08 LC 33
2552S
The
Senate Health and Human Services Committee offered the following substitute to
HB 1105:
A
BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
AN ACT
To
amend Article 1 of Chapter 7 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia
Annotated, relating to regulation of hospitals and related institutions, so as
to require hospitals to offer certain vaccinations to inpatients aged 65 years
or older; to provide for standing orders for vaccinations; to provide certain
immunity for a hospital or health care provider acting in good faith; to provide
for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other
purposes.
BE
IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:
SECTION
1.
Article
1 of Chapter 7 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating
to regulation of hospitals and related institutions, is amended by adding a new
Code section to read as follows:
"31-7-17.
Annually
between October 1 through March 1, prior to discharging any inpatient who is 65
years of age or older, a hospital shall offer the inpatient vaccinations for the
influenza virus and pneumococcal disease, unless contraindicated and contingent
on availability of such vaccine, in accordance with any applicable rules and
regulations of the department. The vaccinations may be administered pursuant to
a standing order that has been approved by the hospital´s medical staff. A
hospital or health care provider acting in good faith and in accordance with
generally accepted health care standards applicable to such hospital or health
care provider shall not be subject to administrative, civil, or criminal
liability or to discipline for unprofessional conduct for complying with the
requirements of this Code section."
SECTION
2.
All
laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.