reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 4 - EMERGENCY SERVICES (§§ 31-11-80 — 31-11-82) › Section 31-11-82 - Evaluation of person with emergency condition; initiation of intervention without prospective authorization; insurer may not deny payment after prospective authorization given

(a)
Once a person with an emergency condition presents himself or herself to an emergency medical provider for emergency services, that person shall be evaluated by medical personnel. This evaluation may include diagnostic testing to assess the extent of the condition, sickness, or injury if such testing is appropriate to stabilize the patient's condition. For purposes of this Code section, the term "emergency medical provider" includes without limitation an emergency services provider.
(b)
If in the opinion of the attending physician or licensed ambulance service personnel acting under the medical direction of an ambulance service medical director as defined in Code Section
31-11-60.1
the evaluation provided under subsection (a) of this Code section warrants, he or she may initiate appropriate intervention to stabilize the condition of the patient without seeking or receiving prospective authorization by an insurer, a health maintenance organization, or a private health benefit plan. No insurer, health maintenance organization, or private health benefit plan may subsequently deny payment for an evaluation, diagnostic testing, or treatment provided as part of such intervention for an emergency condition.
(c)
No insurer, health maintenance organization, or private health benefit plan which has given prospective authorization after the stabilization of a person's condition as provided in subsection (b) of this Code section for an evaluation, diagnostic testing, or treatment provided for in this article may subsequently deny payment for the provision of such evaluation, diagnostic testing, or treatment. An acknowledgment of an enrollee's eligibility for benefits by the insurer, health maintenance organization, or private health benefit plan shall not, by itself, be construed as a prospective authorization for the purposes of this Code section.
Amended by 2006 Ga. Laws 667,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2006.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 5 - GEORGIA TRAUMA CARE NETWORK COMMISSION (§§ 31-11-100 — 31-11-103) › Section 31-11-100 - Definitions

As used in this article, the term:
(1)
"Burn trauma center" means a facility that has been designated by the Department of Public Health as a burn center and that admits at least 300 patients annually with the burn specific principal diagnosis codes as published by the International Classification of Diseases.
(2)
"Trauma burn patient" means a patient admitted to a burn trauma center with a burn specific principal diagnosis code as published by the International Classification of Diseases who has at least one of the following injuries or complications based on criteria developed by the American Burn Association:
(A)
Partial-thickness burns over at least 10 percent of the total body surface area;
(B)
Burns that involve the face, hands, feet, genitalia, perineum, or major joints;
(C)
Third-degree burns in any age group;
(D)
Chemical burns;
(E)
An inhalation injury;
(F)
A burn injury and preexisting medical disorder that could complicate management, prolong recovery, or affect mortality;
(G)
Burns and concomitant trauma, such as fractures, in which the burn injury poses the greatest risk of morbidity or mortality; or
(H)
Burn injury patients who require special social, emotional, or rehabilitative intervention.
(3)
"Trauma center" means a facility designated by the Department of Public Health as a Level I, II, III, or IV or burn trauma center. However, a burn trauma center shall not be considered or treated as a trauma center for purposes of certificate of need requirements under state law or regulations, including exceptions to need and adverse impact standards allowed by the department for trauma centers or for purposes of identifying safety net hospitals.
(4)
"Trauma patient" means a patient who is on the State Trauma Registry or the National Trauma Registry of the American College of Surgeons or who is a trauma burn patient.
(5)
"Trauma service codes" means the International Classification of Diseases discharge codes designated as trauma service codes by the American College of Surgeons, Committee on Trauma.
(6)
"Uncompensated" means care provided by a designated trauma center, emergency medical services provider, or physician to a trauma patient as defined by the Georgia Trauma Care Network Commission who:
(A)
Has no medical insurance, including federal Medicare Part B coverage;
(B)
Is not eligible for medical assistance coverage;
(C)
Has no medical coverage for trauma care through workers' compensation, automobile insurance, or any other third party, including any settlement or judgment resulting from such coverage; and
(D)
Has not paid for the trauma care provided by the trauma provider after documented attempts by the trauma care services provider to collect payment.
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 244,§ 6-3, eff. 7/1/2011.
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 58,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2011.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 102,§ 1-4, eff. 7/1/2009.
Added by 2007 Ga. Laws 14,§ 1, eff. 5/11/2007.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 5 - GEORGIA TRAUMA CARE NETWORK COMMISSION (§§ 31-11-100 — 31-11-103) › Section 31-11-101 - Creation of Georgia Trauma Care Network Commission; composition; membership; meetings; vacancies; compensation

(a)
There is created the Georgia Trauma Care Network Commission which is assigned to the Department of Public Health for administrative purposes only, as prescribed in Code Section
50-4-3
. The commission shall consist of nine members who shall be appointed as provided in this Code section. Five members shall be appointed by the Governor. The Governor shall include among his or her appointees a physician who is actively involved in providing emergency trauma care, a representative of a hospital that is a designated trauma center, and a representative of a state 9-1-1 zone licensed emergency medical services provider. Two members shall be appointed by the Lieutenant Governor. Two members shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. In making the initial appointments, the Governor shall appoint three members for a term of four years and two members for a term of two years, the Lieutenant Governor shall appoint one member for a term of four years and one member for a term of two years, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall appoint one member for a term of four years and one member for a term of two years. Thereafter, persons appointed to succeed the initial members shall serve four-year terms of office. The Governor shall appoint one of the members to serve as the chairperson of the commission.
(b)
The commission shall meet upon the call of the chairperson or upon the request of three members. The commission shall organize itself as it deems appropriate and may elect additional officers from among its members.
(c)
Any vacancy on the commission shall be filled for the unexpired term by appointment by the original appointing authority.
(d)
Members of the commission shall serve without compensation but shall receive the same expense allowance per day as that received by a member of the General Assembly for each day such member of the commission is in attendance at a meeting of such commission, plus either reimbursement for actual transportation costs while traveling by public carrier or the same mileage allowance for use of a personal car in connection with such attendance as members of the General Assembly receive. Such expense and travel allowance shall be paid in lieu of any per diem, allowance, or other remuneration now received by any such member for such attendance.
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 244,§ 6-3, eff. 7/1/2011.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 102,§ 1-4, eff. 7/1/2009.
Added by 2007 Ga. Laws 14,§ 1, eff. 5/11/2007.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 5 - GEORGIA TRAUMA CARE NETWORK COMMISSION (§§ 31-11-100 — 31-11-103) › Section 31-11-103 - Trauma Care Network Trust Fund

(a)
(1)
There shall be established a Trauma Care Network Trust Fund as a separate fund in the state treasury and all funds held in the Georgia Trauma Trust Fund previously established by this Code section shall be transferred to the Trauma Care Network Trust Fund. The executive director of the Georgia Trauma Care Network Commission shall serve as the trustee of the fund. The moneys deposited into such fund pursuant to this article may be expended by the executive director with the approval of the Georgia Trauma Care Network Commission for those purposes specified in Code Section
31-11-102
.
(2)
The state treasurer shall invest the money held in the Trauma Care Network Trust Fund in the same manner in which state funds are invested as authorized by the State Depository Board pursuant to Article 3 of Chapter 17 of Title 50. Interest earned by the money held in the trust fund shall be accounted for separately and shall be credited to the trust fund to be disbursed as other moneys in the trust fund.
(b)
(1)
Under the authority granted and subject to the conditions imposed by Article III, Section IX, Paragraph VI(r) of the Constitution of Georgia, for the period beginning on July 1, 2022, and ending on June 30, 2032, all of the money collected pursuant to Code Section
40-6-189
shall be annually appropriated to the Trauma Care Network Trust Fund, and such funds shall not lapse as otherwise required by Article III, Section IX, Paragraph IV(c) of the Constitution of Georgia. Each annual appropriation shall be made through the General Appropriations Act and shall include all of the money collected from such source during the most recently completed fiscal year.
(2)
All of the money appropriated to the Trauma Care Network Trust Fund pursuant to this subsection shall be dedicated for use and expended in accordance with the purposes specified in Code Section
31-11-102
.
(3)
The executive director of the Georgia Trauma Care Network Commission shall prepare an accounting of the funds expended pursuant to this subsection during the most recently completed fiscal year to be provided to the Office of Planning and Budget, the House Budget and Research Office, and the Senate Budget and Evaluation Office by January 1 of each year.
(c)
The Georgia Trauma Care Network Commission shall report annually no later than October 1 to the Office of Health Strategy and Coordination. Such report shall provide an update on state-wide trauma system development and the impact of fund distribution on trauma patient care and outcomes.
Amended by 2021 Ga. Laws 290,§ 12, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2019 Ga. Laws 41,§ 2-9, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by 2012 Ga. Laws 757,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2012.
Added by 2007 Ga. Laws 14,§ 1, eff. 5/11/2007.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 6 - CERTIFIED STROKE CENTERS (§§ 31-11-110 — 31-11-119) › Section 31-11-111 - "Department" defined

As used in this article, the term "department" means the same state agency or state board which regulates emergency medical services personnel and providers pursuant to this chapter.
Added by 2008 Ga. Laws 772,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2008.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 6 - CERTIFIED STROKE CENTERS (§§ 31-11-110 — 31-11-119) › Section 31-11-112 - Identification of stroke centers

(a)
The department shall identify hospitals that meet the criteria set forth in this article as comprehensive, primary, or remote treatment stroke centers. In addition, the department shall be authorized to establish one or more additional levels of stroke centers, in consultation with the Georgia Coverdell Acute Stroke Registry, as necessary based on advancements in medicine and patient care.
(b)
A hospital shall apply to the department for such identification and shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the department that the hospital meets the applicable criteria set forth in or established in accordance with Code Section
31-11-113
.
(c)
The department shall identify as many hospitals as stroke centers as apply for the identification, provided that each applicant meets the applicable criteria set forth in Code Section
31-11-113
or established by the department.
(d)
The department may suspend or revoke a hospital's identification as a stroke center, after notice and hearing, if the department determines that the hospital is not in compliance with the requirements of this article.
Amended by 2016 Ga. Laws 459,§ 1, eff. 4/26/2016.
Added by 2008 Ga. Laws 772,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2008.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 6 - CERTIFIED STROKE CENTERS (§§ 31-11-110 — 31-11-119) › Section 31-11-113 - Certification; application process; inspections

(a)
A hospital identified as a comprehensive or primary stroke center shall be certified as such by a national health care accreditation body recognized by the department. Any hospital wishing to receive official identification under this subsection shall submit a written application to the department, providing adequate documentation of the hospital's valid certification as a comprehensive or primary stroke center by any such national health care accreditation body.
(b)
Remote treatment stroke centers shall be certified and identified by the department either by certification as an acute stroke-ready hospital by a national health care accreditation body recognized by the department or through an application process to be determined by the department. Said application process shall contain, at minimum, the following requirements:
(1)
Remote treatment stroke center certifications and identifications by the department are limited to those hospitals that utilize current and acceptable telemedicine protocols relative to acute stroke treatment as defined by the department;
(2)
Upon receipt of complete and proper application for certification as a remote treatment stroke center, the department shall schedule and conduct an inspection of the applicant's facility no later than 90 days after receipt of application; and
(3)
Any hospital, upon certification by the department as a remote treatment stroke center, shall automatically be identified as a remote treatment stroke center and shall be added to the list of such hospitals maintained pursuant to subsection (a) of Code Section
31-11-115
.
(c)
Any additional levels of stroke centers established by the department pursuant to subsection (a) of Code Section
31-11-112
shall be certified by the department in accordance with any criteria and guidelines established by the department in rules and regulations.
(d)
Comprehensive and primary stroke centers are encouraged to coordinate, through agreement, with remote treatment stroke centers throughout the state to provide appropriate access to care for acute stroke patients. The coordinating stroke care agreements shall be in writing and include at minimum:
(1)
Transfer agreements for the transport and acceptance of all stroke patients seen by the remote treatment stroke center for stroke treatment therapies which the remote treatment stroke center is not capable of providing; and
(2)
Communication criteria and protocols with the remote treatment stroke centers.
Amended by 2016 Ga. Laws 459,§ 1, eff. 4/26/2016.
Amended by 2012 Ga. Laws 611,§ 6, eff. 7/1/2012.
Added by 2008 Ga. Laws 772,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2008.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 6 - CERTIFIED STROKE CENTERS (§§ 31-11-110 — 31-11-119) › Section 31-11-114 - Grants; report

(a)
In order to encourage and ensure the establishment of stroke centers throughout the state, the department shall award grants, subject to appropriations from the General Assembly, to hospitals that seek identification as remote treatment stroke centers and demonstrate a need for financial assistance to develop the necessary infrastructure, including personnel and equipment, in order to satisfy the criteria for identification as a remote treatment stroke center pursuant to subsection (b) of Code Section
31-11-113
.
(b)
A hospital seeking identification as a remote treatment stroke center pursuant to this article may apply to the department for a grant, in a manner and on a form required by the department, and provide such information as the department deems necessary to determine if the hospital is eligible for the grant.
(c)
The department may provide grants to as many hospitals as it deems appropriate, subject to appropriations, taking into consideration adequate geographic diversity with respect to locations.
(d)
The department shall annually prepare and submit to the Governor, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the chairpersons of the House Committee on Health and Human Services and the Senate Health and Human Services Committee for distribution to its committee members a report indicating the total number of hospitals that have applied for grants pursuant to this Code section, the number of applicants that have been determined by the department to be eligible for such grants, the total number of grants to be awarded, the name and address of each grantee hospital, the amount of the award to each grantee, and the amount of each award to be disbursed to the grantee.
Amended by 2016 Ga. Laws 459,§ 1, eff. 4/26/2016.
Added by 2008 Ga. Laws 772,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2008.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 6 - CERTIFIED STROKE CENTERS (§§ 31-11-110 — 31-11-119) › Section 31-11-115 - Distribution of list of state identified stroke centers to emergency medical services providers; development of a model stroke triage assessment tool; assessment, treatment, and transport of stroke patients

(a)
Beginning June 1, 2009, and each year thereafter, the department shall send a list of comprehensive, primary, remote treatment, and other level stroke centers identified pursuant to Code Section
31-11-113
to the medical director of each licensed emergency medical services provider in this state, shall maintain a copy of the list in the office designated with the department to oversee emergency medical services, and shall post a list of comprehensive, primary, remote treatment, and other level stroke centers on the department's website.
(b)
The department shall adopt or develop a sample stroke triage assessment tool. The department shall post this sample assessment tool on its website and distribute a copy of the sample assessment tool to each licensed emergency medical services provider no later than December 31, 2008. Each licensed emergency medical services provider shall use a stroke triage assessment tool that is substantially similar to the sample stroke triage assessment tool provided by the department.
(c)
The office designated within the department to oversee emergency medical services shall establish protocols related to the assessment, treatment, triage, and transport of stroke patients, including transport to the appropriate level stroke centers, by licensed emergency medical services providers in this state.
Amended by 2016 Ga. Laws 459,§ 1, eff. 4/26/2016.
Added by 2008 Ga. Laws 772,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2008.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 6 - CERTIFIED STROKE CENTERS (§§ 31-11-110 — 31-11-119) › Section 31-11-116 - Annual reports

(a)
In order to assure that the patients are receiving the appropriate level of care and treatment at each level of stroke center in the state, each hospital identified as a stroke center shall annually report information, as specified by the department in its rules and regulations, to the department.
(b)
The department shall collect the information reported pursuant to subsection (a) of this Code section and shall post such information in the form of a report card annually on the department's website and present such report to the Office of Health Strategy and Coordination. The results of this report card may be used by the department to conduct training with the identified facilities regarding best practices in the treatment of stroke.
(c)
In no way shall this article be construed to require disclosure of any confidential information or other data in violation of the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, P.L. 104-191.
Amended by 2019 Ga. Laws 41,§ 2-10, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by 2016 Ga. Laws 459,§ 1, eff. 4/26/2016.
Added by 2008 Ga. Laws 772,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2008.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 6 - CERTIFIED STROKE CENTERS (§§ 31-11-110 — 31-11-119) › Section 31-11-117 - Statutory construction

This article shall not be construed to be a medical practice guideline and shall not be used to restrict the authority of a hospital to provide services for which it has received a license under state law. The General Assembly intends that all patients be treated individually based on each patient's needs and circumstances.
Added by 2008 Ga. Laws 772,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2008.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 6 - CERTIFIED STROKE CENTERS (§§ 31-11-110 — 31-11-119) › Section 31-11-118 - Advertising

A hospital may not advertise to the public, by way of any medium whatsoever, that it is identified by the state as a comprehensive, primary, remote treatment, or other level stroke center unless the hospital has been identified as such by the department pursuant to this article.
Amended by 2016 Ga. Laws 459,§ 1, eff. 4/26/2016.
Added by 2008 Ga. Laws 772,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2008.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 6 - CERTIFIED STROKE CENTERS (§§ 31-11-110 — 31-11-119) › Section 31-11-119 - Rules and regulations

The department shall be authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to carry out the purposes of this article.
Added by 2008 Ga. Laws 772,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2008.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 7 - EMERGENCY CARDIAC CARE CENTERS (§§ 31-11-130 — 31-11-139) › Section 31-11-130 - Legislative findings

The General Assembly finds and declares that:
(1)
Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in the United States and in Georgia;
(2)
Georgia ranks as the thirty-eighth worst in the nation for numbers of deaths from cardiovascular disease;
(3)
There were 79,901 deaths in Georgia in 2015, and cardiovascular disease (excluding stroke) accounted for 23.6 percent of such deaths;
(4)
Approximately 40 percent of cardiac deaths occur suddenly, the result of a heart attack that is manifested by an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest;
(5)
As of 2016, several states, but notably Arizona and Washington, have designated hospitals that are expert in cardiovascular disease care, much in the way that Georgia has stroke and trauma centers; Arizona and Washington have some of the lowest death rates for patients who have heart attacks, in part due to their designated cardiac centers; and
(6)
Therefore, it is in the best interest of the residents of this state to establish a program to identify emergency cardiac care centers throughout the state to ensure the rapid triage, assessment, treatment, and transport of patients experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest or heart attack or its complications.
Added by 2017 Ga. Laws 105,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2017.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 7 - EMERGENCY CARDIAC CARE CENTERS (§§ 31-11-130 — 31-11-139) › Section 31-11-131 - Definitions

As used in this article, the term:
(1)
"Emergency cardiac care center" means a hospital that has been designated by the office pursuant to this article as meeting the criteria set forth in this article.
(2)
"Office" means the Office of Cardiac Care established pursuant to this article.
Added by 2017 Ga. Laws 105,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2017.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 7 - EMERGENCY CARDIAC CARE CENTERS (§§ 31-11-130 — 31-11-139) › Section 31-11-133 - Designation as emergency cardiac care center; suspension or revocation

(a)
A hospital shall apply to the office for designation as an emergency cardiac care center through an application process to be determined by the office. A hospital shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the office that the hospital meets the applicable criteria set forth in this article. The application process may include an on-site inspection of the hospital at the discretion of the office.
(b)
The office shall establish requirements for the periodic redesignation of emergency cardiac care centers.
(c)
The office may suspend or revoke a hospital's identification as an emergency cardiac care center, after notice and hearing, if the office determines that the hospital is not in compliance with the requirements or criteria of this article.
Added by 2017 Ga. Laws 105,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2017.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 7 - EMERGENCY CARDIAC CARE CENTERS (§§ 31-11-130 — 31-11-139) › Section 31-11-134 - Data reporting system

(a)
The office shall establish a data reporting system which may be composed of one or more data bases for the reporting of data on all out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients and all heart attack patients. The data reporting system may be composed of data bases established or designated by the office, including, but not limited to, data bases newly created and managed by or on behalf of the office, existing state data bases modified to include such additional reporting, existing regional or national data bases, or any combination thereof.
(b)
Each emergency cardiac care center shall:
(1)
Report to the data base specified by the office data on all out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients and data on all heart attack patients in accordance with time frame requirements established by the office; and
(2)
Have a written system included in the protocols for the hospital for timely submission of all such data required to be submitted pursuant to this Code section and office guidelines.
(c)
The office shall, on an ongoing basis, analyze state-wide data collected pursuant to this Code section for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients and heart attack patients, with the goal of improving survival rates over the initial three years of the program, and shall improve any processes or adjust any protocols as necessary to implement best practices to improve the cardiac care of patients through emergency cardiac care centers in this state.
(d)
The office shall collect the data reported pursuant to this Code section and shall post such information in the form of an annual report card on the office's website and present such report to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The results of this report card may be used by the office to conduct training with the identified hospitals regarding best practices in the treatment of emergency cardiac care patients.
(e)
In no way shall this article be construed to require disclosure of any confidential information or other data in violation of the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, P.L. 104-191.
Added by 2017 Ga. Laws 105,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2017.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 7 - EMERGENCY CARDIAC CARE CENTERS (§§ 31-11-130 — 31-11-139) › Section 31-11-135 - Grants to hospitals; reporting

(a)
In order to encourage and ensure the establishment of emergency cardiac care centers throughout the state, the office shall award grants, subject to appropriations from the General Assembly, to hospitals that seek designation as emergency cardiac care centers and demonstrate a need for financial assistance to develop the necessary infrastructure, including personnel and equipment, in order to satisfy the criteria for designation as an emergency cardiac care center pursuant to this article.
(b)
A hospital seeking designation as an emergency cardiac care center pursuant to this article may apply to the office for a grant, in a manner and on a form required by the office, and provide such information as the office deems necessary to determine if the hospital is eligible for such grant.
(c)
The office may provide grants to as many hospitals as it deems appropriate, subject to appropriations from the General Assembly, taking into consideration adequate geographic diversity with respect to locations.
(d)
The office shall annually prepare and submit to the Office of Health Strategy and Coordination a report indicating the total number of hospitals that have applied for grants pursuant to this Code section, the number of applicants that have been determined by the office to be eligible for such grants, the total number of grants to be awarded, the name and address of each grantee, and the amount of the award to each grantee.
Amended by 2019 Ga. Laws 41,§ 2-11, eff. 7/1/2019.
Added by 2017 Ga. Laws 105,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2017.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 7 - EMERGENCY CARDIAC CARE CENTERS (§§ 31-11-130 — 31-11-139) › Section 31-11-136 - Listing of emergency cardiac care centers; emergency cardiac care triage assessment tool; protocols

(a)
Beginning June 1, 2018, and each year thereafter, the office shall provide a list of emergency cardiac care centers designated pursuant to this article to the medical director of each licensed emergency medical services provider in this state, shall maintain a copy of such list in the office, and shall post such list on the office's website.
(b)
The office shall adopt or develop a sample emergency cardiac care triage assessment tool. The office shall post this sample assessment tool on its website and distribute a copy of the sample assessment tool to each licensed emergency medical services provider no later than December 31, 2017. Each licensed emergency medical services provider shall use an emergency cardiac care triage assessment tool that is substantially similar to the sample emergency cardiac care triage assessment tool provided by the office.
(c)
The office shall establish protocols related to the triage, assessment, treatment, and transport of emergency cardiac care patients by licensed emergency medical services providers in this state.
Added by 2017 Ga. Laws 105,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2017.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 7 - EMERGENCY CARDIAC CARE CENTERS (§§ 31-11-130 — 31-11-139) › Section 31-11-137 - Statutory construction

This article shall not be construed to be a medical practice guideline or to establish a standard of care for treatment and shall not be used to restrict the authority of a hospital to provide services for which it has received a license under state law. The General Assembly intends that all patients be treated individually based on each patient's needs and circumstances.
Added by 2017 Ga. Laws 105,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2017.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 7 - EMERGENCY CARDIAC CARE CENTERS (§§ 31-11-130 — 31-11-139) › Section 31-11-138 - Advertisement as emergency cardiac care center

A hospital may not advertise to the public, by way of any medium whatsoever, that it is identified by the state as an emergency cardiac care center unless the hospital has been designated as such by the office pursuant to this article.
Added by 2017 Ga. Laws 105,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2017.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 11 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (§§ 31-11-1 — 31-11-139) › Article 7 - EMERGENCY CARDIAC CARE CENTERS (§§ 31-11-130 — 31-11-139) › Section 31-11-139 - Rules and regulations

The office shall be authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to carry out the purposes of this article.
Added by 2017 Ga. Laws 105,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2017.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 12 - CONTROL OF HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS, PREVENTABLE DISEASES, AND METABOLIC DISORDERS (§§ 31-12-1 — 31-12-14) › Section 31-12-1 - Power to conduct research and studies

The Department of Public Health and county boards of health are empowered to conduct studies, research, and training appropriate to the prevention of diseases and accidents, the use and control of toxic materials, and the prevention of environmental conditions which, if permitted to develop or continue, would likely endanger the health of individuals or communities.
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 12 - CONTROL OF HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS, PREVENTABLE DISEASES, AND METABOLIC DISORDERS (§§ 31-12-1 — 31-12-14) › Section 31-12-1.1 - "Bioterrorism" and "public health emergency" defined

As used in this chapter, the term:
(1)
"Bioterrorism" means the intentional creation or use of any microorganism, virus, infectious substance, or any component thereof, whether naturally occurring or bioengineered, to cause death, illness, disease, or other biological malfunction in a human, animal, plant, or other living organism in order improperly or illegally to influence the conduct of government, to interfere with or disrupt commerce, or to intimidate or coerce a civilian population.
(2)
"Public health emergency" means the occurrence or imminent threat of an illness or health condition that is reasonably believed to be caused by bioterrorism or the appearance of a novel or previously controlled or eradicated infectious agent or biological toxin and poses a high probability of any of the following harms:
(A)
A large number of deaths in the affected population;
(B)
A large number of serious or long-term disabilities in the affected population; or
(C)
Widespread exposure to an infectious or toxic agent that poses a significant risk of substantial future harm to a large number of people in the affected population.
Added by 2002 Ga. Laws 973, § 5, eff. 5/16/2002.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 12 - CONTROL OF HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS, PREVENTABLE DISEASES, AND METABOLIC DISORDERS (§§ 31-12-1 — 31-12-14) › Section 31-12-3 - Power to require immunization and other preventive measures

(a)
The department and all county boards of health are empowered to require, by appropriate rules and regulations, persons located within their respective jurisdictions to submit to vaccination against contagious or infectious disease where the particular disease may occur, whether or not the disease may be an active threat. The department may, in addition, require such other measures to prevent the conveyance of infectious matter from infected persons to other persons as may be necessary and appropriate. The department shall promulgate appropriate rules and regulations for the implementation of the provisions of this Code section in the case of a declaration of a public health emergency and shall include provisions permitting consideration of the opinion of a person's personal physician as to whether the vaccination is medically appropriate or advisable for such person. Such rules and regulations shall be adopted pursuant to Chapter 13 of Title 50, the "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act," but shall be automatically referred by the Office of Legislative Counsel to the House of Representatives and Senate Committees on Judiciary.
(b)
In the absence of an epidemic or immediate threat thereof, this Code section shall not apply to any person who objects in writing thereto on grounds that such immunization conflicts with his religious beliefs.
Amended by 2002 Ga. Laws 973, § 8, eff. 5/16/2002.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 12 - CONTROL OF HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS, PREVENTABLE DISEASES, AND METABOLIC DISORDERS (§§ 31-12-1 — 31-12-14) › Section 31-12-3.2 - Meningococcal disease; vaccinations; disclosures

(a)
Every public and nonpublic postsecondary educational institution shall provide to each newly admitted freshman or matriculated student residing in campus housing as defined by the postsecondary educational institution or to the student's parent or guardian if the student is a minor, the following information:
(1)
Meningococcal disease is a serious disease that can lead to death within only a few hours of onset; one in ten cases is fatal; and one in seven survivors of the disease is left with a severe disability, such as the loss of a limb, developmental disability, paralysis, deafness, or seizures;
(2)
Meningococcal disease is contagious but a largely preventable infection of the spinal cord fluid and the fluid that surrounds the brain;
(3)
Scientific evidence suggests that college students living in dormitory facilities are at a moderately increased risk of contracting meningococcal disease; and
(4)
Immunization against meningococcal disease will decrease the risk of the disease.
(b)
In accordance with the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, newly admitted students who are 18 years of age or older residing in campus housing as defined by the postsecondary educational institution or residing in sorority or fraternity houses shall be required to sign a document provided by the postsecondary educational institution stating that he or she has received vaccination against meningococcal disease not more than five years prior to such admittance or reviewed the information provided as required by subsection (a) of this Code section. If a student is a minor, only a parent or guardian may sign such document.
(c)
Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to require any postsecondary educational institution to provide or pay for vaccinations of students against meningococcal disease.
(d)
Any postsecondary educational institution that has made a reasonable effort to comply with this Code section shall not be liable for damages or injuries sustained by a student by reason of such student's contracting meningococcal disease.
Amended by 2015 Ga. Laws 54,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 102,§ 3-6, eff. 7/1/2009.
Added by 2003 Ga. Laws 48, § 1, eff. 1/1/2004.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 12 - CONTROL OF HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS, PREVENTABLE DISEASES, AND METABOLIC DISORDERS (§§ 31-12-1 — 31-12-14) › Section 31-12-4 - Isolation and segregation of diseased persons; quarantine

The department and all county boards of health may, from time to time, require the isolation or segregation of persons with communicable diseases or conditions likely to endanger the health of others. The department may, in addition, require quarantine or surveillance of carriers of disease and persons exposed to, or suspected of being infected with, infectious disease until they are found to be free of the infectious agent or disease in question. The department shall promulgate appropriate rules and regulations for the implementation of the provisions of this Code section in the case of a declaration of a public health emergency. Such rules and regulations shall be adopted pursuant to Chapter 13 of Title 50, the "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act," but shall be automatically referred by the Office of Legislative Counsel to the House of Representatives and Senate Committees on Judiciary.
Amended by 2002 Ga. Laws 973, § 9, eff. 5/16/2002.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 12 - CONTROL OF HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS, PREVENTABLE DISEASES, AND METABOLIC DISORDERS (§§ 31-12-1 — 31-12-14) › Section 31-12-5 - State-wide network for medical genetics services

(a)
The department and appropriate medical centers shall cooperate in the development of a state-wide network for medical genetics.
(b)
The network shall be available state-wide and will be responsible for training of personnel in genetics, research in inborn errors of metabolism, and quality control of laboratory services for genetics. This system shall also provide counseling regarding genetically caused disorders.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 12 - CONTROL OF HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS, PREVENTABLE DISEASES, AND METABOLIC DISORDERS (§§ 31-12-1 — 31-12-14) › Section 31-12-7 - Rules and regulations regarding tests for sickle cell anemia, sickle cell trait, and other metabolic and genetic disorders; counseling; fees

(a)
In coordination and association with the system established by the department for the screening, retrieval, and diagnosis of certain metabolic and genetic disorders pursuant to Code Section
31-12-6
, the department, or its successor agency or department, shall adopt and promulgate appropriate rules and regulations governing tests for sickle cell anemia, sickle cell trait, and other metabolic and genetic disorders as enumerated by the department pursuant to rules and regulations so that as nearly as possible all newborn infants who are susceptible or likely to have sickle cell anemia, sickle cell trait, or other metabolic and genetic disorders shall receive a test for sickle cell anemia, sickle cell trait, or other metabolic and genetic disorders or all of such conditions as soon after birth as successful testing and treatment therefor may be initiated; provided, however, that this Code section shall not apply to any infant whose parents object thereto on the grounds that such tests and treatment conflict with their religious tenets and practices.
(b)
If any such child is found to have sickle cell anemia or sickle cell trait, it shall be the duty of the examining physician or the department to inform the parents of such child that the child is so afflicted and, if such child has sickle cell anemia or sickle cell trait, that counseling regarding the nature of the disease, its effects, and its treatment is available without cost from the department and the county board of health or county department of health.
(c)
It shall be the duty of the department and each county board of health and county department of health, or their successor agencies or departments, to furnish counseling and advice to any persons requesting such counseling regarding sickle cell anemia or sickle cell trait, its characteristics, symptoms, traits, effects, and treatment. Such counseling shall be furnished without cost to the person requesting it.
(d)
The department shall be authorized to establish and periodically adjust, by rule and regulation, fees associated with the screening, retrieval, and diagnosis conducted pursuant to this Code section to help defray or meet the costs incurred by the department; provided, however, that in no event shall the total fees associated with such screening, retrieval, and diagnosis exceed $40.00 for the calendar year beginning January 1, 2007. In no event shall the fees exceed such costs, both direct and indirect, in providing such screenings and related services, provided that no services shall be denied on the basis of inability to pay. All fees paid thereunder shall be paid into the general fund of the State of Georgia.
Amended by 2006 Ga. Laws 573,§ 2, eff. 1/1/2007.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 12 - CONTROL OF HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS, PREVENTABLE DISEASES, AND METABOLIC DISORDERS (§§ 31-12-1 — 31-12-14) › Section 31-12-8 - Occupational health and safety

For the purpose of safeguarding the health of employees and the general public, the department and the county boards of health are empowered to conduct studies and research pertaining to the operation and maintenance of industrial, commercial, business, or other facilities where people congregate or work. The department may issue such orders and directives in any particular instance as shall be necessary to abate or minimize any practice or any operation or condition that constitutes or may be reasonably deemed to constitute a hazard to the health and safety of the employees or the general public. Administrative hearings and reviews and enforcement of such orders and directives shall be governed by Article 1 of Chapter 5 of this title.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 12 - CONTROL OF HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS, PREVENTABLE DISEASES, AND METABOLIC DISORDERS (§§ 31-12-1 — 31-12-14) › Section 31-12-9 - Importation, sale, and breeding of animals and birds to be kept as pets

In addition to its other powers in the control of preventable diseases, the department may by rule, regulation, and order provide for the licensing, registration, supervision, and investigation of all firms or persons importing, purchasing, breeding, or selling any birds or animals as pets, or any birds or animals which are customarily kept as pets, and may require all such firms or persons to comply with reporting and record-keeping requirements and marking, banding, or other identification requirements. The department is further empowered to prescribe rules and regulations governing the shipment, transportation, or carriage of such birds or animals and require such other control measures deemed necessary to prevent infectious matter present in birds, arthropods, and animals from being conveyed to persons unless the responsibility of such control is by law delegated to some other agency.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 12 - CONTROL OF HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS, PREVENTABLE DISEASES, AND METABOLIC DISORDERS (§§ 31-12-1 — 31-12-14) › Section 31-12-10 - Right of entry to facility

In carrying out the provisions of this chapter, it shall be the duty of the person in charge of any industrial, commercial, business, or other facility where people work, live, or congregate, upon reasonable notice and at reasonable times, to grant entry to duly authorized agents of the department and of any county board of health.