§ 31-9-1. Short Title
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Georgia Medical Consent Law.” History. Code 1933, § 88-2901, enacted by Ga. L. 1971, p. 438, § 1.
§ 31-9-2. Persons Authorized to Consent to Surgical or Medical Treatment
In addition to such other persons as may be authorized and empowered, any one of the following persons is authorized and empowered to consent, either orally or otherwise, to any surgical or medical treatment or procedures not prohibited by law which may be suggested, recommended, prescribed, or directed by a duly licensed physician: Any adult, […]
§ 31-9-3. Emergencies
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 […]
§ 31-9-4. Applicability of Chapter to Care and Treatment of Mentally Ill
This chapter shall be applicable to the care and treatment of patients in facilities for the mentally ill as defined in paragraph (7) of Code Section 37-3-1. History. Code 1933, § 88-2903, enacted by Ga. L. 1971, p. 438, § 1; Ga. L. 1975, p. 704, § 1.
§ 31-9-5. Applicability of Chapter to Abortion and Sterilization Procedures
This chapter shall not apply in any manner whatsoever to abortion and sterilization procedures, which procedures shall continue to be governed by existing law independently of the terms and provisions of this chapter. History. Code 1933, § 88-2902, enacted by Ga. L. 1971, p. 438, § 1. Cross references. Abortion generally, § 16-12-140 et seq. […]
§ 31-9-6. Construction of Chapter; Requirements of Valid Consent
This chapter shall be liberally construed, and all relationships set forth in this chapter shall include the adoptive, foster, and step relations as well as blood relations and the relationship by common-law marriage as well as ceremonial marriage. A consent by one person authorized and empowered to consent to surgical or medical treatment shall be […]
§ 31-9-6.1. Disclosure of Certain Information to Persons Undergoing Certain Surgical or Diagnostic Procedures; Failure to Comply; Exceptions; Regulations Establishing Standards for Implementation
Except as otherwise provided in this Code section, any person who undergoes any surgical procedure under general anesthesia, spinal anesthesia, or major regional anesthesia or any person who undergoes an amniocentesis diagnostic procedure or a diagnostic procedure which involves the intravenous or intraductal injection of a contrast material must consent to such procedure and shall […]
§ 31-9-7. Right of Persons Who Are at Least 18 Years of Age to Refuse to Consent to Treatment
Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to abridge any right of a person 18 years of age or over to refuse to consent to medical and surgical treatment as to his own person. History. Code 1933, § 88-2907, enacted by Ga. L. 1971, p. 438, § 1.