---
title: O.C.G.A. § 31-8-83. Investigations.
collection: code
id: 31-8-83
cite_as: O.C.G.A. § 31-8-83 (2025)
canonical_url: https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-83
md_url: https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-83.md
text_url: https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-83/text
source_url: https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/document/docs/default-source/joint-features-document-library/t31-(v23)-2025-pdf.pdf?sfvrsn=da7ded69_0#page=526
date: 2025
status: active
corpus_version: 2025-supplement-89aa39ab3c68
license: CC0-1.0
publisher: Georgia Commons, an independent project of Georgia Civic Data. Not the State of Georgia. Not legal advice.
up: https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8.md
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index: https://georgiacommons.org/code/index.md
version: the only printed version
in_force: true
current_through: Including Acts of the 2025 Session of the General Assembly of Georgia
heading_path: HEALTH / CARE AND PROTECTION OF INDIGENT AND ELDERLY PATIENTS / REPORTING ABUSE OR EXPLOITATION OF RESIDENTS IN LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES
---

# O.C.G.A. § 31-8-83. Investigations.

(a) The department shall immediately initiate an investigation after the receipt of any report. The department shall direct and conduct all investigations; however, it may delegate the conduct of investigations to local police authorities or other appropriate agencies. If such delegation occurs, the agency to which authority has been delegated must report the results of its investigation to the department immediately upon completion.

(b) The investigation shall determine the nature, cause, and extent of the reported abuse or exploitation, an assessment of the current condition of the resident, and an assessment of needed action and services. Where appropriate, the investigation shall include a prompt visit to the resident.

(c) The investigating agency shall collect and preserve all evidence relating to the suspected abuse or exploitation.

(d) All state, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies, employees of long-term care facilities, and other appropriate persons shall cooperate with the department or investigating agency in the administration of this article.

## History

Code 1933, § 88-1904c, enacted by Ga. L. 1980, p. 1261, § 1.