GA HB522

Prohibits healthcare providers and facilities from discriminating against potential organ transplant recipients based solely on their COVID-19 vaccination status, adding vaccine status protections to existing disability protections under Georgia Code Section 31-1-24

Defines "vaccine status" as whether an individual has received a COVID-19 vaccination or series of vaccinations, specifically referencing the SARS-CoV-2 virus subject to the Governor's March 14, 2020 public health emergency declaration

Bars covered entities from using vaccine status as the sole basis to deny transplant eligibility, refuse waiting list placement, lower waiting list priority, deny related medical services, refuse specialist referrals, or deny insurance coverage for transplant procedures

Applies to all stages of the organ transplant process and covers licensed healthcare providers, hospitals, nursing facilities, laboratories, and entities responsible for matching organ donors to recipients

Allows affected individuals to bring civil actions for injunctive and equitable relief in district court, with priority docketing and expedited review, though compensatory and punitive damages are not available