Little Health Law Blog
The Georgia Composite Medical Board (“GCMB” or “Board”) issued its July newsletter, covering new licensing requirements, legislative changes, a refresher on telemedicine and compact-physician rules, and a preview of rules to come in FY27. Below is a summary of some items that are relevant to Georgia-licensed physicians, physician assistants, and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), as well as the practices that employ or collaborate with them. If you would like to discuss how any of these updates may affect your license, practice, or compliance obligations, you may contact our healthcare and business law firm at (404) 685-1662 (Atlanta) or (706) 722-7886 (Augusta), or by email, info@littlehealthlaw.com. You may also learn more about our law firm by visiting www.littlehealthlaw.com.
(1) New Fingerprint and FCVS Requirements for First-Time Physician Applicants
First-time, full physician applicants who have never previously held a Georgia medical license must now complete a fingerprint and criminal background check through both the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) and the FBI, along with a Federation Credentials Verification Service (FCVS) report through the Federation of State Medical Boards. The Board clarified this applies only to initial licensure, not to license renewals.
(2) Medical Cannabis Patient Registry Reporting (SB 395)
Effective July 1, 2026, the Low THC Oil Patient Registry has been renamed the Medical Cannabis Patient Registry. Physicians involved with patients on the registry are now required to submit certain information directly to GCMB as part of the registry process. The Board indicated full details are available on its Rules & Laws page.
(3) Compact Physicians and APRN Protocol Agreements
The Board offered a reminder for physicians licensed through the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC): under Georgia’s nurse protocol rules, a physician’s principal place of practice must be located in Georgia or within 50 miles of where the protocol will be used. As a result, a compact physician who practices entirely out of state cannot enter into an APRN protocol agreement in Georgia, regardless of licensure status.
(4) Telemedicine Standard of Care Refresher
The Board reiterated that the standard of care for a telemedicine visit is the same as for an in-person visit. Physicians generally must examine a patient in person before an initial prescription for controlled substances, unless an exception under Board Rule 360-3-.07 applies, and practitioners must make diligent efforts to have the patient examined in person at least annually by a Georgia-licensed physician, PA, or nurse practitioner. Out-of-state physicians treating Georgia patients must generally hold either a full Georgia medical license or a Georgia telemedicine license; a telemedicine license holder is strictly limited to telemedicine practice and may not treat patients in person in Georgia.
(5) FY27 Rules Preview
The Board flagged several bills passed during the 2026 legislative session that will shape upcoming Board rules:
- Medical cannabis: Rules will be updated to reflect the shift from “low THC oil” to “medical cannabis,” including new possession limits and expanded qualifying conditions.
- Psychedelic-assisted treatment: GCMB will establish licensing and safety standards for psychedelic-assisted treatment clinics, including provider qualifications and prescribing protocols.
- Radiologist assistants: A new licensing framework is coming for radiologist assistants, including an advisory committee, continuing education standards, and a defined scope of practice under physician supervision.
- Internationally trained physicians: A provisional license pathway is being developed for internationally trained physicians to help address provider shortages in rural and underserved areas, though the Board noted this program is on hold pending funding.
The Board indicated it will share additional detail on each of these as rulemaking progresses.
(6) What the Board Says Puts a License at Risk
The newsletter included the Board’s own list of conduct that can jeopardize a license, which is a useful checkpoint for practices to review internally:
- Scope of practice: Practicing outside one’s scope, including APRNs practicing without a valid delegating physician or protocol agreement.
- Agreements and documentation: Failing to maintain required agreements, documentation, or supervision.
- Prescribing: Prescribing medications inappropriately or outside accepted standards of care.
- Renewals: Allowing a license to lapse by missing renewal deadlines.
- Conduct: Engaging in unprofessional or unethical conduct, including boundary violations or inappropriate patient relationships.
- Board communications: Ignoring Board communications or requests for information.
- Accuracy: Submitting false, misleading, or incomplete information.
- Compliance generally: Violating Board rules, regulations, or state law.
If you would like to discuss how any of these updates may affect your license, practice, or compliance obligations, you may contact our healthcare and business law firm at (404) 685-1662 (Atlanta) or (706) 722-7886 (Augusta), or by email, info@littlehealthlaw.com. You may also learn more about our law firm by visiting www.littlehealthlaw.com.