Section 40-6-253.1. Transportation of etiologic agent; exception; penalty for violation

   (a) As used in this Code section, the terms "infectious substance" and "regulated medical waste" have the same meaning as given to those terms under the federal Hazardous Materials Regulations published in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations as those regulations currently exist or may in the future be amended. The terms "etiologic agent" and "infectious substance" are synonymous.

(b) The transportation of infectious substances and regulated medical waste, including but not limited to the marking of packages and marking or placarding of vehicles with appropriate warnings, shall comply with the requirements of the federal Hazardous Material Regulations published in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations as those regulations currently exist or may in the future be amended and with compatible regulations adopted or promulgated by the commissioner of public safety.

(c) Nurses, physicians, and other health care professionals may utilize all applicable exceptions contained in federal regulations and in the regulations of the Department of Public Safety when transporting infectious substances.

(d) Violation of the provisions of this Code section shall constitute a misdemeanor.

Code 1981, § 40-6-253.1, enacted by Ga. L. 1991, p. 1058, § 1; Ga. L. 1992, p. 982, § 1; Ga. L. 2003, p. 484, § 11; Ga. L. 2005, p. 334, § 18-7/HB 501.