Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia
Department 111 - RULES OF DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY HEALTH
Chapter 111-3 - MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
Subject 111-3-12 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR HOSPITAL CARE FOR THE INDIGENT
Rule 111-3-12-.01 - Authority

(1) Act No. 397, Georgia Laws 1957, contains legislative authority for the creation of a "Hospital Care for the Indigent" program. The purpose of the program is "to assist counties in the purchase of hospital care for persons who are ill or injured, and who can be helped by treatment in a hospital, and who are financially unable to meet the full cost of hospital care from their own resources or from the resources of those upon whom they are legally dependent."

(2) This program is a State-County jointly financed and administered approach to providing hospital care for the medically indigent. However, participation in the program is voluntary with each county. The program will support the preservation of the professional freedom of physicians and the local control of hospitals. Furthermore, local program administration will be encouraged.

(3) Generally speaking, payment for hospital care is the responsibility of the individual and the local community. It is the intent of this program to supplement local action. Accordingly, the program should not be construed as replacing Federal, State, or local programs for the indigent. It is a basic program objective to provide financial means for the payment of hospital care for indigent patients who are hospitalized outside of their respective county or residency.

(4) The "Hospital Care for the Indigent" Program has been developed in close liaison with the Medical Association of Georgia, the Georgia Association of County Commissioners, the Georgia Association of Hospital Governing Boards, and the Georgia Hospital Association. Each of these organizations have representation on the Hospital Care Advisory Council.

(5) The Legislature delegated the administration of the program to the Department of Community Health. The purpose of this program is to assist counties in the purchase of hospital care for persons who are ill or injured and who can be helped by treatment in a hospital but are financially unable to meet the full cost of hospital care from their own resources or from the resources of those upon whom they are legally dependent.