Georgia § 37-3-160 - Individual dignity of patients to be respected; treatment of the mentally ill as medical patients; use of criminal facilities and procedures.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 37-3-160 — Individual dignity of patients to be respected; treatment of the mentally ill as medical patients; use of criminal facilities and procedures., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 37-3-160. Individual dignity of patients to be respected; treatment of the mentally ill as medical patients; use of criminal facilities and procedures.
The patient's dignity as an individual shall be respected at all times and upon all occasions, including any occasion wherein the patient is taken into custody, detained, or transported. Mentally ill patients or those suspected of being mentally ill shall, to the maximum extent reasonably possible, be treated at all times as medical patients. All patients shall be treated by a physician or psychologist acting within the scope of his or her license. Except where required under conditions of extreme urgency, those procedures, facilities, vehicles, and restraining devices normally utilized for criminals or those accused of crime shall not be used in connection with the mentally ill. (Code 1933, § 88-502.1, enacted by Ga. L. 1969, p. 505, § 1; Code 1933, § 88-502.2, enacted by Ga. L. 1978, p. 1789, § 1; Ga. L. 1992, p. 1902, § 12.) Law reviews. - For article, "Distinctive Factors Affecting the Legal Context of End-Of-Life Medical Care for Older Persons," see 33 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 869 (2017). For article, "Ending-Life Decisions: Some Disability Perspectives," see 33 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 893 (2017). For article, "Unbefriended and Unrepresented: Better Medical Decision Making for Incapacitated Patients Without Healthcare Surrogates," see 33 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 923 (2017). For article, "Exploring the Right to Die in the U.S.," see 33 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 1021 (2017). For note comparing procedures for hospitalization of the mentally ill in Georgia to other jurisdictions and suggesting improvements, see 7 Mercer L. Rev. 361 (1956).
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 37-3-160
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 37-3-160 cover?
Section 37-3-160 ("Individual dignity of patients to be respected; treatment of the mentally ill as medical patients; use of criminal facilities and procedures.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Georgia § 37-3-160?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 37-3-160" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Georgia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
How does Georgia § 37-3-160 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.