reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 10 - VITAL RECORDS (§§ 31-10-1 — 31-10-33) › Section 31-10-31 - Penalties

(a)
A fine of not more than $10,000.00 or imprisonment of not more than five years, or both, shall be imposed on:
(1)
Any person who willfully and knowingly makes any false statement in a certificate, record, or report required by this chapter, or in an application for an amendment thereof, or in an application for a certified copy of a vital record or who willfully and knowingly supplies false information intending that such information be used in the preparation of any such report, record, or certificate, or amendment thereof;
(2)
Any person who without lawful authority and with the intent to deceive makes, counterfeits, alters, amends, or mutilates any certificate, record, or report required by this chapter or a certified copy of such certificate, record, or report;
(3)
Any person who willfully and knowingly obtains, possesses, uses, sells, furnishes, or attempts to obtain, possess, use, sell, or furnish to another, for any purpose of deception, any certificate, record, or report required by this chapter or certified copy thereof so made, counterfeited, altered, amended, or mutilated or which is false in whole or in part or which relates to the birth of another person, whether living or deceased;
(4)
Any employee of the State Office of Vital Records, or appointed local registrar or local custodian or special abstracting agent who willfully and knowingly furnishes or processes a certificate of birth, or certified copy of a certificate of birth, with the knowledge or intention that it be used for the purposes of deception; or
(5)
Any person who without lawful authority possesses any certificate, record, or report required by this chapter or a copy or certified copy of such certificate, record, or report knowing same to have been stolen or otherwise unlawfully obtained.
(b)
A fine not more than $1,000.00 or imprisonment of not more than one year, or both, shall be imposed on:
(1)
Any person who willfully and knowingly refuses to provide information required by this chapter or regulations adopted hereunder;
(2)
Any person who willfully and knowingly transports or accepts for transportation, interment, or other disposition a dead body without an accompanying permit as provided in this chapter;
(3)
Any person who willfully and knowingly neglects or violates any of the provisions of this chapter or refuses to perform any of the duties imposed upon such person by this chapter.
Amended by 2004 Ga. Laws 522, § 11, eff. 7/1/2004.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 10 - VITAL RECORDS (§§ 31-10-1 — 31-10-33) › Section 31-10-32 - Extension of periods for filing of certificates or reports

The department may, by regulation and upon such conditions as it may prescribe to assure compliance with the purposes of this chapter, provide for the extension of the periods for the filing of certificates or reports.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-12) › Section 31-11-1 - Findings; declaration of policy

(a)
The General Assembly finds and determines:
(1)
That the furnishing of emergency medical services is a matter of substantial importance to the people of this state;
(2)
That the cost and quality of emergency medical services are matters within the public interest;
(3)
That it is highly desirable for the state to participate in emergency medical systems communications programs established pursuant to Public Law 93-154, entitled the Emergency Medical Services Systems Act of 1973;
(4)
That the administration of an emergency medical systems communications program should be the responsibility of the Department of Public Health, acting upon the recommendations of the local entity which coordinates the program; all ambulance services shall be a part of this system even if this system is the 9-1-1 emergency telephone number;
(5)
That an emergency medical systems communications program in a health district should be operated as economically and efficiently as possible to serve the public welfare and, to achieve this goal, should involve the designation of geographical territories to be serviced by participating ambulance providers and should involve an economic and efficient procedure to distribute emergency calls among participating ambulance providers serving the same health district; and
(6)
Any first responder falls under the department's rules and regulations governing ambulances and can transport only in life-threatening situations or by orders of a licensed physician or when a licensed ambulance cannot respond.
(b)
The General Assembly therefore declares that, in the exercise of the sovereign powers of the state to safeguard and protect the public health and general well-being of its citizens, it is the public policy of this state to encourage, foster, and promote emergency medical systems communications programs and that such programs shall be accomplished in a manner that is coordinated, orderly, economical, and without unnecessary duplication of services and facilities.
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 244,§ 6-3, eff. 7/1/2011.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 102,§ 1-4, eff. 7/1/2009.
Amended by 2005 Ga. Laws 134,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2005.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-12) › Section 31-11-4 - Supervision and modifications of EMSC Program

The board or its designee shall exercise continuing supervision over the operations of the EMSC Program in each health district and shall make all necessary modifications in accord with the procedures set forth in Code Section
31-11-3
.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-12) › Section 31-11-5 - Rules and regulations

(a)
The department is authorized to adopt and promulgate rules and regulations for the protection of the public health:
(1)
Prescribing reasonable health, sanitation, and safety standards for transporting patients in ambulances;
(2)
Prescribing reasonable conditions under which ambulance attendants are required;
(3)
Establishing criteria for the training of ambulance attendants; and
(4)
The emergency medical technician course is to be offered at area hospitals and area technical vocational schools in conjunction with their emergency patient care and personnel training programs.
(b)
Nothing in this Code section shall authorize the department to adopt and promulgate rules or regulations which shall prevent the continued use of dual purpose funeral coaches or hearses currently being used as ambulances if the vehicles otherwise conform in all respects to the requirements of Code Section
31-11-34
, except for their size and shape.
Amended by 2003 Ga. Laws 52, § 3, eff. 7/1/2003.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-12) › Section 31-11-6 - Records

Records of each ambulance trip shall be made by the ambulance service in a manner and on such forms as may be prescribed by the department through regulations. Such records shall be available for inspection by the department at any time, and a summary of ambulance service activities shall be prepared on specific cases and furnished to the department upon request.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-12) › Section 31-11-7 - Exercise of emergency vehicle privileges by ambulance drivers

The driver of an ambulance on the public streets, highways, and private access roads of this state, when responding to an emergency call or while transporting a patient, is authorized to operate the ambulance as an emergency vehicle pursuant to Code Section
40-6-6
.
Amended by 2003 Ga. Laws 52, § 4, eff. 7/1/2003.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-12) › Section 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

(a)
Any person, including agents and employees, who is licensed to furnish ambulance service and who in good faith renders emergency care to a person who is a victim of an accident or emergency shall not be liable for any civil damages to such victim as a result of any act or omission by such person in rendering such emergency care to such victim.
(b)
A physician shall not be civilly liable for damages resulting from that physician's acting as medical adviser to an ambulance service, pursuant to Code Section
31-11-50
, if those damages are not a result of that physician's willful and wanton negligence.
(c)
The immunity provided in this Code section shall apply only to those persons who perform the aforesaid emergency services for no remuneration.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-12) › Section 31-11-9 - Enforcement; inspections

The department and its duly authorized agents are authorized to enforce compliance with this chapter and rules and regulations promulgated under this chapter as provided in Article 1 of Chapter 5 of this title and, in connection therewith during the reasonable business hours of the day, to enter upon and inspect in a reasonable manner the premises of persons providing ambulance service. All inspections under this Code section shall be in compliance with the provisions of Article 2 of Chapter 5 of this title. The department is also authorized to enforce compliance with this chapter, including but not limited to compliance with the EMSC Program and furnishing of emergency services within designated territories, by imposing fines in the same manner as provided in paragraph (6) of subsection (c) of Code Section
31-2-8
; this enforcement action shall be a contested case under Chapter 13 of Title 50, the "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act."
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 244,§ 5-16, eff. 7/1/2011.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 102,§ 1-9, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-12) › Section 31-11-10 - Establishment of fees and regulations by municipalities

Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as prohibiting or preventing a municipality from fixing, charging, or assessing any license fee or registration fee on any business or profession covered by this chapter or upon any related profession or any person engaged in any profession governed by this chapter or collecting any fee so imposed or from establishing additional regulations regarding ambulance service.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-12) › Section 31-11-11 - Applicability of chapter

This chapter shall not apply to the following:
(1)
An ambulance or ambulance service operated by an agency of the United States government;
(2)
A vehicle or aircraft that is operated by a person who is not licensed to furnish ambulance service which is rendering assistance temporarily in the case of a major catastrophe or emergency because the licensed ambulance services of the state are insufficient or unable to meet the demands thereof;
(3)
An ambulance which is operated from a location outside of the state in order to transport patients from without the state's limits to locations within the state; or
(4)
An invalid car or the operator thereof, except as provided in subsection (b) of Code Section
31-11-30
.
Amended by 2003 Ga. Laws 52, § 5, eff. 7/1/2003.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-12) › Section 31-11-12 - Contracts between emergency service providers and pharmacies for furnishing dangerous drugs and controlled substances

Medical directors of licensed ambulance services, first responders, or neonatal services are authorized to contract with licensed pharmacies to furnish dangerous drugs and controlled substances for the vehicles of their particular services. Such dangerous drugs and controlled substances shall be furnished, secured, and stored in the manner provided for in Code Section
26-4-116
.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 2 - LICENSES (§§ 31-11-30 — 31-11-36) › Section 31-11-30 - License requirement

(a)
No person shall operate an ambulance service in this state without having a valid license or provisional license issued by the license officer pursuant to this chapter.
(b)
No person shall make use of the word "ambulance" to describe any ground or air transportation or facility or service associated therewith which such person provides or to otherwise hold oneself out to be an ambulance service unless such person has a valid license issued pursuant to the provisions of this chapter or is exempt from licensing under this chapter and is not the operator of an invalid car.
(c)
Any person who violates the provisions of this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
Amended by 2003 Ga. Laws 52, § 6, eff. 7/1/2003.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 2 - LICENSES (§§ 31-11-30 — 31-11-36) › Section 31-11-31 - Application for license

An application for a license or provisional license shall be made to the license officer. The application shall be made upon forms prescribed by the license officer and shall contain the following:
(1)
The name and address of the owner of the ambulance service or proposed ambulance service;
(2)
The name under which the applicant is doing business or proposes to do business;
(3)
The training and experience of the applicant in the transportation and care of patients;
(4)
A description or photograph of each ambulance, including the make, model, year of manufacture, and motor and chassis number; and the color scheme, insignia, name, monogram, or other distinguishing characteristics to be used to designate the applicant's ambulance or ambulances;
(4.1)
A description or photograph of each air ambulance, including the color scheme, insignia, name, monogram, or other distinguishing characteristics to be used to designate the applicant's air ambulance or air ambulances; and
(5)
The location and description of the place or places from which the ambulance service is intended to operate.
Amended by 2003 Ga. Laws 52, § 7, eff. 7/1/2003.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 2 - LICENSES (§§ 31-11-30 — 31-11-36) › Section 31-11-31.1 - [Repealed]

Repealed and reserved by 2023 Ga. Laws 344,§ 2, eff. 1/1/2024.
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 244,§ 6-4, eff. 7/1/2011.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 102,§ 1-5, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 2 - LICENSES (§§ 31-11-30 — 31-11-36) › Section 31-11-32 - Duties of license officer

(a)
The license officer shall, within ten days after receipt of an application for a license or provisional license as provided for in this article, cause such investigation as he deems necessary to be made to determine that the standards prescribed by this chapter have been met.
(b)
The license officer shall issue a license under this article for a period of two years, unless earlier suspended, revoked, or terminated, when he finds that all the requirements of this article have been met.
(c)
The license officer shall issue provisional licenses for 30 days for the purpose specified in paragraph (19) of Code Section
31-11-2
.
(d)
Before issuing a license to a government or governmental agency for a new ambulance service, the license officer shall establish that, due to inadequate private service, the public's convenience and necessity require the proposed ambulance service.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 2 - LICENSES (§§ 31-11-30 — 31-11-36) › Section 31-11-33 - Insurance coverage as condition of licensing

(a)
Every ambulance operated on the streets, highways, and private access roads of this state by persons engaged in providing ambulance service shall have insurance coverage issued by an insurance company licensed to do business in this state providing at least the minimum coverage required for motor vehicles under Chapter 34 of Title 33; provided, however, in the case of ambulances operated by the state, the coverage required shall be the same coverage required for other state vehicles under Chapter 9 of Title 45. Every air ambulance operated by persons engaged in providing air ambulance service in this state shall have insurance coverage as described in Code Section
33-7-9
.
(b)
No ambulance shall be licensed nor shall any license be renewed unless the ambulance has insurance coverage in force as required by this Code section. A certificate of insurance shall be submitted to the license officer for approval prior to the issuance or renewal of each ambulance license. Satisfactory evidence that such insurance is at all times in force and effect shall be furnished to the license officer, in such form as he may specify, by all licensees required to provide such insurance under this Code section.
(c)
This Code section shall apply to all ambulances, whether privately operated or operated by any political subdivision of the state or any municipality.
(d)
This Code section shall not apply to first responders, which do not transport patients, operated by municipalities or counties that have not elected to waive their governmental immunity by purchasing vehicle liability insurance pursuant to Code Section
33-24-51
.
Amended by 2003 Ga. Laws 52, § 8, eff. 7/1/2003.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 2 - LICENSES (§§ 31-11-30 — 31-11-36) › Section 31-11-34 - Standards for ambulances

Ambulances operated by persons engaged in providing ambulance service shall meet all standards as set forth in the department's rules and regulations.
Amended by 2003 Ga. Laws 52, § 9, eff. 7/1/2003.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 2 - LICENSES (§§ 31-11-30 — 31-11-36) › Section 31-11-35 - Renewal of license; change of ownership of ambulance service

(a)
Renewal of any license issued under this article shall require conformance with the requirements of this article as upon original licensing.
(b)
Change of ownership of an ambulance service shall require a new application and a new license issued in conformance with the requirements of this article as upon original licensing.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 2 - LICENSES (§§ 31-11-30 — 31-11-36) › Section 31-11-36 - Suspension or revocation of license; appeal to superior court

(a)
Any license issued under this article may be suspended or revoked for a failure of a licensee to comply and to maintain compliance with this article or rules and regulations issued under this article, but only after opportunity for a hearing as provided in Article 1 of Chapter 5 of this title.
(b)
Any person who has exhausted all administrative remedies available within the department and who is substantially aggrieved by a final order or final action of the license officer is entitled to judicial review in the manner provided by Article 1 of Chapter 5 of this title and, notwithstanding Code Section
31-5-3
, shall be entitled to an appeal to superior court as provided in subsection (c) of this Code section.
(c)
Appeal to the superior court shall be by petition which shall be filed in the clerk's office of such court within 30 days after the final order or action of the department; the petition shall set forth the names of the parties taking the appeal, the order, rule, regulation, or decision appealed from, and the reason it is claimed to be erroneous. The enforcement of the order or action appealed from shall be automatically stayed upon the filing of such petition unless the commissioner of public health in his final order certifies that his decision if stayed will harm the public health and safety, in which case a reviewing court may order a stay only if the court makes a finding that the public health and safety will not be harmed by the issuance of the stay. Upon the filing of such petition, the petitioner shall serve on the commissioner a copy thereof in the manner prescribed by law for the service of process, unless such service of process is waived. The appeal shall be an appeal de novo to the superior court and the appealing party shall have a right to a jury trial and all rights provided under Chapter 11 of Title 9, the "Georgia Civil Practice Act." The superior court shall render a decision approving, setting aside, or modifying the order or action appealed from.
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 244,§ 6-5, eff. 7/1/2011.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 102,§ 1-6, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 3 - PERSONNEL (§§ 31-11-49 — 31-11-61) › Section 31-11-49 - Definitions

As used in this article, the term:
(1)
"Center" means the Georgia Crime Information Center.
(2)
"Certify" and "certification" are synonymous with "license" and "licensure."
(3)
"Emergency medical services personnel" means all individuals licensed by the department under this article.
Added by 2011 Ga. Laws 174,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2011.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 3 - PERSONNEL (§§ 31-11-49 — 31-11-61) › Section 31-11-50 - Medical adviser

(a)
To enhance the provision of emergency medical care, each ambulance service shall be required to have a medical adviser. The adviser shall be a physician licensed to practice medicine in this state and subject to approval by the medical consultant of the Emergency Health Section of the Department of Public Health. Ambulance services unable to obtain a medical adviser, due to unavailability or refusal of physicians to act as medical advisers, may request the district health director or his or her designee to act as medical adviser until the services of a physician are available.
(b)
The duties of the medical adviser shall be to provide medical direction and training for the ambulance service personnel in conformance with acceptable emergency medical practices and procedures.
(c)
This Code section shall not apply to any county having a population under 12,000 according to the United States decennial census of 1970 or any such future census.
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 244,§ 6-1, eff. 7/1/2011.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 102,§ 1-36, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 3 - PERSONNEL (§§ 31-11-49 — 31-11-61) › Section 31-11-52 - Certification and recertification of, and training for, paramedics and cardiac technicians; qualifications by felons

(a)
The department shall establish procedures and standards for certifying and recertifying paramedics and cardiac technicians. An applicant for initial certification as a paramedic or a cardiac technician shall:
(1)
Submit a completed application on a form to be prescribed by the department, which shall include evidence that the applicant is 18 years of age or older and is of good moral character;
(2)
Submit from the department a notarized statement that the applicant has completed a training course approved by the department;
(3)
Submit to the department a fee as set forth in the regulations of the department; and
(4)
Meet such other requirements as are set forth in the rules and regulations of the department.
(b)
The department shall also adopt procedures and standards for its approval of paramedic training courses and cardiac technician training courses. The department shall adopt such regulations after consultation with appropriate public and private agencies and organizations concerned with medical education and the practice of medicine. Procedures and standards adopted by the department shall be consistent with the purposes and provisions of this chapter.
(c)
An applicant convicted of a felony more than five but less than ten years prior to application shall not be disqualified for certification, provided that such applicant has:
(1)
Successfully completed a training program approved by the department and sponsored by the Department of Corrections pursuant to Code Section
42-5-57
; and
(2)
Met all other requirements as set forth in this chapter.
(d)
The department, in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Service, shall establish a program through which military medical personnel may provisionally operate within their scope of practice and training for a period of 12 months without meeting the requirements provided for in paragraphs (2) and (4) of subsection (a) of this Code section. The program established pursuant to this subsection shall not conflict with or supplant Code Section
38-3-71
or Georgia's status as a member of the EMS Interstate Compact.
(e)
For purposes of this Code section, the term 'military medical personnel' means an individual who has, within 12 months of seeking certification pursuant to this Code section, served as a medic in the United States Army, medical technician in the United States Air Force, or corpsman in the United States Navy or Coast Guard and who was discharged or released from such service under conditions other than dishonorable.
Amended by 2024 Ga. Laws 486,§ 1-2, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2021 Ga. Laws 292,§ 4, eff. 5/10/2021.
Amended by 2001 Ga. Laws 351, § 3, eff. 7/1/2001.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 3 - PERSONNEL (§§ 31-11-49 — 31-11-61) › Section 31-11-53 - Services which may be rendered by certified emergency medical technicians and trainees

(a)
Upon certification by the department, emergency medical technicians may do any of the following:
(1)
Render first-aid and resuscitation services as taught in the United States Department of Transportation basic training courses for emergency medical technicians or an equivalent course approved by the department;
(2)
Upon the order of a duly licensed physician, administer approved intravenous solutions and opioid antagonists; and
(3)
Upon the order of a duly licensed physician during a public health emergency, as defined in Code Section
31-12-1.1
, administer vaccines.
(b)
While in training preparatory to becoming certified, emergency medical technician trainees may perform any of the functions specified in this Code section under the direct supervision of a duly licensed physician or a registered nurse.
(c)
The department, in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Service, shall establish a program through which military medical personnel may provisionally operate within their scope of practice and training without additional training, experience, or examination for a period of up to 12 months. During such 12 month period, such individual may apply for certification at the appropriate level. The program established pursuant to this subsection shall not conflict with or supplant Code Section
38-3-71
or Georgia's status as a member of the EMS Interstate Compact.
(d)
For purposes of this Code section, the term 'military medical personnel' means an individual who has, within 12 months of seeking certification pursuant to this Code section, served as a medic in the United States Army, medical technician in the United States Air Force, or corpsman in the United States Navy or Coast Guard and who was discharged or released from such service under conditions other than dishonorable.
Amended by 2024 Ga. Laws 486,§ 1-3, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2021 Ga. Laws 292,§ 5, eff. 5/10/2021.
Amended by 2014 Ga. Laws 616,§ 2-3, eff. 4/24/2014.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 3 - PERSONNEL (§§ 31-11-49 — 31-11-61) › Section 31-11-53.2 - "Lay rescuer" defined; use of automated external defibrillators

(a)
As used in this Code section, the term "lay rescuer" means a person trained to provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation and to use an automated external defibrillator, as defined in Code Section
31-11-53.1
, and who is participating in a physician or medically authorized automated external defibrillator program.
(b)
The following guidelines shall be applicable to the use of automated external defibrillators by lay rescuers:
(1)
Any person or entity who acquires an automated external defibrillator shall ensure that:
(A)
Expected users of the automated external defibrillator receive American Heart Association or American Red Cross training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillator use or complete an equivalent nationally recognized course;
(B)
The defibrillator is maintained and tested according to the manufacturer's operational guidelines;
(C)
There is involvement of a licensed physician or other person authorized by the composite board in the site's automated external defibrillator program to ensure compliance with requirements for training, notification, and maintenance; and
(D)
Any person who renders emergency care or treatment to a person in cardiac arrest by using an automated external defibrillator activates the emergency medical services system as soon as possible and reports any clinical use of the automated external defibrillator to the licensed physician or other person authorized by the composite board who is supervising the program; and
(2)
Any person or entity who acquires an automated external defibrillator shall notify an agent of the emergency communications or vehicle dispatch center of the existence, location, and type of automated external defibrillator.
Amended by 2002 Ga. Laws 462, § 31, eff. 4/18/2002.
Added by 2001 Ga. Laws 225, § 1, eff. 7/1/2001.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 3 - PERSONNEL (§§ 31-11-49 — 31-11-61) › Section 31-11-54 - Services which may be rendered by paramedics and paramedic trainees

(a)
Upon certification by the department, paramedics may perform any service that a cardiac technician is permitted to perform. In addition, upon the order of a duly licensed physician and subject to the conditions set forth in paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of Code Section
31-11-55
, paramedics may perform any other procedures which they have been both trained and certified to perform, including, but not limited to:
(1)
Administration of parenteral injections of diuretics, anticonvulsants, hypertonic glucose, antihistamines, broncho- dilators, emetics, narcotic antagonists, and others, and administration of opioid antagonists;
(2)
Cardioversion; and
(3)
Endotracheal suction.
(b)
While in training preparatory to becoming certified, paramedic trainees may perform any of the functions specified in this Code section under the direct supervision of a duly licensed physician, a registered nurse, or an approved paramedic clinical preceptor.
Amended by 2014 Ga. Laws 616,§ 2-4, eff. 4/24/2014.
Amended by 2001 Ga. Laws 351, § 4, eff. 7/1/2001.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 3 - PERSONNEL (§§ 31-11-49 — 31-11-61) › Section 31-11-55 - Services which may be rendered by certified cardiac technicians and trainees

(a)
Upon certification by the department, cardiac technicians may do any of the following:
(1)
Render first-aid and resuscitation services;
(2)
Upon the order of a duly licensed physician and as recommended by the Georgia Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council and approved by the department:
(A)
Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation in a hemodynamically unstable patient;
(B)
Administer approved intravenous solutions;
(C)
Administer parenteral injections of antiarrhythmic agents, vagolytic agents, chronotropic agents, alkalizing agents, analgesic agents, and vasopressor agents or administer opioid antagonists;
(D)
Perform pulmonary ventilation by esophageal airway and endotracheal intubation; and
(E)
Upon the order of a duly licensed physician during a public health emergency, as defined in Code Section
31-12-1.1
, administer vaccines.
(b)
While in training preparatory to becoming certified, cardiac technician trainees may perform any of the functions specified in this Code section under the direct supervision of a duly licensed physician or a registered nurse.
Amended by 2021 Ga. Laws 292,§ 6, eff. 5/10/2021.
Amended by 2014 Ga. Laws 616,§ 2-5, eff. 4/24/2014.
Amended by 2001 Ga. Laws 351, § 5, eff. 7/1/2001.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 3 - PERSONNEL (§§ 31-11-49 — 31-11-61) › Section 31-11-55.2 - Administration of hydrocortisone sodium succinate intramuscularly by emergency medical services personnel; training; reporting; immunity

(a)
As used in this Code section, the term:
(1)
"Congenital adrenal hyperplasia" means the salt-wasting form of the classic type of congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
(2)
"Emergency medical services personnel" means any person who has been certified as an emergency medical technician, cardiac technician, or paramedic.
(b)
Paramedics shall be authorized to administer hydrocortisone sodium succinate intramuscularly for the purpose of providing emergency care to a patient who:
(1)
Has congenital adrenal hyperplasia; or any adrenal insufficiency;
(2)
Is believed to be in adrenal crisis; and
(3)
Has on his or her person or in his or her belongings hydrocortisone sodium succinate in packaging that clearly states the appropriate dosage and has an unbroken seal.
(c)
In order to ensure public health and safety:
(1)
All emergency medical services personnel shall obtain appropriate training on congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and all paramedics shall obtain appropriate training regarding administration of hydrocortisone sodium succinate as set forth in the rules and regulations of the Department of Public Health; and
(2)
Within a reasonable period of time, all paramedics who administer hydrocortisone sodium succinate shall make available a printed or electronically stored report to the licensed ambulance service which transports the patient.
(d)
The immunity provided in Code Section
31-11-8
shall apply to any paramedic who in good faith renders emergency care pursuant to this Code section.
Amended by 2022 Ga. Laws 782,§ 31, eff. 5/2/2022.
Added by 2021 Ga. Laws 146,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2021.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 3 - PERSONNEL (§§ 31-11-49 — 31-11-61) › Section 31-11-56 - Revocation of certificates issued to emergency medical technicians

Certificates issued to emergency medical technicians pursuant to this chapter may be revoked for good cause, as set forth in the rules and regulations, by the department after notice to the certificate holder of the charges and an opportunity for hearing. Such proceedings shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 13 of Title 50, the "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act."
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 3 - PERSONNEL (§§ 31-11-49 — 31-11-61) › Section 31-11-57 - Revocation of certificates issued to paramedics and cardiac technicians

Certificates issued to paramedics and cardiac technicians pursuant to this chapter may be revoked for good cause by the department in accordance with established rules and regulations, after notice to the certificate holder of the charges and an opportunity for hearing. Such proceedings shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 13 of Title 50, the "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act." The department shall have the authority to conduct investigations and subpoena any documents relating to the fitness of paramedics and cardiac technicians. Such documents may be used in any hearing conducted by the department.
Amended by 2001 Ga. Laws 351, § 6, eff. 7/1/2001.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 3 - PERSONNEL (§§ 31-11-49 — 31-11-61) › Section 31-11-58 - Recertification of emergency medical technicians; continuing education requirements

(a)
The department shall be authorized to require emergency medical technicians seeking recertification under this chapter to complete department approved continuing education. The department shall be authorized to approve courses including but not limited to courses offered by the department, the number of hours required, and the category in which these hours should be earned.
(b)
The department shall be authorized to waive the continuing education requirement in cases of hardship, disability, illness, or under such other circumstances as the department deems appropriate.
(c)
The department shall be authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to implement and ensure compliance with the requirements of this Code section.
(d)
This Code section shall apply to each certification and recertification cycle which begins after the 1992-1993 renewal.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 3 - PERSONNEL (§§ 31-11-49 — 31-11-61) › Section 31-11-58.1 - Recertification of paramedics and cardiac technicians; continuing education requirements

(a)
The department shall be authorized to require paramedics and cardiac technicians seeking recertification under this chapter to complete department approved continuing education of not less than 40 hours biennially. The department shall be authorized to approve courses including but not limited to courses offered by the department, the number of hours required, and the category in which these hours should be earned.
(b)
The department shall be authorized to waive the continuing education requirement in cases of hardship, disability, illness, or under such other circumstances as the department deems appropriate.
(c)
The department shall be authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to implement and ensure compliance with the requirements of this Code section.
(d)
This Code section shall apply to each recertification cycle which begins after the renewal deadline in 2000.
Amended by 2001 Ga. Laws 351, § 7, eff. 7/1/2001.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 3 - PERSONNEL (§§ 31-11-49 — 31-11-61) › Section 31-11-59 - Services of emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and cardiac technicians in hospitals

Emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and cardiac technicians may render any service which they are authorized to render under Code Sections
31-11-53
,
31-11-54
, and
31-11-55
, respectively, in any hospital. Such services shall not be rendered in lieu of the services of a physician or a registered professional nurse and shall only be rendered in a hospital at the discretion of and after the prior approval by the hospital governing authority on the order of a physician or, if a physician or registered professional nurse is present, at the direction of a physician or registered professional nurse, provided that such hospital has a currently valid permit or conditional permit issued by the department pursuant to Article 1 of Chapter 7 of this title. The provisions of this Code section are cumulative and are not intended to limit the rendering of services by emergency medical technicians, cardiac technicians, and paramedics in any area in which they are already authorized to render such services.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 3 - PERSONNEL (§§ 31-11-49 — 31-11-61) › Section 31-11-60 - Obtaining and administering drugs by certified employees of counties or municipalities

(a)
Any emergency medical technician, paramedic, or cardiac technician who is certified under this article and who works for a county or municipal police department, fire department, or rescue unit is authorized to obtain any substance which such person is authorized to administer by virtue of his certification. Any such unit to which the emergency medical technician, paramedic, or cardiac technician is attached must be licensed by the department as a medical first responder unit. Such unit may then obtain from a hospital pharmacy those legend drugs listed and legally permitted to be used by paramedics, emergency medical technicians, or cardiac technicians. The first responder unit shall have a signed agreement with the hospital in order for the hospital to furnish such drugs, and a copy of this agreement must be filed with the Georgia Drugs and Narcotics Agency. The requirements for administering, controlling, and storing these drugs shall be the same as the requirements for a standard ward inventory in a hospital.
(b)
Any substance obtained under subsection (a) of this Code section shall be used only in connection with the emergency medical technician's, paramedic's, or cardiac technician's employment with the county or municipality, as such, and only while on duty as an emergency medical technician, paramedic, or cardiac technician.
(c)
It shall not be necessary for an emergency medical technician, paramedic, or cardiac technician to be assigned to a licensed ambulance service in order to obtain any substance under subsection (a) of this Code section.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 3 - PERSONNEL (§§ 31-11-49 — 31-11-61) › Section 31-11-60.2 - Testing for illegal drug usage by emergency medical technicians; requirements

(a)
All persons licensed or certified based upon successful completion of training set forth in paragraph (1) of subsection (e) of Code Section
31-11-51
or paragraph (1) of subsection (c) of Code Section
31-11-52
shall be subject to random testing for evidence of use of illegal drugs. Such testing shall occur at least biannually for the first two years of licensure or certification. Such testing shall be noninvasive and may be conducted at any time during the calendar year, and the cost of all such testing shall be borne by the employer. If the drug test shows the presence of drugs in the employee's system, the results of the test will be confirmed with an alternative method by using the same urine sample.
(b)
The department shall adopt rules and regulations to establish for purposes of testing and retesting for illegal drugs:
(1)
Which illegal drugs will be the subject of testing;
(2)
Methods for ensuring minimal privacy intrusions during collection of body fluid specimens for such testing;
(3)
Methods for ensuring proper storage, transportation, and handling of such specimens in order to maintain the integrity of the testing process;
(4)
Which persons should be entitled to the results of such tests and which methods should be used for ensuring that only authorized persons are given access to such results;
(5)
A list of laboratories qualified to conduct established drug tests; and
(6)
Procedures through which emergency medical services personnel, paramedics, or cardiac technicians, prior to the collection of body fluid specimens for such testing, may provide information to their employers regarding use of any drug pursuant to a medical prescription or, as otherwise authorized by law, any substance which could affect the results of such test.
(c)
Any rules or regulations adopted pursuant to this Code section shall be in compliance with Parts 40 and 382 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Added by 2021 Ga. Laws 292,§ 7, eff. 5/10/2021.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 3 - PERSONNEL (§§ 31-11-49 — 31-11-61) › Section 31-11-61 - Penalty

Any person who shall falsely represent himself to be a certified emergency medical technician, certified cardiac technician, or certified paramedic or who shall accept or continue in employment as such and perform the duties thereof without being certified as prescribed by this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 4 - EMERGENCY SERVICES (§§ 31-11-80 — 31-11-82) › Section 31-11-80 - Short title

This article shall be known and cited as the "Emergency Services Law."
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 4 - EMERGENCY SERVICES (§§ 31-11-80 — 31-11-82) › Section 31-11-81 - Definitions

As used in this article, the term:
(1)
"Emergency condition" means any physical or mental condition of a recent onset and severity, including but not limited to severe pain, regardless of the initial, interim, final, or other diagnoses that are given, that would lead a prudent layperson, possessing an average knowledge of medicine and health, to believe that his or her condition, sickness, or injury is of such a nature that failure to obtain immediate medical care could result in:
(A)
Placing the patient's health in serious jeopardy;
(B)
Serious impairment to bodily functions; or
(C)
Serious dysfunction of any bodily organ or part.
(2)
"Emergency medical provider" means any provider of emergency medical transportation licensed or permitted by the Department of Public Health, any hospital licensed or permitted by the Department of Community Health, any hospital based service, or any physician licensed by the Georgia Composite Medical Board who provides emergency services.
(3)
"Emergency services" means emergency medical transportation or health care services provided in a hospital emergency facility to evaluate and treat any emergency condition.
(4)
"Prospective authorization" means contacting for approval or authorization to evaluate and treat a patient any insurer, health maintenance organization, hospital medical service corporation, or health benefit plan, a representative of which is not physically present in the hospital's emergency department at the time such patient presents for emergency services.
Amended by 2022 Ga. Laws 833,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 244,§ 5-17, eff. 7/1/2011.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 243,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2009.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 102,§ 1-4, eff. 7/1/2009.
Amended by 2008 Ga. Laws 392,§ 2-28, eff. 7/1/2009.
Amended by 2006 Ga. Laws 667,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2006.
See 2022 Ga. Laws 833, § 1.