Bill > SB449

This bill requires certain long-term care facilities in Georgia, specifically skilled nursing homes, intermediate care homes, assisted living communities, or personal care homes that are at least two stories tall and have 25 or more beds, to install and maintain emergency and standby power systems by January 1, 2027. These systems, which can be an on-site generator with fuel or an approved alternate power source, must be capable of operating for at least 96 hours to ensure essential services like safe exits, emergency lighting, life support equipment, and temperature control are maintained for resident safety and health. The Department of Community Health (DCH) and the office of the Safety Fire Commissioner will work together to inspect and enforce these new requirements. To help facilities meet these mandates, the DCH will establish a grant program, funded by legislative appropriations or other available money, to assist with the costs of acquiring and installing these power systems, with priority given to facilities located in rural counties, defined as those with a population under 50,000 (excluding military personnel and dependents for counties with military bases).

Health and Social Services

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/72708