29-2-9. Definitions.

As used in this part, the term:

‘‘Designating individual’’ means a parent or guardian who appoints a standby guardian. A designating individual may only be:#

1. (A)

   A parent of a minor, provided that he or she has physical custody of the minor and his or her parental rights have not terminated; and provided, further, that the other parent of the minor is deceased, has had his or her parental rights terminated, cannot be found after a diligent search has been made, or has consented to the designation of and service by the standby guardian; or#

2. (B)

   A guardian of the minor who is duly appointed and serving pursuant to court order.#

‘‘Health care professional’’ means a person licensed to practice medicine under Chapter 34 of Title 43 or a person licensed as a registered professional nurse under Chapter 26 of Title 43 and authorized by the Georgia Board of Nursing to practice as a nurse practitioner.#

‘‘Health determination’’ means the dated, written determination by a health care professional that a designating individual is unable to care for a minor due to the designating individual’s physical or mental condition or health including a condition created by medical treatment.#

‘‘Standby guardian’’ means an adult who is named by a designating individual to serve as standby guardian of the minor.#