Health care includes the prevention, treatment, and cure of physical and mental health issues that may affect human beings. Legal issues related health care may arise—including issues related to (1) the provision of health care services; (2) the payment for health care services—by individuals or by insurance; (3) the privacy of medical and health care records; and (4) the right to make health care decisions for ourselves and others.

In Georgia, health care law encompasses a variety of regulations and statutes that address the provision, payment, privacy, and decision-making authority related to health care services. Health care providers must adhere to state licensing requirements and follow standards of care to avoid malpractice. Payment for health care services can involve direct payments by individuals, insurance claims, and government programs like Medicaid. Georgia's laws ensure that insurance companies provide certain benefits and operate fairly, as governed by the Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner. Privacy of medical records is protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which applies nationally, and Georgia's state laws that require confidentiality of patient information. Regarding health care decisions, Georgia recognizes advance directives, allowing individuals to outline their health care preferences or appoint a health care agent to make decisions on their behalf in the event they are unable to do so. Additionally, the Georgia Advance Directive for Health Care Act provides a statutory form for advance directives. These legal frameworks are designed to protect patients' rights, ensure the quality of health care, and govern the interactions between health care providers, payers, and patients.