registry for Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries, 31-18-1 through 31-18-4.
• 19. Control of Rabies, 31-19-1 through 31-19-10.
• 20. Performance of Sterilization Procedures, 31-20-1 through 31-20-6.
• 21. Dead Bodies, 31-21-1 through 31-21-45.
• 22. Clinical Laboratories, 31-22-1 through 31-22-13.
• 23. Eye Banks, 31-23-1 through 31-23-9.
• 24. Blood Labeling, 31-24-1 through 31-24-8.
• 25. Articles of Bedding, 31-25-1 through 31-25-13. [Repealed], 31-25-1 through 31-25-13.
• 26. Practice of Midwifery, 31-26-1 through 31-26-7.
• 27. Control of Mass Gatherings, 31-27-1 through 31-27-12.
• 28. Tourist Courts, 31-28-1 through 31-28-7.
• 29. Compensation of Employees of State Institutions Who Contract Tuberculosis or Infectious Hepatitis, 31-29-1 through 31-29-8.
• 30. Reports on Veterans Exposed to Agent Orange, 31-30-1 through 31-30-9.
• 31. Boxing Match Licenses, 31-31-1 through 31-31-6. [Repealed].
• 32. Advance Directives for Health Care, 31-32-1 through 31-32-14.
• 33. Health Records, 31-33-1 through 31-33-8.
• 34. Medical Professionals for Rural Assistance, 31-34-1 through 31-34-20.
• 35. Vaccinations for Firefighters, Emergency Medical Technicians, and Public Safety Officers, 31-35-1 through 31-35-11.
• 36. Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, 31-36-1 through 31-36-13. [Repealed], 31-36-1 through 31-36-13.
• 36A. Temporary Health Care Placement Decision Maker for an Adult, 31-36A-1 through 31-36A-7.
• 37. Health Care Personnel, 31-37-1 through 31-37-3. [Repealed], 31-37-1 through 31-37-3.
• 38. Tanning Facilities, 31-38-1 through 31-38-12.
• 39. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, 31-39-1 through 31-39-9.
• 40. Tattoo Studios, 31-40-1 through 31-40-10.
• 41. Lead Poisoning Prevention, 31-41-1 through 31-41-19.
• 42. Osteoporosis Prevention and Treatment Education, 31-42-1 through 31-42-3.
• 43. Commission on Men's Health, 31-43-1 through 31-43-13.
• 44. Renal Disease Facilities, 31-44-1 through 31-44-15.
• 45. Public Swimming Pools, 31-45-1 through 31-45-13.
• 46. Newborn Umbilical Cord Blood Bank, 31-46-1 through 31-46-5.
• 47. Arthritis Prevention and Control Program, 31-47-1 through 31-47-3.
• 48. Health Care Compact, 31-48-1.
• 49. Georgia Council on Lupus Education and Awareness, 31-49-1 through 31-49-6.
• 50. Commission on Medical Cannabis, 31-50-1 through 31-50-5 [Repealed], 31-50-1 through 31-50-5.
• 51. Creation of Low THC Oil Research Program, 31-51-1 through 31-51-10.
• 52. Terminally Ill Patient's Right To Try Investigational Drugs, Biological Products, and Devices, 31-52-1 through 31-52-10.

Chapter 1. General Provisions; Access to Eye Care, 31-1-1 through 31-1-23.

Article 1 General Provisions.

• 31-1-1. Definitions.
• 31-1-2. Use of flammable materials in eyeglass frames; delivery of completed work by offices, companies, or laboratories; penalty.
• 31-1-3. Detection of hearing impairments in infants; evaluations.
• 31-1-3.1. Reporting disabled newborn persons; referral to treatment and rehabilitative services.
• 31-1-3.2. Hearing screenings for newborns.
• 31-1-4. Penalties for false representation, impersonation.
• 31-1-5. Compensation of employees for damage to wearing apparel caused by patients.
• 31-1-6. Reuse of heart pacemakers.
• 31-1-7. Marking of dentures and other removable dental prostheses for identification.
• 31-1-8. Notice of proposed special facility.
• 31-1-9. Breast-feeding of baby.
• 31-1-10. State health officer; duties.
• 31-1-11. No legal compulsion to participate in health care system; no legal prohibition on purchase or sale of health insurance in private health care systems.
• 31-1-12. Hospitals to provide educational information to parents of newborns regarding pertussis disease and availability of a vaccine.
• 31-1-13. Hemophilia Advisory Board.
• 31-1-14. Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) forms.
• 31-1-15. Storage, maintenance, control, and oversight of auto-injectable epinephrine by certain authorized entities.

Article 2 Patient Access to Eye Care.

• 31-1-20 through 31-1-22 [Repealed].
• 31-1-23. Blindness education, screening, and treatment program.

Article 3 Georgia Health Care Freedom.

• 31-1-40. Prohibition on expenditure or use of state resources to advocate for or intended to influence citizens in support of federal Affordable Care Act.

Chapter 2. Department of Community Health, 31-2-1 through 31-2-20.

• 31-2-1. Legislative intent; grant of authority.
• 31-2-2. Definitions.
• 31-2-3. Board of Community Health reconstituted; powers, functions, and duties; terms of board members; vacancies; removal; chairperson; expenses.
• 31-2-4. Department's powers, duties, functions, and responsibilities; divisions; directors; contracts for health benefits.
• 31-2-5. Transfer of personnel and functions; conforming to federal standards of personnel administration; existing procedures, regulations, and agreements; rules adoption and implementation.
• 31-2-6. Commissioner of community health created; creation of divisions; allocation of functions.
• 31-2-7. Rules and regulations; variances and waivers to rules and regulations establishing licensure standards for facilities; exemption of classes of facilities from regulation.
• 31-2-8. Actions against certain applicants or licensees.
• 31-2-9. (Repealed effective October 1, 2019) Records check requirement for certain health care facilities; definitions; use of information gathered in investigation; penalties for unauthorized release or disclosure; rules and regulations; retention of fingerprints.
• 31-2-10. Information and comparisons regarding state-wide cost and quality of health care.
• 31-2-11. Biopharmaceuticals; expedited review for Georgia based companies.
• 31-2-12. Pilot program to provide coverage for bariatric surgical procedures for treatment of obesity and related conditions; definitions; eligibility; requirements; evaluation report on two-year pilot program.
• 31-2-13. Inspection warrant.
• 31-2-14. Nurse aide registry; complaint filing; public access.
• 31-2-15. Streamlining and expediting credentialing and billing processes.
• 31-2-16. Rural Health System Innovation Center created; purposes and duties; reporting.
• 31-2-17. Redesignated.
• 31-2-17.1. Redesignated.
• 31-2-18. Redesignated.
• 31-2-19. Advisory Council for Public Health; members; meetings [Repealed].
• 31-2-20. Public Health Commission; members; purpose; authority [Repealed].

Article 1 General Provisions.

• 31-2A-1. Creation of Board of Public Health; powers, duties, and functions of Board of Community Health transferred to the Board of Public Health; board composition and terms; vacancies, removal; chairperson; reimbursement of expenses.
• 31-2A-2. Creation of Department of Public Health; transition of powers, function, and duties to new agency; commissioner of public health; creation of divisions.
• 31-2A-3. Department of Public Health successor to certain rules, regulations, policies, procedures, administrative orders, rights, interests, and obligations of Department of Community Health.
• 31-2A-4. Obligation to safeguard and promote health of people of the state.
• 31-2A-5. Office of Women's Health; duties.
• 31-2A-6. Rules and regulations.
• 31-2A-7. "Conviction data" defined; department authorized to receive data from law enforcement relevant to employment decisions; criminal history information; retention of fingerprints.
• 31-2A-8. Department as agency of state for receipt and administration of federal and other funds.
• 31-2A-9. Studies and surveys of programs.
• 31-2A-10. Venue of actions against department or board.
• 31-2A-11. Standards for sewage management systems.
• 31-2A-12. Rules and regulations governing operation of land disposal sites for septic tank waste from one business [Repealed].
• 31-2A-13. Diabetes coordinator; central repository for data related to prevention and treatment of diabetes.
• 31-2A-14. Georgia Diabetes Control Grant Program; advisory committee; administration of authorized grant programs; grant criteria.
• 31-2A-15. Additional duties of commissioner; authority to convene expert panels and consult with experts.
• 31-2A-16. Maternal Mortality Review Committee established.
• 31-2A-17. Alzheimer's Disease Registry established; purpose; procedures; rules and regulations; confidentiality of data.
• 31-2A-18. Establishment of the Low THC Oil Patient Registry; definitions; purpose; registration cards; semiannual reports; waiver forms; annual review and recommendations.
• 31-2A-19. (Repealed effective December 31, 2018) Creation of Joint Study Commission on Low THC Medical Oil Access; membership; operation; reporting; abolishment.

Article 2 Positive Alternatives for Pregnancy and Parenting Grant Program.

• 31-2A-30. Legislative authority [Repealed].
• 31-2A-31. Definitions.
• 31-2A-32. Positive Alternatives for Pregnancy and Parenting Grant Program.
• 31-2A-33. Administration and duties.
• 31-2A-34. Services funded by program.
• 31-2A-35. Grants.
• 31-2A-36. Criteria for grant consideration.
• 31-2A-37. Record maintenance and reporting.
• 31-2A-38. Confidentiality.
• 31-2A-39. Annual audit.
• 31-2A-40. Reports to the General Assembly.
• 31-2A-41. Acceptance of donations, contributions, and gifts.

Article 3 Perinatal Facilities.

• 31-2A-50. Legislative findings.
• 31-2A-51. Definitions.
• 31-2A-52. Approval as designated perinatal facility; establishing criteria for levels of maternal and neonatal care.
• 31-2A-53. Application process; review and redesignation of facilities; failure to comply with criteria.
• 31-2A-54. Listing of designated facilities; self-assessment tool.
• 31-2A-55. Provisions are not medical care; individualized care and treatment.
• 31-2A-56. Advertisement prohibited unless designated by department.
• 31-2A-57. Regulatory authority.

Chapter 3. County Boards of Health, 31-3-1 through 31-3-16.

• 31-3-1. Creation.
• 31-3-2. Composition; terms of members.
• 31-3-2.1. Option for certain counties to create board of health and wellness by ordinance [Repealed].
• 31-3-3. Duty to inform department of membership.
• 31-3-4. Powers.
• 31-3-5. Functions.
• 31-3-5.1. Conformity prerequisite to building permit.
• 31-3-5.2. Definition of "gray water"; lawful use.
• 31-3-6. Rules and regulations of local application.
• 31-3-7. Compensation for members' attendance at meetings.
• 31-3-8. Records.
• 31-3-9. Office quarters and equipment.
• 31-3-10. Legal representation.
• 31-3-11. Appointments of director and staff; supervision.
• 31-3-12. Duties of director.
• 31-3-12.1. Contracts between county boards; authorization for and provisions applicable to county board of health serving as community service board.
• 31-3-13. Declaration of public policy; contracts for assistance to boards.
• 31-3-14. Financing of expenses.
• 31-3-15. Establishment of health districts.
• 31-3-16. Enforcement under local ordinances.

• General Consideration
• Fees for Services
• Contracts Pursuant to Code Section

Chapter 5. Administration and Enforcement, 31-5-1 through 31-5-24.

Article 1 General Provisions.

• 31-5-1. Adoption of rules and regulations.
• 31-5-2. Hearings.
• 31-5-3. Appeals.
• 31-5-4. Testimony or production of evidence by compulsory process.
• 31-5-5. Classification of confidential and privileged materials.
• 31-5-6. Distribution of rules.
• 31-5-7. Application of this chapter.
• 31-5-8. Penalty for violations of the provisions of this title.
• 31-5-9. Injunctions for enjoining violations of the provisions of this title; supersedeas; attachment for contempt; injunctions to abate public nuisances; where actions may be instituted.
• 31-5-10. Notifying department or board of health of conditions on private property which are injurious to the public; inspection warrant; notice to owner and occupant; abatement.

Article 2 Inspection Warrants.

• 31-5-20. "Inspection warrant" defined.
• 31-5-21. Persons who may obtain inspection warrants; authorization of searches and inspections of property.
• 31-5-22. Issuance; grounds.
• 31-5-23. Contents.
• 31-5-24. Exclusion of evidence obtained [Repealed].

Chapter 6. State Health Planning and Development, 31-6-1 through 31-6-95.

Article 1 General Provisions.

• 31-6-1. Declaration of policy.
• 31-6-2. Definitions.

Article 2 Organization.

• 31-6-20. Health Strategies Council generally [Repealed].
• 31-6-21. Department of Community Health generally.
• 31-6-21.1. Procedures for rule making by Department of Community Health.
• 31-6-22. Commissioner of department [Repealed].

Article 3 Certificate of Need Program.

• 31-6-40. Certificate of need required for new institutional health services; exemption.
• 31-6-40.1. Acquisition of health care facilities; penalty for failure to notify the department; limitation on applications; agreement to care for indigent patients; requirements for destination cancer hospitals; notice and hearing provisions for penalties authorized under this Code section.
• 31-6-40.2. New perinatal services.
• 31-6-41. Scope and term of validity of certificate.
• 31-6-42. Qualifications for issuance of certificate.
• 31-6-43. Acceptance or rejection of application for certificate.
• 31-6-44. Certificate of Need Appeal Panel.
• 31-6-44.1. Judicial review.
• 31-6-45. Revocation of certificate of need; enforcement of chapter; regulatory investigations and examinations.
• 31-6-45.1. Automatic revocation of certificate of need or authority.
• 31-6-45.2. Participation as Medicaid provider requirement; termination by health care facility of participation as provider of medical assistance; monetary penalty.
• 31-6-46. Annual report by department.
• 31-6-47. Exemptions from chapter.
• 31-6-47.1. Prior notice and approval of certain activities.
• 31-6-48. Prior entities abolished; transfer of contractual obligations.
• 31-6-49. Transitional provisions.
• 31-6-50. Application of review procedures to expenditures under Section 1122 of the federal Social Security Act.

Article 4 Reports.

• 31-6-70. Reports to the department by certain health care facilities and all ambulatory surgical centers and imaging centers.

Article 5 State Commission on the Efficacy of the Certificate of Need Program.

• 31-6-90 through 31-6-95 [Repealed].

Chapter 7. Regulation and Construction of Hospitals and Other Health Care Facilities, 31-7-1 through 31-7-412.

Article 1 Regulation of Hospitals and

Related Institutions. Article 2

• 31-7-1. Definitions.
• 31-7-2. Classification of institutions.
• 31-7-2.1. Rules and regulations; availability of reports of cited deficiencies; disclosure of survey worksheets and documents.
• 31-7-2.2. Determination that patients or residents in an institution, community living arrangement, or treatment program are in danger; relocation of patients or residents; suspension of admissions.
• 31-7-3. Requirements for permits to operate institutions.
• 31-7-3.1. Posting sign by hospital operating emergency room notifying individuals of legal rights in emergencies.
• 31-7-3.2. Notice of cited deficiency and imposition of sanction.
• 31-7-3.3. "Excluded party" defined; liability; notice; dismissal; other procedural factors.
• 31-7-3.4. Carrying of liability insurance or establishment of self-insurance trust as condition precedent to obtaining or maintaining permit.
• 31-7-4. Denial or revocation of permits.
• 31-7-5. Exemptions from permit requirements; application of this chapter to federally operated institutions.
• 31-7-6. Provision of data for research purposes by organizations rendering patient care; liability of providers of data; use of data; confidentiality.
• 31-7-7. Refusal or revocation by public hospital of staff privileges.
• 31-7-7.1. Denial of staff privileges based upon license, board certification, or membership in professional association.
• 31-7-8. Reports of disciplinary actions against persons authorized to practice professions under Chapter 11, 34, or 35 of Title 43.
• 31-7-9. Reports by physicians and other personnel of nonaccidental injuries to patients; immunity from liability.
• 31-7-10. Certification and approval of hospitals eligible to render service under a group nonprofit hospital insurance plan; supervision of such hospitals; withdrawal of approval.
• 31-7-11. Written summary of hospital service charge rates.
• 31-7-12. "Personal care home" and "personal services" defined; licensure and registration; inspection by local boards; fees; investigations; waiver, variance, or exemption.
• 31-7-12.1. Unlicensed personal care home; civil penalties; negligence per se for certain legal claims; declared nuisance dangerous to public health, safety, and welfare; criminal sanctions.
• 31-7-12.2. Regulation and licensing of assisted living communities; legislative intent; definitions; procedures; requirements for medication aides.
• 31-7-12.3. (Effective until October 1, 2019. See note.) Adoption of rules and regulations to implement Code Sections 31-7-12 and 31-7-12.2
• 31-7-12.3. (Effective October 1, 2019. See note.) Adoption of rules and regulations to implement Code Sections 31-7-12 and 31-7-12.2
• 31-7-13. Transfer of property upon death of patient.
• 31-7-14. Blood supplies; blood donor storage programs.
• 31-7-15. Review of professional practices by a peer review committee.
• 31-7-16. Determination or pronouncement of death of patient who died in facility classified as nursing home.
• 31-7-17. Licensure and regulation of hospitals and related institutions transferred to Department of Community Health.
• 31-7-18. Influenza vaccinations for discharged patients aged 65 and older; vaccinations or other measures for health care workers and other employees in hospitals; immunity from liability; standing orders.
• 31-7-19. Nursing homes to annually offer influenza vaccinations to health care workers and other employees; immunity from liability.
• 31-7-20. Medical facilities to make good faith application to southern regional TRICARE managed care support coordinator for certification in the TRICARE program.
• 31-7-21. Provision of influenza education information to assisted living community residents.

Georgia Building Authority Hospital).

• 31-7-22 through 31-7-40 [Repealed].

Article 3 Grants for Construction and

Modernization of Medical Facilities.

• 31-7-50. Authorization of grants-in-aid.
• 31-7-51. Definitions.
• 31-7-52. Amounts of grants for construction and modernization.
• 31-7-53. Matching formula; priority system; use of earnings; approval of federal grant.
• 31-7-54. Manner of expenditure of construction funds.
• 31-7-55. Administration of state funds.
• 31-7-56. Adherence to federal law and regulations.
• 31-7-57. Procedure for grants to sponsors of construction projects; injunction of operation by transferee in violation of article.

Article 4 County and Municipal Hospital Authorities.

• 31-7-70. Short title.
• 31-7-71. Definitions.
• 31-7-72. Creation of hospital authority in each county and municipality.
• 31-7-72.1. Merger of hospital authorities.
• 31-7-73. Creation of additional hospital authority in counties with large populations.
• 31-7-74. Residency requirement; officers; compensation; rules and regulations.
• 31-7-74.1. Definitions; disclosures required; prohibited transactions; exceptions; sanctioning; sanctioning of members violating prohibition; authorization of authority to make stricter rules; preemption of other laws; applicability.
• 31-7-74.2. Oath to be taken by members of hospital authority.
• 31-7-74.3. Sale or lease by hospital authority; hearing required; factors to be considered at hearing; applicability; requirements for lease.
• 31-7-75. Functions and powers.
• 31-7-75.1. Proceeds of sale of hospital held in trust to fund indigent hospital care.
• 31-7-75.2. Exemption from disclosure for potentially commercially valuable plan, proposal, or strategy.
• 31-7-75.3. Home health agency services operated by hospitals [Repealed].
• 31-7-76. Procedure in event of failure of authority to perform minimum functions; determination of removal from office; appointments to fill vacancies created by removal.
• 31-7-77. Prohibition on for-profit projects; rates and charges; utilization of revenues to pay certain obligations.
• 31-7-78. Issuance and sale of negotiable revenue anticipation certificates.
• 31-7-79. Liability on revenue certificates; tax exemption.
• 31-7-80. Form and contents of revenue certificates; validity of signatures thereon.
• 31-7-81. Confirmation and validation of revenue certificates.
• 31-7-82. Enforcement of rights of revenue certificate holders; procedure in event of default.
• 31-7-83. Investment of surplus moneys and moneys received through issuance of revenue certificates.
• 31-7-84. Payment for authority's services and facilities; levy of tax by political subdivisions; compliance by authority with county budgetary procedures.
• 31-7-85. Contracts with political subdivisions.
• 31-7-86. Manner of operating property conveyed or leased to authority.
• 31-7-87. Hypothecation or mortgaging of purchased hospital facilities.
• 31-7-88. Payment of general obligations.
• 31-7-89. Procedure for dissolution; disposition of property.
• 31-7-89.1. "Control" defined; sale or lease by hospital authority subject to requirements of Article 15 of this chapter.
• 31-7-90. Annual report; budget.
• 31-7-90.1. Community benefit report; report disclosing member ownership in entities transacting business with authority.
• 31-7-91. Required annual audit.
• 31-7-92. Filing of audits.
• 31-7-93. Failure to provide for audit.
• 31-7-94. Grants to hospital authorities and rural hospital organizations.
• 31-7-94.1. Rural Hospital Organization Assistance Act; legislative findings; certification of rural hospitals for grant eligibility; rules and regulations.
• 31-7-95. Funding of medical education provided by hospital authorities and designated teaching hospitals.
• 31-7-96. Construction of article.

Article 5 Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly Authorities.

• 31-7-110. Short title.
• 31-7-111. Findings; declaration of policy.
• 31-7-112. Definitions.
• 31-7-113. Creation of Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly Authority in each county and municipality; board of directors.
• 31-7-114. Powers of authorities.
• 31-7-115. Lease or sale of projects.
• 31-7-116. Provisions contained in obligations and security for obligations; procedures for issuance of bonds and bond anticipation notes; interest rates; limitations and conditions.
• 31-7-117. Liability for bonds or other obligations.
• 31-7-118. Exemption from taxation.
• 31-7-119. Holding moneys as trust funds; pledges for payment of bonds.
• 31-7-120. Construction of article.

Article 6 Peer Review Groups.

• 31-7-130. Legislative intent.
• 31-7-131. Definitions.
• 31-7-132. Immunity from liability for peer review activities; immunity from liability of persons providing information.
• 31-7-133. Confidentiality of review organization's records.

Article 6A Medical Review Committees.

• 31-7-140. "Medical review committee" defined.
• 31-7-141. Committee members immune from liability.
• 31-7-142. Liability of those providing health care facilities or services.
• 31-7-143. Committee proceedings and records immune from discovery or use as evidence in civil actions.

Article 7 Home Health Agencies.

• 31-7-150. Definitions.
• 31-7-151. License required; license may not be transferred but may be suspended or revoked.
• 31-7-152. Application for license.
• 31-7-153. Standards for patient care and agency operation; regulations as to issuance, denial, suspension, or revocation of licenses; hearings.
• 31-7-154. Inspections.
• 31-7-155. Certificates of need for new service or extending service area; exemption from certificate.
• 31-7-156. Fee system for services under this article.
• 31-7-157. Exemptions from article.
• 31-7-158. Penalties for unlicensed operation.
• 31-7-159. Licensure and regulation of home health agencies transferred to Department of Community Health.

Article 8 Health Service Provider Psychologists.

• 31-7-160. Definitions.
• 31-7-161. Appointment to staff of medical facility or institution.
• 31-7-162. Training and experience requirements.
• 31-7-163. Status of present psychologist staff members.
• 31-7-164. Limitation or revocation of staff privileges.
• 31-7-165. Report of denial of staff privileges.

Article 9 Hospice Care.

• 31-7-170. Short title.
• 31-7-171. Legislative findings and purpose.
• 31-7-172. Definitions.
• 31-7-173. License required.
• 31-7-174. Application for license.
• 31-7-175. Administration of article.
• 31-7-176. Responsibilities of provider of hospice care.
• 31-7-176.1. Determination or pronouncement of death.
• 31-7-177. Inpatient beds.
• 31-7-178. Inspection.
• 31-7-179. Certificate of need not required.

Article 10 Patient Centered and Family Focused Palliative Care.

• 31-7-190. Legislative intent.
• 31-7-191. Definitions.
• 31-7-192. Georgia Palliative Care and Quality of Life Advisory Council.
• 31-7-193. Palliative Care Consumer and Professional Information and Education Program.

Article 11 Facility Licensing and Employee

Records Checks. Article 12

• 31-7-250. (Repealed effective October 1, 2019) Definitions.
• 31-7-251. (Repealed effective October 1, 2019) New facility licensing; facility directors.
• 31-7-252. (Repealed effective October 1, 2019) Director records check applications and employee preliminary records check applications; satisfactory alternative evidence; contracts for records check determinations.
• 31-7-253. (Repealed effective October 1, 2019) Written notification as to department's preliminary records check determinations; effect of unsatisfactory determinations; issuance of temporary licenses.
• 31-7-254. (Repealed effective October 1, 2019) Transmission of director's fingerprints to Georgia Crime Information Center for review; notification to department of findings; retention of fingerprints.
• 31-7-255. (Repealed effective October 1, 2019) Issuance of regular licenses.
• 31-7-256. Expiration of facility licenses issued prior to July 1, 1985; issuance of temporary or regular licenses [Repealed].
• 31-7-257. Procedure upon issuance of temporary licenses [Repealed].
• 31-7-258. (Repealed effective October 1, 2019) Change of facility director; notification to department; effect of department determination.
• 31-7-259. (Repealed effective October 1, 2019) Preliminary records check determination; suspension or revocation of license; refusal to issue regular license; fingerprint check; employment history; director's criminal liability; exempt employees; mitigating factors in criminal records check; civil penalty.
• 31-7-260. (Repealed effective October 1, 2019) Cooperation of Georgia Crime Information Center and law enforcement agencies with department; liability for misuse or attempted misuse of information.
• 31-7-261. (Repealed effective October 1, 2019) Liability for claims in connection with dissemination of information or determination based thereon.
• 31-7-262. (Repealed effective October 1, 2019) Supplemental nature of requirements of this article.
• 31-7-263. (Repealed effective October 1, 2019) Contested cases for purposes of the "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act."
• 31-7-264. (Repealed effective October 1, 2019) Regulatory power of department.
• 31-7-265. (Repealed effective October 1, 2019) Facility licensing and employee records checks for personal care homes transferred to Department of Community Health.

Health Care Data Collection. Article 13

• 31-7-280. Health care provider annual reports; form.
• 31-7-281. Data system established; departmental authority.
• 31-7-282. Collection and submission of data.
• 31-7-283. Compilation and dissemination of information; rules and regulations.
• 31-7-284. Public disclosure; updating of data base; publication; fees.
• 31-7-285. Confidentiality; liability.

Private Home Care Providers. Article 14

• 31-7-300. Definitions.
• 31-7-301. License requirement; license not assignable or transferable.
• 31-7-302. Rules and regulations; authority of department to issue, suspend, or revoke licenses.
• 31-7-303. Inspections; requirements for exemption.
• 31-7-304. Fees.
• 31-7-305. Exempt services.
• 31-7-306. Applications received prior to effective date of article.
• 31-7-307. Certificate of need not required of licensees; operation of licensee as home health agency not authorized.
• 31-7-308. Licensure and regulation of private home care providers transferred to Department of Community Health.

Nursing Homes Employee Records Checks. Article 14

• 31-7-350. (Effective until October 1, 2019) Definitions.
• 31-7-351. (Effective until October 1, 2019) Request for criminal record check; employment application form notice.
• 31-7-352. (Effective until October 1, 2019) Immunity from liability.
• 31-7-353. (Effective until October 1, 2019) Penalty for hiring applicant with criminal record.
• 31-7-354. (Effective until October 1, 2019) Authority to enforce article; rules and regulations.

Georgia Long-term Care Background Check Program. Article 14A

• 31-7-350. (Effective October 1, 2019) Short title; purpose.
• 31-7-351. (Effective October 1, 2019) Definitions.
• 31-7-352. (Effective October 1, 2019) Registry check required; validation of licensing.
• 31-7-353. (Effective October 1, 2019) Records check application; transmittal of fingerprints; penalties for unauthorized release or disclosure of information.
• 31-7-354. (Effective October 1, 2019) Consent to background checks; certain results of background check barring employment; rights of owner, applicant, or employee.
• 31-7-355. (Effective October 1, 2019) Personnel files; when department may require background check; result of unsatisfactory determination.
• 31-7-356. (Effective October 1, 2019) Facility's failure to comply with provisions; penalty.
• 31-7-357. (Effective October 1, 2019) Required notice on application form.
• 31-7-358. (Effective October 1, 2019) License revocation or withholding; additional requirements.
• 31-7-359. (Effective October 1, 2019) Liability for civil damages; sovereign immunity not waived.
• 31-7-360. (Effective October 1, 2019) Rules and regulations.
• 31-7-361. (Effective October 1, 2019) Transfer of responsibilities, rights, and personnel between departments.

Central Caregiver Registry. Article 15

• 31-7-380. (Effective October 1, 2019) Purpose and intent.
• 31-7-381. (Effective October 1, 2019) Definitions.
• 31-7-382. (Effective October 1, 2019) Establishment of central caregiver registry.
• 31-7-383. (Effective October 1, 2019) Private employer's inquiry with department on eligibility of employee; employer responsible for decisions.
• 31-7-384. (Effective October 1, 2019) Appeal of ineligibility determination.
• 31-7-385. (Effective October 1, 2019) Immunity from liability.
• 31-7-386. (Effective October 1, 2019) Rules and regulations.

Hospital Acquisition. Cross references. - Authority of board of regents with regard to Eugene Talmadge Memorial Hospital, § 20-3-520 et seq.

• 31-7-400. Definitions.
• 31-7-401. Notice to Attorney General of acquisition.
• 31-7-402. Content and form of notice to Attorney General; retention of experts; payment of costs and expenses.
• 31-7-403. Certification of interest in acquiring entity; certification of financial interest in business associated with party to disposition; statement of fair dealing; opposing board members exempt.
• 31-7-404. Publication of notice.
• 31-7-405. Public hearing; expert or consultant required to testify; testimony; representative of acquiring entity to testify.
• 31-7-406. Purpose of public hearing; factors to be addressed in disclosure.
• 31-7-407. Attorney General to ensure compliance with article; other persons not precluded from instituting judicial proceedings.
• 31-7-407.1. Report of findings.
• 31-7-408. Notice required prior to issuance or renewal of permit to operate hospital; permit subject to revocation or suspension for failure to comply.
• 31-7-409. Prospective operation of article.
• 31-7-410. Authority of Attorney General unaffected.
• 31-7-411. Attorney General's power under article same as under Code Section 45-15-17.
• 31-7-412. Disposition or acquisition made in violation of requirements of article null and void; violators subject to fine; Attorney General to instigate proceedings to impose fine within one year.

Chapter 8. Care and Protection of Indigent and Elderly Patients, 31-8-1 through 31-8-306.

ARTICLE 14 GEORGIA LONG-TERM CARE BACKGROUND CHECK PROGRAM

Article 1 Hospital Care for the Indigent Generally.

• 31-8-1. Establishment and purpose of program; administration.
• 31-8-2. Definitions.
• 31-8-3. Disbursement of state funds to counties.
• 31-8-4. Qualification of counties for participation in program.
• 31-8-5. Submission of budget by county.
• 31-8-6. Credit for expenditures by county.
• 31-8-7. Qualifications for assistance under program; waiver of residence requirements in emergencies.
• 31-8-8. Agreements between department and other governmental agencies or private organizations to obtain funds.
• 31-8-9. Use of gifts and donations.
• 31-8-9.1. Eligibility to receive tax credits; obligations of rural hospitals after receipt of funds.
• 31-8-10. Rules and regulations.
• 31-8-11. Construction of article.

Article 2 Hospital Care for Nonresident

Indigents. Article 2A

• 31-8-30. Findings; purpose of article.
• 31-8-31. Definitions.
• 31-8-32. Determination of indigency.
• 31-8-33. Creation of fund.
• 31-8-34. Maintenance of records; certification of cost of care; determination of amount of fund.
• 31-8-35. Payments from fund to hospitals.
• 31-8-36. State appropriations to fund.
• 31-8-37. Compliance with this article contingent upon appropriation.

Hospital Care for Pregnant Women. Article 3

• 31-8-40. Legislative findings and purpose.
• 31-8-41. Definitions.
• 31-8-42. Requirement of hospitals with emergency services to provide care to pregnant women in labor.
• 31-8-43. Determination of indigency; payment of services provided under Code Section 31-8-42 for indigent patients by county; records; administration.
• 31-8-43.1. Extent of patient's liability for costs; required cooperation of patient with county; liability of father for costs; action by county to recover costs or challenge determination of liability.
• 31-8-44. Immunity of hospital or health care provider from liability.
• 31-8-45. Availability of cause of action for patient wrongfully denied care.
• 31-8-46. Investigation; penalties; rules and regulations.

Long-term Care Ombudsman Program. Article 4

• 31-8-50. Declaration of policy.
• 31-8-51. Definitions.
• 31-8-52. Establishment of long-term care ombudsman program.
• 31-8-53. Duties of state ombudsman.
• 31-8-54. Duties of community ombudsmen.
• 31-8-55. Entry and investigative authority; cooperation of government agencies; communication with residents.
• 31-8-56. Resolution of complaints.
• 31-8-57. Reporting abuse.
• 31-8-58. Confidentiality.
• 31-8-59. Notice to residents.
• 31-8-60. Retaliation against resident and interference with ombudsman prohibited; provisions applicable to violations.
• 31-8-61. Liability for provision of information.
• 31-8-62. Liability arising from complaints.
• 31-8-63. Rules and regulations.

Reporting Abuse or Exploitation of Residents in Long-term

Care Facilities. Article 5

• 31-8-80. Short title.
• 31-8-81. Definitions.
• 31-8-82. Persons required to report abuse or exploitation; time for making report; contents of report; records; privileged communications.
• 31-8-83. Investigations.
• 31-8-84. Evaluation of results of investigation; protection of resident.
• 31-8-85. Immunity from liability.
• 31-8-86. Confidentiality.
• 31-8-87. Retaliation prohibited.
• 31-8-88. Notice of requirements of article.

Bill of Rights for Residents of Long-term Care

Facilities. Article 5A

• 31-8-100. Short title.
• 31-8-101. Legislative intent.
• 31-8-102. Definitions.
• 31-8-103. Rights of residents generally.
• 31-8-104. Explanation of rights; acknowledgment of explanation; posting of rights at facilities.
• 31-8-105. Giving certain notices to persons who became residents before July 1, 1981.
• 31-8-106. Information to be provided residents upon admission; list of current rates and services; bill for charges; access to nonmedical records.
• 31-8-107. Refusal of admission or continued residence on the basis of history or condition of mental or physical disease or disability.
• 31-8-108. Required care, treatment, and services; rights in regard thereto; experimental research or treatment.
• 31-8-109. Use or threat of physical restraints, isolation, or restrictions on mobility.
• 31-8-110. Right to select pharmacy or pharmacist; charges for pharmaceutical supplies and services; information as to purpose and effects of drugs.
• 31-8-111. Rights as citizen.
• 31-8-112. Freedom from duty to perform services for facility; right to rise and retire at times of resident's choice; tobacco and alcoholic beverages; freedom to enter and leave facility.
• 31-8-113. Right to retain and use personal property at facility; provision of secure storage space for such property; records of stored property; investigation of complaints of theft.
• 31-8-114. Right to privacy.
• 31-8-115. Use of payments made to or on behalf of a resident; right of resident or his guardian to manage the resident's financial affairs; assistance by facility in such management.
• 31-8-116. Involuntary transfer of residents discharged from facility; return to facility after transfer.
• 31-8-117. Suspension of certain rights where exercise poses danger to self or other residents; notice of suspension; duration.
• 31-8-118. Freedom from interference in exercise of rights and pursuit of interests; accommodation of conflicting rights; voicing of complaints and recommendation of changes.
• 31-8-119. Obtaining contributions by coercion; use of contributions designated for a restricted purpose; receipts and records of contributions.
• 31-8-120. Visitors; right of access.
• 31-8-121. Formation of residents' council; space for meetings; assistance in attending meetings; compelling of attendance or participation.
• 31-8-122. Compliance with this article by facilities; establishment by facilities of written policies and procedures; familiarization of facility staff with this article.
• 31-8-123. Use of state or community ombudsman to resolve residents' complaints.
• 31-8-124. Grievances.
• 31-8-125. Administrative hearings.
• 31-8-126. Cause of action against facility for violation of rights under this article; civil penalties; applicability of Code Section 31-5-8.
• 31-8-127. Rules and regulations.

Remedies for Residents of Personal Care Homes. Article 6

• 31-8-130. Short title.
• 31-8-131. Legislative findings and intent.
• 31-8-132. Definitions.
• 31-8-133. Residents' rights.
• 31-8-134. Grievance procedure.
• 31-8-135. Hearing; transfer of resident.
• 31-8-136. Action for damages.
• 31-8-137. Temporary restraining order; injunctions.
• 31-8-138. Failure to validly license as defense.
• 31-8-139. Mandamus.

Indigent Care Trust Fund. Article 6A

• 31-8-150. Constitutional authority for passage of article.
• 31-8-151. Definitions.
• 31-8-152. Creation of Indigent Care Trust Fund.
• 31-8-152.1. State sales and use taxation of certain health care services [Repealed].
• 31-8-153. Contributions to trust fund.
• 31-8-153.1. Irrevocable transfer of funds to trust fund; provision for indigent patients.
• 31-8-153.2. Revenues raised from specified sources.
• 31-8-153.3. No lapse of contributions to the general fund.
• 31-8-154. Authorized expenditure of contributed funds.
• 31-8-155. Promulgation of rules for funding expansions of eligibility and indigent care programs.
• 31-8-156. Appropriation of state funds by General Assembly.
• 31-8-157. Refunding contributed funds; penalties not refunded.
• 31-8-158. Refunding funds not appropriated or determined void or ineligible.
• 31-8-159. Reporting requirements.
• 31-8-160. Applicability of Article 7 of Chapter 4 of Title 49.

Nursing Home Provider Fee. Article 6B

• 31-8-161. Legislative authority.
• 31-8-162. Definitions.
• 31-8-163. Segregated account of revenues raised through provider fees.
• 31-8-164. Provider fee based on patient day; quarterly payment required.
• 31-8-165. Use of segregated account funds; form for reporting provider fee; maintenance of records; inaccurate payments; penalty for failing to pay.
• 31-8-166. General Assembly appropriations of segregated funds; match to federal funds; no lapsing at end of fiscal year.
• 31-8-167. Annual report by department to General Assembly.
• 31-8-168. Request for waiver from United States Department of Health and Human Services.
• 31-8-169. Application of the Medical Assistance Act of 1977.

Quality Assessment Fees on Care Management Organizations. Article 6C

• 31-8-170. Legislative authority.
• 31-8-171. Definitions.
• 31-8-172. Segregated account for the deposit of fees.
• 31-8-173. Assessment, calculation, and payment of fees.
• 31-8-174. Collection and disposition of fees; authority of department to inspect records of care management organizations; overpayment or underpayment; penalty for failure to pay fee.
• 31-8-175. Appropriation of revenues to the department.
• 31-8-176. Annual report by the department.
• 31-8-177. Applicability of the Georgia Medical Assistance Act of 1977.

Hospital Medicaid Financing Program. Article 7

• 31-8-179. (Repealed effective June 30, 2020) Short title.
• 31-8-179.1. (Repealed effective June 30, 2020) Definitions.
• 31-8-179.2. (Repealed effective June 30, 2020) Department of Community Health authorized to assess one or more provider payments on hospitals for the purpose of obtaining federal financial participation for Medicaid.
• 31-8-179.3. (Repealed effective June 30, 2020) Provider payments assessed to be deposited in segregated accounts within Indigent Care Trust Fund; sole purpose of funds to obtain federal financial participation for medical assistance payments for Medicaid recipients; retention and inspection of records; penalties.
• 31-8-179.4. (Repealed effective June 30, 2020) Authorized use of appropriated funds.
• 31-8-179.5. (Repealed effective June 30, 2020) Applicability of Georgia Medical Assistance Act.
• 31-8-179.6. (Repealed effective June 30, 2020) Automatic repeal.

Disclosure of Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease or Alzheimer's Related Dementia. Article 8

• 31-8-180. Definitions.
• 31-8-181. Individuals and hospitals excluded from application of article.
• 31-8-182. Disclosure of care, treatment, or therapeutic activities required; disclosure form.
• 31-8-183. Areas covered by disclosure requirements.
• 31-8-184. Failure to provide disclosure; review and verification of disclosure form.

"Health Share" Volunteers in Medicine. Article 9

• 31-8-190. Short title.
• 31-8-191. Legislative findings and intent.
• 31-8-192. Definitions.
• 31-8-193. Establishment of program; contracts with health care providers.
• 31-8-194. Notice to patients required.
• 31-8-195. Volunteers to provide services.
• 31-8-195.1. Sovereign immunity protection for health care professionals in safety net clinics.
• 31-8-196. Exemption from employment regulations.
• 31-8-197. Annual report of claims statistics.
• 31-8-198. Annual report by the department summarizing the efficiency of access and treatment outcomes.
• 31-8-199. Department's responsibilities regarding liability insurance.
• 31-8-200. Adoption of rules and regulations.
• 31-8-201. Applicability; preservation of the state's rights under the Tort Claims Act.

Federal and State Funded Health Care Financing Programs Overview Committee. Article 10

• 31-8-210. Committee established; composition; officers; terms of office; duties and responsibilities; assistance from other state officers and agencies; compensation, per diem, and expense allowances; funding.

Drug Repository Program. Cross references. - Unfair or deceptive practices toward the elderly, § 10-1-850 et seq.

• 31-8-300. Definitions.
• 31-8-301. Drug repository program established; criteria and requirements for unused over-the-counter and prescription drugs.
• 31-8-302. Procedures for donation and dispensing of unused over-the-counter and prescription drugs.
• 31-8-303. Limited liability.
• 31-8-304. Rules and regulations; waiver.

Chapter 9. Consent for Surgical or Medical Treatment, 31-9-1 through 31-9-7.

• 31-9-1. Short title.
• 31-9-2. Persons authorized to consent to surgical or medical treatment.
• 31-9-3. Emergencies.
• 31-9-4. Applicability of chapter to care and treatment of mentally ill.
• 31-9-5. Applicability of chapter to abortion and sterilization procedures.
• 31-9-6. Construction of chapter; requirements of valid consent.
• 31-9-6.1. Disclosure of certain information to persons undergoing certain surgical or diagnostic procedures; failure to comply; exceptions; regulations establishing standards for implementation.
• 31-9-7. Right of persons who are at least 18 years of age to refuse to consent to treatment.

• 31-9A-1. Short title.
• 31-9A-2. Definitions.
• 31-9A-3. Voluntary and informed consent to abortion; availability of ultrasound.
• 31-9A-4. Information to be made available by the Department of Public Health; format requirements; availability; requirements for website.
• 31-9A-5. Requirements in case of medical emergency.
• 31-9A-6. Reporting requirements.
• 31-9A-6.1. Civil and professional penalties for violations; prerequisites for seeking penalties.
• 31-9A-7. Preservation of patient anonymity in civil proceedings.
• 31-9A-8. Severability.

• 31-9B-1. Definitions.
• 31-9B-2. Requirement to determine probable gestational age of unborn child.
• 31-9B-3. Required reporting of physicians and departments; confidentiality; failure to comply.

Chapter 10. Vital Records, 31-10-1 through 31-10-33.

• 31-10-1. Definitions.
• 31-10-2. Maintenance and operation of vital records registration system.
• 31-10-3. Rules and regulations.
• 31-10-4. Appointment of state registrar of vital records.
• 31-10-5. Duties and powers of state registrar; delegation of functions and duties.
• 31-10-6. Local registrars, local custodians, special abstracting agents, and deputies; appointment; duties.
• 31-10-7. Form of certificates and reports; date received for registration required; filing or registration of information by photographic, electronic, or other means.
• 31-10-8. Certification to county treasurers of birth and death certificates and spontaneous fetal death reports filed; fees.
• 31-10-9. Registration of births.
• 31-10-9.1. Social security account information of parents.
• 31-10-10. Registration of live born infants of unknown parentage.
• 31-10-11. Registration of delayed certificate of birth.
• 31-10-12. Judicial procedure to establish facts of birth.
• 31-10-13. Certificates of adoption.
• 31-10-13.1. Certified copies of orders and registration of legitimations and paternity orders.
• 31-10-13.2. Provision of copies of legitimation and paternity orders to state registrar.
• 31-10-14. Issuance of new certificate of birth following adoption and legitimation or paternity determination.
• 31-10-15. Death certificate; filing; medical certification; forwarding death certificate to decedent's county of residence; purging voter registration list.
• 31-10-16. Criteria for pronouncing death; immunity from liability.
• 31-10-17. State registration of death certificates; certified copies; certificates of record.
• 31-10-18. Registration of spontaneous fetal deaths.
• 31-10-19. Reporting of induced termination of pregnancy.
• 31-10-20. Permits for disposition, disinterment, and reinterment.
• 31-10-21. Record of marriage licenses.
• 31-10-22. Record of divorces, dissolutions, and annulments.
• 31-10-23. Amendment of certificates or reports.
• 31-10-24. Preservation or disposition of vital records; certified reproductions; preserved originals and authorized reproductions as property of department.
• 31-10-25. Disclosure of information contained in vital records; transfer of records to State Archives.
• 31-10-26. Issuance of certified copies of vital records, voluntary acknowledgments of paternity, voluntary acknowledgments of legitimation; certificates; use for statistical purposes; transmittal of records out of state; use for commercial or speculative purposes.
• 31-10-27. Fees for copies or services.
• 31-10-28. Institutions to keep vital records.
• 31-10-29. Privileged nature of disclosures; notification of local registrar of institutional deaths and fetal deaths; notification of board of voting registrars of adult deaths.
• 31-10-30. Posting facts of death to birth certificates.
• 31-10-31. Penalties.
• 31-10-32. Extension of periods for filing of certificates or reports.
• 31-10-33. Procedure for stillbirth.

Chapter 11. Emergency Medical Services, 31-11-1 through 31-11-139.

Article 1 General Provisions.

• 31-11-1. Findings; declaration of policy.
• 31-11-2. Definitions.
• 31-11-3. Recommendations by local coordinating entity as to administration of EMSC Program; hearing and appeal.
• 31-11-4. Supervision and modifications of EMSC Program.
• 31-11-5. Rules and regulations.
• 31-11-6. Records.
• 31-11-7. Exercise of emergency vehicle privileges by ambulance drivers.
• 31-11-8. Liability of persons rendering emergency care; liability of physicians advising ambulance service pursuant to Code Section 31-11-50; limitation to gratuitous services.
• 31-11-9. Enforcement; inspections.
• 31-11-10. Establishment of fees and regulations by municipalities.
• 31-11-11. Applicability of chapter.
• 31-11-12. Contracts between emergency service providers and pharmacies for furnishing dangerous drugs and controlled substances.

Article 2 Licenses.

• 31-11-30. License requirement.
• 31-11-31. Application for license.
• 31-11-31.1. License fee.
• 31-11-32. Duties of license officer.
• 31-11-33. Insurance coverage as condition of licensing.
• 31-11-34. Standards for ambulances.
• 31-11-35. Renewal of license; change of ownership of ambulance service.
• 31-11-36. Suspension or revocation of license; appeal to superior court.

Article 3 Personnel.

• 31-11-49. Definitions.
• 31-11-50. Medical adviser.
• 31-11-51. Certification and recertification of emergency medical technicians; rules and regulations; use of conviction data in licensing decisions.
• 31-11-52. Certification and recertification of, and training for, paramedics and cardiac technicians.
• 31-11-53. Services which may be rendered by certified emergency medical technicians and trainees.
• 31-11-53.1. Automated external defibrillator program; establishment; regulations; liability.
• 31-11-53.2. "Lay rescuer" defined; use of automated external defibrillators.
• 31-11-54. Services which may be rendered by paramedics and paramedic trainees.
• 31-11-55. Services which may be rendered by certified cardiac technicians and trainees.
• 31-11-55.1. Opioid antagonists administered by first responder to save life of person experiencing opioid related overdose.
• 31-11-56. Revocation of certificates issued to emergency medical technicians.
• 31-11-57. Revocation of certificates issued to paramedics and cardiac technicians.
• 31-11-58. Recertification of emergency medical technicians; continuing education requirements.
• 31-11-58.1. Recertification of paramedics and cardiac technicians; continuing education requirements.
• 31-11-59. Services of emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and cardiac technicians in hospitals.
• 31-11-60. Obtaining and administering drugs by certified employees of counties or municipalities.
• 31-11-60.1. Program for physician control over emergency medical services to nonhospital patients.
• 31-11-61. Penalty.

Article 4 Emergency Services.

• 31-11-80. Short title.
• 31-11-81. Definitions.
• 31-11-82. Evaluation of person with emergency condition; initiation of intervention without prospective authorization; insurer may not deny payment after prospective authorization given.

Article 5 Georgia Trauma Care Network Commission.

• 31-11-100. Definitions.
• 31-11-101. Creation of Georgia Trauma Care Network Commission; composition; membership; meetings; vacancies; compensation.
• 31-11-102. Duties and responsibilities.
• 31-11-103. Georgia Trauma Trust Fund.

Article 6 System of Certified Stroke Centers.

• 31-11-110. Legislative findings.
• 31-11-111. "Department" defined.
• 31-11-112. Identification of stroke centers.
• 31-11-113. Certification; application process; inspections.
• 31-11-114. Grants; report.
• 31-11-115. Distribution of list of state identified stroke centers to emergency medical services providers; development of a model stroke triage assessment tool; assessment, treatment, and transport of stroke patients.
• 31-11-116. Annual reports.
• 31-11-117. Statutory construction.
• 31-11-118. Advertising.
• 31-11-119. Rules and regulations.

Article 7 Emergency Cardiac Care Centers.

• 31-11-130. Legislative findings.
• 31-11-131. Definitions.
• 31-11-132. Office of Cardiac Care; level designations and requirements.
• 31-11-133. Designation as emergency cardiac care center; suspension or revocation.
• 31-11-134. Data reporting system.
• 31-11-135. Grants to hospitals; reporting.
• 31-11-136. Listing of emergency cardiac care centers; emergency cardiac care triage assessment tool; protocols.
• 31-11-137. Statutory construction.
• 31-11-138. Advertisement as emergency cardiac care center.
• 31-11-139. Rules and regulations.

Chapter 12. Control of Hazardous Conditions, Preventable Diseases, and Metabolic Disorders, 31-12-1 through 31-12-14.

• 31-12-1. Power to conduct research and studies.
• 31-12-1.1. "Bioterrorism" and "public health emergency" defined.
• 31-12-2. Reporting certain diseases and neonatal abstinence syndrome; confidentiality; reporting required of pharmacists; immunity from liability as to information supplied; notification of potential bioterrorism.
• 31-12-2.1. Investigation of potential bioterrorism activity; regulations and planning for public health emergencies.
• 31-12-3. Power to require immunization and other preventive measures.
• 31-12-3.1. Vaccination registry; reporting requirements, maintenance, and use.
• 31-12-3.2. Meningococcal disease; vaccinations; disclosures.
• 31-12-4. Isolation and segregation of diseased persons; quarantine.
• 31-12-4.1. Smallpox vaccination and treatment program.
• 31-12-5. State-wide network for medical genetics services.
• 31-12-6. System for prevention of serious illness, severe physical or developmental disability, and death resulting from inherited metabolic and genetic disorders.
• 31-12-7. Rules and regulations regarding tests for sickle cell anemia, sickle cell trait, and other metabolic and genetic disorders; counseling; fees.
• 31-12-8. Occupational health and safety.
• 31-12-9. Importation, sale, and breeding of animals and birds to be kept as pets.
• 31-12-10. Right of entry to facility.
• 31-12-11. Abating operation of bathhouses.
• 31-12-12. Restrictions on sale or dispensing of contact lenses and spectacles; definitions; responsibilities relating to prescriptions; criminal violation; enforcement.
• 31-12-13. Definitions concerning bloodborne pathogens; standards; funds for research and development.
• 31-12-14. Cancer research program fund; contributions; accounting.

• 31-12A-1. Short title.
• 31-12A-2. Definitions.
• 31-12A-3. Smoking prohibited in state and local government buildings.
• 31-12A-4. Smoking prohibited in enclosed public places.
• 31-12A-5. Smoking prohibited in enclosed areas within places of employment; required communications.
• 31-12A-6. Exemptions.
• 31-12A-7. Smoking prohibited in designated nonsmoking places.
• 31-12A-8. "No Smoking" signs; ashtrays prohibited in nonsmoking areas.
• 31-12A-9. Public education program.
• 31-12A-10. Enforcement by the Department of Public Health and county boards of health.
• 31-12A-11. Local operating procedures.
• 31-12A-12. Other laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances not prohibited.
• 31-12A-13. Construction.

Chapter 13. Radiation Control, 31-13-1 through 31-13-25.

• 31-13-1. Short title.
• 31-13-2. Declaration of policy.
• 31-13-3. Definitions.
• 31-13-4. Administration of state-wide radiation control program for radiation generating equipment.
• 31-13-4.1. Administration of state-wide radiation control program for radioactive materials.
• 31-13-5. Powers and duties of Department of Community Health and Department of Natural Resources; enforcement of chapter through inspection; training programs.
• 31-13-6. Bonding licensees.
• 31-13-7. Permits for disposal of radioactive waste; bonding of permittees.
• 31-13-8. Licensing users of by-product, source, and special nuclear materials as sources of ionizing radiation.
• 31-13-8.1. General or specific licensing for use, manufacture, transport, transactions in, and possession of radioactive material.
• 31-13-8.2. Licensing of diagnostic and therapeutic medical uses of radioactive materials.
• 31-13-9. Records of use of radiation sources and exposure of employees to radiation.
• 31-13-10. Suspension, revocation, and amendment of license or registration; emergency orders; review.
• 31-13-11. Impounding and condemnation of radiation generating equipment and radioactive materials.
• 31-13-12. License required.
• 31-13-13. Penalties.
• 31-13-14. Inspections and investigations.
• 31-13-15. Investigation of apparent violations; initiation of legal proceedings.
• 31-13-16. Authorization to remedy violation by conference, conciliation, or persuasion; order to undertake corrective action.
• 31-13-17. Declaration of existence of emergency.
• 31-13-18. Hearing on order or notice of action.
• 31-13-19. Judicial review.
• 31-13-20. Filing certified copy of unappealed final order or affirmed order.
• 31-13-21. Temporary or permanent injunction; restraining order.
• 31-13-22. Representation of director in actions.
• 31-13-23. Transfer of powers and duties between Department of Natural Resources and Department of Community Health.
• 31-13-24. Effect on proceedings commenced before April 4, 1990; continuation of federal aid to agency receiving transfer of functions.
• 31-13-25. Rules, regulations, agreements, and contracts formerly under Department of Human Resources (now known as the Department of Community Health for these purposes).

Chapter 14. Hospitalization for Tuberculosis, 31-14-1 through 31-14-14.

• 31-14-1. "Active tuberculosis" defined; declaration of policy.
• 31-14-2. Petition for commitment.
• 31-14-3. Hearing on petition; notice; physical examination; court costs; attorney's fee; conduct of hearing.
• 31-14-4. Service of copy of petition and order; penalty for failure to comply.
• 31-14-5. Circumstances allowing custody pending hearing.
• 31-14-6. Report of persons making examination; service of copies.
• 31-14-7. Results of hearing; commitment to hospital or facility; dismissal of petition and release from custody; costs of transportation; review of commitment order.
• 31-14-8. Period of confinement of patients committed under chapter.
• 31-14-8.1. Continuation of confinement of patient; report required; hearing.
• 31-14-8.2. Appeal from orders of superior court or hearing examiner; costs; right to counsel.
• 31-14-9. Procedure for securing discharge; petition for habeas corpus.
• 31-14-10. Enforcement of rules and regulations by county boards of health.
• 31-14-11. Unauthorized leave of committed person from hospital or facility.
• 31-14-12. Applicability of commitment provisions to persons who obey rules and regulations of department.
• 31-14-13. Order directing compliance with plan of evaluation or outpatient treatment; contempt.
• 31-14-14. Immunity from liability.

Chapter 15. Care and Treatment of Cancer Patients, 31-15-1 through 31-15-6.

• 31-15-1. Findings; declaration of purpose.
• 31-15-2. Establishment of program.
• 31-15-3. Functions of the Cancer Advisory Committee; membership; terms of office; vacancies.
• 31-15-4. Cancer control officer.
• 31-15-5. Duties of commissioner.
• 31-15-6. Right to benefits under other programs.

• 31-15A-1. Short title.
• 31-15A-2. Definitions.
• 31-15A-3. Insurance benefit plan shall provide coverage for bone mass measurement; education.

Chapter 16. Care and Treatment of Chronic Renal Disease Patients, 31-16-1 through 31-16-8.

• 31-16-1. Findings; declaration of purpose.
• 31-16-2. Establishment of program.
• 31-16-3. Functions of the Kidney Disease Advisory Committee; membership; terms of office; vacancies; compensation and reimbursement of expenses.
• 31-16-4. Staff.
• 31-16-5. Duties of commissioner.
• 31-16-6. Right to benefits under other programs.
• 31-16-7. Reuse of kidney dialyzer; limitation; authority; failure to comply.
• 31-16-8. Task force on kidney dialysis centers; establishment; membership; meetings; report; abolition [Repealed].

Chapter 17. Control of Venereal Disease, 31-17-1 through 31-17-8.

• 31-17-1. Enumeration of diseases deemed dangerous to public health.
• 31-17-2. Report of diagnosis or treatment to health authorities.
• 31-17-3. Examination and treatment by health authorities.
• 31-17-4. Serologic tests of pregnant women.
• 31-17-4.1. Chlamydia screening test.
• 31-17-4.2. HIV and Syphilis Pregnancy Screening.
• 31-17-5. Prophylactic treatment at childbirth.
• 31-17-6. Regulation of laboratories.
• 31-17-7. Consent of minor to medical or surgical care or services; informing spouse, parent, custodian, or guardian.
• 31-17-7.1. Expedited partner therapy.
• 31-17-8. Penalty.

• 31-17A-1. HIV deemed dangerous to public health.
• 31-17A-2. Examination of infected persons; administration of HIV test.
• 31-17A-3. Refusal to consent to test; procedure.

Chapter 18. Registry for Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries, 31-18-1 through 31-18-4.

• 31-18-1. Declaration of policy.
• 31-18-2. Definitions.
• 31-18-3. Reporting procedures.
• 31-18-4. Duties of commission.

Chapter 19. Control of Rabies, 31-19-1 through 31-19-10.

• 31-19-1. Responsibility for control.
• 31-19-2. Powers of department in infected area.
• 31-19-3. Licensing and regulation of animals by local authorities.
• 31-19-4. Duty of notification.
• 31-19-5. Inoculation of canines and felines against rabies.
• 31-19-6. Certificates of inoculation; tags [Repealed].
• 31-19-7. County rabies control officer.
• 31-19-8. Joint administration of chapter by adjoining counties.
• 31-19-9. Applicability to municipalities with rabies control laws.
• 31-19-10. Penalty.

Chapter 20. Performance of Sterilization Procedures, 31-20-1 through 31-20-6.

• 31-20-1. Definitions.
• 31-20-2. Performance of sterilization procedure upon request.
• 31-20-3. Sterilization of mentally incompetent persons.
• 31-20-4. Restriction on performance of sterilization procedure.
• 31-20-5. Civil and criminal liability; compliance where other medical treatment may result in sterilization.
• 31-20-6. Exemptions from requirements of chapter.

Chapter 21. Dead Bodies, 31-21-1 through 31-21-45.

Article 1 General Provisions.

• 31-21-1. Approved disinfectant; "embalming" defined.
• 31-21-2. Conflict with authority of Commissioner of Agriculture.
• 31-21-3. Death of person with infectious or communicable disease; required reporting procedures; confidentiality; disclosure; penalties.
• 31-21-4. Burial at sea of cremated remains; notification that cremated remains are ready for interment; unclaimed cremated remains.
• 31-21-5. Incineration or cremation of dead body or parts thereof.
• 31-21-6. Notification of law enforcement agency upon disturbance, destruction, or debasement of human remains.
• 31-21-7. Preneed contracts and revisions; affidavit on disposition of remains; role of probate court; warrant as to truthfulness; liability of funeral home.

Article 2 Disposition of Unclaimed Dead Bodies.

• 31-21-20. Board for the Distribution of Cadavers.
• 31-21-21. Delivery to board of certain unclaimed bodies.
• 31-21-22. Disposition of bodies of travelers dying suddenly.
• 31-21-23. Distribution of bodies by board.
• 31-21-24. Transportation of bodies.
• 31-21-25. Bonds.
• 31-21-26. Payment of expenses.

Article 3 Offenses.

• 31-21-40. Omission to perform duties imposed by chapter.
• 31-21-41. Traffic in human bodies.
• 31-21-42. Disinterment by coroner without good grounds.
• 31-21-43. Removal of dead body from grave for purposes of sale or dissection.
• 31-21-44. Wanton or malicious removal of dead body from grave or disturbance of contents of grave; receipt, retention, disposal, or possession of unlawfully removed dead body or bodily part.
• 31-21-44.1. Abuse of dead body.
• 31-21-44.2. Throwing away or abandonment of dead bodies prohibited; punishment.
• 31-21-45. Public exhibit or display of dead human bodies of American Indians or American Indian human remains.

Chapter 22. Clinical Laboratories, 31-22-1 through 31-22-13.

• 31-22-1. Definitions.
• 31-22-2. Licenses.
• 31-22-3. Clinical Laboratory, Blood Bank, and Tissue Bank Committee [Repealed].
• 31-22-4. Examination of human specimens.
• 31-22-5. Methods for selection of blood donors and collection, storage, and processing of human blood.
• 31-22-6. Powers of board to promulgate rules and regulations, establish and enforce standards.
• 31-22-7. Reports to department.
• 31-22-8. Inspections; evaluation program.
• 31-22-9. Applicability of chapter.
• 31-22-9.1. HIV tests - Who may perform test.
• 31-22-9.2. HIV tests - Report of positive results; notification; counseling; violations; exception for insurance coverage; exposure of health care provider.
• 31-22-10. Effect of this chapter on Chapter 23 of this title and Article 6 of Chapter 5 of Title 44.
• 31-22-11. Effect of this chapter on Chapter 34 of Title 43.
• 31-22-12. Injunction of operation of unlicensed clinical laboratories.
• 31-22-13. Penalty.

Chapter 23. Eye Banks, 31-23-1 through 31-23-9.

• 31-23-1. Definitions.
• 31-23-2. Effect on eye donations of the "Georgia Revised Uniform Anatomical Gift Act."
• 31-23-3. Hospitals or medical schools which may operate eye banks; right of eye banks to receive gifts, donations, and bequests.
• 31-23-4. Powers of department.
• 31-23-5. Persons authorized to extract eyes; compensation therefor; liability of persons operating eye banks or having custody or control of donor's body.
• 31-23-6. Removal of eye or corneal tissue [Repealed].
• 31-23-7. Liability of donor or donor's estate.
• 31-23-8. Effect of chapter upon existing methods of treatment or instruction.
• 31-23-9. Penalty.

Chapter 24. Blood Labeling, 31-24-1 through 31-24-8.

• 31-24-1. Short title.
• 31-24-2. Definitions.
• 31-24-3. Requirement of qualification of blood donors.
• 31-24-4. Labeling of containers of blood.
• 31-24-5. Transfusion of unlabeled blood; identification of blood administered by transfusion.
• 31-24-6. Transfer of blood and blood components for industrial use.
• 31-24-7. Administration of chapter.
• 31-24-8. Penalty.

Chapter 26. Practice of Midwifery, 31-26-1 through 31-26-7.

• 31-26-1. Definitions.
• 31-26-2. Requirement of certificate; application; educational requirements; issuance, suspension, and revocation.
• 31-26-3. Rules and regulations.
• 31-26-4. Conduct prohibited of certificate holders.
• 31-26-5. Attendance at other than normal childbirth; prohibited procedures; conduct in event of complications.
• 31-26-6. Enforcement.
• 31-26-7. Injunctive relief of violations.

Chapter 27. Control of Mass Gatherings, 31-27-1 through 31-27-12.

• 31-27-1. Definitions.
• 31-27-2. Permit requirement.
• 31-27-3. Application for permit.
• 31-27-4. Additional requirements for issuance of permit; denial, suspension, or revocation.
• 31-27-5. Bond requirement; cash deposit in lieu of bond.
• 31-27-6. Assessment for persons in attendance beyond number specified.
• 31-27-7. Emergency powers of Governor; authority of director of Civil Defense Division.
• 31-27-8. Recovery by state for costs and damages.
• 31-27-9. Rules and regulations.
• 31-27-10. Applicability of chapter.
• 31-27-11. Civil penalty.
• 31-27-12. Criminal penalty.

Chapter 28. Tourist Courts, 31-28-1 through 31-28-7.

• 31-28-1. "Tourist court" defined.
• 31-28-2. Issuance of permits.
• 31-28-3. Denial, suspension, and revocation of permits.
• 31-28-4. Administrative review of local government order.
• 31-28-5. Standards for health, sanitation, and safety.
• 31-28-6. Inspection of premises.
• 31-28-7. Penalty.

Chapter 29. Compensation of Employees of State Institutions Who Contract Tuberculosis or Infectious Hepatitis, 31-29-1 through 31-29-8.

• 31-29-1. Amount of compensation.
• 31-29-2. Physical examination required for compensation under Code Section 31-29-1.
• 31-29-3. Periodic physical examinations of persons receiving compensation.
• 31-29-4. Effect of retirement under Chapter 2 of Title 47.
• 31-29-5. Contributions to retirement system where employee does not retire.
• 31-29-6. Rights of employees under State Personnel Administration.
• 31-29-7. Rules and regulations of employing authority; exclusion from right to compensation of employees not subject to exposure.
• 31-29-8. Specific inclusion of employees of certain institutions.

Chapter 30. Reports on Veterans Exposed to Agent Orange, 31-30-1 through 31-30-9.

• 31-30-1. (For effective date, see note.) Definitions.
• 31-30-2. (For effective date, see note.) Submission of report to department.
• 31-30-3. (For effective date, see note.) Report by department of information submitted under chapter; conduct of epidemiological studies by department.
• 31-30-4. (For effective date, see note.) Disclosure of identity of subject of report; statistics as public information.
• 31-30-5. (For effective date, see note.) Immunity of physician or hospital providing required information.
• 31-30-6. (For effective date, see note) Actions for release of information and individual medical records.
• 31-30-7. (For effective date, see note.) Referral of veterans for medical and financial assistance; screening services to ascertain physical damage from exposure.
• 31-30-8. (For effective date, see note.) Discontinuance of referral and screening programs performed by federal government.
• 31-30-9. (For effective date, see note.) When chapter effective.

Chapter 32. Advance Directives for Health Care, 31-32-1 through 31-32-14.

• 31-32-1. Short title.
• 31-32-2. Definitions.
• 31-32-3. Savings clause for existing living wills and durable powers of attorney for health care.
• 31-32-4. Form.
• 31-32-5. Execution; use of form or other forms; witnesses; copies; amendment.
• 31-32-6. Revocation; declarant's marriage or appointment of a guardian.
• 31-32-7. Duties and responsibilities of health care agents.
• 31-32-8. Duties and responsibilities of health care providers.
• 31-32-9. Conditions precedent to carrying out health care treatment preferences; physician's failure to comply with treatment preferences.
• 31-32-10. Immunity from liability or disciplinary action.
• 31-32-11. Advance directive for health care's relationship to criminal and insurance laws.
• 31-32-12. Restriction on requiring and preparing advance directives for health care.
• 31-32-13. Penalties and legal sanctions for violations.
• 31-32-14. Effect of chapter on other legal rights and duties.

Chapter 33. Health Records, 31-33-1 through 31-33-8.

• 31-33-1. Definitions.
• 31-33-2. Furnishing copy of records to patient, provider, or other authorized person.
• 31-33-3. Costs of copying and mailing; patient's rights as to records; applicability to psychiatric, psychological, and other mental health records.
• 31-33-4. Mental health records.
• 31-33-5. Immunity from liability for releasing information.
• 31-33-6. Confidential communications.
• 31-33-7. Furnishing copies of psychological or psychiatric evaluation to law enforcement officer upon request.
• 31-33-8. Electronic records; application to psychiatric, psychological, or other mental health records.

Chapter 34. Medical Professionals for Rural Assistance, 31-34-1 through 31-34-20.

Article 1 General Provisions.

• 31-34-1. Short title.
• 31-34-2. Purpose and intent of article.
• 31-34-3. Administration by Georgia Board for Physician Workforce.
• 31-34-4. Loan applicant qualifications; rules and regulations.
• 31-34-4.1. Grants to hospitals and other entities; use of funds; rules and regulations authorized.
• 31-34-5. Service cancelable loan; amount; repayment; determination of underserved rural areas.
• 31-34-6. Contract between applicant and state agreeing to terms and conditions of loan; breach of contract; service cancelable contracts.
• 31-34-7. Cancellation of contract.
• 31-34-8. Funding.
• 31-34-9. Biennial report to General Assembly.

Article 2 Grant Program.

• 31-34-20. Grant program for physicians serving underserved rural areas; eligibility qualifications; time of practice; rules and regulations.

Chapter 35. Vaccinations for Firefighters, Emergency Medical Technicians, and Public Safety Officers, 31-35-1 through 31-35-11.

Article 1 General Provisions.

• 31-35-1. Legislative finding.
• 31-35-2. Definitions.
• 31-35-3. Voluntary vaccinations for hepatitis B; screening for hepatitis C.

Article 2 Bioterrorism Protection for Emergency Responders.

• 31-35-10. Definitions.
• 31-35-11. Vaccinations for emergency responders; exemption provided by physician; priority; administration and implementation; funding.

• 31-36A-1. Short title.
• 31-36A-2. Legislative finding.
• 31-36A-3. Definitions.
• 31-36A-4. Construction of chapter in relation to Title 37.
• 31-36A-5. Certification by physician.
• 31-36A-6. Persons authorized to consent; expiration of authorization; limitations on authority to consent; effect on other laws; immunity from liability or disciplinary action.
• 31-36A-7. Petition for order by health care facility; issuance, expiration, and limited authorization of order; effect on other laws; immunity from liability or disciplinary action.

Chapter 38. Tanning Facilities, 31-38-1 through 31-38-12.

• 31-38-1. Definitions.
• 31-38-2. Exemptions from applicability of chapter.
• 31-38-3. Construction, operation, and maintenance requirements.
• 31-38-4. Warning sign to be posted; contents of warning sign.
• 31-38-4.1. Regulation of tanning facilities.
• 31-38-5. Compliance with federal regulations and national electrical code; physical barriers required.
• 31-38-6. Stand-up tanning booth requirements.
• 31-38-7. Protective goggles requirement.
• 31-38-8. Written report of injury requirement; use of equipment by minors restricted; equipment maintenance requirements; restriction on promoting and advertising certain health-related claims.
• 31-38-9. Noncompliance with chapter.
• 31-38-10. Private right of action authorized.
• 31-38-11. Variance permitted.
• 31-38-12. Effect of chapter on administrator; administrator's immunity from liability.

DANGER - ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION Follow instruction.

FAILURE TO USE PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR MAY RESULT IN SEVERE BURNS OR

LONG-TERM INJURY TO THE EYES. Medications or cosmetics may increase your sensitivity to the ultraviolet radiation.Consult a physician before using sunlamp or tanning equipment if you are using medications or have a history of skin problems or believe yourself to be especially sensitive to sunlight.

MAXIMUM EXPOSURE AT ANY ONE SESSION SHOULD NEVER EXCEED 15 MINUTES.

Chapter 39. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, 31-39-1 through 31-39-9.

• 31-39-1. Legislative findings and intent.
• 31-39-2. Definitions.
• 31-39-3. Patient presumed to consent to administration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation; patient's order not to resuscitate; health care facilities not required to expand to provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• 31-39-4. Persons authorized to issue order not to resuscitate.
• 31-39-5. Cancellation of order not to resuscitate.
• 31-39-6. Revocation of consent to order not to resuscitate.
• 31-39-6.1. Form of order not to resuscitate; bracelet or necklace; revocation or cancellation of order.
• 31-39-7. Liability of persons carrying out in good faith decisions regarding cardiopulmonary resuscitation; notification of next of kin or authorized person of patient by physician refusing to comply with order not to resuscitate.
• 31-39-8. Effect of order not to resuscitate on life insurance policies.
• 31-39-9. Effect of chapter on legal rights and responsibilities; right of court to approve order not to resuscitate.

Chapter 40. Tattoo Studios, 31-40-1 through 31-40-10.

• 31-40-1. Definitions.
• 31-40-2. Issuance of permits.
• 31-40-3. Denial, suspension, and revocation of permit.
• 31-40-4. Administrative review of order of county board of health.
• 31-40-5. Rules and regulations.
• 31-40-6. Enforcement of chapter; inspection of premises.
• 31-40-7. Criminal penalty.
• 31-40-8. Public education program.
• 31-40-9. Enactment of more stringent laws.
• 31-40-10. Criminal law not repealed.

Chapter 41. Lead Poisoning Prevention, 31-41-1 through 31-41-19.

Article 1 General Provisions.

• 31-41-1. Short title.
• 31-41-2. Legislative findings.
• 31-41-3. Definitions.
• 31-41-4. Establishment of lead-based paint hazard reduction program; training programs; licensure and certification requirements; written information on renovation; record keeping requirements.
• 31-41-5. Enforcement of chapter; violations.
• 31-41-6. Federal regulations; fees; corrective orders; violations.

Article 2 Childhood Lead Exposure Control.

• 31-41-10. Short title.
• 31-41-11. Legislative findings.
• 31-41-12. Definitions.
• 31-41-13. Notice of lead poisoning hazard.
• 31-41-14. Abatement of lead poisoning hazard.
• 31-41-15. Owner liability for units constructed prior to 1978.
• 31-41-16. Certificate evidencing compliance; liability relief.
• 31-41-17. Advice regarding cleaning activities in homes occupied by children with elevated blood lead levels.
• 31-41-18. Application.
• 31-41-19. Rules and regulations.

Chapter 42. Osteoporosis Prevention and Treatment Education, 31-42-1 through 31-42-3.

• 31-42-1. Short title.
• 31-42-2. Purposes.
• 31-42-3. Strategies to promote and maintain education program.

Chapter 43. Commission on Men's Health, 31-43-1 through 31-43-13.

• 31-43-1. Definition.
• 31-43-2. Findings of General Assembly.
• 31-43-3. Creation of commission.
• 31-43-4. Members of commission.
• 31-43-5. Appointments to commission.
• 31-43-6. Lobbyists excluded as members; removal of members; validity of actions; notification when grounds for removal exists.
• 31-43-7. Terms of members; vacancies.
• 31-43-8. Election of presiding officer; presiding officer's power of appointment.
• 31-43-9. Compensation.
• 31-43-10. Meetings; implementation of policies.
• 31-43-11. Annual written report.
• 31-43-12. Duties and responsibilities.
• 31-43-13. Solicitation of donations.

Chapter 44. Renal Disease Facilities, 31-44-1 through 31-44-15.

• 31-44-1. Definitions.
• 31-44-2. Fees.
• 31-44-3. Adoption of rules; council established; terms of councilmembers.
• 31-44-4. License required.
• 31-44-5. Exceptions to licensing requirement.
• 31-44-6. Application for license; fee; evidence of qualified staff; temporary provisional license; issuance of license; renewability of license.
• 31-44-7. Minimum standards of rules.
• 31-44-8. Qualifications of employees.
• 31-44-9. Minimum standards for curricula, instructors, and training.
• 31-44-10. Inspections.
• 31-44-11. Authority of department to deal with violations of this chapter or rules adopted thereunder.
• 31-44-12. Deposit of collected penalties.
• 31-44-13. Temporary management of facilities.
• 31-44-14. Action to enjoin operation of facility.
• 31-44-15. Fee of temporary manager.

Chapter 45. Public Swimming Pools, 31-45-1 through 31-45-13.

• 31-45-1. Short title.
• 31-45-2. Purpose.
• 31-45-3. Definitions.
• 31-45-4. Issuance of permits; terms of expiration.
• 31-45-5. Operation permit required for each public swimming pool.
• 31-45-6. Construction of public swimming pools.
• 31-45-7. Notification for inspection.
• 31-45-8. Inspections by the county board of health.
• 31-45-9. Suspension or revocation of permit.
• 31-45-10. Rules and regulations.
• 31-45-11. Enforcement of rules and regulations.
• 31-45-12. Inspection of unregulated pools.
• 31-45-13. Applicability of chapter.

Chapter 46. Newborn Umbilical Cord Blood Bank, 31-46-1 through 31-46-5.

• 31-46-1. Legislative findings.
• 31-46-2. Definitions.
• 31-46-3. Newborn Umbilical Cord Blood Bank for postnatal tissue and fluid; creation; donations and information concerning donations.
• 31-46-4. Georgia Commission for Saving the Cure; creation; membership; appointment; terms of office; duties.
• 31-46-5. Funding; requirements of federal law.

Chapter 47. Arthritis Prevention and Control Program, 31-47-1 through 31-47-3.

• 31-47-1. Purpose of program; needs assessment; advisory panel; coordination and utilization with other programs.
• 31-47-2. Role and duties of commissioner.
• 31-47-3. Acceptance of grants; compliance with federal requirements.

Chapter 48. Health Care Compact, 31-48-1.

• 31-48-1. Compact enacted and entered into by the State of Georgia; text of compact.

"The Health Care Compact WHEREAS, the separation of powers, both between the branches of the federal government and between federal and state authority, is essential to the preservation of individual liberty; and

Chapter 49. Georgia Council on Lupus Education and Awareness, 31-49-1 through 31-49-6.

• 31-49-1. Legislative findings.
• 31-49-2. Creation of Council on Lupus Education and Awareness; membership; organization.
• 31-49-3. Duties and responsibilities of council.
• 31-49-4. Distribution of information.
• 31-49-5. Annual report.
• 31-49-6. Donations.

Chapter 51. Creation of Low THC Oil Research Program, 31-51-1 through 31-51-10.

• 31-51-1. (Repealed effective July 1, 2020) Creation of program.
• 31-51-2. (Repealed effective July 1, 2020) Voluntary enrollment; residency.
• 31-51-3. (Repealed effective July 1, 2020) Authorized agents.
• 31-51-4. (Repealed effective July 1, 2020) Suppliers of low THC oil.
• 31-51-5. (Repealed effective July 1, 2020) Public record exempt from disclosure.
• 31-51-6. (Repealed effective July 1, 2020) Funds.
• 31-51-7. (Repealed effective July 1, 2020) Immunity.
• 31-51-8. (Repealed effective July 1, 2020) Fees.
• 31-51-9. (Repealed effective July 1, 2020) Rules and regulations.
• 31-51-10. Sunset.

Chapter 52. Terminally Ill Patient's Right To Try Investigational Drugs, Biological Products, and Devices, 31-52-1 through 31-52-10.

• 31-52-1. Short title.
• 31-52-2. Legislative findings.
• 31-52-3. Definitions.
• 31-52-4. Eligibility criteria.
• 31-52-5. Written informed consent.
• 31-52-6. Manufacturers permitted to make investigational drugs, biological products, or devices available.
• 31-52-7. Coverage under health benefit plan permitted but not required.
• 31-52-8. Physician immunity from sanction for recommending, prescribing, or treating with investigational drugs, biological products, or devices.
• 31-52-9. State prohibited from blocking eligible patient access.
• 31-52-10. Statutory construction.