Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 511-2-6-.04 - Handling of Infected Human Remains When Death Occurs Outside of a Hospital or Medical Facility

(1) Any person who becomes aware of a death that occurs outside of a hospital or healthcare facility, or otherwise without medical attendance, in circumstances where a diagnosis of a dangerous virus disease is possible, shall immediately notify the Director of Health Protection of the Georgia Department of Public Health or designee and the county coroner or medical examiner. "Circumstances where a diagnosis of a dangerous virus disease is possible" exist when the following occurred:

(a) the deceased came into contact with a person infected with the virus within 35 days prior to death, or the deceased visited, within 30 days prior to death, an area of the world experiencing an outbreak or epidemic of a dangerous virus disease; and

(b) the deceased experienced any of the following symptoms immediately prior to death:

1. fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or more;

2. diarrhea;

3. vomiting;

4. unexplained bleeding or bruising;

5. severe abdominal pain;

6. severe muscle pain or weakness;

7. severe headache.

(2) The site of death shall be immediately closed off and secured, and only persons trained in the safe handling of infected articles and human remains, using appropriate personal protective equipment, shall be permitted at the site until the completion of testing as provided in subsection (3) and (4) below. The body shall be handled in accordance with DPH Rule 511-2-6-.01(4)(a) through (d) above and shall remain on site pending the results of testing. The remaining site shall not be disturbed or handled without express permission from the Director of Health Protection of the Georgia Department of Public Health or designee. Any bed linens, clothes, towels, or other articles that came in contact with the deceased shall likewise not be disturbed or handled.

(3) A blood or tissue sample shall be taken by a person or company approved by the Department and transported directly to a laboratory for testing as directed by the Director of Health Protection of the Georgia Department of Public Health or designee.

(4) The test results shall be reported immediately to the family or property owner and to the county coroner or medical examiner. If the sample tests negative for a dangerous virus, then this Chapter shall no longer apply and the county coroner or medical examiner shall assume jurisdiction over the body and the site of death. If the sample tests positive for a dangerous virus, then the body and the site of death shall be handled in accordance with DPH Rules 511-2-6-.01 through -.03 above.

Notes

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 511-2-6-.04

O.C.G.A. §§ 31-2A-4(2), 31-2A-6.

Original Rule entitled "Handling of Infected Human Remains When Death Occurs Outside of a Hospital or Medical Facility" adopted. F. Feb. 16, 2016; eff. Mar. 7, 2016.