§ 37-5-1. Short Title
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Community Services Act for the Developmentally Disabled.” History. Ga. L. 1972, p. 700, § 1; Ga. L. 2009, p. 453, § 3-5/HB 228.
§ 37-5-2. Declaration of Policy
Since the State of Georgia accepts a responsibility for its developmentally disabled citizens and an obligation to them which it must discharge, facilities, programs, and services shall be made available to meet the needs of each developmentally disabled person during his entire lifetime. The primary purpose of this chapter shall be to provide community based […]
§ 37-5-3. Community Services Defined
As used in this chapter, the term “community services” means a coordinated, consumer and family centered, consumer and family directed, and comprehensive system of community services, individualized supports, and other forms of assistance that enable individuals with developmental disabilities to exercise self-determination, be independent, be productive, and be integrated and included in all facets of […]
§ 37-5-4. Applicability of Chapter; Eligibility for Community Services
This chapter shall apply to all county boards of health in Georgia and to the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. Developmentally disabled individuals who are not eligible to receive community services from other public agencies and developmentally disabled individuals who are not in fact receiving such services shall be entitled to receive all […]
§ 37-5-5. Duty of County Board of Health to Provide Community Services; District Health Department to Advise Families or Guardians of Developmentally Disabled Individuals
County boards of health shall, subject to limitations herein specified, provide community services and shall employ such personnel as may be needed to serve developmentally disabled individuals in their respective counties. The district health department shall be the source of referral and information for the families or guardians of developmentally disabled individuals providing lifetime advice […]
§ 37-5-6. County or Health District Plan for Community Services; Review and Approval of Plan by the Department
Each county board of health shall, on or before July 1, 1973, submit to the department a plan for providing comprehensive community services to developmentally disabled individuals residing in the county, provided that any group of counties comprising a health district may join and submit one plan covering the entire health district. The plan shall […]
§ 37-5-7. Duty of Department to Provide Consulting and Financial Assistance to County Boards of Health; Failure of County Boards of Health to Provide Community Services
The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities shall provide assistance to county boards of health in developing a full range of community services for the developmentally disabled through consultation and provision of standards. The department shall assist county boards of health in obtaining federal funds where such resources are available and shall finance 100 […]
§ 37-5-8. Duty of Department to Establish Standards for Community Services, Inspect Programs, Issue Statements of Approval; Procedure Upon Discovery of Deficiencies; Reinspection
The department shall establish standards for community services, shall regularly inspect programs under operation, and shall issue statements of approval to programs which meet state standards. Where deficiencies are found, county boards of health shall be notified and a reasonable time to correct such deficiencies shall be allowed. Reinspections shall be made as necessary to […]
§ 37-5-9. Fees for Community Services
The department and its contractors are authorized to charge fees for community services they provide under this chapter based upon ability to pay, in accordance with guidelines established by the department. When such services are provided by county boards of health, Code Section 31-3-4 authorizes the establishment of fees for the services. No person shall […]