Bill > HB717

This bill establishes regulations for the administration of psychedelic-assisted treatment and therapy in Georgia, defining "clinic" as a facility offering such treatments, including ketamine infusions, and "psychedelic-assisted treatment and therapy" as treatments using substances that can alter perceptions of reality. By December 31, 2026, the Georgia Composite Medical Board will create rules and regulations to ensure patient safety and competency, covering clinic equipment, practitioner training, proper prescribing and administration, emergency protocols, record-keeping, adverse event reporting, continuing education, advertising, and inspections. Physicians, anesthesiologist assistants, and certified registered nurse anesthetists administering these therapies will be subject to these rules, with potential continuing education requirements for clinic owners. Starting July 1, 2027, all clinics must be licensed by the board, with each location requiring a separate, non-transferable license, and undergo thorough investigations, including background checks, before licensure. Clinic ownership is generally restricted to licensed physicians or certified registered nurse anesthetists who meet competency standards, though existing operational clinics are exempt from this ownership rule if they comply with all other provisions. Clinics must have hospital affiliation agreements or admitting privileges and the capability for immediate patient transfer to hospitals with emergency services, and hospitals cannot unreasonably deny such agreements. The administration of these therapies is limited to licensed physicians with advanced airway management training, certified registered nurse anesthetists under physician direction, anesthesiologist assistants under physician supervision, or nurse practitioners with specific training, experience, and board approval. All administrations must be reported to the prescription drug monitoring program, and administering these therapies without a medical license is considered unlawful practice, subject to penalties. This bill does not permit the use of drugs not approved by the FDA, nor does it apply to therapies in hospital-affiliated clinics or approved clinical trials, or to FDA-approved on-label uses of drugs. Operating a clinic without a license is a felony offense.

Health and Social Services

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/71103