Section 31-8-40. Legislative findings and purpose

   The General Assembly finds that Georgia's high rates of infant mortality and morbidity are costly to the state in terms of human suffering and of expenditures for long-term institutionalization, special education, and medical care. It is well documented that appropriate care during pregnancy and delivery can prevent many of the expensive, disabling problems our children experience. The State of Georgia is making progress in improving services and funding. However, the General Assembly is concerned that some women continue to be refused service for financial reasons at hospitals when they request admission after labor has begun. It is the purpose of this article to assure that:

   (1) No hospital denies available, appropriate emergency services to a woman who has not made prior arrangements for the payment of the delivery and who seeks hospital care for the safe delivery of her child;

   (2) Counties assume a share of the responsibility in meeting this critical need for their residents who receive such care when no other source of payment from public or private sources is available; and

   (3) Women receiving such care and other persons specified in this article assume certain responsibilities with regard to payment for such care after it is rendered, but it is not the purpose of this article to establish a general health insurance program for all pregnant indigent women.

Code 1981, § 31-8-40, enacted by Ga. L. 1984, p. 1389, § 1; Ga. L. 1985, p. 829, § 3.