Georgia DPC Guide¶

Quick Summary: Georgia has explicit DPC legislation (O.C.G.A. § 33-1-19) and permits medication dispensing with simple notification. A business-friendly state with a growing DPC community, particularly in metro Atlanta.

[!CAUTION] Verify Current Law: Always confirm current regulations with the Georgia Composite Medical Board and review Official Code of Georgia Title 33 for the most current statutory language.

At a Glance¶

DPC Law Status¶

Legislation¶

Statute: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 33-1-19

Effective Date: 2015

Georgia's DPC law provides clear exemption from insurance regulation and establishes the legal framework for DPC agreements.

Key provisions: - DPC agreements not considered insurance - Monthly fee cap of $150/month for exemption (family agreements may be higher) - Written agreement required - Disclosure requirements for patients - Cannot guarantee specific health outcomes

What This Means¶

• DPC practices operate outside insurance regulatory framework
• Clear legal standing for membership model
• Standard business regulations apply
• Consumer protection built into statute

Medication Dispensing¶

Regulatory Status¶

Georgia permits physician dispensing with simple notification to the Georgia Drugs and Narcotics Agency.

Requirements¶

• DEA Registration: Required for controlled substances
• State Notification: Notify Georgia Drugs and Narcotics Agency of intent to dispense
• Controlled Substances: Permitted with DEA registration
• Labeling: Follow Georgia labeling requirements
• Record Keeping: Maintain dispensing records

Notification Process¶

1. Submit notification to Georgia Drugs and Narcotics Agency
2. No formal application or approval process
3. Maintain compliance with labeling and record-keeping requirements

Practical Implications¶

• Minimal administrative burden
• Can begin dispensing after notification
• Focus on patient convenience and cost savings

Licensing and Registration¶

Medical License¶

Board: Georgia Composite Medical Board

Website: medicalboard.georgia.gov

Requirements: - MD or DO degree from accredited school - Completion of accredited residency - Passing examination scores - Good standing in all jurisdictions

Business Registration¶

Entity Registration: Georgia Secretary of State Corporations Division

Website: sos.ga.gov

Notes: - Register LLC, PLLC, PC, or corporation - Georgia requires professional entities for medical practice - Annual registration renewal required

DEA Registration¶

Required for: Prescribing and dispensing controlled substances

Website: deadiversion.usdoj.gov

Medicare Considerations¶

Opt-Out Process¶

Georgia follows the standard federal Medicare opt-out process.

MAC for Georgia: Palmetto GBA (J11 jurisdiction)

See Medicare Opt-Out Guide for detailed process.

Key Resources¶

State Agencies¶

Professional Organizations¶

DPC Resources¶

• DPC Frontier Georgia

State-Specific Considerations¶

Metro Atlanta Market¶

• Active DPC presence in metro Atlanta
• Competition requires differentiation
• Suburban and exurban areas may be less saturated

Rural Georgia¶

• Significant rural primary care shortage
• DPC can address access gaps
• Lower overhead in rural areas

Business-Friendly Environment¶

• Georgia known for business-friendly regulations
• No state income tax on retirement income
• Reasonable cost of doing business

Growing DPC Community¶

• Established DPC physician network in Georgia
• Mentorship opportunities available
• Multiple practice models represented

Checklist for Starting DPC in Georgia¶

• Obtain or verify Georgia medical license
• Register business entity with Secretary of State
• Obtain EIN from IRS
• Register with DEA (if prescribing controlled substances)
• Submit notification to Georgia Drugs and Narcotics Agency (if dispensing)
• Secure malpractice insurance
• Develop membership agreement meeting statutory requirements
• File Medicare opt-out affidavit (if applicable)

Related Guides¶

• Medicare Opt-Out Guide
• Dispensing Medications
• State DPC Laws Overview

[!NOTE] This guide provides general information. Laws and regulations change. Verify current requirements with the Georgia Composite Medical Board.

Georgia's clear DPC legislation and simple dispensing process make it an excellent state for DPC practice.