reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 30 - OPTOMETRISTS (§§ 43-30-1 — 43-30-15) › Section 43-30-12 - Unlicensed practice as constituting a nuisance; injunction

The practice of optometry by any unregistered or unlicensed optometrist is declared to be a menace and a nuisance and dangerous to the public health and safety; and the board shall promptly abate such practice by filing an action for an injunction in the county in which such practice is conducted. The practice shall be enjoined unless it shall be made to appear that such practitioner is licensed and registered. The board is authorized to file and prosecute such action, and it shall be its duty to do so.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 30 - OPTOMETRISTS (§§ 43-30-1 — 43-30-15) › Section 43-30-13 - Construction of chapter

(a)
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to apply to physicians and surgeons duly licensed to practice medicine, nor to prevent persons from selling spectacles or eyeglasses on prescription from any duly qualified optometrist or physician, nor to prevent any person from selling glasses as articles of merchandise or from using test cards in connection with the sale of such glasses at a permanently located place when not trafficking or attempting to traffic upon assumed skill in optometry; nor shall anything in this chapter be construed to authorize any registered optometrist to prescribe or administer drugs except as permitted by law or practice medicine or surgery in any manner as defined by the laws of this state; nor shall this chapter be construed to authorize any such person to use the title of "M.D." or any other title mentioned in Code Section
43-34-21
or
43-34-22
.
(b)
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to imply liability, either civil or criminal, on the part of a pharmacist who is duly licensed under Title 26 and who in good faith fills a prescription presented by a patient pursuant to this chapter. The pharmacist shall presume that the prescription was issued by a duly licensed optometrist under this chapter who has qualified under this Code section to prescribe pharmaceutical agents. The pharmacist shall also presume that the pharmaceutical agent prescribed by the optometrist is an approved pharmaceutical agent, unless the pharmacist has actual or constructive knowledge to the contrary.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 243,§ 13, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 30 - OPTOMETRISTS (§§ 43-30-1 — 43-30-15) › Section 43-30-14 - Practicing optometry without a license

Any person who practices optometry or who offers or pretends to practice or holds himself or herself out as eligible to practice optometry and who is not legally registered and licensed shall be guilty of a felony.
Amended by 2003 Ga. Laws 59, § 1, eff. 7/1/2003.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 31 - PECAN DEALERS AND PROCESSORS (§ 43-31-1) › Section 43-31-1 - through 43-31-8 - [Reserved]

Reserved. Repealed by Ga. L. 2013, p. 797, § 7/HB 268, effective July 1, 2013.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 32 - PEDDLERS AND ITINERANT TRADERS (§ 43-32-1) › Section 43-32-1 - through 43-32-7 - [Reserved]

Reserved. Repealed by Ga. L. 2015, p. 385, § 2-7/HB 252, not codified by the General Assembly, effective July 1, 2015.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 33 - PHYSICAL THERAPISTS (§§ 43-33-1 — 43-33-31) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 43-33-1 — 43-33-21) › Section 43-33-1 - Short title

This article shall be known and may be cited as the "Georgia Physical Therapy Act."
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 33 - PHYSICAL THERAPISTS (§§ 43-33-1 — 43-33-31) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 43-33-1 — 43-33-21) › Section 43-33-2 - Declaration of purpose

This article is enacted for the purpose of safeguarding the public health, safety, and welfare by providing for state administrative control, supervision, and regulation of the practice of physical therapy. The practice of physical therapy is declared to be affected with the public interest; and this article shall be liberally construed so as to accomplish the purpose stated in this Code section.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 33 - PHYSICAL THERAPISTS (§§ 43-33-1 — 43-33-31) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 43-33-1 — 43-33-21) › Section 43-33-4 - Creation of board

There is created a State Board of Physical Therapy.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 33 - PHYSICAL THERAPISTS (§§ 43-33-1 — 43-33-31) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 43-33-1 — 43-33-21) › Section 43-33-5 - Appointment of board members; terms; vacancies; removal

The board shall consist of eight members, as provided in Code Section
43-33-6
, each of whom shall be appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate for a term of three years and until a successor is appointed and qualified. Vacancies on the board shall be filled by the Governor's appointment of a successor to serve out the unexpired term. The Governor, after notice and opportunity for hearing, may remove any member of the board for neglect of duty, incompetence, revocation or suspension of license of those licensee members, or other dishonorable conduct. No person shall serve consecutively more than two full terms as a member of the board.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 33 - PHYSICAL THERAPISTS (§§ 43-33-1 — 43-33-31) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 43-33-1 — 43-33-21) › Section 43-33-6 - Qualifications of board members

To be eligible for appointment to the board, a person must be a resident of this state. Six members of the board shall be licensed as physical therapists under this article who have practiced or taught physical therapy for at least three years. At least one member shall be licensed and practicing as a physical therapist assistant for at least three years. The eighth member shall be appointed from the public at large and shall have no business connection whatsoever with the practice or profession of physical therapy.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 33 - PHYSICAL THERAPISTS (§§ 43-33-1 — 43-33-31) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 43-33-1 — 43-33-21) › Section 43-33-7 - Conduct of business by telephone or other digital means

With the exception of hearings in contested cases, the board may conduct business in conference by telephone or other digital means, provided that members of the board shall not receive compensation for business conducted in conference by telephone or other digital means.
Amended by 2015 Ga. Laws 53,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2015.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 33 - PHYSICAL THERAPISTS (§§ 43-33-1 — 43-33-31) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 43-33-1 — 43-33-21) › Section 43-33-8 - Reimbursement of board members

Each member of the board shall be reimbursed as provided for in subsection (f) of Code Section
43-1-2
.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 33 - PHYSICAL THERAPISTS (§§ 43-33-1 — 43-33-31) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 43-33-1 — 43-33-21) › Section 43-33-9 - Division director as secretary of board; subpoena power; service of process and documents

The division director shall be secretary of the board and shall perform such other administrative duties as may be prescribed by the board. In a contested case, the division director on behalf of the board shall have the power to subpoena, throughout this state, witnesses, designated documents, papers, books, accounts, letters, photographs, objects, or other tangible things. All legal process and all documents required by law to be served upon or filed with the board shall be served upon or filed with the division director at his or her office.
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 52,§; 72, eff. 1/1/2013.
Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 417,§; 36, eff. 5/20/2010.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 33 - PHYSICAL THERAPISTS (§§ 43-33-1 — 43-33-31) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 43-33-1 — 43-33-21) › Section 43-33-10 - General powers and duties of board

In carrying out the provisions of this article, the board shall, in addition to the other powers conferred upon it under this article, have the power to:
(1)
Prepare or approve all examinations or applicants for licenses;
(2)
Determine the qualifications of and authorize the issuance of licenses to qualified physical therapists and physical therapist assistants;
(3)
Determine the qualifications for and approve educational programs that prepare physical therapists and physical therapist assistants for the purpose of determining qualifications of applicants for licensure;
(4)
Initiate investigations of alleged or suspected violations of the provisions of this article or other laws of this state pertaining to physical therapy and any rules and regulations adopted by the board. For this purpose, any board member or authorized agent of the board shall have the power and right to enter and make reasonable inspection of any place where physical therapy is practiced;
(5)
Conduct all hearings in contested cases according to Chapter 13 of Title 50, known as the "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act";
(6)
Discipline any person licensed under this article, or refuse to grant, renew, or restore a license to any person upon any ground specified in this article;
(7)
Adopt a seal, the imprint of which together with the authorized signature of either the division director or other member authorized by the board shall be effective to evidence its official acts;
(8)
Establish licensing fees and maintain in the office of the division director a register of all persons holding a license and a record of all inspections made;
(9)
Adopt and publish in print or electronically a code of ethics;
(10)
Issue training permits;
(11)
Adopt such rules and regulations as shall be reasonably necessary for the enforcement and implementation of the provisions and purposes of this article and other laws of this state insofar as they relate to physical therapy;
(12)
Administer the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact contained in Article 2 of this chapter; and
(13)
Conduct national background checks by the submission of fingerprints to the Federal Bureau of Investigation through the Georgia Crime Information Center; provided, however, that reports from such background checks shall not be shared with entities outside of this state.
Amended by 2020 Ga. Laws 548,§ 1, eff. 1/1/2021.
Amended by 2019 Ga. Laws 37,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 615,§ 10, eff. 6/3/2010.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 33 - PHYSICAL THERAPISTS (§§ 43-33-1 — 43-33-31) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 43-33-1 — 43-33-21) › Section 43-33-12 - Requirements for license to practice physical therapy

A license to practice physical therapy shall be issued to any person who:
(1)
Is a graduate of an educational program that prepares physical therapists and which is accredited by a recognized accrediting agency and approved by the board or, in the case of an applicant who has graduated from an educational program which prepares physical therapists conducted in a foreign country, has submitted, in a manner prescribed by the board, credentials approved by the board and who has further demonstrated the ability to speak, write, and understand the English language and has satisfactorily completed a three-month board approved traineeship under the supervision of a physical therapist licensed under this article;
(2)
Has satisfactorily passed an examination prepared or approved by the board and has acquired any additional education and training required by the board;
(3)
Is not disqualified to receive a license under the provisions of Code Section
43-33-18
or subsection (a) or (c) of Code Section
43-1-19
; and
(4)
Has satisfactory results from a fingerprint record check report conducted by the Georgia Crime Information Center and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as determined by the board. Application for the issuance of a license under this Code section shall constitute express consent and authorization for the board or its representative to perform a criminal background check. Each applicant who submits an application to the board for licensure agrees to provide the board with any and all information necessary to run a criminal background check, including, but not limited to, classifiable sets of fingerprints. Such applicant shall be responsible for all fees associated with the performance of such background check.
Amended by 2020 Ga. Laws 548,§ 2, eff. 1/1/2021.
Amended by 2019 Ga. Laws 37,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by 2015 Ga. Laws 53,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2015.
Amended by 2008 Ga. Laws 775,§ 18, eff. 7/1/2008.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 33 - PHYSICAL THERAPISTS (§§ 43-33-1 — 43-33-31) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 43-33-1 — 43-33-21) › Section 43-33-13 - Requirements for license to practice as physical therapist assistant

A license to practice as a physical therapist assistant shall be issued to any person who:
(1)
Is a graduate of an educational program that prepares physical therapist assistants and which is accredited by a recognized accrediting agency and approved by the board or, in the case of an applicant who has graduated from an educational program which prepares physical therapist assistants conducted in a foreign country, has submitted, in a manner prescribed by the board, credentials approved by the board and who has further demonstrated the ability to speak, write, and understand the English language and has satisfactorily completed a three-month board approved traineeship under the supervision of a physical therapist licensed under this article;
(2)
Has satisfactorily passed an examination prepared or approved by the board;
(3)
Is not disqualified to receive a license under the provisions of Code Section
43-33-18
or subsection (b) or (c) of Code Section
43-1-19
; and
(4)
Has satisfactory results from a fingerprint record check report conducted by the Georgia Crime Information Center and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as determined by the board. Application for the issuance of a license under this Code section shall constitute express consent and authorization for the board or its representative to perform a criminal background check. Each applicant who submits an application to the board for licensure agrees to provide the board with any and all information necessary to run a criminal background check, including, but not limited to, classifiable sets of fingerprints. Such applicant shall be responsible for all fees associated with the performance of such background check.
Amended by 2020 Ga. Laws 548,§ 3, eff. 1/1/2021.
Amended by 2015 Ga. Laws 53,§ 5, eff. 7/1/2015.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 33 - PHYSICAL THERAPISTS (§§ 43-33-1 — 43-33-31) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 43-33-1 — 43-33-21) › Section 43-33-13.1 - Physical therapy aide

A physical therapy aide is one, other than a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant, who is employed to assist a physical therapist or a physical therapist assistant by performing only designated physical therapy tasks under direct supervision of a licensee as approved by the board by rule or regulation.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 33 - PHYSICAL THERAPISTS (§§ 43-33-1 — 43-33-31) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 43-33-1 — 43-33-21) › Section 43-33-14 - Determining competence of applicants

The board shall determine the competence of applicants to practice as physical therapists or as physical therapist assistants by any method or procedure which the board deems necessary to test the applicant's qualifications.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 33 - PHYSICAL THERAPISTS (§§ 43-33-1 — 43-33-31) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 43-33-1 — 43-33-21) › Section 43-33-15 - Reciprocity; waiver of examination requirement for persons licensed in another state who meet certain qualifications

The board may, in its discretion, waive the examination provided for in paragraph (2) of Code Section
43-33-12
and may, subject to the provisions under Code Sections
43-33-18
and
43-33-19
, grant to a person licensed in another state or territory of the United States full privileges to engage in an equivalent practice authorized by this article to any person who has qualifications the board determines to be the substantial equivalent of the qualifications described under paragraph (1) of Code Section
43-33-12
and who is properly licensed under the laws of another state or territory of the United States; provided, however, that the license held by such person was issued after an examination which, in the judgment of the board, is the equivalent of the standards established by the board. In waiving the examination requirement, the board may require additional education or training.
Amended by 2008 Ga. Laws 775,§ 19, eff. 7/1/2008.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 33 - PHYSICAL THERAPISTS (§§ 43-33-1 — 43-33-31) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 43-33-1 — 43-33-21) › Section 43-33-16 - Expiration, renewal, and restoration of licenses; canceled licenses; continuing education

All licenses shall expire biennially unless renewed. All applications for renewal of a license shall be filed with the division director prior to the expiration date, accompanied by the biennial renewal fee prescribed by the board. A license which has expired for failure of the holder to renew may only be restored after application and payment of the prescribed restoration fee within the time period established by the division director and provided the applicant meets such requirements as the board may establish by rule. Any license which has not been restored within such period following its expiration may not be renewed, restored, or reissued thereafter. The holder of such a canceled license may apply for and obtain a valid license only upon compliance with all relevant requirements for issuance of a new license. The board shall require no less than four hours of continuing education in order to renew any license issued pursuant to this article.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 33 - PHYSICAL THERAPISTS (§§ 43-33-1 — 43-33-31) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 43-33-1 — 43-33-21) › Section 43-33-17 - Training permits

(a)
The board may issue a training permit to an applicant who is a graduate of an approved physical therapy program who is approved to take the physical therapy licensing examination or who has taken the examination but not yet received the examination results.
(b)
The board may issue a training permit to a foreign trained applicant who is a graduate from a physical therapy program outside the United States and its territories and who is approved to take the physical therapy licensing examination.
(c)
The board may issue a training permit to a reinstatement applicant whose license to practice as a physical therapist or license to practice as a physical therapist assistant has been expired for more than two years.
(d)
The training permit shall allow the holder thereof to work only under the direct supervision of a physical therapist who has been approved by the board and has practiced for not less than one year prior to assuming the supervisory role.
(e)
Training permits are governed by rules and regulations authorized under this article and approved by the board.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 33 - PHYSICAL THERAPISTS (§§ 43-33-1 — 43-33-31) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 43-33-1 — 43-33-21) › Section 43-33-19 - Unlicensed practice as constituting public nuisance; injunctions

The practice of physical therapy is declared to be an activity affecting the public interest and involving the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Such practice when engaged in by a person who is not licensed is declared to be harmful to the public health, safety, and welfare. The board or the district attorney of the circuit where such unlicensed practice exists, or any person or organization having an interest therein, may bring a petition to restrain and enjoin such unlicensed practice in the superior court of the county where such unlicensed person resides. It shall not be necessary in order to obtain an injunction under this Code section to allege or prove that there is no adequate remedy at law, or to allege or prove any special injury.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 33 - PHYSICAL THERAPISTS (§§ 43-33-1 — 43-33-31) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 43-33-1 — 43-33-21) › Section 43-33-20 - Penalty

Any person convicted of violating this article shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 33 - PHYSICAL THERAPISTS (§§ 43-33-1 — 43-33-31) › Article 2 - PHYSICAL THERAPY LICENSURE COMPACT ACT (§§ 43-33-30 — 43-33-31) › Section 43-33-30 - Short title

This article shall be known and may be cited as the "Physical Therapy Licensure Compact Act."
Added by 2019 Ga. Laws 37,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2019.
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 1 - GEORGIA COMPOSITE MEDICAL BOARD (§§ 43-34-1 — 43-34-15) › Section 43-34-1 - Definitions

As used in this chapter, the term:
(1)
"Board" means the Georgia Composite Medical Board.
(2)
"Physician" means a person licensed to practice medicine pursuant to Article 2 of this chapter.
(3)
"To practice medicine," "the practice of medicine," or "practicing medicine" shall have the same meaning as in paragraph (3) of Code Section
43-34-21
.
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 1 - GEORGIA COMPOSITE MEDICAL BOARD (§§ 43-34-1 — 43-34-15) › Section 43-34-3 - Terms of office; representation of geographic regions; vacancies

(a)
The members of the Composite State Board of Medical Examiners, now known as the Georgia Composite Medical Board, in office on June 30, 2009, shall continue to serve out their respective terms and until their respective successors are appointed and qualified. The two new board members added as of July 1, 2009, pursuant to Code Section
43-34-2
shall be appointed by the Governor to serve as members of the board for terms of office beginning on July 1, 2009. The terms of office of the two new members shall be for two years and three years, respectively, with the Governor to specify the initial term of office for each new member at the time of his or her appointment. Upon the expiration of such initial terms, successors to such members of the board whose terms of office expire shall serve for terms of four years each.
(b)
Terms of office of members of the board shall be four years. Members of the board shall serve for the terms specified and until their respective successors are appointed and qualified. All reappointments and new appointments shall be made so that the various geographic regions of the state shall be represented. Any vacancy that may occur in the board as a result of death, resignation, relocation from the state, or other cause shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as regular appointments are made.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 243,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2009.
Amended by 2008 Ga. Laws 471,§ 43, eff. 5/12/2008.
Amended by 2007 Ga. Laws 219,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2007.
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 1 - GEORGIA COMPOSITE MEDICAL BOARD (§§ 43-34-1 — 43-34-15) › Section 43-34-4 - Oath of board members; certificate of appointment

Immediately and before entering upon the duties of office, the members of the board shall take the constitutional oath of office and shall file the same in the office of the Governor, who, upon receiving the oath of office, shall issue to each member a certificate of appointment.
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 1 - GEORGIA COMPOSITE MEDICAL BOARD (§§ 43-34-1 — 43-34-15) › Section 43-34-7 - Maintenance of roster; confidentiality

The executive director shall prepare and maintain a roster containing the names and business addresses of all current licensees, certificate holders, and permit holders for each of the various professions regulated by the Georgia Composite Medical Board. A copy of the roster shall be available to any person upon request at a fee prescribed by the board sufficient to cover the cost of printing and distribution. The following shall be treated as confidential, not subject to Article 4 of Chapter 18 of Title 50, relating to open records, and shall not be disclosed without the approval of the board:
(1)
Applications and other personal information submitted by applicants, except to the applicant, the staff, and the board;
(2)
Information, favorable or unfavorable, submitted by a reference source concerning an applicant, except to the staff and the board;
(3)
Examination questions and other examination materials, except to the staff and the board; and
(4)
The deliberations of the board with respect to an application, an examination, a complaint, an investigation, or a disciplinary proceeding, except as may be contained in official board minutes; provided, however, that such deliberations may be released only to another state or federal enforcement agency or lawful licensing authority. Releasing the documents pursuant to this paragraph shall not subject any otherwise privileged documents to the provisions of Article 4 of Chapter 18 of Title 50.
Amended by 2012 Ga. Laws 605,§ 12, eff. 4/17/2012.
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 1 - GEORGIA COMPOSITE MEDICAL BOARD (§§ 43-34-1 — 43-34-15) › Section 43-34-9 - Prior notice and hearing in disciplinary proceedings; proceedings as constituting contested cases; subpoenas; failure to appear

Proceedings before the board wherein a licensee's, certificate holder's, or permit holder's right to practice pursuant to this chapter in this state is terminated, suspended, or limited or wherein a public reprimand is administered shall require prior notice to the licensee and an opportunity for hearing; and such proceedings shall be considered contested cases within the meaning of Chapter 13 of Title 50, the "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act." Neither refusal of a license, certificate, or permit nor a private reprimand nor a letter of concern shall be considered a contested case within the meaning of Chapter 13 of Title 50, and notice and hearing within the meaning of such chapter shall not be required; provided, however, that the applicant shall be allowed to appear before the board, if the applicant so requests, prior to the board making a final decision regarding the issuance of the license, certificate, or permit. The power to subpoena as set forth in Chapter 13 of Title 50 shall include the power to subpoena any book, writing, paper, or document. If any licensee, certificate holder, or permit holder fails to appear at any hearing after reasonable notice, the board may proceed to hear the evidence against such licensee, certificate holder, or permit holder and take action as if such licensee, certificate holder, or permit holder had been present.
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 1 - GEORGIA COMPOSITE MEDICAL BOARD (§§ 43-34-1 — 43-34-15) › Section 43-34-10 - Notification of conviction

Any licensee, certificate holder, or permit holder who is convicted under the laws of this state, the United States, or any other state, territory, or country of a felony as defined in paragraph (5) of Code Section
16-1-3
shall be required to notify the board of the conviction within ten days of the conviction. The failure to notify the board of a conviction shall be considered grounds for revocation of his or her license, certificate, permit, or other authorization to conduct a profession regulated under 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 1 - GEORGIA COMPOSITE MEDICAL BOARD (§§ 43-34-1 — 43-34-15) › Section 43-34-12 - Radiologist assistant defined

(a)
For purposes of this chapter, the term "radiologist assistant" means an advanced level certified diagnostic radiologic technologist who assists radiologists under levels of supervision defined by the Georgia Composite Medical Board in performing advanced diagnostic imaging procedures as determined by board rule, including, but not limited to, enteral and parenteral procedures when performed under the direction of the supervising radiologist and may include injecting diagnostic agents to sites other than intravenous, performing diagnostic aspirations and localizations, and assisting radiologists with other invasive procedures.
(b)
This Code section is for definitional purposes only and shall not be construed to require any duties or obligations regarding radiology assistants that did not already exist as of June 30, 2009.
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 1 - GEORGIA COMPOSITE MEDICAL BOARD (§§ 43-34-1 — 43-34-15) › Section 43-34-13 - "Expedited physician licensee" and "health care professional" defined; fingerprinting and criminal background check

(a)
As used in this Code section, the term:
(1)
"Expedited physician licensee" means an individual licensed by the board.
(2)
"Health care professional" means any individual licensed, certified, or permitted by the board under this chapter.
(b)
Any applicant as a health care professional or as an expedited physician licensee shall have satisfactory results from a fingerprint records check report conducted by the Georgia Crime Information Center and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as determined by the board. Application for a license, certificate, or permit under this chapter shall constitute express consent and authorization for the board to perform a criminal background check. Each applicant who submits an application to the board for licensure, certification, or permit agrees to provide the board with any and all information necessary to run a criminal background check, including, but not limited to, classifiable sets of fingerprints. The applicant shall be responsible for all fees associated with the performance of such criminal background check.
Amended by 2021 Ga. Laws 184,§ 1, eff. 5/4/2021.
Amended by 2020 Ga. Laws 548,§ 4, eff. 1/1/2021.
Added by 2019 Ga. Laws 46,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2019.
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 1 - GEORGIA COMPOSITE MEDICAL BOARD (§§ 43-34-1 — 43-34-15) › Section 43-34-14 - Development and identification of educational materials on sexual misconduct, sexual boundaries, and impacts of trauma and implicit bias

No later than January 1, 2022, the board shall develop and identify educational resources and materials for physicians, board members, and board staff to support greater understanding of sexual misconduct, sexual boundaries, and impacts of trauma and implicit bias. Such information shall include resources and materials to help physicians develop better insight into their own behavior and its impacts on others. Resources and materials shall be developed and identified in collaboration with national medical boards associations, national medical associations, state physician health programs, state medical associations, hospital medical staffs, other organized physician groups, and medical schools and training programs.
Added by 2021 Ga. Laws 291,§ 5, eff. 7/1/2021.
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 1 - GEORGIA COMPOSITE MEDICAL BOARD (§§ 43-34-1 — 43-34-15) › Section 43-34-15 - Prohibition on certain therapies and procedures for treatment of gender dysphoria in minors; regulations; exceptions; accountability

(a)
Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) of this Code section, the following irreversible procedures and therapies performed on a minor for the treatment of gender dysphoria are prohibited in this state:
(1)
Sex reassignment surgeries, or any other surgical procedures, that are performed for the purpose of altering primary or secondary sexual characteristics; and
(2)
Hormone replacement therapies.
(b)
The board shall adopt rules and regulations regarding the prohibitions contained in subsection (a) of this Code section, which shall contain limited exceptions for:
(1)
Treatments for medical conditions other than gender dysphoria or for the purpose of sex reassignment where such treatments are deemed medically necessary;
(2)
Treatments for individuals born with a medically verifiable disorder of sex development, including individuals born with ambiguous genitalia or chromosomal abnormalities resulting in ambiguity regarding the individual's biological sex;
(3)
Treatments for individuals with partial androgen insensitivity syndrome; and
(4)
Continued treatment of minors who are, prior to July 1, 2023, being treated with irreversible hormone replacement therapies.
(c)
A licensed physician who violates this Code section shall be held administratively accountable to the board for such violation.
Added by 2023 Ga. Laws 4,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2023.
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 2 - MEDICAL PRACTICE (§§ 43-34-20 — 43-34-48) › Section 43-34-20 - Short title

This article shall be known as the "Medical Practice Act of the State of 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 2 - MEDICAL PRACTICE (§§ 43-34-20 — 43-34-48) › Section 43-34-21 - Definitions

As used in this article, the term:
(1)
"Board" means the Georgia Composite Medical Board.
(2)
"Physician" means a person licensed to practice medicine under this article.
(2.1)
"Postgraduate training" means a program for the training of interns, residents, or postresidency fellows that is approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), American Osteopathic Association (AOA), or the board.
(3)
"To practice medicine," "the practice of medicine," or "practicing medicine" means to hold oneself out to the public as being engaged in the diagnosis or treatment of disease, defects, or injuries of human beings; or the suggestion, recommendation, or prescribing of any form of treatment for the intended palliation, relief, or cure of any physical, mental, or functional ailment or defect of any person with the intention of receiving therefor, either directly or indirectly, any fee, gift, or compensation whatsoever; or the maintenance of an office for the reception, examination, and treatment of persons suffering from disease, defect, or injury of body or mind; or attaching the title "M.D.," "Oph.," "D.," "Dop.," "Surgeon," "Doctor," "D.O.," "Doctor of Osteopathy," "Allopathic Physician," "Osteopathic Physician," or "Physician," either alone or in connection with other words, or any other words or abbreviations to one's name, indicating that such person is engaged in the treatment or diagnosis of disease, defects, or injuries to human beings, provided that the terms "doctors of medicine," "doctors of osteopathic medicine," "doctors of medicine licensed to practice in the state," and similar terms wherever used or appearing in this article or elsewhere shall mean and include only those persons licensed 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 2 - MEDICAL PRACTICE (§§ 43-34-20 — 43-34-48) › Section 43-34-22.1 - [Repealed] Requirements for advertising or publicizing of specialty certification

Repealed by 2017 Ga. Laws 59,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2017.
Added by 2016 Ga. Laws 332,§ 0.1, eff. 7/1/2016.
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 2 - MEDICAL PRACTICE (§§ 43-34-20 — 43-34-48) › Section 43-34-27 - Licensing aliens; licensing Canadian medical school graduates

Any qualified applicant who is an alien, except for graduates of accredited Canadian medical schools as approved by the board, must have resided in the United States for one year. All qualified applicants who are aliens and who shall comply with all other requirements of this article shall be eligible to stand the examination provided for in this article and, upon his or her successful completion thereof, shall be granted a license to practice medicine upon compliance with all other requirements prescribed as a prerequisite to the issuance of a license. Graduates of accredited Canadian medical schools, as approved by the board, are exempt from the residency requirement of one year in the United States and may be granted a license by endorsement of the Licentiate Medical Counsel of Canada (LMCC) examination without further examination if the board determines that the applicant substantially meets the qualifications required for licensure in this state.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 243,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2009.
Amended by 2005 Ga. Laws 95,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2005.
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 2 - MEDICAL PRACTICE (§§ 43-34-20 — 43-34-48) › Section 43-34-28 - Reciprocity; expedited license

(a)
The board may grant a license without examination to licensees of boards of other states requiring equal or higher qualifications.
(b)
The board may grant an expedited license to licensees of boards of other states pursuant to the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact Act contained in Article 11 of this chapter.
Amended by 2019 Ga. Laws 46,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2019.
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 2 - MEDICAL PRACTICE (§§ 43-34-20 — 43-34-48) › Section 43-34-29 - Issuance of teacher's license to licensed physicians of other states and foreign countries; renewal

Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the board may issue, in its discretion, without examination, a teacher's license to licensed physicians of other states and foreign countries for the sole purpose of teaching or demonstrating medicine in a board approved medical college or its affiliated clinic in this state. If issued after January 1, 1999, a teacher's license shall be valid for up to two years and may only be renewed, at the board's discretion, for one additional year.
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 2 - MEDICAL PRACTICE (§§ 43-34-20 — 43-34-48) › Section 43-34-29.1 - Administrative medicine licenses; definitions; requirements; rules of board

(a)
As used in this Code section, the term:
(1)
"Administrative medicine" means administration or management utilizing the medical and clinical knowledge, skill, and judgment of a licensed physician capable of affecting the health and safety of the public or any person but shall not include the practice of medicine.
(2)
"Administrative medicine license" means a license issued pursuant to this Code section to engage in the practice of administrative medicine.
(b)
An applicant for an administrative medicine license shall meet all of the requirements for issuance of a license under Code Section
43-34-26
.
(c)
An administrative medicine licensee shall be subject to the provisions of this article and the rules of the board in the same manner as a person holding full licensure under this article; provided, however, that such licensee shall not be authorized to engage in the practice of medicine.
(d)
The board shall adopt rules for the issuance of an administrative medicine license that limits the licensee to the practice of administrative medicine. The board's rules adopted pursuant to this Code section shall include the following provisions:
(1)
Eligibility for the license;
(2)
Issuance and renewal of the license;
(3)
The fees applicable to the license;
(4)
Continuing education requirements; and
(5)
The scope of practice of a person who holds the license.
(e)
An individual with an administrative medicine license who seeks to practice medicine under an unrestricted license shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the board that the licensee has the clinical competence to practice medicine under an unrestricted license and meets all applicable eligibility requirements for a license as required pursuant to Code Section
43-34-26
and by the board, which may include, but not be limited to, requiring the licensee to pass any examination or examinations the board deems necessary and requiring clinical experience.
(f)
This Code section shall have no effect on any person holding an unrestricted license issued pursuant to this article prior to July 1, 2013; provided, however, that the license of any physician who has agreed to a board order restricting the license to administrative medicine based solely on the failure to meet the licensure requirement to be engaged in the active practice of medicine, upon request of the physician, may be converted to an administrative medicine license and the board order regarding such physician shall be terminated, provided that the only requirement of the order is the restriction to administrative medicine.
Added by 2013 Ga. Laws 267,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2013.
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 2 - MEDICAL PRACTICE (§§ 43-34-20 — 43-34-48) › Section 43-34-29.2 - Educational certificates for out-of-state physicians participating in educational training requiring patient care

The board may issue, in its discretion, an educational certificate to a licensed physician of another state or foreign country to participate in educational training in this state that requires patient care, in accordance with board rules.
Added by 2013 Ga. Laws 267,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2013.