Section 43-1A-3. Definitions

   As used in this chapter, the term:

   (1) "Applicant group" means any business or professional group or organization, any individual, or any other interested party which proposes that any business or professional group not presently regulated be regulated by the state.

   (2) "Certificate" or "certification" means a voluntary process by which a statutory regulatory entity grants recognition to an individual who has met certain prerequisite qualifications specified by that regulatory entity and who may assume or use "certified" in the title or designation to perform prescribed occupational tasks.

   (3) "Council" means the Georgia Occupational Regulation Review Council.

   (4) "Grandfather clause" means a provision in a regulatory statute applicable to individuals engaged in the regulated business or profession prior to the effective date of the regulatory statute which exempts the individuals from meeting prerequisite qualifications set forth in the regulatory statute to perform prescribed occupational tasks.

   (5) "Legislative committee of reference" means the standing legislative committee designated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives or the President of the Senate to consider proposed legislation introduced in their respective houses of the General Assembly to regulate any business or occupation not previously regulated.

   (6) "License," "licensing," or "licensure" means authorization to engage in a business or profession which would otherwise be unlawful in the state in the absence of authorization. A license is granted to those individuals who meet prerequisite qualifications to perform prescribed business or professional tasks, who use a particular title, or who perform those tasks and use a particular title.

   (7) "Regulate" or "regulation" means the process of licensure or certification as defined in this Code section.

   (8) "Regulatory entity" means any state agency which regulates one or more professions, occupations, industries, businesses, or other endeavors in this state.

   (9) "State agency" means each state board, bureau, commission, department, division, office, or other separate unit of state government created or established by law.

Code 1981, § 43-1A-3, enacted by Ga. L. 1986, p. 803, § 1; Ga. L. 1987, p. 3, § 43; Ga. L. 2010, p. 376, § 1/SB 149.