O.C.G.A. § 43-34-281: Legislative intent.

(a) This article is enacted for the purpose of safeguarding the public health, safety, and welfare by providing for state administrative control, supervision, and regulation of pain management clinics. It is the intention of the General Assembly that people be able to obtain appropriate and safe medical care to treat conditions in which the control of pain is an element. However, the illegal and improper distribution of controlled substances is a growing problem in this state. Licensure and regulation of pain management clinics will better protect the public from criminal activities associated with the illegal distribution of controlled substances as well as provide for a safer place for people to obtain appropriate medical treatment by requiring certain minimum training of practitioners and by the regulation of pain management clinics.

(b) Nothing in this article shall be construed to limit the authority and regulations of the board relating to pain management as such authority and regulations existed on June 30, 2013.