Research About Meet PRIA

Support Data Sources Privacy Policy Terms of Service Your Privacy Choiceshello@policyrisk.com

© 2026 PRIA Technologies, LLC. All rights reserved.

PRIA provides educational policy intelligence and is not a source of investment, legal, or financial advice. Content is for informational purposes only.

™

Your Policy Risk Impact Agent

Research

At My Address
Federal Courts
Daily Briefings
Medicare & Social Security
Congressional Bills
Federal Register
Tariffs
Fed Decisions & The Economy
State Tracker
World Watch
U.S. Code
U.S. Constitution

Knowledge

Search Polipedia
Daily Briefings
Calculators
What is Policy Risk?
The Countdown

Company

About PRIA
Support

Get PRIA

Support Data Sources Privacy Policy Terms of Service Your Privacy Choices

hello@policyrisk.com

© 2026 PRIA Technologies, LLC. All rights reserved.

PRIA is a trademark of PRIA Technologies, LLC.

PRIA provides educational policy intelligence and is not a source of investment, legal, or financial advice. Content is for informational purposes only.

™

Your Policy Risk Impact Agent

Georgia Statutes, Title 31

Georgia/Statutes

← All Georgia coverage

Title 31

53 chapters · 983 sections in this title.

All chapters in Title 31983 Ch 7, REGULATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF HOSPI…189 Ch 8, CARE AND PROTECTION OF INDIGENT AND …150 Ch 11, EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES65 Ch 2A, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH36 Ch 10, VITAL RECORDS36 Ch 13, RADIATION CONTROL28 Ch 6, STATE HEALTH PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT25 Ch 21, DEAD BODIES22 Ch 1, GENERAL PROVISIONS21 Ch 3, COUNTY BOARDS OF HEALTH19 Ch 12, CONTROL OF HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS, PRE…19 Ch 14, HOSPITALIZATION FOR TUBERCULOSIS16 Ch 41, LEAD POISONING PREVENTION16 Ch 2, DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY HEALTH15

189 sections·Filtered byTitle 31✕Ch 7✕

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-156 Fee system for services under this article
0.3K chars
The department is authorized to establish by standards and policies a fee system which will be applied to all services under this article in order to defray the actual expenses which are incurred by discharging the obligations of this article. History. — Ga. L. 1980, p. 1790, § 9…
O.C.G.A. § 31-7-157 Exemptions from article
0.7K chars
This article shall not apply to services which are provided under the following conditions: (1) Personal or paraprofessional health services provided either with or without compensation when there is no claim that the service is provided as a part of a licensed home health agency…
O.C.G.A. § 31-7-158 Penalties for unlicensed operation
0.3K chars
Any person who operates a home health agency without first obtaining a license pursuant to this article shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $500.00 or imprisoned for a period not to exceed six months, or …
O.C.G.A. § 31-7-159 Licensure and regulation of home health agencies transferred to Department of Community Health

Showing 101–150 of 189

Page 3 of 4

← Previous Next →

3.4K chars

(a) Effective July 1, 2009, all matters relating to the licensure and regulation of home health agencies pursuant to this article shall be transferred from the Department of Human Resources (now known as the Department of Human Services) to the Department of Community Health. (b)…

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-160 Definitions

0.9K chars

As used in this article, the term: (1) ‘‘Health service provider psychologist’’ means a licensed psychologist who meets the criteria of training and experience as provided in Code Section 31-7-162 in the delivery of direct, preventive, assessment and therapeutic intervention serv…

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-162 Training and experience requirements

0.9K chars

A health service provider psychologist shall meet the following criteria of training and experience: (1) The psychologist must be currently licensed by the State Board of Examiners of Psychologists; (2) The psychologist must be eligible to be listed in the National Register of He…

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-163 Status of present psychologist staff members

0.2K chars

Nothing in this article shall prohibit a psychologist currently a member of a hospital staff or an employee of a hospital from continuing to work in that capacity. History. — Code 1981, § 31-7-163, enacted by Ga. L. 1983, p. 1426, § 2.

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-164 Limitation or revocation of staff privileges

0.6K chars

Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, the exercise of privileges in any medical facility or institution may be limited, restricted, or revoked for reasons including, but not limited to, the violation of such medical facility’s or institution’s rules, regulations, o…

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-165 Report of denial of staff privileges

0.3K chars

When any health service provider psychologist is denied staff privileges or is removed from the medical or professional staff, such action shall be reported by the facility to the State Board of Examiners of Psychologists. History. — Code 1981, § 31-7-165, enacted by Ga. L. 1983,…

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-170 Short title

0.1K chars

This article shall be known and may be cited as the ‘‘Georgia Hospice Law.’’ History. — Code 1981, § 31-7-170, enacted by Ga. L. 1983, p. 1317, § 2.

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-171 Legislative findings and purpose

0.7K chars

(a) The General Assembly finds that there is an interest in and need for hospice care, an alternative form of health care, for terminally ill patients and their families. The General Assembly further finds that hospice care is an important innovation which should be recognized an…

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-172 Definitions

4.0K chars

As used in this article, the term: (1) ‘‘Advanced and progressive disease’’ means a serious life-threatening medical condition which is irreversible and which will continue indefinitely, where there is no reasonable hope of recovery, but where the patient’s medical prognosis is o…

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-173 License required

0.6K chars

No person, private or public organization, political subdivision, or other governmental agency may operate a hospice as defined in Code Section 31-7-172 without first obtaining license from the department. A license issued under this article is not assignable or transferable and …

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-174 Application for license

0.4K chars

Any person, organization, or agency desiring to operate a hospice shall file with the department an application on a form prescribed and furnished by the department. The application shall contain such reasonable information as the department may require related to the department’…

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-175 Administration of article

1.4K chars

(a) The administration of this article is vested in the Department of Community Health which shall: (1) Prepare and furnish all forms necessary under the provisions of this article in relation to the application for licensure or renewals thereof; (2) After consultation with appro…

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-176 Responsibilities of provider of hospice care

1.4K chars

(a) The hospice care program shall coordinate its services with those of the patient’s primary or attending physicians, and may contract out for elements of services rendered to the patient and family unit, but not for the basic hospice care services, provided by physicians, atte…

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-176.1 Determination or pronouncement of death

1.0K chars

When a patient who is terminally ill or whose death is anticipated and who is receiving hospice care from a licensed hospice dies, a physician assistant, a nurse practitioner, or a registered professional nurse licensed in this state and employed by such hospice at the time of ap…

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-177 Inpatient beds

0.4K chars

Since hospice care is primarily provided at home, licensure shall not be determined solely on the number of inpatient beds needed for service. Inpatient beds under contract to a hospice program may be used by the hospice when needed but may remain otherwise available to the inpat…

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-178 Inspection

0.4K chars

The department shall periodically inspect each hospice for which a license has been issued to ensure that the licensee is providing quality care to its patients; provided, however, that a hospice shall be exempt from additional on-site licensure inspection if certified in accorda…

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-179 Certificate of need not required

0.3K chars

Where a hospice has obtained a license from the department, there shall be no requirement that the hospice obtain a certificate of need in order to provide any hospice care. History. — Code 1981, § 31-7-179, enacted by Ga. L. 1983, p. 1317, § 2. ARTICLE 10 PATIENT CENTERED AND FA…

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-190 Legislative intent

0.2K chars

The intent of the General Assembly in enacting this article is to improve quality and delivery of patient centered and family focused palliative care in this state. History. — Code 1981, § 31-7-190, enacted by Ga. L. 2016, p. 155, § 1/HB 509.

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-191 Definitions

1.1K chars

As used in this article, the term: (1) ‘‘Commissioner’’ means the commissioner of community health. (2) ‘‘Department’’ means the Department of Community Health. (3) ‘‘Georgia Palliative Care and Quality of Life Advisory Council’’ or ‘‘council’’ means the advisory council created …

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-192 Georgia Palliative Care and Quality of Life Advisory Council

3.8K chars

(a) There is hereby created the Georgia Palliative Care and Quality of Life Advisory Council within the department. The council shall be composed of nine members, as follows: (1) The chairperson of the House Committee on Health and Human Services, or his or her designee; (2) The …

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-193 Palliative Care Consumer and Professional Information and Education Program

1.3K chars

(a) There is established a state-wide Palliative Care Consumer and Professional Information and Education Program within the department. (b) The purpose of the Palliative Care Consumer and Professional Information and Education Program shall be to maximize the effectiveness of pa…

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-250 Definitions

5.9K chars

As used in this article, the term: (1) ‘‘Conviction’’ means a finding or verdict of guilty or a plea of guilty regardless of whether an appeal of the conviction has been sought. (2) ‘‘Crime’’ means commission of any of the following offenses: (A) A violation of Code Section 16-5-…

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-251 New facility licensing; facility directors

0.3K chars

On and after July 1, 1985, an applicant for a new license shall have a separate license for each new facility in this state owned or operated by that applicant and shall have a separate director for each such facility. History. — Code 1981, § 31-7-251, enacted by Ga. L. 1985, p. …

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-252 Director records check applications and employee preliminary records check applications; satisfactory alternative evidence; contracts for records check determinations

0.9K chars

Accompanying any application for a new license for a facility, the applicant shall furnish to the department a records check application and a preliminary records check application for the director of such facility. In lieu of such records check applications, the applicant may su…

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-253 Written notification as to department’s preliminary records check determinations; effect of unsatisfactory determinations; issuance of temporary licenses

1.3K chars

After being furnished the required records check applications under Code Section 31-7-252, the department shall notify in writing the license applicant as to each person for whom an application was received regarding whether the department’s determination as to that person’s prel…

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-254 Transmission of director’s fingerprints to Georgia Crime Information Center for review; notification to department of findings; retention of fingerprints

1.6K chars

After issuing a temporary license based upon a preliminary records check determination of the director that is satisfactory under Code Section 31-7-253, the department shall transmit to GCIC both sets of fingerprints and the records search fee from that director’s records check a…

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-255 Issuance of regular licenses

1.3K chars

After receiving a GCIC notification regarding a director’s fingerprint records check under Code Section 31-7-254, the department shall make a determination based thereon and notify in writing the license applicant as to whether that records check was satisfactory or unsatisfactor…

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-258 Change of facility director; notification to department; effect of department determination

4.7K chars

(a) If the director of a facility which has been issued a regular license ceases to be the director of that facility, the licensee shall thereupon designate a new director. After such change, the licensee of that facility shall notify the department of such change and of any addi…

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-259 Preliminary records check determination; suspension or revocation of license; refusal to issue regular license; fingerprint check; employment history; director’s criminal liability; exempt employees;

8.0K chars

(a) Before a person may become a director of any facility that has received either a temporary or regular license, that facility shall require that person to furnish to the department a preliminary records check application and a records check application and the department shall…

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-260 Cooperation of Georgia Crime Information Center and law enforcement agencies with department; liability for misuse or attempted misuse of information

1.0K chars

(a) GCIC and law enforcement agencies which have access to GCIC information shall cooperate with the department in performing preliminary and fingerprint records checks required under this chapter and shall provide such information so required for such records checks notwithstand…

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-261 Liability for claims in connection with dissemination of information or determination based thereon

0.7K chars

(a) Neither GCIC, the department, any county board of health, any law enforcement agency, nor the employees of any such entities shall be responsible for the accuracy of information or have any liability for defamation, invasion of privacy, negligence, or any other claim in conne…

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-262 Supplemental nature of requirements of this article

0.2K chars

The requirements of this article are supplemental to any requirements for a license imposed by Article 1 of this chapter. History. — Code 1981, § 31-7-262, enacted by Ga. L. 1985, p. 952, § 2.

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-263 Contested cases for purposes of the ‘‘Georgia Administrative Procedure Act

2.0K chars

A determination by the department regarding preliminary or fingerprint records checks under this article or any action by the department revoking, suspending, or refusing to grant or renew a license based upon such determination shall constitute a contested case for purposes of C…

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-264 Regulatory power of department

0.2K chars

The department is authorized to provide by regulation for the administration of this article. History. — Code 1981, § 31-7-264, enacted by Ga. L. 1985, p. 952, § 2.

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-265 Facility licensing and employee records checks for personal care homes transferred to Department of Community Health

3.4K chars

(a) Effective July 1, 2009, all matters relating to facility licensing and employee records checks for personal care homes pursuant to this article shall be transferred from the Department of Human Resources (now known as the Department of Human Services) to the Department of Com…

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-280 Health care provider annual reports; form

5.9K chars

(a) As used in this article, the term: (1) ‘‘Department’’ means the Department of Community Health. (2) ‘‘Health care provider’’ means any hospital or ambulatory surgical or obstetrical facility having a license or permit issued by the department under Article 1 of this chapter. …

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-281 Data system established; departmental authority

1.5K chars

(a) The department shall be required to establish and operate a state-wide health care data system to collect, compile, analyze, and disseminate data collected pursuant to this article from health care providers and other specified entities. (b) The department shall be authorized…

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-282 Collection and submission of data

1.2K chars

The department shall be authorized to request, collect, or receive the collection and submission of data listed in subsection (c) of Code Section 31-7-280 from: (1) Health care providers; (2) The Department of Human Services; (3) The Commissioner of Insurance; (4) Reserved; (5) T…

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-283 Compilation and dissemination of information; rules and regulations

1.6K chars

(a) The department shall compile, direct the compilation of, and disseminate comparative information provided in the annual reports under Code Section 31-7-280 on a health care provider specific basis. (b) Any data collected by the department may be included in department reports…

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-284 Public disclosure; updating of data base; publication; fees

1.4K chars

(a) Subject to the procedures specified in subsection (b) of Code Section 31-7-283, the department shall be authorized to disclose nonpatient-specific data required under this article. Dissemination of such data to the public shall be made in clear and understandable language and…

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-285 Confidentiality; liability

1.9K chars

(a) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, it shall not be unlawful for any entity which may be requested or required to provide data to the department under this article so to provide that information or for the department or its designees to provide such informat…

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-300 Definitions

2.6K chars

As used in this article, the term: (1) ‘‘Companion or sitter tasks’’ means the following tasks which are provided to elderly, handicapped, or convalescing individuals: transport and escort services; meal preparation and serving; and household tasks essential to cleanliness and sa…

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-301 License requirement; license not assignable or transferable

0.5K chars

Except as otherwise provided in this article, on and after July 1, 1996, no person, business entity, corporation, or association, whether operated for profit or not for profit, may operate as a private home care provider without first obtaining a license or provisional license fr…

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-302 Rules and regulations; authority of department to issue, suspend, or revoke licenses

0.4K chars

The department is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to implement this article. The department is authorized to issue, deny, suspend, or revoke licenses or take other disciplinary actions against licensees as provided in Code Section 31-2-8. History. — Code 1981, § 31…

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-303 Inspections; requirements for exemption

0.6K chars

Each private home care provider for which a license has been issued shall be inspected by the department periodically; provided, however, the department may exempt a provider from inspections if it is certified or accredited by a certification or accreditation entity recognized a…

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-304 Fees

0.6K chars

The department is authorized to charge an application fee, a license fee, a license renewal fee, or a similar fee; and the amount of such fees shall be established by the Board of Community Health. Each fee so established shall be reasonable and shall be determined in such a mann…

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-305 Exempt services

1.9K chars

This article shall not apply to private home care services which are provided under the following conditions: (1) When those services are provided directly by an individual, either with or without compensation, and not by agents or employees of the individual and not through inde…