Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 511-9-1-.03 - Public Health Control Measures

(1) Upon report of a communicable disease dangerous to the public health, or upon discovery that an individual or group of individuals may be infected with or may have been exposed to a communicable disease, the Department may exercise the authorities and powers set forth in Titles 31 and 38 of the Georgia Code, including social distancing, as determined necessary to control the spread of disease.

(2) In order to control the spread of a communicable disease that may pose a threat to the public health, the Department may:

(a) Isolate persons infected with communicable diseases or conditions likely to endanger the health of others, until they are found to be free of the infectious agent or disease;

(b) Quarantine persons exposed to, or reasonably suspected of having been exposed to, a communicable disease, until they are found to be free of the infectious agent or disease;

(c) Require surveillance, including the active and direct active monitoring of carriers of disease and persons exposed to, or reasonably suspected of having been exposed to, a communicable disease, until it is determined that they no longer pose a threat of spreading disease;

(d) Require persons to be vaccinated or immunized, examined, and treated;

1. Except as provided in subsection (2) below, an individual shall be exempt from vaccination or immunization if the person, or the parent or legal guardian in the case of a minor, furnishes an affidavit that complies with DPH Rule 511-2-2-.07.

2. The Department may require vaccination or immunization of those who object on the grounds of religious beliefs if it is determined that an epidemic or the threat of an epidemic exists;

(e) Restrict travel into or within the state;

(f) Limit or cancel public gatherings;

(g) Close, evacuate, or decontaminate any facility, or destroy or decontaminate any contaminated materials, that the Department reasonably suspects may pose a danger to public health.

(3) The Department may implement a public health control measure through the issuance of an administrative order.

(4) When implementing a public health control measure, the Department may coordinate efforts with any of the local county boards of health or Public Health District staff.

(5) In addition to the measures authorized in paragraph (2) of this regulation, during a declared state of emergency, the Department shall establish any other public health control measures necessary to prevent and suppress disease and conditions deleterious to health as directed by the Governor.

Notes

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 511-9-1-.03

O.C.G.A. §§ 31-2A-4, 31-12-2.1, 31-12-3, 31-12-4, 38-3-51.

Original Rule entitled "Public Health Control Measures" adopted. F. Feb. 2, 2016; eff. Feb. 22, 2016.