---
title: Title 31, Chapter 8. Care and Protection of Indigent and Elderly Patients
collection: code
id: code:chapter:31-8
canonical_url: https://georgiacommons.org/code/title/31/chapter/8
md_url: https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8.md
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.md
previous: https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-7.md
next: https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-9.md
index: https://georgiacommons.org/code/index.md
heading: CARE AND PROTECTION OF INDIGENT AND ELDERLY PATIENTS
title_heading: HEALTH
section_count: 155
full_url: https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8.md?full=1
---

# Title 31, Chapter 8. Care and Protection of Indigent and Elderly Patients

Title 31. Health

155 sections. Each line is `citation, catchline, status, URL`; the text of every section, in order, is at https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8.md?full=1 (capped, with a pointer to continue).

- 31-8-1, Establishment and purpose of program; administration, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-1.md
- 31-8-2, Definitions, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-2.md
- 31-8-3, Disbursement of state funds to counties, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-3.md
- 31-8-4, Qualification of counties for participation in program, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-4.md
- 31-8-5, Submission of budget by county, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-5.md
- 31-8-6, Credit for expenditures by county, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-6.md
- 31-8-7, Qualifications for assistance under program; waiver of residence requirements in emergencies, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-7.md
- 31-8-8, Agreements between department and other agencies and organizations to obtain funds, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-8.md
- 31-8-9, Use of gifts and donations, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-9.md
- 31-8-9.1, Tax credit for contributions to certain rural hospital organizations; hospital eligibility and requirements, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-9.1.md
- 31-8-10, Rules and regulations, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-10.md
- 31-8-11, Construction of article, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-11.md
- 31-8-30, Legislative findings, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-30.md
- 31-8-31, Definitions, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-31.md
- 31-8-32, Determination of indigency, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-32.md
- 31-8-33, Creation of fund, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-33.md
- 31-8-34, Maintenance of records; certification of cost of care; determination of amount of fund, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-34.md
- 31-8-35, Payments from fund to hospitals, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-35.md
- 31-8-36, State appropriations to fund, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-36.md
- 31-8-37, Compliance with this article contingent upon appropriation, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-37.md
- 31-8-40, Legislative findings, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-40.md
- 31-8-41, Definitions, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-41.md
- 31-8-42, Requirement of hospitals with emergency services to provide care to pregnant women in labor, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-42.md
- 31-8-43, Determination of indigency; county responsibilities, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-43.md
- 31-8-43.1, Patient’s liability for costs; required cooperation; actions to recover costs, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-43.1.md
- 31-8-44, Immunity from liability, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-44.md
- 31-8-45, Cause of action for patient wrongfully denied care, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-45.md
- 31-8-46, Investigation; penalty; rules and regulations, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-46.md
- 31-8-50, Legislative findings, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-50.md
- 31-8-51, Definitions, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-51.md
- 31-8-52, Establishment of long-term care ombudsman program, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-52.md
- 31-8-53, Duties of state ombudsman, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-53.md
- 31-8-54, Duties of community ombudsmen, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-54.md
- 31-8-55, Investigations; cooperation of government agencies; communication with residents, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-55.md
- 31-8-56, Resolution of complaints, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-56.md
- 31-8-57, Reporting abuse, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-57.md
- 31-8-58, Confidentiality, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-58.md
- 31-8-59, Notice to residents, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-59.md
- 31-8-60, Retaliation against resident and interference with ombudsman prohibited; violations, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-60.md
- 31-8-61, Liability for provision of information, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-61.md
- 31-8-62, Liability arising from complaints, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-62.md
- 31-8-63, Rules and regulations, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-63.md
- 31-8-80, Short title, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-80.md
- 31-8-81, Definitions, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-81.md
- 31-8-82, Mandatory reporters; timing and contents of reports; records; privileged communications, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-82.md
- 31-8-83, Investigations, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-83.md
- 31-8-84, Evaluation of results of investigation; protection of resident, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-84.md
- 31-8-85, Immunity from liability, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-85.md
- 31-8-86, Confidentiality, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-86.md
- 31-8-87, Retaliation prohibited, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-87.md
- 31-8-88, Notice of requirements of article, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-88.md
- 31-8-100, Short title, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-100.md
- 31-8-101, Legislative findings, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-101.md
- 31-8-102, Definitions, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-102.md
- 31-8-103, Rights of residents generally, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-103.md
- 31-8-104, Explanation of rights; acknowledgment of explanation; posting of rights at facilities, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-104.md
- 31-8-105, Giving certain notices to persons who became residents before July 1, 1981, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-105.md
- 31-8-106, Required notices and disclosures to residents; changes in rates or services; billing; access to nonmedical records, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-106.md
- 31-8-107, Discrimination on the basis of history or condition of mental or physical disease or disability prohibited, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-107.md
- 31-8-108, Required care, treatment, and services; rights of residents; experimental research or treatment, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-108.md
- 31-8-109, Use or threat of physical restraints, isolation, or restrictions on mobility, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-109.md
- 31-8-110, Right to select pharmacy or pharmacist; charges for pharmaceutical supplies and services; information as to purpose and effects of drugs, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-110.md
- 31-8-111, Rights as citizen, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-111.md
- 31-8-112, Freedom of residents, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-112.md
- 31-8-113, Rights regarding personal property, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-113.md
- 31-8-114, Right to privacy, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-114.md
- 31-8-115, Use of payments; right to manage financial affairs, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-115.md
- 31-8-116, Involuntary transfer of residents discharged from facility; return to facility after transfer, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-116.md
- 31-8-117, Suspension of certain rights where exercise poses danger to self or other residents; notice of suspension; duration, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-117.md
- 31-8-118, Freedom to exercise rights, pursue interests, voice complaints, and recommend changes; accommodations, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-118.md
- 31-8-119, Obtaining contributions by coercion; use of contributions designated for a restricted purpose; receipts and records of contributions, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-119.md
- 31-8-120, Visitors; right of access, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-120.md
- 31-8-121, Right to form residents’ council; compulsory participation prohibited, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-121.md
- 31-8-122, Policies and procedures; compliance and training requirements, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-122.md
- 31-8-123, Use of state or community ombudsman to resolve residents’ complaints, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-123.md
- 31-8-124, Grievances, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-124.md
- 31-8-125, Administrative hearings, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-125.md
- 31-8-126, Violation of rights; cause of action; civil and criminal penalty, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-126.md
- 31-8-127, Rules and regulations, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-127.md
- 31-8-130, Short title, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-130.md
- 31-8-131, Legislative findings, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-131.md
- 31-8-132, Definitions, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-132.md
- 31-8-133, Residents’ rights, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-133.md
- 31-8-134, Grievances, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-134.md
- 31-8-135, Hearing; transfer of resident, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-135.md
- 31-8-136, Violation of rights; cause of action; damages; criminal penalty, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-136.md
- 31-8-137, Temporary restraining order; injunctions, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-137.md
- 31-8-138, Failure to validly license as defense, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-138.md
- 31-8-139, Mandamus, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-139.md
- 31-8-150, Constitutional authority, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-150.md
- 31-8-151, Definitions, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-151.md
- 31-8-152, Creation of Indigent Care Trust Fund, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-152.md
- 31-8-152.1, State sales and use taxation of certain health care services, repealed (no version in force today), https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-152.1.md
- 31-8-153, Contributions to trust fund, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-153.md
- 31-8-153.1, Irrevocable transfer of funds to trust fund; provision for indigent patients, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-153.1.md
- 31-8-153.2, Revenues raised from specified sources, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-153.2.md
- 31-8-153.3, No lapse of contributions to the general fund, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-153.3.md
- 31-8-154, Authorized expenditure of contributed funds, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-154.md
- 31-8-155, Contributions; transfers and disbursements of funds, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-155.md
- 31-8-156, Appropriation of state funds, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-156.md
- 31-8-157, Refunding contributed funds; penalties not refunded, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-157.md
- 31-8-158, Refunding funds not appropriated or determined void or ineligible, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-158.md
- 31-8-159, Annual report, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-159.md
- 31-8-160, Applicability of Article 7 of Chapter 4 of Title 49, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-160.md
- 31-8-161, Constitutional authority, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-161.md
- 31-8-162, Definitions, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-162.md
- 31-8-163, Segregated account for the deposit of fee, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-163.md
- 31-8-164, Assessment and payment of fee, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-164.md
- 31-8-165, Collection, deposit, and use of fees; reporting; records; inaccurate payments; penalty, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-165.md
- 31-8-166, Appropriation of revenues to the department; use of funds; nonlapsing, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-166.md
- 31-8-167, Annual report, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-167.md
- 31-8-168, Request for waiver from United States Department of Health and Human Services, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-168.md
- 31-8-169, Application of the Medical Assistance Act of 1977, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-169.md
- 31-8-170, Constitutional authority, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-170.md
- 31-8-171, Definitions, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-171.md
- 31-8-172, Segregated account for the deposit of fees, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-172.md
- 31-8-173, Assessment, calculation, and payment of fees, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-173.md
- 31-8-174, Collection, deposit, and use of fees; reporting; records; inaccurate payments; penalty, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-174.md
- 31-8-175, Appropriation of revenues to the department, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-175.md
- 31-8-176, Annual report, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-176.md
- 31-8-177, Applicability of the Georgia Medical Assistance Act of 1977, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-177.md
- 31-8-179, Constitutional authority; short title, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-179.md
- 31-8-179.1, Definitions, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-179.1.md
- 31-8-179.2, Authority to impose provider payments, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-179.2.md
- 31-8-179.3, Segregated account for provider payments; use of funds; records; penalty for nonpayment, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-179.3.md
- 31-8-179.4, Appropriation of revenues to department; use of funds; nonlapsing, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-179.4.md
- 31-8-179.5, Applicability of Georgia Medical Assistance Act, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-179.5.md
- 31-8-179.6, Automatic repeal, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-179.6.md
- 31-8-180, Definitions, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-180.md
- 31-8-181, Individuals and hospitals excluded from application of article, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-181.md
- 31-8-182, Disclosure of care, treatment, or therapeutic activities required; disclosure form, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-182.md
- 31-8-183, Areas covered by disclosure requirements, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-183.md
- 31-8-184, Failure to provide disclosure; review and verification of disclosure form, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-184.md
- 31-8-190, Short title, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-190.md
- 31-8-191, Legislative findings, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-191.md
- 31-8-192, Definitions, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-192.md
- 31-8-193, Establishment of program; contracts with health care providers, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-193.md
- 31-8-194, Notice to patients required, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-194.md
- 31-8-195, Volunteers to provide services, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-195.md
- 31-8-195.1, Sovereign immunity protection for health care professionals in safety net clinics, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-195.1.md
- 31-8-196, Exemption from employment regulations, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-196.md
- 31-8-197, Annual report of claims statistics, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-197.md
- 31-8-198, Annual report by the department summarizing the efficiency of access and treatment outcomes, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-198.md
- 31-8-199, Department’s responsibilities regarding liability insurance, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-199.md
- 31-8-200, Rules and regulations, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-200.md
- 31-8-201, Applicability; preservation of the state’s rights under the Tort Claims Act, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-201.md
- 31-8-210, Committee established; composition; officers; terms of office; duties and responsibilities; assistance from other state officers and agencies; compensation, per diem, and expense allowances; funding, reserved (no version in force today), https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-210.md
- 31-8-300, Definitions, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-300.md
- 31-8-301, Drug repository program established; criteria and requirements for unused over-the-counter and prescription drugs, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-301.md
- 31-8-302, Procedures for donation and dispensing of unused over-the-counter and prescription drugs, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-302.md
- 31-8-303, Limited liability, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-303.md
- 31-8-304, Rules and regulations; waiver, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-304.md
- 31-8-305, Substitutions of drugs or biological products; limitations; recording, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-305.md
- 31-8-306, Settlements for prescription drugs that are not controlled substances; distributions, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-306.md
- 31-8-307, Referrals to the drug repository program, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-8-307.md