reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 34 - PHYSICIANS, ACUPUNCTURE, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS, CANCER AND GLAUCOMA TREATMENT, RESPIRATORY CARE, CLINICAL PERFUSIONISTS, AND ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS PRACTICE (§§ 43-34-1 — 43-34-316) › Article 4 - PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS (§§ 43-34-100 — 43-34-110) › Section 43-34-107 - Termination of approval and revocation of license; notice and hearing; sanctions

(a)
The approval of a physician's utilization of a physician assistant may be terminated and the license revoked by the board when, after due notice and a hearing, in accordance with this Code section, it shall find that the assistant is incompetent or has committed unethical or immoral acts, including, but not limited to, holding himself or herself out or permitting another to represent him or her as a licensed physician; performing otherwise than at the direction of a physician approved by the board to utilize the assistant's services; habitually using intoxicants or drugs to such an extent that he or she is unable safely to perform as an assistant to the physician; or being convicted in any court, state or federal, of any felony or other criminal offense involving moral turpitude.
(b)
Before the board shall give written notice to the physician assistant of termination of approval granted by it to an assistant, it will give to the assistant a timely and reasonable written notice indicating the general nature of the charges, accusation, or complaint preferred against him and stating that the assistant will be given an opportunity to be heard concerning such charges or complaints; and it shall hold a public hearing within a reasonable time. Following such hearing, the board shall determine, on the basis of its regulations, whether the approval of the assistant shall be terminated.
(c)
In hearings held pursuant to this Code section, the board shall apply the rules of evidence as prescribed in Chapter 13 of Title 50, the "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act."
(d)
The board may impose on a physician assistant any sanction authorized under subsection (b) of Code Section
43-34-8
upon a finding of any conduct specified in subsection (a) of Code Section
43-34-8
.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 243,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 34 - PHYSICIANS, ACUPUNCTURE, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS, CANCER AND GLAUCOMA TREATMENT, RESPIRATORY CARE, CLINICAL PERFUSIONISTS, AND ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS PRACTICE (§§ 43-34-1 — 43-34-316) › Article 4 - PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS (§§ 43-34-100 — 43-34-110) › Section 43-34-108 - Powers and duties of board

In addition to the powers specifically delegated to it in this article, the board shall have the authority to perform all acts which are necessary, proper, or incidental to the efficient development of the category of health care established by this article. The board shall have the authority to promulgate rules and regulations governing the definitions of delegation by physicians to qualified persons other than physician assistants of any acts, duties, or functions which are permitted by law or established by custom. Any power vested by law in the board, but not implemented by specific provisions for the exercise thereof, may be executed and carried out by the board in a reasonable manner, pursuant to such rules, regulations, and procedures as the board may adopt and subject to such limitations as may be provided by law.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 243,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 34 - PHYSICIANS, ACUPUNCTURE, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS, CANCER AND GLAUCOMA TREATMENT, RESPIRATORY CARE, CLINICAL PERFUSIONISTS, AND ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS PRACTICE (§§ 43-34-1 — 43-34-316) › Article 4 - PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS (§§ 43-34-100 — 43-34-110) › Section 43-34-109 - Involvement of supervising physician in patient's care

When a patient receives medical services from a physician assistant, the supervising physician's involvement in the patient's care, including patient evaluation and follow-up care by the supervising physician, shall be appropriate to the nature of the practice and the acuity of the patient's medical issue, as determined by the supervising physician.
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 110,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2011.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 243,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 34 - PHYSICIANS, ACUPUNCTURE, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS, CANCER AND GLAUCOMA TREATMENT, RESPIRATORY CARE, CLINICAL PERFUSIONISTS, AND ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS PRACTICE (§§ 43-34-1 — 43-34-316) › Article 4 - PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS (§§ 43-34-100 — 43-34-110) › Section 43-34-110 - Abortions not to be performed by physician assistants

Nothing in this article shall be construed to allow a physician assistant to perform an abortion or to administer, prescribe, or issue a drug order that is intended to cause abortion to occur pharmacologically.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 243,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 34 - PHYSICIANS, ACUPUNCTURE, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS, CANCER AND GLAUCOMA TREATMENT, RESPIRATORY CARE, CLINICAL PERFUSIONISTS, AND ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS PRACTICE (§§ 43-34-1 — 43-34-316) › Article 5 - USE OF MARIJUANA FOR TREATMENT OF CANCER AND GLAUCOMA (§§ 43-34-120 — 43-34-126) › Section 43-34-120 - Short title

This article shall be known and may be cited as the "Controlled Substances Therapeutic Research Act."
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 243,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 34 - PHYSICIANS, ACUPUNCTURE, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS, CANCER AND GLAUCOMA TREATMENT, RESPIRATORY CARE, CLINICAL PERFUSIONISTS, AND ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS PRACTICE (§§ 43-34-1 — 43-34-316) › Article 5 - USE OF MARIJUANA FOR TREATMENT OF CANCER AND GLAUCOMA (§§ 43-34-120 — 43-34-126) › Section 43-34-121 - Legislative intent

(a)
The General Assembly finds and declares that the potential medicinal value of marijuana has received insufficient study due to a lack of financial incentives for the undertaking of appropriate research by private drug manufacturing concerns. Individual physicians cannot feasibly utilize marijuana in clinical trials because of federal governmental controls which involve expensive, time-consuming approval and monitoring procedures.
(b)
The General Assembly further finds and declares that limited studies throughout the nation indicate that marijuana and certain of its derivatives possess valuable and, in some cases, unique therapeutic properties, including the ability to relieve nausea and vomiting which routinely accompany chemotherapy and irradiation used to treat cancer patients. Marijuana also may be effective in reducing intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients who do not respond well to conventional medications.
(c)
The General Assembly further finds and declares that, in enabling individual physicians and their patients to participate in a state-sponsored program for the investigational use of marijuana and its derivatives, qualified physicians and surgeons throughout the state will be able to study the benefits of the drug in a controlled clinical setting, and additional knowledge will be gained with respect to dosage and effects.
(d)
It is the intent of the General Assembly in enacting this article to permit research into the therapeutic applications of marijuana and its derivatives in cancer and glaucoma patients. This would allow qualified physicians approved by the Patient Qualification Review Board created by Code Section
43-34-124
to provide the drug on a compassionate basis to seriously ill persons suffering from the severe side effects of chemotherapy or radiation treatment and to persons suffering from glaucoma who are not responding to conventional treatment, which persons would otherwise have no lawful access to it. It is the further intent of the General Assembly to facilitate clinical trials of marijuana and its derivatives, particularly with respect to persons suffering from cancer and glaucoma who would be benefited by use of the drug.
(e)
This article is limited to clinical trials and research into therapeutic applications of marijuana only for use in treating glaucoma and in treating the side effects of chemotherapeutic agents and radiation and should not be construed as either encouraging or sanctioning the social use of marijuana. Nothing in this article shall be construed to encourage the use of marijuana in lieu of or in conjunction with other accepted medical treatment, but only as an adjunct to such accepted medical treatment.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 243,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 34 - PHYSICIANS, ACUPUNCTURE, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS, CANCER AND GLAUCOMA TREATMENT, RESPIRATORY CARE, CLINICAL PERFUSIONISTS, AND ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS PRACTICE (§§ 43-34-1 — 43-34-316) › Article 5 - USE OF MARIJUANA FOR TREATMENT OF CANCER AND GLAUCOMA (§§ 43-34-120 — 43-34-126) › Section 43-34-122 - Definitions

As used in this article, the term:
(1)
"Board" means the Georgia Composite Medical Board.
(2)
"Marijuana" means marijuana or tetrahydrocannabinol, as defined or listed in Article 2 of Chapter 13 of Title 16.
(3)
"Physician" means a person licensed to practice medicine pursuant to Article 2 of this chapter.
(4)
"Program" means the Controlled Substances Therapeutic Research Program established pursuant to Code Section
43-34-123
.
(5)
"Review board" means the Patient Qualification Review Board established pursuant to Code Section
43-34-124
.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 243,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 34 - PHYSICIANS, ACUPUNCTURE, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS, CANCER AND GLAUCOMA TREATMENT, RESPIRATORY CARE, CLINICAL PERFUSIONISTS, AND ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS PRACTICE (§§ 43-34-1 — 43-34-316) › Article 5 - USE OF MARIJUANA FOR TREATMENT OF CANCER AND GLAUCOMA (§§ 43-34-120 — 43-34-126) › Section 43-34-123 - Controlled Substances Therapeutic Research Program

(a)
There is established under the Georgia Composite Medical Board the Controlled Substances Therapeutic Research Program, which shall be administered by the board. Under the program, the board shall act as a sponsor of state-wide investigational studies, utilizing as drug investigators individual physicians who elect to participate in accordance with the guidelines and protocols developed by the board. Such guidelines and protocols shall be designed to ensure that stringent security and record-keeping requirements for research drugs are met and that participants in the program meet those research standards necessary to establish empirical bases for the evaluation of marijuana as a medically recognized therapeutic substance. The board shall promulgate such rules and regulations as it deems necessary or advisable to administer the program. In promulgating such guidelines, protocols, rules, and regulations, the board shall take into consideration those pertinent rules and regulations promulgated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Food and Drug Administration, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
(b)
The program shall be limited to patients who are certified to the board by a physician as being:
(1)
Cancer patients involved in a life-threatening situation in which treatment by chemotherapy or radiology has produced severe side effects; or
(2)
Glaucoma patients who are not responding to conventional controlled substances.
(c)
No patient may be admitted to the program without full disclosure by the physician of the experimental nature of the program and of the possible risks and side effects of the proposed treatment.
(d)
The cost of any blood test required by the United States Food and Drug Administration prior to entrance into the program shall be paid by the patient seeking entrance into the program.
(e)
Only the following persons shall have access to the names and other identifying characteristics of patients in the program for whom marijuana has been prescribed under this article:
(1)
The board;
(2)
The review board created by Code Section
43-34-124
;
(3)
The Attorney General or his or her designee;
(4)
Any person directly connected with the program who has a legitimate need for the information; and
(5)
Any federal agency having responsibility for the program.
Amended by 2017 Ga. Laws 275,§ 43, eff. 5/9/2017.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 243,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 34 - PHYSICIANS, ACUPUNCTURE, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS, CANCER AND GLAUCOMA TREATMENT, RESPIRATORY CARE, CLINICAL PERFUSIONISTS, AND ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS PRACTICE (§§ 43-34-1 — 43-34-316) › Article 5 - USE OF MARIJUANA FOR TREATMENT OF CANCER AND GLAUCOMA (§§ 43-34-120 — 43-34-126) › Section 43-34-124 - Patient Qualification Review Board; members; officers; meetings; duties; exception to open meetings requirements

(a)
The board shall appoint the Patient Qualification Review Board. Each member of the review board shall be approved for such membership by a majority vote of the board and shall serve at the pleasure of the board. The review board shall be composed of:
(1)
A board certified physician in ophthalmology;
(2)
A board certified physician in surgery;
(3)
A board certified physician in internal medicine and medical oncology;
(4)
A board certified physician in psychiatry;
(5)
A board certified physician in radiology; and
(6)
A pharmacist licensed under Chapter 4 of Title 26, relating to pharmacists, pharmacy, and drugs.
(b)
The review board shall elect from its members a chairperson and a vice chairperson. The review board shall hold regular meetings at least once every 60 days and shall meet at such additional times as shall be called by the chairperson of the review board or the chairperson of the board. Each member of the review board shall receive for services for each day's attendance upon meetings of such board the same amount authorized by law for members of the General Assembly for attendance upon meetings of the General Assembly.
(c)
The board shall adopt such rules and regulations as it deems necessary for the performance of the duties of the review board.
(d)
The review board shall review all patient applicants for the program and their physicians and shall certify those qualified for participation in the program. The review board shall additionally certify pharmacies which are licensed by the state and which are otherwise qualified and certify physicians regarding the distribution of marijuana pursuant to Code Section
43-34-125
. Meetings of the review board to certify patients, physicians, or pharmacies shall not be open to the public, as otherwise required by Chapter 14 of Title 50.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 243,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2009.
Amended by 2002 Ga. Laws 462, § 43, eff. 4/18/2002.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 34 - PHYSICIANS, ACUPUNCTURE, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS, CANCER AND GLAUCOMA TREATMENT, RESPIRATORY CARE, CLINICAL PERFUSIONISTS, AND ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS PRACTICE (§§ 43-34-1 — 43-34-316) › Article 5 - USE OF MARIJUANA FOR TREATMENT OF CANCER AND GLAUCOMA (§§ 43-34-120 — 43-34-126) › Section 43-34-125 - Receipt of marijuana by board; distribution; responsibility for costs of obtaining and testing marijuana

(a)
The board shall apply to contract with the National Institute on Drug Abuse for receipt of marijuana pursuant to this article and pursuant to regulations promulgated by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the United States Food and Drug Administration, and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.
(b)
The board shall cause marijuana approved for use in the program to be transferred to a certified pharmacy, licensed by the state, for distribution to the certified patient by a licensed pharmacist upon a written order for research medication of the certified physician, pursuant to this article. Any reasonable costs incurred by the board in obtaining or testing marijuana shall be charged to participating physicians who may seek reimbursement from their research subjects utilizing the marijuana.
Amended by 2017 Ga. Laws 275,§ 43, eff. 5/9/2017.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 243,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 34 - PHYSICIANS, ACUPUNCTURE, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS, CANCER AND GLAUCOMA TREATMENT, RESPIRATORY CARE, CLINICAL PERFUSIONISTS, AND ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS PRACTICE (§§ 43-34-1 — 43-34-316) › Article 5 - USE OF MARIJUANA FOR TREATMENT OF CANCER AND GLAUCOMA (§§ 43-34-120 — 43-34-126) › Section 43-34-126 - Immunity of program participants from state prosecution for possession or use of authorized marijuana

Patient participants in the program are immune from state prosecution for possession of marijuana as authorized by this article and under the program established in this article. A person authorized under this program shall not possess an amount of marijuana in excess of the amount prescribed under the authority of this article. The amount prescribed shall be maintained in the container in which it was placed at the time the prescription was filled. Physician, pharmacy, and pharmacist participants in the program are immune from state prosecution for possession, distribution, and any other use of marijuana, which use is authorized such persons by this article. Any such possession, distribution, or other use not authorized by this article shall be enforced and punished as provided in Chapter 13 of Title 16, relating to controlled substances and dangerous drugs, and Chapter 4 of Title 26, relating to pharmacists and pharmacies.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 243,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 34 - PHYSICIANS, ACUPUNCTURE, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS, CANCER AND GLAUCOMA TREATMENT, RESPIRATORY CARE, CLINICAL PERFUSIONISTS, AND ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS PRACTICE (§§ 43-34-1 — 43-34-316) › Article 6 - RESPIRATORY CARE (§§ 43-34-140 — 43-34-152) › Section 43-34-140 - Short title

This article shall be known and may be cited as the "Respiratory Care Practices Act."
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 243,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 34 - PHYSICIANS, ACUPUNCTURE, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS, CANCER AND GLAUCOMA TREATMENT, RESPIRATORY CARE, CLINICAL PERFUSIONISTS, AND ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS PRACTICE (§§ 43-34-1 — 43-34-316) › Article 6 - RESPIRATORY CARE (§§ 43-34-140 — 43-34-152) › Section 43-34-141 - Legislative finding and declaration

The General Assembly finds and declares that the practice of respiratory care in Georgia affects the public health, safety, and welfare and that it is necessarily a proper subject of regulation and control.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 243,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 34 - PHYSICIANS, ACUPUNCTURE, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS, CANCER AND GLAUCOMA TREATMENT, RESPIRATORY CARE, CLINICAL PERFUSIONISTS, AND ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS PRACTICE (§§ 43-34-1 — 43-34-316) › Article 6 - RESPIRATORY CARE (§§ 43-34-140 — 43-34-152) › Section 43-34-142 - Definitions

As used in this article, the term:
(1)
"Board" means the Georgia Composite Medical Board.
(2)
"Respiratory care" means the rendering of services to patients with deficiencies or abnormalities which affect the pulmonary and cardiac systems and which services involve therapy, management, rehabilitation, diagnostic evaluation, education, or care of such patients with regard to such deficiencies or abnormalities.
(3)
"Respiratory care professional" means any person certified under this article to practice respiratory care.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 243,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 34 - PHYSICIANS, ACUPUNCTURE, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS, CANCER AND GLAUCOMA TREATMENT, RESPIRATORY CARE, CLINICAL PERFUSIONISTS, AND ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS PRACTICE (§§ 43-34-1 — 43-34-316) › Article 6 - RESPIRATORY CARE (§§ 43-34-140 — 43-34-152) › Section 43-34-143 - Powers and duties of board

The board, in consultation with the advisory committee, shall have the power and responsibility to:
(1)
Determine the qualifications and fitness of applicants for certification, renewal of the certificate, and reciprocal certification;
(2)
Adopt and revise rules consistent with the laws of the State of Georgia that are necessary to conduct its business, carry out its duties, and administer this article;
(3)
Examine for, approve, issue, deny, revoke, suspend, and renew the certification of respiratory care professional applicants and certificate holders under this article and conduct hearings in connection with these actions;
(4)
Conduct hearings on complaints concerning violations of this article and the rules adopted under this article and cause the prosecution and enjoinder of the violations;
(5)
Establish application, examination, and certification fees;
(6)
Request and receive the assistance of state educational institutions or other state agencies;
(7)
Prepare information of consumer interest describing the regulatory functions of the board and describing the procedures by which consumer complaints are filed with and resolved by the board. The board shall make the information available to the general public and appropriate state agencies; and
(8)
Establish continuing education requirements.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 243,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 34 - PHYSICIANS, ACUPUNCTURE, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS, CANCER AND GLAUCOMA TREATMENT, RESPIRATORY CARE, CLINICAL PERFUSIONISTS, AND ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS PRACTICE (§§ 43-34-1 — 43-34-316) › Article 6 - RESPIRATORY CARE (§§ 43-34-140 — 43-34-152) › Section 43-34-144 - Requirements for certification; supervision

(a)
Each applicant for certification as a respiratory care professional shall meet the following requirements:
(1)
Is at least 18 years of age;
(2)
Has submitted a completed application as required by the board;
(3)
Has submitted any fees required by the board;
(4)
Has successfully passed the entry level examination given by the National Board for Respiratory Care, Inc., or such other examination as the board may in its discretion administer or approve; and
(5)
Has met such other requirements as may be prescribed by the board.
(b)
In addition to the requirements specified in subsection (a) of this Code section, each applicant for certification under this article shall be working under the supervision or direction of a person licensed under Article 2 of this chapter and shall, in order to maintain certification, continue to work under the supervision or direction of a person licensed under Article 2 of this chapter.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 243,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 34 - PHYSICIANS, ACUPUNCTURE, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS, CANCER AND GLAUCOMA TREATMENT, RESPIRATORY CARE, CLINICAL PERFUSIONISTS, AND ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS PRACTICE (§§ 43-34-1 — 43-34-316) › Article 6 - RESPIRATORY CARE (§§ 43-34-140 — 43-34-152) › Section 43-34-145 - Notice to applicant of acceptance or rejection

After evaluation of an application and other evidence submitted, the board shall notify each applicant that the application and evidence submitted are satisfactory and accepted or unsatisfactory and rejected. If rejected, the notice shall state the reasons for the rejection.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 243,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 34 - PHYSICIANS, ACUPUNCTURE, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS, CANCER AND GLAUCOMA TREATMENT, RESPIRATORY CARE, CLINICAL PERFUSIONISTS, AND ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS PRACTICE (§§ 43-34-1 — 43-34-316) › Article 6 - RESPIRATORY CARE (§§ 43-34-140 — 43-34-152) › Section 43-34-146 - Ownership of certificate; posting; change of address; renewal; inactive status; board authorized to determine renewal requirements

(a)
Any document evidencing certification issued by the board is the property of the board and must be surrendered on demand.
(b)
The certificate holder shall display the document evidencing certification in an appropriate and public manner.
(c)
The certificate holder shall inform the board of any change of address.
(d)
The certificate shall be renewed biennially if the certificate holder is not in violation of this article at the time of application for renewal and if the applicant fulfills current requirements of continuing education as established by the board.
(e)
Each person certified under this article is responsible for renewing his or her certificate before the expiration date.
(f)
Under procedures and conditions established by the board, a certificate holder may request that his or her certification be declared inactive. The certificate holder may apply for active status at any time and upon meeting the conditions set by the board shall be declared active.
(g)
The board shall be authorized to:
(1)
Require persons seeking renewal of certification as respiratory care professionals under this article to complete board approved continuing education;
(2)
Establish the number of hours of continuing education to be completed as well as the categories in which the continuing education is to be completed; and
(3)
Approve courses offered by institutions of higher learning, specialty societies, or professional organizations.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 243,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 34 - PHYSICIANS, ACUPUNCTURE, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS, CANCER AND GLAUCOMA TREATMENT, RESPIRATORY CARE, CLINICAL PERFUSIONISTS, AND ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS PRACTICE (§§ 43-34-1 — 43-34-316) › Article 6 - RESPIRATORY CARE (§§ 43-34-140 — 43-34-152) › Section 43-34-147 - Temporary permits

Upon payment of a fee determined by the board, a temporary permit may be issued to practice respiratory care:
(1)
For a period of 12 months to an applicant for certification under Code Section
43-34-148
providing that applicant presents written evidence verified by oath that the applicant was certified, licensed, or practicing respiratory care within the last 12 months in another state; or
(2)
To a person who is a graduate of an accredited respiratory therapy program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, or the equivalent thereof as accepted by the board, pending completion of the other requirements for certification under this article.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 243,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 34 - PHYSICIANS, ACUPUNCTURE, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS, CANCER AND GLAUCOMA TREATMENT, RESPIRATORY CARE, CLINICAL PERFUSIONISTS, AND ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS PRACTICE (§§ 43-34-1 — 43-34-316) › Article 6 - RESPIRATORY CARE (§§ 43-34-140 — 43-34-152) › Section 43-34-148 - Reciprocity

An individual who has been granted certification, registration, licensure, or other authority by whatever name known to practice respiratory care in another state having requirements for such authority to practice which are substantially equal to or which exceed the requirements for a similar certificate in this state may petition the board for reciprocity in this state and, upon submission of an application and requisite fees and upon verification by oath and submission of evidence acceptable to the board, may be granted a certificate to practice respiratory care in Georgia.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 243,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 34 - PHYSICIANS, ACUPUNCTURE, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS, CANCER AND GLAUCOMA TREATMENT, RESPIRATORY CARE, CLINICAL PERFUSIONISTS, AND ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS PRACTICE (§§ 43-34-1 — 43-34-316) › Article 6 - RESPIRATORY CARE (§§ 43-34-140 — 43-34-152) › Section 43-34-149 - Sanctions

The board, in consultation with the advisory committee, may impose on a respiratory care professional any sanction authorized under subsection (b) of Code Section
43-34-8
upon a finding of any conduct specified in subsection (a) of Code Section
43-34-8
.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 243,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 34 - PHYSICIANS, ACUPUNCTURE, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS, CANCER AND GLAUCOMA TREATMENT, RESPIRATORY CARE, CLINICAL PERFUSIONISTS, AND ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS PRACTICE (§§ 43-34-1 — 43-34-316) › Article 6 - RESPIRATORY CARE (§§ 43-34-140 — 43-34-152) › Section 43-34-150 - Respiratory care advisory committee

The board shall appoint a respiratory care advisory committee. The committee shall be composed of persons engaged in the practice of respiratory therapy, persons licensed under Article 2 of this chapter who specialize or are board certified in pulmonary medicine, and such members as the board at its discretion may determine. Members shall receive no compensation for service on the committee. The committee shall have such advisory duties and responsibilities as the board may determine.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 243,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 34 - PHYSICIANS, ACUPUNCTURE, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS, CANCER AND GLAUCOMA TREATMENT, RESPIRATORY CARE, CLINICAL PERFUSIONISTS, AND ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS PRACTICE (§§ 43-34-1 — 43-34-316) › Article 6 - RESPIRATORY CARE (§§ 43-34-140 — 43-34-152) › Section 43-34-151 - Practice of respiratory care or representation as respiratory care professional without certification prohibited; exceptions; penalty; application of emergency care law

(a)
Unless certified under this article or exempted under subsection (b) of this Code section, no person shall:
(1)
Practice respiratory care; or
(2)
Represent himself or herself to be a respiratory care professional who is certified under this article.
(b)
The prohibition in subsection (a) of this Code section does not apply to:
(1)
The delivery of respiratory care by health care personnel who have been formally trained in these modalities and who are duly licensed to provide that care under any other provision of this title;
(2)
The practice of respiratory care which is an integral part of the program of study by students enrolled in a respiratory care education program recognized by the Joint Review Committee for Respiratory Therapy Education and the American Medical Association Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation (CAHEA) or the equivalent thereof as accepted by the board. Students enrolled in respiratory therapy education programs shall be identified as "student-RCP" and shall only provide respiratory care under direct clinical supervision;
(3)
Self-care by a patient or gratuitous care by a friend or family member who does not represent or hold himself or herself out to be a respiratory care professional;
(4)
Respiratory care services rendered in the course of an emergency or disaster;
(5)
Persons in the military services or working in federal facilities when functioning in the course of their assigned duties;
(6)
The performance of respiratory care diagnostic testing by individuals who are certified or registered as pulmonary function technologists by the National Board for Respiratory Care, or equivalent certifying agency, as recognized by the board;
(7)
The delivery, assembly, setup, testing, and demonstration of oxygen and aerosol equipment upon the order of a physician licensed under Article 2 of this chapter;
(8)
Persons who perform limited respiratory care procedures under the supervision of a certified respiratory care professional in a hospital or nursing home when the board has defined the competencies required to perform such limited respiratory care procedures; or
(9)
Persons who perform polysomnography under Code Section
43-34-45
.
(c)
Any person violating the prohibition of subsection (a) of this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
(d)
Practitioners regulated under this article shall be covered pursuant to Code Section
51-1-29
.
(e)
Nothing in this article shall be construed to permit the practice of medicine as defined by this chapter.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 243,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 34 - PHYSICIANS, ACUPUNCTURE, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS, CANCER AND GLAUCOMA TREATMENT, RESPIRATORY CARE, CLINICAL PERFUSIONISTS, AND ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS PRACTICE (§§ 43-34-1 — 43-34-316) › Article 6 - RESPIRATORY CARE (§§ 43-34-140 — 43-34-152) › Section 43-34-152 - "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act" applicable

Proceedings under this article shall be governed by Chapter 13 of Title 50, the "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act."
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 243,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 34 - PHYSICIANS, ACUPUNCTURE, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS, CANCER AND GLAUCOMA TREATMENT, RESPIRATORY CARE, CLINICAL PERFUSIONISTS, AND ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS PRACTICE (§§ 43-34-1 — 43-34-316) › Article 7 - CLINICAL PERFUSIONISTS (§§ 43-34-170 — 43-34-180) › Section 43-34-170 - Short title

This article shall be known and may be cited as the "Clinical Perfusionist Licensure Act."
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 243,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2009.
Added by 2002 Ga. Laws 786, § 1, eff. 7/1/2002.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 34 - PHYSICIANS, ACUPUNCTURE, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS, CANCER AND GLAUCOMA TREATMENT, RESPIRATORY CARE, CLINICAL PERFUSIONISTS, AND ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS PRACTICE (§§ 43-34-1 — 43-34-316) › Article 7 - CLINICAL PERFUSIONISTS (§§ 43-34-170 — 43-34-180) › Section 43-34-172 - Powers and responsibilities of board

The board, in consultation with the advisory committee, shall have the power and responsibility to:
(1)
Determine the qualifications and fitness of applicants for licensure and renewal of licensure;
(2)
Adopt and revise rules consistent with the laws of this state that are necessary to conduct its business, carry out its duties, and administer this article;
(3)
Examine for, approve, issue, deny, revoke, suspend, sanction, and renew the licenses of board applicants for licensure as licensed clinical perfusionists and provisional licensed clinical perfusionists under this article and conduct hearings in connection with these actions;
(4)
Conduct hearings on complaints concerning violations of this article and the rules adopted under this article and cause the prosecution and enjoinder of the violations;
(5)
Establish application, examination, and licensure fees;
(6)
Request and receive the assistance of state educational institutions or other state agencies and prepare information of consumer interest describing the regulatory functions of the board and the procedures by which consumer complaints are filed with and resolved by the board. The board shall make the information available to the public and appropriate state agencies; and
(7)
Establish education, examination, and continuing education requirements.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 243,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2009.
Added by 2002 Ga. Laws 786, § 1, eff. 7/1/2002.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 34 - PHYSICIANS, ACUPUNCTURE, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS, CANCER AND GLAUCOMA TREATMENT, RESPIRATORY CARE, CLINICAL PERFUSIONISTS, AND ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS PRACTICE (§§ 43-34-1 — 43-34-316) › Article 7 - CLINICAL PERFUSIONISTS (§§ 43-34-170 — 43-34-180) › Section 43-34-173 - Requirements for licensure

(a)
Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) of this Code section, each applicant for a license to practice as a licensed clinical perfusionist shall meet the following requirements:
(1)
Be at least 21 years of age;
(2)
Submit a completed application required by the board;
(3)
Submit any fees required by the board;
(4)
Have successfully completed a perfusion education program approved by the board, which program has educational standards at least as stringent as programs approved by the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation (CAHEA) prior to 1994 or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or its successor;
(5)
Pass a competency examination prepared or approved by the board and administered to qualified applicants at least once each calendar year, which examination may be or may include the complete examination given by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP) or its successor; and
(6)
Have met such other requirements as may be prescribed by the board.
(b)
The executive director, with the approval of the chairperson of the board, may in his or her discretion issue a temporary license to an applicant, which license shall have the same force and effect as a permanent license until the next regular meeting of the board at which time the temporary license shall become void.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 243,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2009.
Added by 2002 Ga. Laws 786, § 1, eff. 7/1/2002.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 34 - PHYSICIANS, ACUPUNCTURE, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS, CANCER AND GLAUCOMA TREATMENT, RESPIRATORY CARE, CLINICAL PERFUSIONISTS, AND ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS PRACTICE (§§ 43-34-1 — 43-34-316) › Article 7 - CLINICAL PERFUSIONISTS (§§ 43-34-170 — 43-34-180) › Section 43-34-174 - License to be property of board; display of license; surrender of license; renewal; expired license

(a)
A license is not the property of the holder but is the property of the board. A license to practice perfusion shall be valid for two years. The board may provide that licenses expire on various dates. A person may renew an unexpired license by submitting proof of compliance with the continuing professional education requirements prescribed by the board and paying the required renewal fee to the board before the expiration date of the license.
(b)
The license holder shall:
(1)
Display the license in an appropriate and public manner; or
(2)
Maintain on file at all times during which the license holder provides services in a health care facility a true and correct copy of the license certificate in the appropriate records of the facility and keep the board informed of any change of address.
(c)
A license issued by the board is the property of the board and shall be surrendered on demand.
(d)
Each person licensed under this article shall be responsible for renewing his or her license before the expiration date.
(e)
If a person's license has been expired for not more than three months, the person may renew the license by submitting proof, satisfactory to the board, of compliance with the continuing professional education requirements prescribed by the board and any penalty fee prescribed by the board.
(f)
If a person's license has been expired for more than three months, the person may not renew the license. The person may obtain a new license by complying with the current requirements and procedures for obtaining a license.
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 247,§ 1F, eff. 5/13/2011.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 243,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2009.
Added by 2002 Ga. Laws 786, § 1, eff. 7/1/2002.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 34 - PHYSICIANS, ACUPUNCTURE, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS, CANCER AND GLAUCOMA TREATMENT, RESPIRATORY CARE, CLINICAL PERFUSIONISTS, AND ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS PRACTICE (§§ 43-34-1 — 43-34-316) › Article 7 - CLINICAL PERFUSIONISTS (§§ 43-34-170 — 43-34-180) › Section 43-34-175 - Issuance of provisional licensed clinical perfusionist license; supervision of licensee; renewal; revocation

(a)
A license as a provisional licensed clinical perfusionist may be issued by the board to a person who submits to the board evidence of having successfully completed an approved perfusion education program required for licensure under Code Section
43-34-173
and upon the filing of an application and payment of the application fee.
(b)
A provisional licensed clinical perfusionist shall be under the supervision and direction of a licensed clinical perfusionist at all times during which the provisional licensed clinical perfusionist performs perfusion. The board may promulgate rules governing such supervision and direction but shall not require the immediate physical presence of the supervising licensed clinical perfusionist.
(c)
A provisional license shall be valid for two years from the date it is issued and may not be renewed. The provisional licensee must comply with all of the requirements for licensure under Code Section
43-34-173
prior to the expiration of the two-year provisional license period. A provisional licensee may submit an application for licensure as a licensed clinical perfusionist once he or she has complied with all of the requirements for licensure under Code Section
43-34-173
.
(d)
If a person fails to meet the requirements for licensure under Code Section
43-34-173
on or before the expiration of the two-year provisional license period, such person's provisional license shall be automatically revoked and surrendered to the board.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 243,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2009.
Amended by 2004 Ga. Laws 543, § 3, eff. 5/13/2004.
Added by 2002 Ga. Laws 786, § 1, eff. 7/1/2002.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 34 - PHYSICIANS, ACUPUNCTURE, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS, CANCER AND GLAUCOMA TREATMENT, RESPIRATORY CARE, CLINICAL PERFUSIONISTS, AND ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS PRACTICE (§§ 43-34-1 — 43-34-316) › Article 7 - CLINICAL PERFUSIONISTS (§§ 43-34-170 — 43-34-180) › Section 43-34-176 - Requirements for waiver of examination and educational requirements

On receipt of an application and application fee, the board may waive the examination and educational requirements for an applicant who at the time of application:
(1)
Is appropriately licensed or certified in another state, territory, or possession whose requirements for the license or certificate are substantially equal to the requirements of this article; or
(2)
Holds a current certificate as a certified clinical perfusionist issued by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP) or its successor.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 243,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2009.
Added by 2002 Ga. Laws 786, § 1, eff. 7/1/2002.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 34 - PHYSICIANS, ACUPUNCTURE, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS, CANCER AND GLAUCOMA TREATMENT, RESPIRATORY CARE, CLINICAL PERFUSIONISTS, AND ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS PRACTICE (§§ 43-34-1 — 43-34-316) › Article 7 - CLINICAL PERFUSIONISTS (§§ 43-34-170 — 43-34-180) › Section 43-34-177 - Engaging in practice of perfusion without license; titles; violation

(a)
A person may not engage or offer to engage in perfusion or use the title or represent or imply that the person has the title of "licensed clinical perfusionist" or "provisional licensed clinical perfusionist" or use the letters "L.C.P." or "P.L.C.P." and may not use any facsimile of such titles in any manner to indicate or imply that the person is a licensed clinical perfusionist or provisional licensed clinical perfusionist unless the person holds an appropriate license issued pursuant to this article or is exempted under the provisions of Code Section
43-34-178
.
(b)
A person may not use the title or represent or imply that such person has the title "certified clinical perfusionist" or use the letters "C.C.P." and may not use any facsimile of such title in any manner to indicate or imply that such person is a certified clinical perfusionist certified by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP) unless the person holds a certificate as a certified clinical perfusionist issued by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP).
(c)
Any person who violates the provisions of subsection (a) or (b) of this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 243,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2009.
Added by 2002 Ga. Laws 786, § 1, eff. 7/1/2002.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 34 - PHYSICIANS, ACUPUNCTURE, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS, CANCER AND GLAUCOMA TREATMENT, RESPIRATORY CARE, CLINICAL PERFUSIONISTS, AND ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS PRACTICE (§§ 43-34-1 — 43-34-316) › Article 7 - CLINICAL PERFUSIONISTS (§§ 43-34-170 — 43-34-180) › Section 43-34-178 - Nonapplicability of Code Section 43-34-177; violation

(a)
The provisions of Code Section
43-34-177
shall not apply to:
(1)
A person licensed as a physician pursuant to Article 2 of this chapter;
(2)
A person licensed under this title as a registered professional nurse or a licensed physician assistant or certified as a respiratory care professional under this title if:
(A)
The person does not represent to the public, directly or indirectly, that the person is licensed pursuant to this article and does not use any name, title, or designation indicating that he or she is licensed pursuant to this article; and
(B)
The person limits his or her acts or practice to the scope of practice authorized by the appropriate licensing agency;
(3)
Any person performing autotransfusion who possesses appropriate training and practices within the guidelines of the American Association of Blood Banks under the supervision of a perfusionist licensed under this article or a physician licensed under Article 2 of this chapter;
(4)
A student enrolled in an accredited perfusion education program if the perfusion services performed are:
(A)
An integral part of the student's course of study; and
(B)
Performed under the direct supervision of a licensed clinical perfusionist who is assigned to supervise the student and is on duty and immediately available in the assigned patient care area;
(5)
The practice of any legally qualified perfusionist employed by the United States government while in the discharge of his or her official duties; or
(6)
A person working as a dialysis care technician in an end stage renal disease facility licensed pursuant to Chapter 44 of Title 31 or a licensed hospital.
(b)
Any person violating subsection (a) of this Code section shall be guilty of a felony.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 243,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2009.
Added by 2002 Ga. Laws 786, § 1, eff. 7/1/2002.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 34 - PHYSICIANS, ACUPUNCTURE, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS, CANCER AND GLAUCOMA TREATMENT, RESPIRATORY CARE, CLINICAL PERFUSIONISTS, AND ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS PRACTICE (§§ 43-34-1 — 43-34-316) › Article 7 - CLINICAL PERFUSIONISTS (§§ 43-34-170 — 43-34-180) › Section 43-34-179 - Sanctions by board

The board, in consultation with the advisory committee, may impose on a licensed clinical perfusionist or a provisional licensed clinical perfusionist any sanction authorized under subsection (b) of Code Section
43-34-8
upon a finding of any conduct specified in subsection (a) of Code Section
43-34-8
.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 243,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2009.
Added by 2002 Ga. Laws 786, § 1, eff. 7/1/2002.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 34 - PHYSICIANS, ACUPUNCTURE, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS, CANCER AND GLAUCOMA TREATMENT, RESPIRATORY CARE, CLINICAL PERFUSIONISTS, AND ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS PRACTICE (§§ 43-34-1 — 43-34-316) › Article 7 - CLINICAL PERFUSIONISTS (§§ 43-34-170 — 43-34-180) › Section 43-34-180 - Advisory committee

The board shall appoint an advisory committee. The advisory committee shall include clinical perfusionists licensed under this article and such members as the board in its discretion may determine. Members shall receive no compensation for service on the committee. The committee shall have such advisory duties and responsibilities as the board may determine. Advisory committee members must be licensed pursuant to this article.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 243,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2009.
Added by 2002 Ga. Laws 786, § 1, eff. 7/1/2002.