O.C.G.A. § 31-6-42.1: Payment of obligations prior to granting or modifying a certificate of need.

No applicant for a new certificate of need, a modification to an existing certificate of need, or a conversion of a certificate of need that has any outstanding amounts owed to the state including fines, penalties, fees, or other payments for noncompliance with any requirements contained in Code Section 31-6-40.1, 31-6-45.2, 31-6-70, 31-7-280, or 31-8-179.2 shall be eligible to receive a new certificate of need or a modification to an existing certificate of need unless such applicant pays such outstanding amounts to the state. Any such fines, penalties, fees, or other payments for noncompliance shall be subject to the same notices and hearing for the levy of fines under Code Section 31-6-45.