§ 31-12-1.1. “Bioterrorism” and “Public Health Emergency” Defined
As used in this chapter, the term: “Bioterrorism” means the intentional creation or use of any microorganism, virus, infectious substance, or any component thereof, whether naturally occurring or bioengineered, to cause death, illness, disease, or other biological malfunction in a human, animal, plant, or other living organism in order improperly or illegally to influence the […]
§ 31-12-2. Reporting Certain Diseases and Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome; Confidentiality; Reporting Required of Pharmacists; Immunity From Liability as to Information Supplied; Notification of Potential Bioterrorism
The department is empowered to declare certain diseases, injuries, and conditions to be diseases requiring notice and to require the reporting thereof to the county board of health and the department in a manner and at such times as may be prescribed. The department shall require that such data be supplied as are deemed necessary […]
§ 31-12-2.1. Investigation of Potential Bioterrorism Activity; Regulations and Planning for Public Health Emergencies
The department shall ascertain the existence of any illness or health condition that may be caused by bioterrorism, epidemic or pandemic disease, or novel and highly fatal infectious agents or toxins and that may pose a substantial risk of a public health emergency; investigate all such cases to determine sources of infection and to provide […]
§ 31-12-3. Power to Require Immunization and Other Preventive Measures
The department and all county boards of health are empowered to require, by appropriate rules and regulations, persons located within their respective jurisdictions to submit to vaccination against contagious or infectious disease where the particular disease may occur, whether or not the disease may be an active threat. The department may, in addition, require such […]
§ 31-12-3.1. Vaccination Registry; Reporting Requirements, Maintenance, and Use of Information
The department, for purposes of establishing and maintaining a single repository of accurate, complete, and current vaccination records to be used in aiding, coordinating, and promoting effective and cost-efficient disease prevention and control efforts, shall establish and maintain a vaccination registry. Any person who administers a vaccine or vaccines licensed for use by the United […]
§ 31-12-3.2. Meningococcal Disease; Vaccinations; Disclosures
Every public and nonpublic postsecondary educational institution shall provide to each newly admitted freshman or matriculated student residing in campus housing as defined by the postsecondary educational institution or to the student’s parent or guardian if the student is a minor, the following information: Meningococcal disease is a serious disease that can lead to death […]
§ 31-12-4. Isolation and Segregation of Diseased Persons; Quarantine
The department and all county boards of health may, from time to time, require the isolation or segregation of persons with communicable diseases or conditions likely to endanger the health of others. The department may, in addition, require quarantine or surveillance of carriers of disease and persons exposed to, or suspected of being infected with, […]
§ 31-12-4.1. Smallpox Vaccination and Treatment Program
The Georgia General Assembly makes the following findings: The attacks of September and October, 2001, on the United States have heightened concerns that terrorists may have access to the smallpox virus and may attempt to use it against the American public. In light of these concerns, and in order to secure public health and national […]
§ 31-12-1. Power to Conduct Research and Studies
The Department of Public Health and county boards of health are empowered to conduct studies, research, and training appropriate to the prevention of diseases and accidents, the use and control of toxic materials, and the prevention of environmental conditions which, if permitted to develop or continue, would likely endanger the health of individuals or communities. […]