---
title: O.C.G.A. § 31-9-3. Emergencies.
collection: code
id: 31-9-3
cite_as: O.C.G.A. § 31-9-3 (2025)
canonical_url: https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-9-3
md_url: https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-9-3.md
text_url: https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-9-3/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=603
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/31-9.md
previous: https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-9-2.md
next: https://georgiacommons.org/code/31-9-4.md
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 / CONSENT FOR SURGICAL OR MEDICAL TREATMENT
---

# O.C.G.A. § 31-9-3. Emergencies.

(a) As used in this Code section, the term “emergency” means a situation wherein (1) according to competent medical judgment, the proposed surgical or medical treatment or procedures are reasonably necessary and (2) a person authorized to consent under Code Section 31-9-2 is not readily available and any delay in treatment could reasonably be expected to jeopardize the life or health of the person affected or could reasonably result in disfigurement or impaired faculties.

(b) In addition to any instances in which a consent is excused or implied at law, a consent to surgical or medical treatment or procedures suggested, recommended, prescribed, or directed by a duly licensed physician will be implied where an emergency exists.

## History

Code 1933, § 88-2905, enacted by Ga. L. 1971, p. 438, § 1.

## Cross References

Further provisions regarding liability for rendering of emergency care, §§ 31-11-8, 51-1-29.