Rules and Regulations
The State Approving Agency (SAA) operates under contract with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA). As such, the SAA has its foundation in federal law, Title 38, United State Code (USC). We, however, operate as part of the government of the State of Georgia, and maintain the state's authority to approve or disapprove veterans' education and training programs. We also serve, prevent abuses and promote equality in veterans' education by evaluating and monitoring education and training programs.
The Code of Federal Regulations [38 CFR 21.4151(b)] summarizes the SAA responsibilities under law:
- to inspect and supervise schools and training establishments within Georgia,
- to determine those programs of education and training which may be approved for veterans and other eligible persons,
- to determine whether a school or training establishment at all times complies with established standards relating to the approved programs, and
- to render services and obtain information necessary for the DVA to approve or disapprove programs offered by any agency or instrumentality of the federal government within Georgia.
The USC further requires us to cooperate with the DVA and pay particular attention to:
- enforcing approval standards,
- enforcing enrollment restrictions, and
- identifying fraudulent and other criminal activities by persons connected with educational institutions and training establishments where veterans are enrolled.
As a part of the state government, we are also responsible for enforcing standards set by the various branches and licensing agencies of the state of Georgia.