reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 14 - HOSPITALIZATION FOR TUBERCULOSIS (§§ 31-14-1 — 31-14-14) › Section 31-14-13 - Order directing compliance with plan of evaluation or outpatient treatment; contempt

(a)
In lieu of the petition for commitment as authorized by Code Section
31-14-2
, the county board of health or the department may petition the court for an order directing the person to comply with a plan of evaluation or outpatient treatment. The department may also petition the court for an order directing the parents, guardians, or custodians of persons under the age of 18 who have been exposed to tuberculosis to allow screening for tuberculosis by public health authorities or to provide evidence of such screening by a licensed physician. Proceedings, evidence, and hearings thereon will be in the same manner as with commitment petitions, and upon the hearing the court may dismiss the petition or order the person to comply with the screening, evaluation, or outpatient treatment plan. The court may also modify the plan prior to ordering compliance.
(b)
A petition for outpatient treatment as authorized by subsection (a) of this Code section may also be initiated by a county board of health or the department where a previously hospitalized, diagnosed, or committed patient's condition no longer requires hospitalization or commitment but where protection of the public health requires continued treatment on an outpatient basis of said patient.
(c)
Any person known or suspected to have tuberculosis who fails to comply with a plan of evaluation or outpatient treatment ordered pursuant to this Code section, or any parent, guardian, or custodian of a person under the age of 18 who fails to comply with screening ordered pursuant to this Code section or who aids or abets such failure may be punished as for contempt. Contempt proceedings may be initiated by the filing of a petition by the county board of health or by the department with the superior court of the county of the patient's residence or the county where the patient may be found if a nonresident or without a fixed place of abode.
Amended by 2005 Ga. Laws 418,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2005.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 14 - HOSPITALIZATION FOR TUBERCULOSIS (§§ 31-14-1 — 31-14-14) › Section 31-14-14 - Immunity from liability

Any physician, peace officer, attorney, or health official, or any hospital or facility official, agent, or other person employed by a private hospital or facility or at a hospital or facility operated by the state, by a political subdivision of the state, by a county board of health, or by a hospital authority created pursuant to Article 4 of Chapter 7 of Title 31, who acts in good faith in compliance with the admission and discharge provisions of this chapter shall be immune from civil or criminal liability for his or her actions in connection with the admission of a patient to or the discharge of a patient from a hospital or facility approved by the department for the care of tubercular patients.
Amended by 2005 Ga. Laws 418,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2005.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 15 - CARE AND TREATMENT OF CANCER PATIENTS (§§ 31-15-1 — 31-15-6) › Section 31-15-1 - Findings; declaration of purpose

(a)
It is declared and found that one of the most serious and tragic problems facing the public health and welfare is the death of thousands of persons in this state every year from cancer, although the present state of medical arts and technology could return many of these persons to a socially productive life. Advances and discoveries in the treatment of patients suffering from cancer now allow not mere survival, but rehabilitation of these patients to their normal occupations and activities. Presently, many of these patients are dying for lack of personal financial resources to pay for the care which they need.
(b)
The state recognizes its responsibilities to allow its citizens to keep their health without being pauperized and to use its resources and organization to aid in gathering and disseminating information on the treatment of cancer.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 15 - CARE AND TREATMENT OF CANCER PATIENTS (§§ 31-15-1 — 31-15-6) › Section 31-15-2 - Establishment of program

The Department of Public Health shall establish a program for prevention, control, and treatment of cancer which shall include the care of cancer patients who require lifesaving therapy but are unable to pay for such services.
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 244,§ 6-3, eff. 7/1/2011.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 102,§ 1-4, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 15 - CARE AND TREATMENT OF CANCER PATIENTS (§§ 31-15-1 — 31-15-6) › Section 31-15-4 - Cancer control officer

The commissioner shall appoint a cancer control officer. The cancer control officer shall be a physician licensed to practice medicine under Chapter 34 of Title 43 and shall be knowledgeable in the field of medicine covered by this chapter. He or she shall administer the cancer program for the Department of Public Health in compliance with this chapter. He or she shall be provided an office with clerical and administrative assistance to carry out this program.
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 244,§ 6-1, eff. 7/1/2011.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 102,§ 1-39, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 15 - CARE AND TREATMENT OF CANCER PATIENTS (§§ 31-15-1 — 31-15-6) › Section 31-15-5 - Duties of commissioner

The commissioner, with the advice of the Cancer Advisory Committee, shall:
(1)
Develop standards for determining eligibility of patients for care and treatment under this program, set standards for the equipping and staffing of cancer clinics located strategically throughout the state and so placed that patients requiring treatment will not have to travel more than 75 miles to secure such treatment. When the clinics meet such standards, they shall be certified by the department. Patients treated at uncertified cancer clinics shall not be eligible for state aid for reimbursement;
(2)
In the event that federal grant programs become available for patient care, the commissioner may allocate state matching funds in whatever department of state government they may be administered so as to maximize the total funds available and to obtain funding needed by the specific patient population which is declared eligible. These programs include but are not restricted to Medicaid, crippled children's services, and vocational rehabilitation;
(3)
Extend financial aid to persons suffering from cancer to enable them to obtain the medical, nursing, pharmaceutical, and technical services necessary in caring for such disease. Criteria and procedures for financial aid will be developed by the Division of Physical Health in accordance with the principle that pauperization of a functional family unit will subvert the rehabilitative purposes of this program and will be more costly to the state in the long run;
(4)
Assist in the development and expansion, by grant or by contract, of programs for the care and treatment of persons suffering from cancer so that the most efficient and effective treatment may be offered to the patients certified as eligible;
(5)
Assist in the development of programs for the prevention of cancer;
(6)
Assist in the development and execution of programs for the early detection of cancer, such as breast self-examination for breast cancer and the Papanicolaou test for cancer of the cervix;
(7)
Institute and support, directly or through health organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the Georgia Cancer Management Network, educational programs for physicians, providers of health care, and the public concerning cancer, including the dissemination of information regarding prevention, early detection, and treatment; and
(8)
Support a state-wide registry of all patients treated in certified cancer clinics in order to evaluate the nature and extent of the incidence of cancer and the effectiveness of treatment.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 15 - CARE AND TREATMENT OF CANCER PATIENTS (§§ 31-15-1 — 31-15-6) › Section 31-15-6 - Right to benefits under other programs

Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to exclude patients with cancer from the benefits of any program of state or federal aid for which they might otherwise qualify.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 15A - BONE MASS MEASUREMENT COVERAGE (§§ 31-15A-1 — 31-15A-3) › Section 31-15A-1 - Short title

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Bone Mass Measurement Coverage Act."
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 15A - BONE MASS MEASUREMENT COVERAGE (§§ 31-15A-1 — 31-15A-3) › Section 31-15A-2 - Definitions

As used in this chapter, the term:
(1)
"Accident and sickness insurance benefit plan, policy, or contract" has the meaning provided by paragraph (1) of subsection (a) of Code Section
33-24-28.1
, provided that such term shall not include a limited benefit insurance policy as defined in paragraph (4) of subsection (f) of Code Section
33-30-12
.
(2)
"Bone mass measurement" means a radiologic or radioisotopic procedure or other technologies approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration and performed on an individual for the purpose of identifying bone mass or detecting bone loss.
(3)
"Qualified individual" means an:
(A)
Estrogen-deficient woman or individual at clinical risk of osteoporosis as determined directly or indirectly by a physician and who is considering treatment;
(B)
Individual with osteoporotic vertebral abnormalities;
(C)
Individual receiving long-term glucocorticoid (steroid) therapy;
(D)
Individual with primary hyperparathyroidism; or
(E)
Individual being monitored directly or indirectly by a physician to assess the response to or efficacy of approved osteoporosis drug therapies.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 15A - BONE MASS MEASUREMENT COVERAGE (§§ 31-15A-1 — 31-15A-3) › Section 31-15A-3 - Insurance benefit plan shall provide coverage for bone mass measurement; education

(a)
Every group or individual accident or sickness insurance benefit plan, policy, or contract that provides hospital, medical, or surgical coverage that is issued, amended, delivered, or renewed in this state on or after July 1, 1998, shall make available as a part of the plan, policy, or contract or as an optional endorsement to the plan, policy, or contract coverage for qualified individuals for reimbursement for scientifically proven bone mass measurement (bone density testing) for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis.
(b)
Every person or entity providing an accident or sickness insurance benefit plan, policy, or contract which is subject to the provisions of subsection (a) of this Code section shall identify and use scientifically accurate educational materials to increase patient awareness and knowledge of osteoporosis and encourage the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 16 - CARE AND TREATMENT OF CHRONIC RENAL DISEASE PATIENTS (§§ 31-16-1 — 31-16-8) › Section 31-16-1 - Findings; declaration of purpose

(a)
The physician and that physician's patient retain the discretion to determine whether or not a kidney dialyzer should be reused. No licensed kidney dialysis clinic or provider of kidney dialysis services which is certificated by the Department of Community Health may interfere with the exercise of that discretion by:
(1)
Requiring the reuse of such dialyzer over the objection of that physician and patient; or
(2)
Discriminating against a physician specializing in the practice of nephrology by prohibiting that physician from practicing in such clinic or performing dialysis services for such provider if that discrimination is based upon that physician's refusal to reuse a dialyzer and that refusal is based on the patient's informed consent.
(b)
A provider of kidney dialysis services who is required to comply with subsection (a) of this Code section but who does not so comply shall have no claim or cause of action for reimbursement for those services which were rendered without that compliance.
Renumbered from §
31-16-7
and amended by 2020 Ga. Laws 388,§ 6, eff. 7/1/2020.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 16 - CARE AND TREATMENT OF CHRONIC RENAL DISEASE PATIENTS (§§ 31-16-1 — 31-16-8) › Section 31-16-2 - through 31-16-6 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Ga. L. 2020, p. 55, § 6/SB 372, effective July 1, 2020.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 16 - CARE AND TREATMENT OF CHRONIC RENAL DISEASE PATIENTS (§§ 31-16-1 — 31-16-8) › Section 31-16-7 - [Renumbered] Reuse of kidney dialyzer; limitation; authority; failure to comply

Renumbered as §
31-16-1
by 2020 Ga. Laws 388,§ 6, eff. 7/1/2020.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 17 - CONTROL OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE (§§ 31-17-1 — 31-17-8) › Section 31-17-1 - Enumeration of diseases deemed dangerous to public health

As used in this chapter, the term "sexually transmitted diseases" means syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and any other diseases that the Department of Public Health, through rule or regulation, declares to be contagious, infectious, communicable, and dangerous to the public health.
Amended by 2024 Ga. Laws 404,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2020 Ga. Laws 388,§ 8, eff. 7/1/2020.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 17 - CONTROL OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE (§§ 31-17-1 — 31-17-8) › Section 31-17-2 - Report of diagnosis or treatment to health authorities

Any physician or other person who makes a diagnosis of or treats a case of sexually transmitted disease and any superintendent or manager of a hospital, dispensary, or charitable or penal institution in which there is discovered a case of sexually transmitted disease shall make report of such case to the health authorities in such form and manner as the Department of Public Health shall direct.
Amended by 2020 Ga. Laws 388,§ 8, eff. 7/1/2020.
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 244,§ 6-3, eff. 7/1/2011.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 102,§ 1-4, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 17 - CONTROL OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE (§§ 31-17-1 — 31-17-8) › Section 31-17-3 - Examination and treatment by health authorities

The authorized agent or agents of the Department of Public Health and county boards of health are directed and empowered, when in their judgment it is necessary to protect the public health, to make examination of persons infected or suspected of being infected with a sexually transmitted disease; to require persons infected with a sexually transmitted disease to report for treatment to a physician licensed to practice medicine under Chapter 34 of Title 43 and to continue treatment until cured, or to submit to treatment provided at public expense; and to isolate persons infected or reasonably suspected of being infected with a sexually transmitted disease. Law enforcement authorities of the jurisdiction wherein any such person so infected or suspected of being infected is located shall offer such assistance, including restraint and arrest, as shall be necessary to assure examination and treatment in accordance with this chapter.
Amended by 2021 Ga. Laws 307,§ 31, eff. 5/10/2021.
Amended by 2020 Ga. Laws 388,§ 8, eff. 7/1/2020.
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 244,§ 6-3, eff. 7/1/2011.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 102,§ 1-4, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 17 - CONTROL OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE (§§ 31-17-1 — 31-17-8) › Section 31-17-4 - Serologic tests of pregnant women

The department may require every pregnant woman to submit to a standard serologic test, as defined by the department, and may require any person attending or giving prenatal care to such woman to take or cause to be taken a blood specimen for use in such test. Such specimens shall be submitted for laboratory testing in the manner prescribed by the department; and all laboratories conducting such tests shall comply with the rules, regulations, and reporting requirements prescribed therefor by the department.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 17 - CONTROL OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE (§§ 31-17-1 — 31-17-8) › Section 31-17-4.1 - Chlamydia screening test

(a)
As used in this Code section, the term:
(1)
"Chlamydia screening test" means any laboratory test of the urogenital tract which specifically detects for infection by one or more agents of chlamydia trachomatis and which test is approved for such purposes by the federal Food and Drug Administration.
(2)
"Policy" means any benefit plan, contract, or policy except a disability income policy, specified disease policy, or hospital indemnity policy.
(b)
(1)
Every insurer authorized to issue an individual or group accident and sickness insurance policy in this state which includes coverage for any female shall include as part of or as a required endorsement to each such policy which is issued, delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed on or after July 1, 1998, coverage for one annual chlamydia screening test for those covered females who are not more than 29 years old.
(2)
The coverage required under paragraph (1) of this subsection may be subject to such exclusions, reductions, or other limitations as to coverages, deductibles, or coinsurance provisions as may be approved by the Commissioner of Insurance.
(3)
Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit the issuance of accident and sickness insurance policies which provide benefits greater than or more favorable to the insured than those required by paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(4)
The provisions of this subsection shall apply to accident and sickness insurance policies issued by a fraternal benefit society, a health care plan, a health maintenance organization, or any similar entity.
(5)
Nothing contained in this Code section shall be deemed to prohibit the payment of different levels of benefits or having differences in coinsurance percentages applicable to benefit levels for services provided by preferred and nonpreferred providers as otherwise authorized under the provisions of Article 2 of Chapter 30 of Title 33, relating to preferred provider arrangements.
(c)
(1)
A contract executed or renewed on or after July 1, 1998, which provides for financing and delivery of health care services through a managed care plan, other than a dental plan, shall provide coverage for one annual chlamydia screening test for each female who is covered under such contract and who is not more than 29 years of age. Such coverage may be subject to such exclusions, reductions, or other limitations as to coverages, deductibles, or copayment provisions as may be approved by the Commissioner of Insurance.
(2)
Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit any managed care plan contract from providing benefits greater than or more favorable to the covered females than those required by paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(d)
Code Section
31-17-8
shall not apply to this Code section.
(e)
This Code section shall be subject to rules and regulations which shall be promulgated by the Commissioner of Insurance regarding notice and enforcement.
Amended by 2017 Ga. Laws 52,§ 56, eff. 7/1/2017.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 17 - CONTROL OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE (§§ 31-17-1 — 31-17-8) › Section 31-17-4.2 - HIV and syphilis pregnancy screening

(a)
This Code section shall be known and may be cited as the "Georgia HIV/Syphilis Pregnancy Screening Act of 2015."
(b)
Except in cases where the pregnant woman refuses the testing, a pregnant woman shall be tested for HIV and syphilis:
(1)
At the pregnant woman's first prenatal visit;
(2)
When she is at 28-32 weeks' gestation; and
(3)
At delivery.
Each such test shall be conducted by the physician or other healthcare provider who is providing prenatal care for such pregnant woman at each such point in the woman's pregnancy.
(c)
If the woman tests positive for HIV or syphilis, counseling services provided by the Department of Public Health shall be made available to her and she shall be referred to appropriate medical care providers for herself and her child.
(d)
If for any reason the pregnant woman is not tested for HIV and syphilis, that fact shall be recorded in the patient's records, which, if based upon the refusal of the patient, shall relieve the physician or other healthcare provider of any other responsibility under this Code section.
(e)
The Department of Public Health shall be authorized to promulgate rules and regulations for the purpose of administering the requirements under this Code section.
Amended by 2023 Ga. Laws 230,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2016 Ga. Laws 568,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2016.
Amended by 2015 Ga. Laws 218,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 244,§ 6-3, eff. 7/1/2011.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 102,§ 1-4, eff. 7/1/2009.
Amended by 2007 Ga. Laws 60,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2007.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 17 - CONTROL OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE (§§ 31-17-1 — 31-17-8) › Section 31-17-5 - Prophylactic treatment at childbirth

It shall be the duty of any person who shall be in attendance on any childbirth to apply to the child such prophylactic treatment as may be prescribed by the department to prevent blindness from gonococcus infection and otherwise to comply with such rules, regulations, and reporting requirements as shall be prescribed by the department.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 17 - CONTROL OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE (§§ 31-17-1 — 31-17-8) › Section 31-17-6 - Regulation of laboratories

All laboratories conducting tests for sexually transmitted diseases shall comply with the rules, regulations, and reporting requirements prescribed therefor by the department.
Amended by 2020 Ga. Laws 388,§ 8, eff. 7/1/2020.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 17 - CONTROL OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE (§§ 31-17-1 — 31-17-8) › Section 31-17-7 - Consent of minor to medical or surgical care or services; informing spouse, parent, custodian, or guardian

(a)
The consent to the provision of medical or surgical care or services by a hospital or public clinic or to the performance of medical or surgical care or services by a physician licensed to practice medicine and surgery, when such consent is given by a minor who is or professes to be afflicted with a sexually transmitted disease or at risk for HIV, shall be as valid and binding as if the minor had achieved his or her majority, provided that any such treatment shall involve procedures and therapy related to conditions or illnesses arising out of the sexually transmitted disease or HIV diagnosis which gave rise to the consent authorized under this Code section. Any such consent shall not be subject to later disaffirmation by reason of minority. The consent of no other person or persons, including but not limited to a spouse, parent, custodian, or guardian, shall be necessary in order to authorize the provision to such minor of such medical or surgical care or services as are described in this subsection.
(b)
Upon the advice and direction of a treating physician or, if more than one, of any one of them, a member of the medical staff of a hospital or public clinic or a physician licensed to practice medicine and surgery may, but shall not be obligated to, inform the spouse, parent, custodian, or guardian of any such minor as to the treatment given or needed. Such information may be given to or withheld from the spouse, parent, custodian, or guardian without the consent of the minor patient and even over the express refusal of the minor patient to the providing of such information.
Amended by 2020 Ga. Laws 388,§ 8, eff. 7/1/2020.
Amended by 2016 Ga. Laws 568,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2016.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 17 - CONTROL OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE (§§ 31-17-1 — 31-17-8) › Section 31-17-7.1 - Expedited partner therapy

(a)
As used in this Code section, the term:
(1)
"Expedited partner therapy" means the practice of prescribing, ordering, or dispensing antibiotic drugs to the sexual partner or partners of a patient clinically diagnosed with chlamydia or gonorrhea without physical examination of such partner or partners.
(2)
"Licensed practitioner" means a physician licensed to practice medicine in this state, an advanced practice registered nurse or physician assistant acting pursuant to delegated authority by a physician in accordance with Code Section
43-34-23
or
43-34-25
or subsection (e.1) of Code Section
43-34-103
, or a registered professional nurse employed by the department or a county board of health.
(b)
A licensed practitioner who diagnoses a patient to be infected with chlamydia or gonorrhea may utilize expedited partner therapy in accordance with any rules and regulations established by the department for the management of the health of such patient's sexual partner or partners.
(c)
Any licensed practitioner who, reasonably and in good faith, prescribes antibiotic drugs for expedited partner therapy in accordance with this Code section and any rules and regulations established by the department shall not be subject to civil or criminal liability and shall not be deemed to have engaged in unprofessional conduct by such practitioner's licensing board.
(d)
Any pharmacist licensed in this state who, reasonably and in good faith, dispenses antibiotic drugs pursuant to a prescription for expedited partner therapy in accordance with this Code section and any rules and regulations established by the department shall not be subject to civil or criminal liability and shall not be deemed to have engaged in unprofessional conduct by the State Board of Pharmacy.
(e)
The department shall be authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Code section.
Added by 2017 Ga. Laws 271,§ 3-2, eff. 7/1/2017.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 17 - CONTROL OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE (§§ 31-17-1 — 31-17-8) › Section 31-17-8 - Penalty

Any person who violates any provision of this chapter or any rule or regulation promulgated under this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 17A - CONTROL OF HIV (§§ 31-17A-1 — 31-17A-4) › Section 31-17A-1 - HIV deemed dangerous to public health

(a)
Any term used in this chapter and defined in Code Section
31-22-9.1
shall have the meaning provided for such term in Code Section
31-22-9.1
.
(b)
HIV and the degenerative diseases associated with it are declared to be contagious, infectious, communicable, and extremely dangerous to the public health.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 17A - CONTROL OF HIV (§§ 31-17A-1 — 31-17A-4) › Section 31-17A-2 - Examination of infected persons; administration of HIV test

The authorized agent or agents of the Department of Public Health are directed and empowered, when in their judgment it is necessary to protect the public health, to make examinations of persons infected or suspected of being infected with HIV and to administer an HIV test with the consent of the person being tested. In the event the person infected or suspected of being infected with HIV refuses to consent to the administration of an HIV test, the authorized agent or agents of the Department of Public Health are authorized to petition the court for an order authorizing the administration of an HIV test pursuant to the procedure set forth in Code Section
31-17A-3
.
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 244,§ 6-3, eff. 7/1/2011.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 102,§ 1-4, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 17A - CONTROL OF HIV (§§ 31-17A-1 — 31-17A-4) › Section 31-17A-3 - Refusal to consent to test; procedure

(a)
If a person refuses to consent to an HIV test, as provided in Code Section
31-17A-2
, the Department of Public Health may file a civil complaint with the superior court of the county of the residence of the person refusing the test. The complaint shall allege with specificity the basis for the allegations which the department believes support the conclusion that the person is infected with HIV, as well as the scope, nature, and threat to the public health created thereby, and the proposed plan to be adopted to protect the public health in the event the court orders the administration of the HIV test and the person is found to be an HIV infected person. The person against whom the complaint is filed shall be represented by counsel, and, in the event the person against whom the complaint is filed cannot afford counsel, counsel shall be appointed by the court.
(b)
The superior court shall hear the complaint on an expedited basis without a jury. All proceedings before the court shall be sealed.
(c)
If after consideration of the evidence, the court finds clear and convincing evidence that the person is reasonably likely to be infected with HIV and that there is a compelling need to protect the public health, the court may order the person to submit to an HIV test, shall retain jurisdiction to render such orders as are appropriate to effectuate that order, and, in the event the person so tested is determined to be infected with HIV, to require such procedures to protect the public health consistent with the least restrictive alternative which is available within the limits of state funds specifically appropriated therefor.
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 244,§ 6-3, eff. 7/1/2011.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 102,§ 1-4, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 17A - CONTROL OF HIV (§§ 31-17A-1 — 31-17A-4) › Section 31-17A-4 - [Repealed]

Repealed by 2024 Ga. Laws 404,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2021 Ga. Laws 307,§ 31, eff. 5/10/2021.
Added by 2019 Ga. Laws 45,§ 1, eff. effective only upon the effective date of a specific appropriation of funds.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 18 - TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION OF TRAUMATIC BRAIN AND SPINAL CORD INJURIES (§§ 31-18-1 — 31-18-4) › Section 31-18-1 - Declaration of policy

It is the intent of the General Assembly to create a state-wide central registry for traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries to ensure the registration of all persons with traumatic brain or spinal cord injuries in order that all such persons might obtain information about rehabilitative, independent living, and other services or goods provided by existing state agencies, departments, other organizations, and individuals.
Amended by 2006 Ga. Laws 478,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2006.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 18 - TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION OF TRAUMATIC BRAIN AND SPINAL CORD INJURIES (§§ 31-18-1 — 31-18-4) › Section 31-18-2 - Definitions

As used in this chapter, the term:
(1)
"Brain injury" means a traumatic injury to the brain (cranio-cerebral head trauma), not of a degenerative or congenital nature, but arising from blunt or penetrating trauma or from acceleration-deceleration forces, that is associated with any of these symptoms or signs attributed to the injury: decreased level of consciousness, amnesia, other neurologic or neuropsychologic abnormalities, skull fracture, or diagnosed intracranial lesions. These impairments may be either temporary or permanent and can result in a partial or total functional disability.
(2)
"Spinal cord injury" means a traumatic injury to the spinal cord, not of a degenerative or congenital nature, but arising from blunt or penetrating trauma or from acceleration-deceleration forces, resulting in paraplegia or quadriplegia, which can be a partial or total loss of physical function.
Amended by 2006 Ga. Laws 478,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2006.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 18 - TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION OF TRAUMATIC BRAIN AND SPINAL CORD INJURIES (§§ 31-18-1 — 31-18-4) › Section 31-18-3 - Reporting procedures

Every public and private health and social agency, every hospital or facility that has a valid permit or provisional permit issued by the Department of Community Health under Chapter 7 of this title, and every physician licensed to practice medicine in this state, if such physician has not otherwise reported such information to another agency, hospital, and facility, shall report to the Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission such information concerning the identity of the person such agency, hospital, facility, or physician has identified as having a traumatic brain or spinal cord injury as defined in this chapter. The report shall be made within 45 days after identification of the person with the traumatic brain or spinal cord injury. The report shall contain the name, age, address, type and extent of injury, and such other information concerning the person with the injury as the Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission, which is administratively assigned to the department, may require.
Amended by 2008 Ga. Laws 392,§ 2-29, eff. 7/1/2009.
Amended by 2006 Ga. Laws 478,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2006.
Amended by 2004 Ga. Laws 824, § 1, eff. 7/1/2004.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 18 - TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION OF TRAUMATIC BRAIN AND SPINAL CORD INJURIES (§§ 31-18-1 — 31-18-4) › Section 31-18-4 - Duties of commission

(a)
The Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission, which is administratively assigned to the Department of Public Health, shall establish procedures whereby a person with a traumatic brain or spinal cord injury for whom a report is made pursuant to this chapter shall be informed of appropriate agencies, departments, hospitals, facilities, organizations, or individuals providing rehabilitative, independent living, and other services or goods.
(b)
The Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission shall maintain records of reports and notifications made under this chapter. The Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission shall produce an annual report relating to information and data collected pursuant to this chapter and shall make such report available upon request. Such report shall be submitted annually no later than October 1 to the Office of Health Strategy and Coordination.
(c)
Statistical information collected under this chapter shall be available to any other federal or state agency or private organization concerned with traumatic brain or spinal cord injuries, but no names or addresses will be provided without the consent of the person with the traumatic brain or spinal cord injury or the consent of the immediate family or guardian of such person if that person is unable to consent.
Amended by 2019 Ga. Laws 41,§ 2-13, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 244,§ 6-3, eff. 7/1/2011.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 102,§ 1-4, eff. 7/1/2009.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 8,§ 31, eff. 4/14/2009.
Amended by 2006 Ga. Laws 478,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2006.
Amended by 2004 Ga. Laws 824, § 2, eff. 7/1/2004.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 19 - CONTROL OF RABIES (§§ 31-19-1 — 31-19-10) › Section 31-19-1 - Responsibility for control

Each county board of health shall have primary responsibility for the control of rabies within its jurisdiction. Such boards, in addition to their other powers, are empowered and required to adopt and promulgate rules and regulations for the prevention and control of such disease.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 19 - CONTROL OF RABIES (§§ 31-19-1 — 31-19-10) › Section 31-19-2 - Powers of department in infected area

The department may declare any county or any area therein or any group of counties or areas therein where rabies exists to be an infected area and may provide for immunization and such other measures as shall be indicated for the prevention and control of the disease.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 19 - CONTROL OF RABIES (§§ 31-19-1 — 31-19-10) › Section 31-19-3 - Licensing and regulation of animals by local authorities

The governing authorities of each county and municipality are authorized and required, in the control of rabies, to require regulation or licensing of animals.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 19 - CONTROL OF RABIES (§§ 31-19-1 — 31-19-10) › Section 31-19-4 - Duty of notification

It shall be the duty of any person bitten by any animal reasonably suspected of being rabid immediately to notify the appropriate county board of health. It shall be the duty of the owner, custodian, or person having possession and knowledge of any animal which has bitten any person or animal or of any animal which exhibits any signs of rabies to notify the appropriate county board of health and to confine such animal in accordance with rules and regulations of the county board of health.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 19 - CONTROL OF RABIES (§§ 31-19-1 — 31-19-10) › Section 31-19-5 - Inoculation of canines and felines against rabies

The county boards of health are empowered and required to adopt and promulgate rules and regulations requiring canines and felines to be inoculated against rabies and to prescribe the intervals and means of inoculation, the fees to be paid in county sponsored clinics, that procedures be in compliance with the recommendations of the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians for identifying inoculated canines and felines, and all other procedures applicable thereto. As used in this chapter, the term "inoculation against rabies" means the administering by a licensed veterinarian of antirabies vaccine approved by the department.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 19 - CONTROL OF RABIES (§§ 31-19-1 — 31-19-10) › Section 31-19-7 - County rabies control officer

(a)
The county board of health shall appoint a person who is knowledgeable of animals to be the county rabies control officer. It shall be the duty of the county rabies control officer to enforce this chapter and other laws which regulate the activities of dogs.
(b)
The county governing authority of each county is authorized to levy a fee not to exceed 50¢ for each dog, such fee to be collected by the veterinarian administering the antirabies vaccine required by this chapter. This fee shall be in addition to that provided for in Code Section
31-19-5
. If any county has no resident veterinarian, the out-of-county veterinarian administering the antirabies vaccine and collecting the fee provided for by this Code section shall forward to the treasurer of the county of the dog owner's residence the fee prescribed by that county's governing authority.
(c)
The fees collected under this Code section shall be used to help in paying the salary of the county rabies control officer.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 19 - CONTROL OF RABIES (§§ 31-19-1 — 31-19-10) › Section 31-19-8 - Joint administration of chapter by adjoining counties

The governing authority of each county may devise and implement plans whereby this chapter, as amended, is administered jointly with one or more adjoining counties.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 19 - CONTROL OF RABIES (§§ 31-19-1 — 31-19-10) › Section 31-19-9 - Applicability to municipalities with rabies control laws

This chapter shall not apply to municipalities which already have a rabies control law unless and until such law is repealed.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 19 - CONTROL OF RABIES (§§ 31-19-1 — 31-19-10) › Section 31-19-10 - Penalty

Any person who violates any provision of this chapter or any rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 20 - PERFORMANCE OF STERILIZATION PROCEDURES (§§ 31-20-1 — 31-20-6) › Section 31-20-1 - Definitions

As used in this chapter, the term:
(1)
"Accredited hospital" means a hospital licensed by the Department of Community Health and accredited by a nationally recognized health care accreditation body.
(2)
"Physician" means a person duly licensed to practice medicine and surgery without restriction in Georgia pursuant to Chapter 34 of Title 43.
(3)
"Sterilization procedure" means any procedure which is designed or intended to prevent conception and which is not designed to unsex the patient by removing the ovaries or testicles.
Amended by 2012 Ga. Laws 611,§ 7, eff. 7/1/2012.
Amended by 2008 Ga. Laws 392,§ 2-30, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 20 - PERFORMANCE OF STERILIZATION PROCEDURES (§§ 31-20-1 — 31-20-6) › Section 31-20-2 - Performance of sterilization procedure upon request

It shall be lawful for any physician to perform a sterilization procedure upon a person 18 years of age or over, or less than 18 years of age if legally married, provided that a request in writing is made by such person and provided, further, that prior to or at the time of such request a full and reasonable medical explanation is given by such physician to such person as to the meaning and consequence of such operation.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 20 - PERFORMANCE OF STERILIZATION PROCEDURES (§§ 31-20-1 — 31-20-6) › Section 31-20-4 - Restriction on performance of sterilization procedure

No operation under this chapter shall be performed by any person other than a physician duly licensed without restriction to practice medicine and surgery in this state pursuant to Chapter 34 of Title 43.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 20 - PERFORMANCE OF STERILIZATION PROCEDURES (§§ 31-20-1 — 31-20-6) › Section 31-20-5 - Civil and criminal liability; compliance where other medical treatment may result in sterilization

When an operation shall have been performed in compliance with this chapter, no physician duly licensed without restriction to practice medicine and surgery in this state or other person legally participating in the execution of this chapter shall be liable civilly or criminally as a result of such operation or participation therein, except in the case of negligence in the performance of such operation. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed so as to require compliance therewith where medical or surgical treatment for sound therapeutic purposes, by a physician duly licensed without restriction to practice medicine and surgery in this state, is required of any person in this state and where such treatment, at the same time that it serves such purposes, may involve the nullification or destruction of reproductive functions.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 20 - PERFORMANCE OF STERILIZATION PROCEDURES (§§ 31-20-1 — 31-20-6) › Section 31-20-6 - Exemptions from requirements of chapter

(a)
Nothing in this chapter shall require a hospital to admit any patient for the purpose of performing a sterilization procedure, nor shall any hospital be required to appoint a committee such as contemplated under paragraph (3) of subsection (c) of Code Section
31-20-3
.
(b)
A physician, or any other person who is a member of or associated with the staff of a hospital, or any employee of a hospital in which a sterilization procedure has been authorized who shall object to such sterilization procedure on moral or religious grounds shall not be required to participate in the medical procedures or the committee procedures leading to such sterilization procedure; the refusal of any such person to participate therein shall not form the basis of any claim for damages resulting from such refusal or for any disciplinary or recriminatory action against such person.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 21 - DEAD BODIES (§§ 31-21-1 — 31-21-45) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 31-21-1 — 31-21-7) › Section 31-21-1 - Approved disinfectant; "embalming" defined

(a)
An approved disinfectant fluid shall contain not less than 5 percent formaldehyde gas.
(b)
As used in this chapter, the term "embalming" means the injection by a licensed embalmer of not less than 10 percent of the weight for bodies of persons dead of communicable diseases, such as smallpox and diphtheria, injected arterially in addition to cavity injection and, in all other cases, not less than 6 percent of the body weight injected arterially in addition to cavity injection.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 21 - DEAD BODIES (§§ 31-21-1 — 31-21-45) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 31-21-1 — 31-21-7) › Section 31-21-2 - Conflict with authority of Commissioner of Agriculture

Nothing in this article shall repeal or be construed to conflict with any power and authority now vested in the Commissioner of Agriculture by the laws of this state.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 21 - DEAD BODIES (§§ 31-21-1 — 31-21-45) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 31-21-1 — 31-21-7) › Section 31-21-4 - Burial at sea of cremated remains; notification that cremated remains are ready for interment; unclaimed cremated remains

(a)
(1)
Cremated remains may be taken by boat from any harbor in this state, or by air, for burial at sea at a point not less than three miles from the nearest shoreline. Cremated remains shall be removed from their container before such remains are buried at sea.
(2)
Any person who buries at sea, either from a boat or from the air, any human cremated remains shall carry out the burial services within 50 days from the reduction of the body to cremated remains and file with the local registrar of births, deaths, and other vital records in the county nearest the point where the remains were buried a verified statement containing the name of the deceased person, the time and place of death, the place at which the cremated remains were buried, and any other information that the local registrar may require. Burial services may be delayed until weather conditions improve if inclement weather prevents safe burial.
(b)
Any person who requests that a dead body be cremated shall provide the funeral establishment or other person responsible for the cremation an address at which such person can be notified when the cremated remains are ready for interment. Notification shall be made by first-class mail to such person at the address provided. If the cremated remains are not claimed for interment or other disposition within 60 days from the date that the notification is mailed, such remains shall be turned over to the coroner to be interred in a plot or niche in a cemetery where indigents are buried.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 21 - DEAD BODIES (§§ 31-21-1 — 31-21-45) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 31-21-1 — 31-21-7) › Section 31-21-5 - Incineration or cremation of dead body or parts thereof

(a)
It shall be unlawful for any person to incinerate or cremate a dead body or parts thereof; provided, however, that the provisions of this subsection shall not apply to a crematory licensed by the State Board of Funeral Service pursuant to Chapter 18 of Title 43 or to a hospital, clinic, laboratory, or other facility authorized by the Department of Community Health and in a manner approved by the commissioner of community health.
(b)
A person who violates the provisions of subsection (a) of this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
Amended by 2008 Ga. Laws 392,§ 2-31, eff. 7/1/2009.