Georgia § 31-17-3 - Examination and treatment by health authorities.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 31-17-3 — Examination and treatment by health authorities., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-17-3. Examination and treatment by health authorities.
The authorized agent or agents of the Department of Public Health and county boards of health are directed and empowered, when in their judgment it is necessary to protect the public health, to make examination of persons infected or suspected of being infected with sexually transmitted disease; to require persons infected with sexually transmitted disease to report for treatment to a physician licensed to practice medicine under Chapter 34 of Title 43 and to continue treatment until cured, or to submit to treatment provided at public expense; and to isolate persons infected or reasonably suspected of being infected with sexually transmitted disease. Law enforcement authorities of the jurisdiction wherein any such person so infected or suspected of being infected is located shall offer such assistance, including restraint and arrest, as shall be necessary to assure examination and treatment in accordance with this chapter. (Ga. L. 1918, p. 275, § 3; Code 1933, § 88-503; Code 1933, § 88-1604, enacted by Ga. L. 1964, p. 499, § 1; Ga. L. 1996, p. 6, § 31; Ga. L. 2009, p. 453, § 1-4/HB 228; Ga. L. 2011, p. 705, § 6-3/HB 214; Ga. L. 2020, p. 55, § 8/SB 372.) The 2020 amendment, effective July 1, 2020, substituted "sexually transmitted" for "venereal" three times in the first sentence. Cross references. - Blood test recommendation for persons applying for marriage license, § 19-3-40 . Law reviews. - For article on the 2011 amendment of this Code section, see 28 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 147 (2011).
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 31-17-3
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 31-17-3 cover?
Section 31-17-3 ("Examination and treatment by health authorities.") 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 § 31-17-3?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 31-17-3" (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 § 31-17-3 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.