What legal provision protects medical and psychiatric records in Georgia?

In Georgia, medical and psychiatric records are protected by the concept of confidentiality, which is primarily governed by the state's laws regarding patient privacy and privilege. Records related to an individual's medical or mental health history are considered sensitive and private information. As such, they require explicit consent from the patient for disclosure, unless certain exceptions apply (for example, in cases of medical emergencies or legal requirements under specific statutes).

This protection is grounded in both privacy rights under common law and specific statutes that impose strict rules on who may access and share these types of records. The need for consent ensures that patients maintain control over their personal health information, reflecting a broader societal emphasis on patient autonomy and confidentiality in healthcare.

Other options present concepts that do not accurately reflect the legal protections in place. Medical and psychiatric records are not classified as public records; rather, they are intended for private access by the involved parties. Likewise, while there may be instances where records can be disclosed without consent, this is not a blanket rule applicable at any time. Additionally, the assertion that only family members can access these records overlooks the patient's rights and the legal requirements for consent, which can include more than just family members—such as legal representatives if the patient designates them.