Section 31-7-430 - DefinitionsAs used in this article, the term:
(1) "Designated essential caregiver" means a person who is age 18 years old or older and who has been designated by a patient or resident who is an adult, or by a parent, guardian, or person standing in loco parentis for a patient or resident who is a minor, to assist with such patient's or resident's personal needs and activities and to support the health, healthcare, long-term care, and overall well-being of such patient or resident. Unless otherwise designated by an adult patient or resident, such designated essential caregiver shall be the person authorized and empowered to act on behalf of the patient or resident pursuant to Code Section 31-9-2.(2) "Hospital" means a hospital licensed pursuant to this chapter.(3) "Long-term care facility" means a skilled nursing home, intermediate care home, personal care home, assisted living community, community living arrangement, or inpatient hospice facility licensed or permitted to operate pursuant to this chapter.(4) "Visitor" means any individual authorized by an adult patient, resident, or designated essential caregiver of such patient or resident to have access to in-person visitation in a hospital or long-term care facility with such patient or resident.Added by 2024 Ga. Laws 573,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2024.