reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 2 - DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY HEALTH (§§ 31-2-1 — 31-2-20) › Section 31-2-14 - Nurse aide registry; complaint filing; public access

(a)
The nurse aide registry established and maintained by the department as required by
42 C.F.R. Section 483.156
shall include, in addition to nurse aides who work in licensed facilities, nurse aides who provide services in this state in temporary or permanent private residences.
(b)
The registry shall provide a method for an inquiry or complaint to be submitted by the public regarding a nurse aide providing services in private residences. Any such inquiries or complaints shall be handled in the same manner as required for nurse aides who work in licensed facilities.
(c)
The department shall ensure that the registry is posted or a link to it is provided in a prominent location on the department's website.
Added by 2016 Ga. Laws 353,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2016.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 2 - DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY HEALTH (§§ 31-2-1 — 31-2-20) › Section 31-2-15 - Streamlining and expediting credentialing and billing processes

(a)
As used in this Code section, the term "state medical plan" means the state health benefit plan under Article 1 of Chapter 18 of Title 45, the medical assistance program under Article 7 of Chapter 4 of Title 49, the PeachCare for Kids Program under Article 13 of Chapter 5 of Title 49, and any other health benefit plan or policy administered by or on behalf of the state.
(b)
The department shall take all reasonable steps to streamline and expedite the credentialing and billing processes for state medical plans, including but not limited to examining the potential for a uniform billing platform or portal; examining the potential for the standardization of billing codes among providers; posting billing criteria and codes on the department's website; enabling a dual track process for credentialing and contract negotiation for new providers; allowing billing for telehealth delivered care and allowing payment for both the on-site provider and off-site provider; and maximizing billing for multiple specialists and multiple encounters with one provider at a single visit in safety net settings, critical access settings, federally qualified health centers, and general practitioner settings.
(c)
This Code section shall not be construed to require the department to act in violation of any federal law, rule, or regulation.
Added by 2018 Ga. Laws 299,§ 3B, eff. 7/1/2018 .
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 2 - DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY HEALTH (§§ 31-2-1 — 31-2-20) › Section 31-2-17 - [Repealed]

Added by 2022 Ga. Laws 587,§ 6-1, eff. 7/1/2022.
Renumbered as § 31-2A-13 by 2011 Ga. Laws 244,§ 3-2, eff. 7/1/2011.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 2 - DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY HEALTH (§§ 31-2-1 — 31-2-20) › Section 31-2-18 - Website reporting on state health plans

(a)
As used in this Code section, the term "state health plan" means:
(1)
Medical assistance program provided pursuant to Article 7 of Chapter 4 of Title 49;
(2)
PeachCare for Kids Program provided pursuant to Article 13 of Chapter 5 of Title 49;
(3)
The state employees' health insurance plan established pursuant to Article 1 of Chapter 18 of Title 45;
(4)
The health insurance plan for public school teachers established pursuant to Subpart 2 of Part 6 of Article 17 of Chapter 2 of Title 20; and
(5)
The health insurance plan for public school employees established pursuant to Subpart 3 of Part 6 of Article 17 of Chapter 2 of Title 20.
(b)
On and after July 1, 2022, the department shall post in a prominent location on the department website a statistical report or reports containing data relating to the state health plans administered by the department. Such reports shall be updated and posted no less than biannually and shall contain, but shall not be limited to, the following metrics:
(1)
The number of, type of, and changes in enrolled providers;
(2)
County-level data on primary care providers enrolled per 1,000 people and indicating which counties fall below defined benchmarks;
(3)
Data on hospital utilization and costs, including but not limited to, the number of inpatient admissions, average length of stay, readmission rate, emergency department utilization information, including diagnosis and non-emergent utilization, and amounts paid per facility, including plan paid amounts or net payment per admission;
(4)
Membership or beneficiary enrollment data including demographic and population based reporting on common disease states;
(5)
Data on prescription drug spending, including data on aggregate payment amounts for the ten most frequently prescribed medications and the ten most costly medications, as well as historical data related to the volume and cost of such medications, whether brand name drug or generic brand drug utilization, and costs;
(6)
Financial results by aid category or plan group, as applicable, including per-member per-month cost figures for low-income Medicaid, PeachCare for Kids, and fee-for-service program categories; and
(7)
Long-term care data, including waiver services participation and net payments by category of service.
(c)
Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to require the inclusion in the report or reports posted pursuant to subsection (b) of this Code section of any information which would violate the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, P.L. 104-191, or which is exempt from disclosure under the provisions of Article 4 of Chapter 18 of Title 50, relating to open records.
Added by 2022 Ga. Laws 771,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2022.
Pursuant to Code Section 28-9-5, in 2022, this Code section enacted as Code Section 31-2-17 was redesignated as Code Section 31-2-18.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 2 - DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY HEALTH (§§ 31-2-1 — 31-2-20) › Section 31-2-20 - [Repealed] Public Health Commission; members; purpose; authority

Added by 2009 Ga. Laws 102,§ 1-1, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 2A - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (§§ 31-2A-1 — 31-2A-57) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 31-2A-1 — 31-2A-20) › Section 31-2A-1 - Creation of Board of Public Health; powers, duties, and functions of Board of Community Health transferred to the Board of Public Health; board composition and terms; vacancies, removal; chairperson; reimbursement of expenses

(a)
There is created the Board of Public Health which shall establish the general policy to be followed by the Department of Public Health. The powers, functions, and duties of the Board of Community Health as they existed on June 30, 2011, with regard to the Division of Public Health and the Office of Health Improvement, unless otherwise provided in this Act, are transferred to the Board of Public Health effective July 1, 2011. The board shall consist of nine members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate.
(b)
The Governor shall designate the initial terms of the members of the board as follows: three members shall be appointed for one year; three members shall be appointed for two years; and three members shall be appointed for three years. Thereafter, all succeeding appointments shall be for three-year terms from the expiration of the previous term.
(c)
Vacancies in office shall be filled by appointment by the Governor in the same manner as the appointment to the position on the board which becomes vacant. An appointment to fill a vacancy other than by expiration of a term of office shall be for the balance of the unexpired term.
(d)
Members of the board may be removed from office under the same conditions for removal from office of members of professional licensing boards provided in Code Section
43-1-17
.
(e)
There shall be a chairperson of the board elected by and from the membership of the board who shall be the presiding officer of the board.
(f)
The members of the board shall receive the same daily expense allowance and reimbursement of expenses as provided in Code Section
45-7-21
for members of other state boards.
Added by 2011 Ga. Laws 244,§ 3-1, eff. 7/1/2011.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 2A - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (§§ 31-2A-1 — 31-2A-57) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 31-2A-1 — 31-2A-20) › Section 31-2A-2 - Creation of Department of Public Health; transition of powers, function, and duties to new agency; commissioner of public health; creation of divisions

(a)
There is created a Department of Public Health. The powers, functions, and duties of the Division of Public Health and the Office of Health Improvement of the Department of Community Health as they existed on June 30, 2011, unless otherwise provided in this Act, are transferred to the Department of Public Health effective July 1, 2011.
(b)
There is created the position of commissioner of public health. The commissioner shall be the chief administrative officer of the department and be both appointed and removed by the Governor. Subject to the general policy established by the board, the commissioner shall supervise, direct, account for, organize, plan, administer, and execute the functions vested in the department.
(c)
There shall be created in the department such divisions as may be found necessary for its effective operation. The commissioner shall have the power to allocate and reallocate functions among the divisions within the department.
Added by 2011 Ga. Laws 244,§ 3-1, eff. 7/1/2011.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 2A - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (§§ 31-2A-1 — 31-2A-57) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 31-2A-1 — 31-2A-20) › Section 31-2A-5 - Office of Women's Health; duties

(a)
There is created in the department the Office of Women's Health.
(b)
The Office of Women's Health shall serve in an advisory capacity to the Office of Health Strategy and Coordination. In particular, the office shall:
(1)
Raise awareness of women's nonreproductive health issues;
(2)
Raise awareness of women's reproductive health issues;
(3)
Inform and engage in prevention and education activities relating to women's nonreproductive health issues; and
(4)
Serve as a clearing-house for women's health information for purposes of planning and coordination.
Amended by 2020 Ga. Laws 388,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2020.
Amended by 2019 Ga. Laws 41,§ 2-5, eff. 7/1/2019.
Added by 2011 Ga. Laws 244,§ 3-1, eff. 7/1/2011.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 2A - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (§§ 31-2A-1 — 31-2A-57) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 31-2A-1 — 31-2A-20) › Section 31-2A-8 - Department as agency of state for receipt and administration of federal and other funds

The department is designated and empowered as the agency of this state to apply for, receive, and administer grants and donations for health purposes from the federal government and from any of its departments, agencies, and instrumentalities; from appropriations of the state; and from any other sources in conformity with law. The department shall have the authority to prescribe the purposes for which such funds may be used in order to:
(1)
Provide, extend, and improve maternal and child health services;
(2)
Locate children already disabled or suffering from conditions leading to a disability and provide for such children medical, surgical, corrective, and other services and to provide for facilities for diagnosis, hospitalization, and aftercare;
(3)
Advance the prevention and control of cancer and of sexually transmitted, tubercular, and other diseases;
(4)
Forestall and correct conditions that, if left to run their course, could be injurious to health;
(5)
Conduct programs which lie within the scope and the power of the department relating to industrial hygiene, control of ionizing radiation, occupational health, water quality, water pollution control, and planning and development of water resources;
(6)
Administer grants-in-aid to assist in the construction of publicly owned and operated general and special medical facilities;
(7)
Conduct programs:
(A)
Relating to chronic illness;
(B)
Relating to the dental and oral health of the people of this state which are appropriate to the purpose of the department; and
(C)
Relating to the physical health of the people of this state which are appropriate to the purpose of the department; and
(8)
Develop the health aspects of emergency preparedness and emergency response.
When a plan is required to be approved by any department, agency, or instrumentality of the federal government as condition precedent to the making of grants for health purposes, the department, as agent of this state, is directed to formulate, submit, and secure approval of that plan and thereafter, upon its approval and the receipt of funds payable thereunder, to carry the plan into effect in accordance with its terms, applying thereto the funds so received as well as other applicable amounts from whatever source.
Amended by 2020 Ga. Laws 388,§ 8, eff. 7/1/2020.
Renumbered from §
31-2-7
and amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 244,§ 3-2, eff. 7/1/2011.
Added by 2009 Ga. Laws 102,§ 1-1, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 2A - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (§§ 31-2A-1 — 31-2A-57) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 31-2A-1 — 31-2A-20) › Section 31-2A-9 - Studies and surveys of programs

The department, from time to time, shall make or cause to be made studies and surveys to determine the quality, scope, and reach of its programs.
Renumbered from §
31-2-8
by 2011 Ga. Laws 244,§ 3-2, eff. 7/1/2011.
Added by 2009 Ga. Laws 102,§ 1-1, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 2A - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (§§ 31-2A-1 — 31-2A-57) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 31-2A-1 — 31-2A-20) › Section 31-2A-10 - Venue of actions against department or board

Actions at law and in equity against the department, the board, or any of its members predicated upon omissions or acts done in their official capacity or under color thereof shall be brought in the appropriate county; provided, however, that nothing in this Code section shall be construed as waiving the immunity of the state to be sued without its consent.
Renumbered from §
31-2-10
and amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 244,§ 3-2, eff. 7/1/2011.
Added by 2009 Ga. Laws 102,§ 1-1, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 2A - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (§§ 31-2A-1 — 31-2A-57) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 31-2A-1 — 31-2A-20) › Section 31-2A-13 - Diabetes coordinator; central repository for data related to prevention and treatment of diabetes

The commissioner is authorized to appoint a diabetes coordinator within the department to coordinate with other state departments and agencies to ensure that all programs that impact the prevention and treatment of diabetes are coordinated, that duplication of efforts is minimized, and that the impact of such programs is maximized in an attempt to reduce the health consequences and complications of diabetes in Georgia. The department shall serve as the central repository for this state's departments and agencies for data related to the prevention and treatment of diabetes.
Renumbered from §
31-2-17
and amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 244,§ 3-2, eff. 7/1/2011.
Added by 2009 Ga. Laws 102,§ 1-1, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 2A - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (§§ 31-2A-1 — 31-2A-57) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 31-2A-1 — 31-2A-20) › Section 31-2A-14 - [Repealed]

Repealed and reserved by 2024 Ga. Laws 404,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2024.
Renumbered from §
31-2-17.1
and amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 244,§ 3-2, eff. 7/1/2011.
Added by 2010 Ga. Laws 491,§ 1-3, eff. 7/1/2010.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 2A - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (§§ 31-2A-1 — 31-2A-57) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 31-2A-1 — 31-2A-20) › Section 31-2A-15 - Additional duties of commissioner; authority to convene expert panels and consult with experts

(a)
In addition to other authority and duties granted in this title, the commissioner shall:
(1)
Provide a written report of expenditures made for public health purposes in the prior fiscal year to the Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Lieutenant Governor no later than December 1 of each year beginning December 1, 2010; and
(2)
Serve as the chief liaison to county boards of health through their directors on matters related to the operations and programmatic responsibilities of such county boards of health; provided, however, the commissioner may designate a person from within the department to serve as such chief liaison.
(b)
The commissioner shall be authorized to convene one or more panels of experts to address various public health issues and may consult with experts on epidemiological and emergency preparedness issues.
Renumbered from §
31-2-18
and amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 244,§ 3-2, eff. 7/1/2011.
Added by 2009 Ga. Laws 102,§ 1-1, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 2A - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (§§ 31-2A-1 — 31-2A-57) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 31-2A-1 — 31-2A-20) › Section 31-2A-17 - Alzheimer's Disease Registry established; purpose; procedures; rules and regulations; confidentiality of data

(a)
There is established within the Department of Public Health the Alzheimer's Disease Registry.
(b)
The purpose of the registry shall be to assist in the development of public policy and planning relative to Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. The registry shall provide a central data base of individuals with Alzheimer's disease or related disorders.
(c)
The department shall establish procedures and promulgate rules and regulations for the establishment and operation of the registry. Such procedures, rules, and regulations shall provide for:
(1)
Collecting and evaluating data regarding the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders in Georgia, including who shall report the data to the registry;
(2)
Determining what information shall be maintained in the registry and the length of time such data shall be available;
(3)
Sharing of data for policy planning purposes;
(4)
Disclosing nonidentifying data to support Alzheimer's and related disorder research;
(5)
The methodology by which families and physicians of persons who are reported to the registry shall be contacted to gather additional data; and
(6)
Information about public and private resources.
(d)
The collected data in the registry shall be confidential, and all persons to whom the data is released shall maintain patient confidentiality. No publication of information, biotechnical research, or medical data shall be made that identifies any patient by name. The registry shall be established and regulated pursuant to the requirements of
42 U.S.C. Section 1301
, et seq., and P.L. 104-191, the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996.
Added by 2014 Ga. Laws 646,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2014.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 2A - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (§§ 31-2A-1 — 31-2A-57) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 31-2A-1 — 31-2A-20) › Section 31-2A-19 - Pilot program for home visitation during pregnancy and early childhood; reporting; funding requirement

(a)
The Department of Public Health shall conduct a pilot program to provide home visiting in at-risk and underserved rural communities during pregnancy and early childhood to improve birth outcomes, reduce preterm deliveries, and decrease infant and maternal mortality.
(b)
No later than December 31, 2024, the department shall submit a detailed written report on the implementation and effectiveness of the pilot program to the Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of the Senate, and the chairpersons of the House Committee on Public Health and the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. Such report shall also include recommendations as to expansion of the pilot program state wide.
(c)
This Code section shall be contingent upon appropriations made by the General Assembly specifically for the department for such purposes.
Added by 2023 Ga. Laws 231,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2023.
Added by 2018 Ga. Laws 302,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2018.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 2A - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (§§ 31-2A-1 — 31-2A-57) › Article 2 - POSITIVE ALTERNATIVES FOR PREGNANCY AND PARENTING GRANT PROGRAM (§§ 31-2A-30 — 31-2A-41) › Section 31-2A-30 - [Repealed] Legislative authority

Repealed by 2017 Ga. Laws 271,§ 2-1, eff. 7/1/2017.
Added by 2016 Ga. Laws 360,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2016.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 2A - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (§§ 31-2A-1 — 31-2A-57) › Article 2 - POSITIVE ALTERNATIVES FOR PREGNANCY AND PARENTING GRANT PROGRAM (§§ 31-2A-30 — 31-2A-41) › Section 31-2A-31 - Definitions

As used in this article, the term:
(1)
"Attending physician" means the physician who has primary responsibility at the time of reference for the treatment and care of the client.
(2)
"Client" means a person seeking or receiving pregnancy support services.
(3)
"Contract management agency" or "agency" means a nongovernmental charitable organization in this state which is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and whose mission and practice is to promote alternatives to abortion services at no cost.
(4)
"Direct client service providers" or "providers" means nonprofit organizations with a contractual relationship with the contract management agency and that provide direct pregnancy support services to clients at no cost.
(5)
Reserved.
(6)
"Pregnancy support services" means those services that encourage childbirth instead of voluntary termination of pregnancy and which assist pregnant women or women who believe they may be pregnant to choose childbirth whether they intend to parent or select adoption for the child.
(7)
"Program" means the Positive Alternatives for Pregnancy and Parenting Grant Program.
Amended by 2018 Ga. Laws 562,§ 31, eff. 5/8/2018.
Amended by 2017 Ga. Laws 271,§ 2-2, eff. 7/1/2017.
Added by 2016 Ga. Laws 360,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2016.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 2A - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (§§ 31-2A-1 — 31-2A-57) › Article 2 - POSITIVE ALTERNATIVES FOR PREGNANCY AND PARENTING GRANT PROGRAM (§§ 31-2A-30 — 31-2A-41) › Section 31-2A-32 - Positive Alternatives for Pregnancy and Parenting Grant Program

There is established within the department the Positive Alternatives for Pregnancy and Parenting Grant Program. The purpose of the program shall be to develop a state-wide effort that promotes healthy pregnancies and childbirth by awarding grants to nonprofit organizations that provide pregnancy support services.
Amended by 2017 Ga. Laws 275,§ 31, eff. 5/9/2017.
Amended by 2017 Ga. Laws 271,§ 2-3, eff. 7/1/2017.
Added by 2016 Ga. Laws 360,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2016.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 2A - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (§§ 31-2A-1 — 31-2A-57) › Article 2 - POSITIVE ALTERNATIVES FOR PREGNANCY AND PARENTING GRANT PROGRAM (§§ 31-2A-30 — 31-2A-41) › Section 31-2A-33 - Administration and duties

(a)
The department shall oversee the program and is authorized to contract with a contract management agency to administer the program.
(b)
The contract management agency selected by the department shall meet the definition of a contract management agency as defined in paragraph (3) of Code Section
31-2A-31
and shall:
(1)
Create a grant application process;
(2)
Evaluate grant applications and make recommendations to the department;
(3)
Communicate acceptance or denial of grant applications to direct client service providers;
(4)
Monitor compliance with the terms and conditions of the grant;
(5)
Maintain records for each grant applicant and award; and
(6)
Coordinate activities and correspondence between the department and direct client service providers.
Amended by 2017 Ga. Laws 271,§ 2-4, eff. 7/1/2017.
Added by 2016 Ga. Laws 360,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2016.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 2A - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (§§ 31-2A-1 — 31-2A-57) › Article 2 - POSITIVE ALTERNATIVES FOR PREGNANCY AND PARENTING GRANT PROGRAM (§§ 31-2A-30 — 31-2A-41) › Section 31-2A-34 - Services funded by program

The services which shall be funded by the program include:
(1)
Medical care and information, including but not limited to pregnancy tests, sexually transmitted infection tests, other health screenings, ultrasound service, prenatal care, and birth classes and planning;
(2)
Nutritional services and education;
(3)
Housing, education, and employment assistance during pregnancy and up to one year following a birth;
(4)
Adoption education, planning, and services;
(5)
Child care assistance if necessary for the client to receive pregnancy support services;
(6)
Parenting education and support services for up to one year following a birth;
(7)
Material items which are supportive of pregnancy and childbirth, including but not limited to cribs, car seats, clothing, formula, or other safety devices; and
(8)
Information regarding health care benefits, including but not limited to available Medicaid coverage for the client for pregnancy care that provides health coverage for the client's child upon his or her birth.
Amended by 2017 Ga. Laws 275,§ 31, eff. 5/9/2017.
Added by 2016 Ga. Laws 360,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2016.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 2A - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (§§ 31-2A-1 — 31-2A-57) › Article 2 - POSITIVE ALTERNATIVES FOR PREGNANCY AND PARENTING GRANT PROGRAM (§§ 31-2A-30 — 31-2A-41) › Section 31-2A-35 - Grants

(a)
Grants shall be awarded annually on a competitive basis to direct client service providers who display competent experience in providing any of the services included in Code Section
31-2A-34
pursuant to guidelines and criteria established pursuant to this article.
(b)
The department shall, with input from the agency, determine the maximum grant amount to be awarded to each direct client service provider, and such grant amount shall not exceed 85 percent of the annual revenue for the prior year of any provider.
(c)
The grant agreement entered into between the agency and a direct client service provider shall stipulate that the grant shall be used to provide any or all pregnancy support services at the discretion of the service provider pursuant to Code Section
31-2A-34
. The agreement shall further stipulate that a direct client service provider shall not perform, promote, or act as a referral for an abortion, except as otherwise provided in paragraph (9) of subsection (a) of Code Section
31-2A-36
, and that grant funds shall not be used to promote or be otherwise expended for political or religious purposes, including, but not limited to, counseling or written material. Nothing in this article shall be construed to prohibit any direct client service provider from promoting or expending nongrant funds for a political or religious purpose.
Amended by 2017 Ga. Laws 271,§ 2-5, eff. 7/1/2017.
Added by 2016 Ga. Laws 360,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2016.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 2A - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (§§ 31-2A-1 — 31-2A-57) › Article 2 - POSITIVE ALTERNATIVES FOR PREGNANCY AND PARENTING GRANT PROGRAM (§§ 31-2A-30 — 31-2A-41) › Section 31-2A-36 - Criteria for grant consideration

(a)
In order to be considered for a grant under this article, each direct client service provider shall:
(1)
Be a nonprofit organization incorporated in this state with a tax-exempt status pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;
(2)
Have a primary mission of promoting healthy pregnancy and childbirth;
(3)
Have a system of financial accountability consistent with generally accepted accounting principles, including an annual budget;
(4)
Have a board that hires and supervises a director who manages the organization's operations;
(5)
Have provided pregnancy support services for a minimum of one year;
(6)
Offer, at a minimum, pregnancy tests and counseling for women who are or may be experiencing unplanned pregnancies;
(7)
Provide confidential and free pregnancy support services;
(8)
Provide each pregnant client with accurate information on the developmental characteristics of babies and of unborn children, including offering the printed materials described in Code Section
31-9A-4
on fetal development and assistance available following a birth;
(9)
Ensure that grant money is not used to encourage or affirmatively counsel a client to have an abortion unless the client's attending physician diagnoses a condition which makes such abortion necessary to prevent her death; to provide her an abortion; or to directly refer her to an abortion provider for an abortion; and
(10)
Maintain confidentiality of all data, files, and records of clients related to the services provided and in compliance with state and federal laws.
(b)
The department shall publish the direct client service provider criteria on its website.
Added by 2016 Ga. Laws 360,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2016.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 2A - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (§§ 31-2A-1 — 31-2A-57) › Article 2 - POSITIVE ALTERNATIVES FOR PREGNANCY AND PARENTING GRANT PROGRAM (§§ 31-2A-30 — 31-2A-41) › Section 31-2A-37 - Record maintenance and reporting

Each direct client service provider shall maintain accurate records and report data to the agency annually on forms and in the manner required by the department. Reports shall include the number of clients who:
(1)
Utilized pregnancy support services;
(2)
Are pregnant;
(3)
Chose childbirth after receiving pregnancy support services;
(4)
Chose adoption after receiving pregnancy support services; and
(5)
Chose abortion after receiving pregnancy support services.
Each provider may be required to provide other information and data at the discretion of the department.
Added by 2016 Ga. Laws 360,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2016.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 2A - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (§§ 31-2A-1 — 31-2A-57) › Article 2 - POSITIVE ALTERNATIVES FOR PREGNANCY AND PARENTING GRANT PROGRAM (§§ 31-2A-30 — 31-2A-41) › Section 31-2A-38 - Confidentiality

Confidentiality of all data, files, and records of clients related to the services provided under this article shall be maintained by the department, contract management agency, and direct client service providers pursuant to federal and state laws related to privacy of medical records, including requirements under the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, P.L. 104-191.
Added by 2016 Ga. Laws 360,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2016.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 2A - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (§§ 31-2A-1 — 31-2A-57) › Article 2 - POSITIVE ALTERNATIVES FOR PREGNANCY AND PARENTING GRANT PROGRAM (§§ 31-2A-30 — 31-2A-41) › Section 31-2A-39 - Annual audit

The agency shall conduct an annual audit of each direct client service provider by an independent certified public accountant within 120 days of the completion of its fiscal year verifying that it has complied with all requirements of this article and any other requirements of the department.
Added by 2016 Ga. Laws 360,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2016.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 2A - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (§§ 31-2A-1 — 31-2A-57) › Article 2 - POSITIVE ALTERNATIVES FOR PREGNANCY AND PARENTING GRANT PROGRAM (§§ 31-2A-30 — 31-2A-41) › Section 31-2A-40 - Reports to the General Assembly

(a)
The department shall annually report to the General Assembly on its use of trust funds appropriated to the department pursuant to this article.
(b)
The department shall also provide an annual report no later than September 30 of each year beginning September 30, 2017, which shall provide the following information for the immediately preceding fiscal year:
(1)
The amount of any contributions or other funding received;
(2)
The total amount of expenses; and
(3)
The amount of trust funds disbursed through the agency to direct client service providers.
(c)
The reports required by this Code section shall be made available to the public free of charge by electronic means and in such other manner as the department deems appropriate.
Added by 2016 Ga. Laws 360,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2016.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 2A - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (§§ 31-2A-1 — 31-2A-57) › Article 2 - POSITIVE ALTERNATIVES FOR PREGNANCY AND PARENTING GRANT PROGRAM (§§ 31-2A-30 — 31-2A-41) › Section 31-2A-41 - Acceptance of donations, contributions, and gifts

The department is authorized to accept donations, contributions, and gifts and receive, hold, and use grants, devises, and bequests of real, personal, and mixed property on behalf of the state to enable the department to carry out the functions and purposes of this article.
Added by 2016 Ga. Laws 360,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2016.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 2A - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (§§ 31-2A-1 — 31-2A-57) › Article 3 - DESIGNATED FACILITY (§§ 31-2A-50 — 31-2A-57) › Section 31-2A-50 - Legislative findings

The General Assembly finds and declares that:
(1)
Georgia ranks as the forty-ninth worst in the nation for the number of maternal deaths occurring during and one year after pregnancy;
(2)
Georgia ranks as the thirty-second worst in the nation for the number of infant deaths occurring before the first birthday;
(3)
Georgia ranks as the forty-fifth worst in the nation for the percentage of premature births, a leading cause of infant deaths;
(4)
Low birth weight or premature infants are more likely to survive if the birth takes place in a facility which is prepared to handle the risks associated with such deliveries;
(5)
Several states have established programs to inspect and designate facilities that have developed the capacity to provide expanded levels of neonatal and maternal care; and
(6)
Therefore, it is in the best interest of the residents of this state to establish a program that encourages the improvement of quality of care to create better maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Amended by 2019 Ga. Laws 321,§ 31, eff. 5/12/2019.
Added by 2018 Ga. Laws 392,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2018.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 2A - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (§§ 31-2A-1 — 31-2A-57) › Article 3 - DESIGNATED FACILITY (§§ 31-2A-50 — 31-2A-57) › Section 31-2A-51 - Definitions

As used in this article, the term:
(1)
"Designated facility" means a perinatal facility that has been inspected and approved by the department pursuant to this article as meeting its established criteria for a particular maternal or neonatal level of care.
(2)
"Perinatal facility" means a hospital, clinic, or birthing center that provides maternal or neonatal health care services.
Added by 2018 Ga. Laws 392,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2018.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 2A - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (§§ 31-2A-1 — 31-2A-57) › Article 3 - DESIGNATED FACILITY (§§ 31-2A-50 — 31-2A-57) › Section 31-2A-52 - Approval as designated perinatal facility; establishing criteria for levels of maternal and neonatal care

(a)
The department shall establish a procedure by which a perinatal facility may request approval as a designated facility which has achieved a particular maternal or neonatal level of care.
(b)
(1)
The department shall establish through rule making the criteria for levels of maternal and neonatal care, ranging from basic care to such additional levels of care as may be deemed appropriate for the protection of mothers and infants at elevated risk.
(2)
The department shall establish separate criteria for levels of maternal care and neonatal care. Such criteria may include, without limitation, data collection and reporting, arrangements for patient transportation, and protocols for coordination with and referral of patients to and from other health care facilities.
(3)
In establishing or revising the criteria for maternal and neonatal levels of care, the department shall conduct public comment hearings; solicit the views of hospitals, birthing centers, health care providers, and related professional associations; and give due consideration to the current recommendations of medical and scientific organizations in the field of perinatal medicine.
Amended by 2019 Ga. Laws 321,§ 31, eff. 5/12/2019.
Added by 2018 Ga. Laws 392,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2018.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 2A - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (§§ 31-2A-1 — 31-2A-57) › Article 3 - DESIGNATED FACILITY (§§ 31-2A-50 — 31-2A-57) › Section 31-2A-53 - Application process; review and redesignation of facilities; failure to comply with criteria

(a)
A perinatal facility may apply to the department for designation through an application process to be determined by the department. The facility shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the department that it meets the applicable criteria for the requested level of care. The application process may include an on-site inspection of the facility at the discretion of the department.
(b)
The department may establish requirements for the periodic review and redesignation of designated facilities.
(c)
The department may suspend or revoke the designation of a designated facility, after notice and hearing, if the department determines that the facility is no longer in compliance with the criteria established pursuant to this article.
Added by 2018 Ga. Laws 392,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2018.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 2A - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (§§ 31-2A-1 — 31-2A-57) › Article 3 - DESIGNATED FACILITY (§§ 31-2A-50 — 31-2A-57) › Section 31-2A-54 - Listing of designated facilities; self-assessment tool

(a)
On or before December 31, 2019, the department shall post and annually update a list of designated facilities on its website.
(b)
The department shall adopt or develop a self-assessment tool for use by perinatal facilities that includes separate, minimum requirements for neonatal and maternal levels of care. The department shall post this assessment tool on its website no later than July 1, 2019.
Added by 2018 Ga. Laws 392,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2018.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 2A - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (§§ 31-2A-1 — 31-2A-57) › Article 3 - DESIGNATED FACILITY (§§ 31-2A-50 — 31-2A-57) › Section 31-2A-55 - Provisions are not medical care; individualized care and treatment

This article, and any criteria developed by the department pursuant to 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 or expand the authority of a hospital or other health care facility 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 2018 Ga. Laws 392,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2018.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 2A - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (§§ 31-2A-1 — 31-2A-57) › Article 3 - DESIGNATED FACILITY (§§ 31-2A-50 — 31-2A-57) › Section 31-2A-56 - Advertisement prohibited unless designated by department

No person or facility may advertise to the public, by way of any medium whatsoever, that it is a designated facility or has achieved a particular level of maternal or neonatal care according to the criteria established pursuant to this article, unless it has been designated as such by the department.
Added by 2018 Ga. Laws 392,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2018.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 2A - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (§§ 31-2A-1 — 31-2A-57) › Article 3 - DESIGNATED FACILITY (§§ 31-2A-50 — 31-2A-57) › Section 31-2A-57 - Regulatory authority

The department shall be authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to carry out the purposes of this article.
Added by 2018 Ga. Laws 392,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2018.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 3 - COUNTY BOARDS OF HEALTH (§§ 31-3-1 — 31-3-16) › Section 31-3-2.1 - [Repealed] Option for certain counties to create board of health and wellness by ordinance

Repealed by 2016 Ga. Laws 467,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2016.
Amended by 2002 Ga. Laws 990, § 1, eff. 7/1/2002.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 3 - COUNTY BOARDS OF HEALTH (§§ 31-3-1 — 31-3-16) › Section 31-3-3 - Duty to inform department of membership

The county board of health shall keep the department informed of the names, addresses, and terms of office of its members.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 3 - COUNTY BOARDS OF HEALTH (§§ 31-3-1 — 31-3-16) › Section 31-3-5.1 - Conformity prerequisite to building permit

No building permit for the construction of any residence, building, or other facility which is to be served by a sewage management system shall be issued by or pursuant to the authority of a county governing authority unless the sewage management system installation permit is in conformity with standards contained in Code Section
31-2A-11
for sewage management systems. No person, firm, corporation, or other entity shall install a sewage management system in violation of the provisions of Code Section
31-2A-11
or the regulations of a county board of health adopted pursuant to the authority of Code Section
31-3-5
. Each county governing authority shall provide by ordinance or resolution for the enforcement of the provisions of this Code section.
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 244,§ 3-3, eff. 7/1/2011.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 102,§ 1-10, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 3 - COUNTY BOARDS OF HEALTH (§§ 31-3-1 — 31-3-16) › Section 31-3-5.2 - Definition of "gray water"; lawful use

(a)
As used in this Code section, the term "gray water" means waste water discharged from residential lavatories, bathtubs, showers, clothes washers, and laundry trays.
(b)
Private residential direct reuse of gray water shall be lawful if the following conditions are met:
(1)
Gray water originating from the residence shall be used and contained within the property boundary for household gardening, composting, lawn watering, or landscape irrigation;
(2)
Gray water shall not be used for irrigation of food plants;
(3)
The gray water shall not contain hazardous chemicals derived from activities such as cleaning car parts, washing greasy or oily rags, or disposing of waste solutions from home photography laboratories or similar hobbyist or home occupational activities;
(4)
The application of gray water shall be managed to minimize standing water on the surface;
(5)
The application of gray water shall be outside of a floodway;
(6)
The gray water shall not contain water used to wash diapers or similarly soiled or infectious garments unless the gray water is disinfected before irrigation; and
(7)
The gray water shall be applied only by hand watering using garden watering cans or similar hand-held containers.
(c)
County boards of health shall adopt the provisions of subsection (b) of this Code section by regulation. Local governing bodies shall be authorized to punish violations of said regulations as local ordinance violations, provided that the penalty for each such violation shall not exceed a $100.00 fine.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 8,§ 31, eff. 4/14/2009.
Added by 2008 Ga. Laws 686,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2008.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 3 - COUNTY BOARDS OF HEALTH (§§ 31-3-1 — 31-3-16) › Section 31-3-6 - Rules and regulations of local application

The county board of health shall have authority to establish rules and regulations which apply to all citizens and premises of the county or to specified areas and citizens therein without regard to the remainder of the county.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 3 - COUNTY BOARDS OF HEALTH (§§ 31-3-1 — 31-3-16) › Section 31-3-7 - Compensation for members' attendance at meetings

Members of county boards of health shall be paid not more than $25.00 per day for their attendance at meetings of the board, provided funds therefor have been established by budget and are available from funds allocated to that purpose.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 3 - COUNTY BOARDS OF HEALTH (§§ 31-3-1 — 31-3-16) › Section 31-3-8 - Records

The county board of health shall record and preserve true and correct minutes of its proceedings in a book kept for that purpose and shall maintain or cause to be maintained, unless maintained by the governing authority of the county, accurate double entry accounting records including but not limited to:
(1)
Prenumbered duplicates of receipts issued for funds received showing the source of such funds; and
(2)
Records and financial reports including a general ledger maintained in accordance with generally accepted principles of accounting and in accordance with such standards as may be prescribed by the governing authority of the county and the department. Such records shall show all receipts and disbursements, identifying each item and, in the case of disbursements, listing to whom paid, dates, amounts, and objects of expenditure. All accounting records shall be subject to any audits made of general county financial operations and shall be made available for the purpose of such audits.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 3 - COUNTY BOARDS OF HEALTH (§§ 31-3-1 — 31-3-16) › Section 31-3-9 - Office quarters and equipment

The governing body of the county shall provide the county board of health with quarters and equipment sufficient for its operation.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 3 - COUNTY BOARDS OF HEALTH (§§ 31-3-1 — 31-3-16) › Section 31-3-10 - Legal representation

The county board of health may require the legal services of the county attorney or, its budget permitting, may employ other counsel to assist in performing its duties.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 31 - HEALTH (§§ 31-1-1 — 31-54-4) › Chapter 3 - COUNTY BOARDS OF HEALTH (§§ 31-3-1 — 31-3-16) › Section 31-3-11 - Appointments of director and staff; supervision

Each employee of a county board of health whose duties include enforcing those environmental health laws of this state or environmental health regulations of that board of health relating to septic tanks or individual sewage management systems shall be subject to the direction and supervision of the district director of environmental health, although the hiring and termination from employment of such employee shall be subject to the director of that county board of health. The employment activities of such employee with regard to environmental health shall be reported to the director of environmental health through the district director of environmental health at least quarterly. The director of environmental health may recommend to that director of that county board of health personnel actions, including but not limited to termination, which the director of environmental health deems appropriate for such employee's failure or refusal to comply with the direction of the director of environmental health in the carrying out of the environmental health employment duties of such employee. As used in this subsection, the term 'director of environmental health' means the director of environmental health of the Department of Public Health.
Amended by 2024 Ga. Laws 383,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2012 Ga. Laws 630,§ 2-35, eff. 7/1/2012.
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 244,§ 6-1, eff. 7/1/2011.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 155,§ 2, eff. 5/5/2009.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 102,§ 1-4, eff. 7/1/2009.