Georgia Code Title 31. Health § 31-47-1

(1) Epidemiological and other public health research being conducted within this state;

(2) Available technical assistance and educational materials and programs nation-wide and within this state;

(3) The level of public and professional arthritis awareness;

(4) The needs of people with arthritis, their families, and caregivers;

(5) Educational and support service needs of health care providers, including physicians, nurses, managed care organizations, and other health care providers;

(6) The services available to a person with arthritis;

(7) The existence of arthritis treatment, self-management, physical activity, and other educational programs; and

(8) The existence of rehabilitation services.

(d)(1) Subject to appropriation or access to other private or public funds, the Department of Public Health may replicate and use successful arthritis programs and enter into contracts and purchase materials or services from entities with appropriate expertise for such services and materials as are necessary to carry out the goals of the Arthritis Prevention and Control Program.

(2) Subject to appropriation or access to other private or public funds, the Department of Public Health may enter into agreements with national organizations with expertise in arthritis to implement parts of the Arthritis Prevention and Control Program.