Georgia Healthcare Compliance Requirements
State-specific breach notification rules, medical records retention periods, PDMP requirements, and mandatory reporting obligations for medical practices operating in Georgia.
Breach Notification Rules
Notification deadline
Most expedient time possible
Notification must be made in the most expedient time possible and without unreasonable delay.
AG notification threshold
Not explicitly required
Harm analysis required
Penalty range
Enforced by AG under general consumer protection authority
Medical Records Retention
| Record type | Retention period | Measured from |
|---|---|---|
| General medical | 10 years | Last treatment |
| Pediatric | 5 years | Patient turns 18 |
PDMP Requirements — Georgia PDMP
Check required
All controlled substances
Check frequency
Every prescription
Delegation allowed
Penalty range
Licensing board sanctions; misdemeanor charge for willful failure; fines up to $1,000
Exemptions
Hospice patients, cancer treatment, ≤3 day supply in ER, inpatient hospital or long-term care administration
Mandatory Reporting Obligations
Mandated reporters
Physicians, nurses, dentists, psychologists, counselors, social workers, and all healthcare professionals
Report to
Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) or local law enforcement
Timeline
Within 24 hours
Penalty for failure
Misdemeanor, up to 12 months jail and/or $1,000 fine
Immunity provision
Good faith reporters immune from civil and criminal liability under O.C.G.A. 19-7-5
Mandated reporters
Physicians, nurses, social workers, and all healthcare professionals
Report to
Adult Protective Services, Division of Aging Services
Timeline
Within 24 hours
Penalty for failure
Misdemeanor, up to $1,000 fine
Immunity provision
Good faith reporters immune from civil and criminal liability
Mandated reporters
Healthcare providers when treating injuries from suspected criminal violence
Report to
Local law enforcement
Timeline
Within 24 hours
Immunity provision
Good faith reporters immune from civil liability
Mandated reporters
Physicians, laboratories, healthcare facilities, and other healthcare providers
Report to
Georgia Department of Public Health, District Health Director
Timeline
Within 24 hours
Penalty for failure
Misdemeanor, up to $500 fine
Immunity provision
Good faith reporters immune from civil liability
Mandated reporters
Every person treating or having knowledge of gunshot wounds
Report to
Local law enforcement
Timeline
Immediately / as soon as possible
Penalty for failure
Misdemeanor, up to $1,000 fine
Immunity provision
Good faith reporters immune from civil and criminal liability
Stay compliant in Georgia
GuardWell tracks Georgia-specific breach deadlines, PDMP requirements, retention periods, and mandatory reporting obligations automatically.