Arnall Golden Gregory LLP

 

The information you requested has moved.

Arnall Golden Gregory LLP has a new website. Go to the new site now, where you may find the information you requested.

This page will automatically forward you to the new site's home page after 15 seconds.
AGG Publications > Life Sciences Related Bills
Arnall Golden Gregory LLP
Search
Profile Attorneys Practice Events Publications Recruitment
Not if, but how.  

Publications

Laboratory Bills
Food and Drug Bills
Hospital Bills
Physician Bills
Therapists / Ancillary Services Bills
Long-Term Care
General Healthcare Bills
Medical Devices Bills
Medical Records Bills
Animal Health Bills
Health Insurance
Select Project Tasks
from Governor's Budget Proposal







Arnall Golden Gregory LLP

  
Summary Of Selected Life Sciences And Health Care Related Bills
Georgia Legislative Session, 2002

This summary highlights activities in the Georgia Legislature that may be of interest to life sciences and health care entities. Please bear in mind that this list is not exhaustive of all legislation that could affect you and your company; however, it may include items of interest for you. If additional information about a Bill or Resolution is desired, please call Jason Bring at 404-873-8500.

* Most recent Bills and Resolutions.

LABORATORY BILLS
Bill Number
 Summary
HR 801
A Resolution urging the Congress and the President of the United States to provide for the immunization of the general population against smallpox and polio myelitis.
HB 1049
A Bill to amend Article 2 of Chapter 20 of Title 45 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to leaves of absence for public officers and employees, so as to provide for state employees to receive a leave of absence, with pay, for serving as an organ or bone marrow donor; to provide a definition of the term "organ".
SB 145
 A Bill to be entitled an Act to amend Title 31 of the O.C.G.A., relating to health, so as to prohibit health services purveyors from engaging in certain activities with respect to the referral of patients to other health services purveyors for clinical laboratory services and with respect to services provided by clinical laboratories; to prohibit clinical laboratories from engaging in certain activities that might reasonably be expected to influence any person's independent judgment concerning the referral by such person of a specimen or sample derived from a human body to a clinical laboratory for examination by the laboratory; to amend Title 43 of the O.C.G.A., relating to professions and businesses.
*
HB 1462
 A Bill to amend Code Section 48-8-3 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to exemptions from state sales and use tax, so as to provide for an exemption with respect to sales for certain biotechnology research, product development, or manufacturing.
*
SR 864

A Resolution urging the United States Congress to pass, and the President of the United States to sign, legislation that completely bans human cloning.


FOOD AND DRUG BILLS
Bill Number
 Summary
SR 491
A Resolution recognizing the Pfizer for Life Share Card Program.
HB 1086
 A Bill to amend Article 2 of Chapter 2 of Title 26 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, known as the "Georgia Food Act," so as to provide that certain food sales establishments shall post licenses on the premises in an open and conspicuous manner so as to be visible to the public.
SB 361
 A Bill to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 21 of Title 2 of the O.C.G.A., known as the "Georgia Organic Certification and Labeling Act," so as to provide that no person who produces, processes, distributes, or handles an advertised, promoted, identified, tagged, stamped, packaged, or labeled organic food or feed ingredient, article, commodity, or product may substitute or commingle any ingredient, article, commodity, or product which does not comply with Code Section 2-21-3; to repeal the requirement that certain organic food or feed ingredients bear the official seal of the certifying entity.
HB 1185
 A Bill to amend Chapter 13 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to controlled substances, so as to change certain provisions relating to Schedule II; to change certain provisions relating to general registration requirements; to regulate certain opioid treatments; to change certain provisions relating to the definition of dangerous drug.
HB 1186

A Bill to regulate certain controlled substances and analogs thereof; to amend Article 2 of Chapter 13 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to regulation of controlled substances, so as to define a certain term; to change certain provisions relating to purchase, possession, manufacture, distribution, or sale of controlled substances or marijuana and penalties; to prohibit certain delivery, distribution, dispensing, administration, or sale of controlled substances or controlled substance analogs to other persons with the intent to commit any certain offenses.

HB 1292
 A Bill to amend Chapter 12 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to control of hazardous conditions, preventable diseases, and metabolic disorders, so as to provide for a patient to purchase contact lenses from a retailer of his or her choice including through the mail; to prohibit the prescription of private label or store brand contact lenses; to provide for a patient to receive immediately a copy of his or her prescription for contact lenses.
*
SB 458
 To amend Article 1 of Chapter 24 of Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions relative to insurance, so as to require health benefit policy coverage for off-label prescription drug use for insureds with life-threatening or chronic or disabling conditions or diseases; to provide definitions; to provide for conditions of coverage.
*
HR 1083
 A Resolution creating the House Study Committee on Prescription Drug Addiction.
*
HR 1118
 A Resolution strongly urging the United States Congress to adopt legislation requiring the Medicare program to cover the cost of all oral anticancer drugs.
*
SB 470
 A Bill to be entitled an Act to amend Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to health, so as to to establish the Georgia Seniors Prescription Drug Benefit Program within the Department of Community Health to reduce prescription drug prices for residents of the state age 55 and over; to provide for operation of the program; to establish the amount of rebates; to require disclosure of savings to program enrollees; to require drug manufacturers who sell prescription drugs to the state to enter into a rebate agreement.
*
SB 486
 A Bill to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 20A of Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to managed health care plans, so as to prohibit a managed health care entity from limiting the quantity of a prescription ordered by a health care provider that may be dispensed by a pharmacist; to provide for a patient to request and a pharmacist to dispense a lesser amount than ordered.
*
SB 536
 A Bill to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 26 of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to nurses, so as to enact a new article providing additional authority to advanced practice registered nurses to carry out prescriptive orders; to provide for a short title; to provide for legislative intent and findings and definitions; to provide for collaborative practice agreements and their contents and conditions; to provide for prescription drug and device orders and forms, conditions, and procedures relating thereto; to provide for application for certain registration numbers; to provide for liability and immunity therefrom; to provide for duties and powers of the Composite State Board of Medical Examiners and the Georgia Board of Nursing.
*
HB 285
 A Bill to amend Chapter 23 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to eye banks, so as to change the provisions regarding who may operate eye banks.
*
HB 481
 A Bill to amend Chapter 4 of Title 26 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to pharmacists and pharmacies, so as to change the provisions relating to definitions; to provide for an exemption for the Georgia Emergency Management Agency from certain registration and permit requirements; to change the provisions relating to dispensing drugs by certain practitioners.
*
SB 472

A Bill to be entitled an Act to amend Article 1 of Chapter 1 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions relative to health, so as to provide for self-administration of asthma medication by minor children at school.



HOSPITAL BILLS
Bill Number
 Summary
HB 1089
A Bill to amend Code Section 13-8-2 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to contracts contravening public policy generally, so as to declare as contrary to public policy certain contracts between a hospital which is a provider of obstetric services and certain insurers.
HB 988
A Bill to amend Chapter 9 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to consent for surgical or medical treatment, so as to prohibit a hospital, after a patient has been admitted to the hospital from that hospital's emergency room, from transferring such patient to a different hospital without the patient's consent and the approval of the attending physician.
HB 1099
A Bill to amend Chapter 9 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to consent for surgical or medical treatment, so as to prohibit a hospital, after a patient has been admitted to the hospital from that hospital's emergency room, from transferring such patient to a different hospital without the patient's consent and the notification of the attending physician.
HB 1209
 A Bill to amend Code Section 48-8-111 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to imposition of special county 1 percent sales and use tax, so as to authorize use and expenditure of tax proceeds for certain capital outlay projects consisting of nonprofit hospital facilities.
HB 1258
 A Bill to amend Chapter 7 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to income taxes, so as to define a rural physician as a physician who practices an average of 40 hours per week in a rural county; to define a rural hospital as an acute-care hospital located in a rural county that contains fewer than 100 beds.
HB 1350

A Bill to amend Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to health, so as to authorize the Department of Community Health to award grants, as funds become available, to rural hospitals for public health purposes; to provide for the Department of Community Health to promulgate rules and regulations for effective administration of such grants.
*
SB 442
 A Bill to be entitled an Act to amend Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to health, so as to authorize the Department of Community Health to award grants, as funds become available, to rural hospitals for public health purposes; to provide for the Department of Community Health to promulgate rules and regulations for effective administration of such grants.
*
SB 451
 A Bill to be entitled an Act to amend Part 8 of Article 8 of Chapter 14 of Title 44 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to hospitals and nursing homes, so as to provide that hospital liens are liens against patients´ causes of action and not patients nor their property or assets; to provide for notice of hospital liens; to provide for the filing time for hospital liens; to provide for the effect of such notice and filing; to provide that hospital liens be segregated from other liens on the records of the clerk of superior court; to provide for the enforcement of such liens against insurers; to provide that releases or covenants not to sue made before or after the discharge of the patient from the hospital shall not affect such liens in certain circumstances.

*
HB 1565

 A Bill to amend Code Section 48-7-29 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to income tax credits for rural physicians, so as to change the definition of rural physician and rural hospital for purposes of qualifying for such credit.
*
SB 474

A Bill to be entitled an Act to amend Article 3 of Chapter 21 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to offenses relative to the treatment of dead bodies, so as to provide that it shall be abuse of a dead body to treat a dead body in a manner inconsistent with community or professional standards or in a manner known to outrage ordinary family sensibilities or to disinter a body which had been legally interred. Hospitals are exempt from the regulations.


PHYSICIAN BILLS
Bill Number
 Summary
HB 784
 A Bill to amend Article 2 of Chapter 34 of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to physicians, so as to provide for comprehensive regulation of physicians who provide certain services in office based surgical settings; to provide for the accreditation of such physicians' office based surgical settings; to provide for certain civil immunity; to provide for powers, duties, and authority of the Composite State Board of Medical Examiners.

HB 828

 A Bill to amend Chapter 34 of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to physicians, so as to provide for the licensing of the practice of orthotics, prosthetics, and pedorthics; to provide for a short title; to provide for legislative intent; to provide for a short title; to provide for legislative intent; to provide for definitions; to provide for the Board of Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics.
HB 1258
 A Bill to amend Chapter 7 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to income taxes, so as to define a rural physician as a physician who practices an average of 40 hours per week in a rural county; to define a rural hospital as an acute-care hospital located in a rural county that contains fewer than 100 beds.
HB 1318
 A Bill to amend Code Section 34-9-201 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the selection of a physician from a panel of physicians, so as to authorize an employer to schedule a medical appointment for an employee with an authorized treating physician.
HB 1352

A Bill to amend Chapter 34 of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to physicians, physician's assistants, acupuncture, and respiratory care, so as to provide for the supervision of physician's assistants by a physician; to provide definitions; to require notice to the Composite State Board of Medical Examiners of the names of physicians who serve as alternate supervising physicians for each physician's assistance.
*
SB 499
 A Bill to be entitled an Act to amend Code Section 51-12-1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to types of damages and evidence admissible in actions involving special damages, so as to revise the provisions relating to the admissibility of evidence of previous or future right of payments for economic losses; to provide for evidence of indemnification and subrogation of payments; to provide for damage interrogatories for the jury; to provide for evidence of damages in personal suits against medical professionals.
*
HB 1595
 A Bill to amend Chapter 1 of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions relating to professions and businesses, so as to include physicians in the "Georgia Volunteers in Health Care Specialties Act"; to provide for licensing retired physicians.


THERAPISTS/ANCILLARY SERVICES BILLS
Bill Number
 Summary
HB 1083
 A Bill to amend Chapter 5 of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to athletic trainers, so as to change the provisions relating to licensing, licenses, and requirements for licenses; to change the provisions relating to qualifications for applicants.
HB 1156
 A Bill to amend Chapter 30 of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to optometrists, so as to provide for the State Board of Optometry to establish a list of pharmaceutical agents which optometrists shall be allowed to use for treatment purposes; to require a 30 day comment period before a pharmaceutical agent is placed on the list for use by optometrists.
HR 946

A Resolution creating the Commission on Psychiatric Medication of School-Age Children.

HB 1199
 A Bill to amend Chapter 9 of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to chiropractors, so as to define the term diagnosis; to require students for licensure to meet standards established by the Council on Chiropractic Education including certain education and training requirements.
HB 1238
 A Bill to amend Code Section 24-7-9 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to identification of medical bills, as to change the list of health care professionals from whom bills submitted into evidence in a civil case involving injury or disease. The expanded list adds physical and occupational therapists, chiropractors, psychologists, advanced practice nurses, social workers, professional counselors, and marriage and family therapists to the current list.
HB 1155
 A Bill to amend Chapter 9 of Title 34 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to workers' compensation, so as to provide that the State Board of Workers' Compensation shall provide certain data to state and federal government entities as authorized by law; to change certain provisions relating to certification or licensing of rehabilitation suppliers; to remove the requirement that income benefit checks must be drawn on a Georgia depository.
HB 69

A Bill to amend Chapter 34 of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to physicians, physician's assistants, and respiratory care, so as to provide for the licensing of clinical perfusionists.
*
HB 1408
 A Bill to amend Chapter 30 of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to optometrists, so as to change the provisions relating to scope of practice.
*
HB 585
 A Bill to amend Article 6 of Chapter 4 of Title 26 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to pharmacies, so as to provide for the licensing and inspection of pharmacy benefit managers.
*
SB 468
 A Bill to be entitled an Act to amend Code Section 31-11-32 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the duties of license officer with respect to the issuance of ambulance service license, so as to change certain duties as it relates to a government or governmental agency applying for a license.
*
SB 491
 A Bill to be entitled an Act to amend Code Section 43-10A-7 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to licensing requirements for professional counselors, social workers, and marriage and family therapists, so as to provide an exemption from such requirements for certain persons providing certain disaster relief services.
*
SB 501
 A Bill To be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 11 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to emergency medical services, so as to provide for the licensure and regulation of air ambulance services; to provide for definitions; to establish requirements for licensure; to provide for application for licensure; to require ambulances to comply with standards.
*
HB 1622
 A Bill to amend Article 2 of Chapter 11 of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to licenses for the practice of dentistry, so as to change a conviction for practicing dentistry without a license to a felony and to establish penalties for such conviction.
*
SB 119
 A Bill to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 10A of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the "Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists Licensing Law," so as to provide for the licensing of mental health therapists and associate mental health therapists; to change the provisions relating to the short title, legislative purpose, and definitions; to change the provisions relating to the Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists, and standards committees thereof; to change the provisions prohibiting the unlicensed practice of specialties and the use of certain titles and change the exceptions to such prohibitions.
*
HB 1715

A Bill to amend Article 1 of Chapter 11 of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions regarding dentists and dental hygienists, so as to prohibit the use of mercury amalgam fillings by a dentist under certain circumstances.


LONG-TERM CARE
Bill Number
 Summary
HB 1040
A Bill to amend Part 8 of Chapter 14 of Title 44 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to hospitals and nursing homes, so as to allow a traumatic burn care medical practice to have a lien on a cause of action accruing to an injured person for the costs of care and treatment arising out of the cause of action.
HR 646
 A Resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution so as to authorize the General Assembly to provide by general law for creation of a Veterans' Nursing Home Care Trust Fund from which funds shall be disbursed for enhancement of the state's veterans' nursing home and the provision of care to residents of such home; to provide for the allocation and dedication of revenues from additional fees received for the sale of special and distinctive motor vehicle license plates to owners of vehicles who are veterans of the armed forces of the United States.
SR 581
 A Resolution congratulating McRae Manor Nursing Home.
SR 586
 A Resolution congratulating Toccoa Nursing Center.
HR 1056
 A Resolution congratulating Crestwood Nursing Home.
*
SB 451
 A Bill to be entitled an Act to amend Part 8 of Article 8 of Chapter 14 of Title 44 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to hospitals and nursing homes, so as to provide that hospital liens are liens against patients´ causes of action and not patients nor their property or assets; to provide for notice of hospital liens; to provide for the filing time for hospital liens; to provide for the effect of such notice and filing; to provide that hospital liens be segregated from other liens on the records of the clerk of superior court; to provide for the enforcement of such liens against insurers; to provide that releases or covenants not to sue made before or after the discharge of the patient from the hospital shall not affect such liens in certain circumstances.
*
HB 1413
 A Bill to amend Article 11 of Chapter 7 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to personal care facility licensing and employee records checks, to provide for criminal records checks for personal care homes employment applicants; to amend Chapter 2 of Title 49 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the Department of Human Resources, so as to provide that Code Section 31-7-250 through 31-7-264 shall apply to personal care homes.
*
HB 1585

A Bill to amend Code Section 16-5-100 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to cruelty to a person 65 years of age or older, so as to provide for additional acts of harm and better define the exceptions.


GENERAL HEALTHCARE BILLS
Bill Number
 Summary
HB 1031
A Bill to amend Chapter 11 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to emergency medical services, so as to authorize a county or municipality to designate one or more ambulance providers to deliver emergency medical services within its jurisdiction and to inform the local coordinating entity and the board or its designee of its decision.
HB 980
 A Bill to amend Part 1 of Article 4 of Chapter 12 of Title 45 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to management of state budgetary and financial affairs, so as to provide that appropriated state funds shall not be made available or paid over to agencies or private corporations which refuse to cooperate with an investigation conducted by the United States Department of Justice.
HB 1040
 A Bill to amend Part 8 of Chapter 14 of Title 44 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to hospitals and nursing homes, so as to allow a traumatic burn care medical practice to have a lien on a cause of action accruing to an injured person for the costs of care and treatment arising out of the cause of action.
SR 480
 A Resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution so as to allow public money to be used by religious or sectarian organizations and denominations and houses of worship for the purpose of providing nonsectarian public health or social services to people in need; to provide for the submission of this amendment for ratification or rejection.
SB 338

A Bill to be entitled an Act to amend Article 3 of Chapter 11 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to emergency medical services personnel, so as to provide for legislative findings; to provide for state grants to community partnerships for the purchase of automated external defibrillators and for training in the use of such defibrillators; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws.

HB 981
 A Bill to amend Code Section 50-14-1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to meetings which are to be open to the public; limitations on actions to contest an agency action; recording; notice of time and place of meetings; access to minutes; and telecommunications conferences, so as to provide that any agency shall be authorized to conduct meetings by telecommunications conference under certain conditions.
HB 360
 A Bill to amend Title 19 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to domestic relations, so as to provide for voluntary relinquishment of a newborn under certain circumstances.
HB 1097
 A Bill to amend Code Section 38-3-27 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to local organizations for emergency management and their creation, structure, powers, directors, financial assistance, and entitlement for funding, so as to provide for state grants to assist local fire departments, emergency medical services, 911 facilities, and emergency management organizations for certain purposes.
SB 351
 A Bill to be entitled an Act to amend Part 3 of Article 16 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to student health, so as to change certain provisions relating to rules and regulations for nutritional screening and eye, ear, and dental examinations of students; to provide that such eye examinations shall be performed by ophthalmologists or optometrists; to repeal conflicting laws.
HB 1113
 A Bill to amend Code Section 40-6-228 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to enforcement of the "Parking Law for Persons with Disabilities," so as to provide for identification of persons appointed to enforce such law.
SB 364
 A Bill to be entitled an Act to amend Article 3 of Chapter 21 of Title 15 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund, so as to change the Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund Authority to the Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission; to authorize the commission to disburse trust fund money for operating expenses which shall be kept to a minimum; to provide that no funds shall be disbursed until approved by the Governor; to require the commission to recommend disbursement of funds before the Governor may authorize such disbursement.
SB 365
A Bill to be entitled an Act to amend Article 2 of Chapter 3 of Title 38 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to organization and administration of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency, so as to provide for site surveys, safety audits, and vulnerability assessments for certain public buildings; to provide for certain state government safety plans; to provide for a program of safety training; to provide for government emergency operations plans; to provide for interagency cooperation; to exempt certain records from public inspection and disclosure.
HB 1139
 A Bill to amend Chapter 15 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to care and treatment of cancer patients, so as to create the Cancer Care Trust Fund; to provide for its administration; to provide for an opportunity to contribute to the trust fund of Georgia income tax returns.
HR 904
 A Resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution so as to authorize the creation of the Cancer Care Trust Fund; and for other purposes.
HB 1148
 A Bill to amend Article 3 of Chapter 2 of Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to prestige license plates and special plates for certain persons and vehicles, so as to provide for a special license plate supporting certain breast cancer related programs for the medically indigent; to dedicate revenue derived from the sale of such special license plates to the Indigent Care Trust Fund; and for other purposes.

HB 1091
A Bill to amend Code Section 40-8-76 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to safety belts required as equipment and safety restraints for children four years of age or younger, so as to change certain provisions relating to child safety restraint requirements; to specify the types of motor vehicles to which child safety restraint requirements are applicable.
HB 1155
 A Bill to amend Chapter 9 of Title 34 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to workers' compensation, so as to provide that the State Board of Workers' Compensation shall provide certain data to state and federal government entities as authorized by law; to change certain provisions relating to certification or licensing of rehabilitation suppliers; to remove the requirement that income benefit checks must be drawn on a Georgia depository.
SB 385
 A Bill to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 1 of Title 4 of the O.C.G.A., relating to general provisions related to animals, so as to require persons caring for animals to report certain diseases caused by bioterrorism to the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Human Resources; to amend Chapter 12 of Title 31 of the O.C.G.A., relating to control of hazardous conditions, preventable diseases, and metabolic disorders; to amend Chapter 1 of Title 35 of the O.C.G.A., relating to general provisions related to law enforcement officers and agencies; to amend Chapter 3 of Title 38 of the O.C.G.A., relating to emergency management; to amend Chapter 13 of Title 50 of the O.C.G.A., the "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act".
SB 394
 A Bill to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 2 of Title 49 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the Department of Human Resources and its governing board and commissioner, so as to change the composition of the Board of Human Resources. The current law mandating that at least seven of the members be engaged in rendering health services shall still hold true.
HB 917
 A Bill to amend Chapter 4 of Title 29 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to guardians of minors, so as to enact the "Standby Guardianship Act," thus creating a substitute decision-maker for minors. The standby guardian would have the same level of authority in medical decisions as parents.

HB 652

 A Bill to provide for a short title and legislative findings and intent; to amend Chapter 1 of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to professions and businesses, so as to authorize certain surveys of licensees and the reporting of licensee data to the Department of Community Health.
HB 1238
 A Bill to amend Code Section 24-7-9 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to identification of medical bills, as to change the list of health care professionals from whom bills submitted into evidence were received.
HB 1292

A Bill to amend Chapter 12 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to control of hazardous conditions, preventable diseases, and metabolic disorders, so as to provide for a patient to purchase contact lenses from a retailer of his or her choice including through the mail; to prohibit the prescription of private label or store brand contact lenses; to provide for a patient to receive immediately a copy of his or her prescription for contact lenses.

HB 1318
 A Bill to amend Code Section 34-9-201 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the selection of a physician from a panel of physicians, so as to authorize an employer to schedule a medical appointment for an employee with an authorized treating physician.
HB 1323
 A Bill to revise laws relating to persons who may give consent for or receive information about a minor; to amend Title 15 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to courts, so as to define parent to include any person temporarily standing in loco parentis for a minor under his or her care; to amend Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to education, so as to change the definition of the term "parent"; to amend Title 24 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to evidence; to amend Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to health; to amend Title 37 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to mental health; to amend Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to motor vehicles and traffic.
HB 1344
 A Bill to state a general intent to eliminate the future "sunset" of certain provisions relating to Code Section 43-34-45.1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the "Georgia Volunteers in Medicine Health Care Act"; to amend an Act amending Chapter 1 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions regarding health, so as to repeal provisions of such Act which provided for a future repeal or sunset of the "Georgia Volunteers in Medicine Health Care Act".
HB 498
 A Bill to amend Chapter 3 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to county boards of health, so as to authorize a county board of health to contract with the Department of Human Resources; to amend Title 37 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to mental health, so as to abolish the regional mental health, mental retardation, and substance abuse boards and planning units and to transfer functions and duties to the Division of Mental Health, Mental Retardation, and Substance Abuse of the Department of Human Resources.
HB 1238

A Bill to amend Code Section 24-7-9 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to identification of medical bills, as to change the list of health care professionals from whom bills submitted into evidence in a civil case involving injury or disease. The expanded list adds physical and occupational therapists, chiropractors, psychologists, advanced practice nurses, social workers, professional counselors, and marriage and family therapists to the current list.
SR 620
 A Resolution declaring February 28, 2002, as the "Governor´s Council on Developmental Disabilities Day" at the Capitol and recognizing the outstanding efforts and support the Governor´s Council on Developmental Disabilities provides to individuals with disabilities, their families, and the greater community at large, to enhance the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities; and for other purposes.
SR 596

A Resolution recognizing Hospital Day at the Capitol on February 18, 2002.

SR 597
 A Resolution congratulating Spring Valley Health Care Center.
HR 1050
 A Resolution congratulating Montezuma Healthcare Center.

SR 601

 A Resolution congratulating Bel-Arbor Nursing Center.
HR 1068
 A Resolution designating Rural Health Day.
SR 567
 A Resolution congratulating Sadie G. Mays Health and Rehab Center.
*
HB 1400
 A Bill to amend Title 37 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to mental health, so as to change the provisions regarding the transportation of mentally ill, mentally retarded, and alcoholic or drug dependent individuals who are patients or clients in a facility; to authorize a facility to arrange for transportation of an impatient or client under the care of the facility by means other than the county sheriff.
*
HB 1424
 A Bill to amend Title 45 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to public officers and employees, so as to enact the "Georgia Public Service Employees' Occupational Safety and Health Act"; to ensure that all public employees can be provided with safe and healthful work environments free from recognized hazards.
*
SB 472
 A Bill to be entitled an Act to amend Article 1 of Chapter 1 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions relative to health, so as to provide for self-administration of asthma medication by minor children at school.
*
SR 677
A Resolution creating the Senate Study Committee on Rules and Regulations for Nutritional Screening and Eye, Ear, and Dental Examinations of Students Entering the State Funded Pre-Kindergarten Programs and Five Year Olds Entering Public Schools.
*
HR 1143
 A Resolution to encourage members of the Georgia House of Representatives and state agencies and other service agencies involved in health care to promote the use of the Georgia income tax checkoff for contributions to cancer research.
*
HR 1149
 A Resolution urging that the Georgia Medicaid program should provide dental services for adult pregnant women.
*
HB 1224
A Bill to provide for changes in laws pertaining to child support enforcement and to amend Title 19 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to domestic relations, so as to provide for the trier of fact to vary the final sum certain monetary award of child support upon a written finding that special circumstances make the presumptive amount of support excessive or inadequate; to authorize the use of the National Medical Support Notice to enforce medical support provisions of a child support order.

*
HB 381

 A Bill to amend Chapter 3 of Title 37 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to examination, treatment, and care for mental illness, so as to change the provisions relating to emergency admission based on physician's certification or court order; to change the provisions relating to procedure upon admission and notice of proposed discharge.
*
HB 1580
 A Bill to amend Article 9 of Chapter 9 of Title 34 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the Subsequent Injury Trust Fund, so as to provide that the Subsequent Injury Trust Fund shall not reimburse an employer for a subsequent injury occurring after December 31, 2002; to provide that the fund shall continue to reimburse employers for injuries occurring prior to December 31, 2002.
*
HB 1487
 A Bill to amend Code Section 31-3-2 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to composition of county boards of health, so as to revise and change the population and census application of certain provisions regarding exofficio members.
*
HB 1481
 A Bill to amend Article 3 of Chapter 21 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to offenses regarding dead bodies, so as to change certain provisions relating to abuse of dead body; to prohibit and punish certain throwing away, abandonment, or final disposition of dead bodies; to amend Chapter 18 of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to funeral directors and embalmers.
*
SB 539
A Bill to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 11 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to emergency medical services, so as to create the Georgia Emergency Medical Services Medical Directors Advisory Council; to provide for duties of such council; to provide for rules and regulations or policies governing such council.
*
SB 546
A Bill to be entitled an Act to amend Article 1 of Chapter 1 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions relative to health, so as to provide that any report to the General Assembly required by such title shall be made to the members of the General Assembly on a disc or other format which is able to be read by a personal computer and saved to the computer´s hard drive.
*
HB 1674
 A Bill to amend Code Section 16-12-141.1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the unlawful disposal of aborted fetuses, so as to provide for additional criminal penalties.
*
SB 552
A Bill to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 6 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to state health planning and development, so as to exempt expenditures for coronary care, open heart surgery, or heart transplants from compliance with certificate of need requirements.
*
HB 1718
 A Bill to amend Title 19 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to domestic relations, so as to provide for voluntary relinquishment of a newborn under certain circumstances; to provide for a short title; to provide for legislative intent; to provide that a mother who leaves a newborn child in the custody of an employee, agent, or staff member of a medical facility in specified circumstances shall not be prosecuted for specified crimes because of such act.
*
SB 474
 A Bill to be entitled an Act to amend Article 3 of Chapter 21 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to offenses relative to the treatment of dead bodies, so as to provide that it shall be abuse of a dead body to treat a dead body in a manner inconsistent with community or professional standards or in a manner known to outrage ordinary family sensibilities or to disinter a body which had been legally interred. Hospitals are exempt from the regulations.

*
SR 910

A Resolution creating the Senate Economic Impact of Health Care Systems Regulation Study Committee.
*
HB 1599
 A Bill to amend Chapter 12 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to control of hazardous conditions, preventable diseases, and metabolic disorders, so as to require the Department of Human Resources to prepare information about bacterial meningitis and to make such information available to all secondary and postsecondary schools in this state; to require all secondary and postsecondary schools to provide information about bacterial meningitis to all enrolled secondary and postsecondary students and their parents or guardians.
*
SB 499

A Bill to be entitled an Act to amend Code Section 51-12-1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to types of damages and evidence admissible in actions involving special damages, so as to revise the provisions relating to the admissibility of evidence of previous or future right of payments for economic losses; to provide for evidence of indemnification and subrogation of payments; to provide for damage interrogatories for the jury; to provide for evidence of damages in personal suits against medical professionals.


MEDICAL DEVICES BILLS
Bill Number
 Summary


MEDICAL RECORDS BILLS
Bill Number
 Summary
HB 926
A Bill to amend Title 10 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to commerce and trade, so as to establish guidelines for proper disposal of certain business documents containing personal information; to define terms; to provide for civil liability.

SB 355

A Bill to be entitled an Act to amend Code Section 50-18-72 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to when public disclosure shall not be required under Article 4 of Chapter 18 of Title 50, so as to exempt autopsy photographs and post-mortem examination and autopsy reports from such disclosure; to repeal conflicting laws.

SB 356
 A Bill to be entitled an Act to amend Code Section 31-33-2 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to furnishing copy of records to patient or provider, so as to provide conditions under which a provider may release copies of medical records of deceased and living persons; to provide that, upon written request from the personal representative of the patient or survivor of the patient, a provider having custody and control of the patient´s record shall furnish a complete and current copy of that record; to provide that any record requested under certain provisions of law shall be furnished to any personal representative of the patient or any survivor of the patient; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws.
SB 396
 A Bill to be entitled an Act to amend Code Section 50-18-72 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to government records which are not required to be disclosed to the public, so as to provide that disclosure shall not be required for certain records which would compromise the security of government facilities against terrorist or other attack.
*
HB 1374
 A Bill to amend Code Section 50-18-72 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to when public disclosure of public records is not required, so as to provide that public disclosure shall not be required for certain records relating to local government employees.
*
HB 1427
 A Bill to amend Code Section 50-18-72 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to public disclosure of records, so as to exempt the name and identity of victims of sexual assault from disclosure under the Open Records Act.
*
HB 696
 A Bill to amend Code Section 50-18-72 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to exceptions from the requirements of disclosure of public records, so as to provide an exception with respect to public records of an emergency "911" system containing information which would reveal the name, address, or telephone number of a person placing a call to a public safety answering point, which information may be redacted from such records.
*
SB 475

A Bill to be entitled an Act to amend various provisions of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated as they relate to identity fraud and the collection and dissemination of personal identifying and financial information on individuals and businesses so as to protect such information from being utilized in an unlawful manner. This information includes social security numbers, medical information and personal identification cards. Business must dispose of the personal information by shredding information, erasing information prior to discarding it, modifying customers' records, or taking action to reasonably ensure that no unauthorized person will have access to personal information. An amendment is included to exclude hospitals.



HEALTH INSURANCE
Bill Number
 Summary
SB 317
A Bill to amend Article 1 of Chapter 24 of Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions regarding insurance generally, so as to require all health insurance policies to provide coverage for colorectal cancer screening; to identify covered individuals; to establish screening guidelines; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws.
SB 324
 A Bill to amend Article 1 of Chapter 18 of Title 45 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the state employees´ health insurance plan, so as to provide that any person otherwise eligible for coverage who declined coverage because he or she was covered under a health insurance plan offered by the federal government based upon prior military service may, under certain conditions, begin or resume coverage under the state health insurance plan; to repeal conflicting laws.
SB 339
 A Bill to amend Code Section 33-24-59.7, relating to insurance coverage for the treatment of morbidly obese patients, so as to require certain insurers to offer coverage for the treatment of morbid obesity; to provide for adjustment of current contracts; to repeal conflicting laws.
SB 340
A Bill to amend Article 1 of Chapter 24 of Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions relating to insurance generally, so as to enact the "Comprehensive Patient and Provider Health Care Relief Act of 2002"; to provide for liability for failure by a health care insurer to provide for medically necessary items or services; to provide for reimbursement for medically necessary items or services rendered to an insured person; to provide for the right of an insured person to choose a health care provider to render any medically necessary items or services within this state; to offer certain tax incentives; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws.
HB 1089
 A Bill to amend Code Section 13-8-2 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to contracts contravening public policy generally, so as to declare as contrary to public policy certain contracts between a hospital which is a provider of obstetric services and certain insurers.
HB 1100
 A Bill to amend Article 1 of Chapter 24 of Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions regarding insurance generally, so as to require health benefit policy coverage for colorectal cancer screening.
HB 1089
 A Bill to amend Code Section 13-8-2 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to contracts contravening public policy generally, so as to declare as contrary to public policy certain contracts between a hospital which is a provider of obstetric services and certain insurers.
SB 360

A Bill to be entitled an Act to amend Article 1 of Chapter 24 of Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions relative to insurance, so as to provide for the direct access of patients to mammograms; to provide for definitions; to prohibit certain requirements of referral from a primary care physician as a condition of coverage; to provide for notice; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws.

HB 1121
A Bill to amend Code Section 20-2-55 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to per diem and expenses of members of local boards of education, and Code Section 45-18-5, relating to coverage of county officers and employees under the state employees' health insurance plan; to provide expressly that members of local boards of education who are eligible for state employees' insurance, schoolteachers' insurance, or school employees' insurance by reason of some status other than membership on a local board of education may choose such coverage in lieu of coverage as a member of a local board of education.
SB 375

A Bill to be entitled an Act to amend Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to insurance, so as to enact the "Georgia Consumer Choice of Benefits Health Insurance Plan Act"; to provide a short title; to provide for legislative intent; to provide definitions; to provide that Georgia Consumer Choice of Benefits Health Insurance Plan policies or contracts not subject to state mandated health benefits may be offered by insurers to group or individual policyholders.

SB 378

 A Bill to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 20A of Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to managed health care plans, so as to require any managed care entity offering a plan to obtain a signed affirmative consent from each enrollee acknowledging that the enrollee has been informed of and accepts specific elements of the plan; to specify that an enrollee shall give affirmative consent to a list of the participating providers, the limitations on choices of providers, and any contracts between the plan and any provider or hospital.
HB 1219
A Bill to amend Chapter 43 of Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to medicare supplemental insurance, so as to provide that insurers who offer medicare supplemental insurance policies in this state shall make available certain policies to persons under the age of 65 who, as a result of a disability, qualify for medicare under certain circumstances and conditions.
HB 1100
 A Bill to amend Article 1 of Chapter 24 of Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions regarding insurance generally, so as to require health benefit policy coverage for colorectal cancer screening.
SB 339
 A Bill to be entitled an Act to amend Code Section 33-24-59.7, relating to insurance coverage for the treatment of morbidly obese patients, so as to require certain insurers to offer coverage for the treatment of morbid obesity; to provide for adjustment of current contracts; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
HB 711

A Bill to amend Article 1 of Chapter 18 of Title 45 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to state employees' health insurance plans, so as to provide for senior citizens of this state to obtain cards enabling them to obtain prescription drugs at reduced prices.
*
SB 444
 A Bill to be entitled an Act to amend Article 1 of Chapter 24 of Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions relative to insurance, so as to require insurance coverage for estrogen implants; to define a term; to authorize the Commissioner of Insurance to implement applicable rules and regulations.
*
SB 463
 A Bill to be entitled an Act to amend Code Section 49-5-273 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to creation and operation of the PeachCare for Kids Program, so as to provide for coverage under the program for children from conception through 18 years of age.
*
SB 179
 A Bill to be entitled an Act to amend Article 1 of Chapter 30 of Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions regarding group or blanket accident and sickness insurance, so as to provide for definitions; to provide that certain insurers, health care corporations including provider sponsored health care corporations, and health maintenance organizations furnish claims experience to group policy holders; to provide for an alternative form of group claims experience reporting to policyholders as approved by the Commissioner of Insurance; to authorize the Commissioner of Insurance to approve fees to be charged for the provision of such claims experience reports.
*
HB 525
 A Bill to amend Code Section 33-24-58.2 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to health benefit policy coverage for certain maternity benefits, so as to change the provisions regarding required notices.
*
SB 458
 To amend Article 1 of Chapter 24 of Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions relative to insurance, so as to require health benefit policy coverage for off-label prescription drug use for insureds with life-threatening or chronic or disabling conditions or diseases; to provide definitions; to provide for conditions of coverage.
*
HR 1118
 A Resolution strongly urging the United States Congress to adopt legislation requiring the Medicare program to cover the cost of all oral anticancer drugs.
*
HB 1492
 A Bill to amend Article 1 of Chapter 24 of Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions relative to insurance generally, so as to change certain provisions relating to coverage for equipment and self-management training for individuals with diabetes and enforcement.
*
SB 476
 A Bill to be entitled an Act to provide a short title; to amend Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to insurance, so as to define certain terms; to provide standards and procedures for verification of benefits and precertifications relating to managed health benefit plans; to provide for liability and personnel; to provide for applicability; to include among unfair insurance practices certain practices of insurers and managed care entities with regard to health benefit plans; to require that certain persons shall be notified of the cancellation, nonrenewal, or other termination of their insurance.
*
HB 1486
 A Bill to amend Part 1 of Article 5 of Chapter 9 of Title 45 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the Georgia State Indemnification Fund, so as to provide for a lump sum payment to the surviving spouse, minor child or children, or surviving spouse and minor child or children of a law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty; to provide for health and dental insurance coverage for the surviving spouse, minor child or children, or surviving spouse and minor child or children of a law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty.
*
HB 1494
 A BILL to amend Article 1 of Chapter 18 of Title 45 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the state employees' health insurance plan, so as to authorize the Board of Community Health to contract with any agricultural commodity commission created pursuant to Chapter 8 of Title 2 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated to provide for the inclusion in such plan of any such commission's employees and retiring employees and their spouses and dependents.
*
SB 486
 A Bill to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 20A of Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to managed health care plans, so as to prohibit a managed health care entity from limiting the quantity of a prescription ordered by a health care provider that may be dispensed by a pharmacist; to provide for a patient to request and a pharmacist to dispense a lesser amount than ordered.
*
HB 978
 A Bill to amend Article 1 of Chapter 7 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to hospitals and related institutions, so as to require that such institutions provide certain documents identifying newborn babies as eligible for medical assistance and requiring such institutions and the Department of Community Health to counsel Medicaid eligible pregnant women and those who have recently given birth to make a choice of a primary care physician.
*
HR 1584
 A Bill to amend Code Section 45-18-10 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to a right of continuation of coverage for former employees, payment of premiums, establishment of terms and conditions by board, and appointment as United States attorney, so as to provide that if a former member of the General Assembly dies after ceasing to hold office but before he or she begins to receive a retirement benefit, and he or she has continued to participate in the state health plan, his or her surviving spouse and dependent children shall be entitled to continued coverage.
*
HB 1607
 A Bill to amend Chapter 5A of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the Department of Community Health, so as to provide for reviews of denials of health benefit claims for employees of the board of regents; to amend Article 1 of Chapter 18 of Title 45 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the state employees' health insurance plan, so as to require the promulgation of rules and regulations to entitle employees covered by the state employees' health insurance plan to an administrative review and a review by an independent review organization of the denial of a health benefit claim.
*
SB 519
 A Bill to be entitled an Act to amend Article 1 of Chapter 18 of Title 45 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the state employees´ health insurance plan, so as to authorize the Board of Community Health to contract with any agricultural commodity commission created pursuant to Chapter 8 of Title 2 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated to provide for the inclusion in such plan of any such commission´s employees and retiring employees and their spouses and dependents; to provide for terms and conditions of such coverage and inclusion.
*
HB 716
 A Bill to amend Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to insurance, so as to enact the "Fair Insurance Business Practices Act of 2001"; to provide for a short title; to provide for legislative findings; to provide for the regulation of health insurance carriers who secure for their enrollees the professional services of physicians through physician contracts; to amend Code Section 10-1-393 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to unfair or deceptive practices in consumer transactions.
*
HB 711
 A Bill to amend Article 1 of Chapter 18 of Title 45 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to state employees' health insurance plans, so as to provide for senior citizens of this state to obtain cards enabling them to obtain prescription drugs at reduced prices.
*
HB 1607
 A Bill to amend Chapter 5A of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the Department of Community Health, so as to provide for reviews of denials of health benefit claims for employees of the board of regents; to amend Article 1 of Chapter 18 of Title 45 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the state employees' health insurance plan, so as to require the promulgation of rules and regulations to entitle employees covered by the state employees' health insurance plan to an administrative review and a review by an independent review organization of the denial of a health benefit claim.
*
HB 1677
 A Bill to amend Chapter 21 of Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to health maintenance organizations, so as to include behavioral health services in point-of-service options in health benefit plan coverage through a health maintenance organization.
*
SB 556
 A Bill to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 18 of Title 45 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to employees' insurance and benefit plans, so as to provide for a scheduled medical plan; to provide for employees to have free choice of providers and full reimbursement of certain expenses; to establish scheduled amounts to be paid to providers; to offer employees differential premiums and out-of-pocket expenses; to provide employees with information regarding reimbursement for services.
*
SB 508

A Bill to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 8 of Title 34 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, which would provide unemployment insurance benefits to victims of domestic violence.



ANIMAL HEALTH BILLS
Bill Number
 Summary
*
HB 945
A Bill to amend Title 4 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to animals, so as to provide for the establishment of a dog and cat sterilization support program and educational activities; to provide for funds; to provide for rules; to provide for reports; to amend Article 2 of Chapter 2 of Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles generally, so as to authorize the issuance of license plates promoting the dog and cat sterilization support program and related educational activities of the Department of Agriculture.
*
SB 371
 A Bill to be entitled an Act to amend Title 4 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to animals, so as to authorize the Commissioner of Agriculture to require the reporting of certain animal diseases and syndromes; to provide for the contents of reports; to provide for the confidentiality of reports; to provide for limited exceptions and for the use of certain data; to provide that certain persons making such reports shall not be liable for civil damages.
*
HB 1088
 A Bill to amend Article 10 of Chapter 2 of Title 26 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to fish and other seafoods, so as to change the provisions relating to fees for a nonresident or alien wholesale fish dealer.
*
SB 399
 A Bill to be entitled an Act to amend Article 1 of Chapter 11 of Title 4 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions relative to animal protection, so as to provide that animal shelters shall be subject to regulation by certain applicable local zoning and animal control ordinances; to amend Code Section 41-1-7 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to treatment of agricultural facilities and operations as nuisances, so as to provide that agricultural operations that breed or keep dogs shall be subject to regulation by applicable local zoning and animal control regulations.
*
HB 1317
 A Bill to amend Chapter 11 of Title 4 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to animal protection, so as to provide for definitions; to provide that it shall be unlawful for any person to load, unload, or transport any nonambulatory livestock that has not been humanely euthanized except under certain conditions and for certain purposes; to require humane handling and humane euthanization of certain nonambulatory livestock.
*
SB 473
 A Bill to be entitled an Act to amend Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to professions and businesses, so as to substantially revise and restate the law governing the practice of veterinary medicine and the licensure and regulation of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary facilities; to provide a short title; to define terms; to provide for the scope of veterinary practice; to provide for the State Board of Veterinary Medicine and its powers and duties, membership, selection, compensation, and service; to provide for standards and requirements for licensing of veterinarians; to provide for regulation of veterinary practice; to provide for expiration and renewal of licenses.
*
HB 1637
 A Bill to amend Article 1 of Chapter 11 of Title 4 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions relative to animal protection, so as to provide that animal shelters shall be subject to regulation by certain applicable local zoning and animal control ordinances; to amend Code Section 41-1-7 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to treatment of agricultural facilities and operations as nuisances, so as to provide that agricultural operations that breed or keep dogs shall be subject to regulation by applicable local zoning and animal control regulations.
*
HB 719

A Bill to amend Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to professions and businesses, so as to substantially revise and restate the law governing the practice of veterinary medicine and the licensure and regulation of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary facilities; to define terms; to provide for the scope of veterinary practice; to provide for the State Board of Veterinary Medicine and its powers and duties, membership, selection, compensation, and service; to provide for standards and requirements for licensing of veterinarians.




SELECT PROJECTS FROM GOVERNOR'S BUDGET PROPOSAL
Amount
 Summary
$18 million in state funds; $44 million with the federal match
 Increase Medicaid hospital inpatient rates using 90% of the adjusted calendar year 2000 cost data plus one year of DRI inflation 3.2% ($18 million in state funds, $44 million with the federal match).
$11.9 million in state funds, $29.4 million with the federal match
Increase Medicaid adjusted case mix nursing home rates using the 2001 cost reports plus one year of DRI inflation of 3.4%.
$13.3 million in state funds, $33 million with the federal match
 Pay physicians for Medicaid services using 90% of the 2000 RBRVS.
$587,500 in state funds
 Fund health care workforce shortage Initiatives as recommended in Code Blue: Workforce in Crisis.
$1.5 million in state funds
Fund ICAPP program to train health care professionals.
$315,000 in state funds
 Fund Georgia Better Health Care member Education.
$3.4 million in state funds, $12.2 million with federal match
Transfer funding for the Cancer State Aid program from DHR to DCH to leverage federal Medicaid funding for breast and cervical cancer treatment.
-$125,000 in state funds
 Reduce funding for the Ovarian Cancer Alliance.

Bioterrorism initiatives:

$480,000 in total funds
  • Fund six epidemiologists in Dalton, Gainesville, Clayton, East Metro, Dublin and Brunswick public health in every district.
$235,000 in total funds
  • Place an emergency coordinator in each of the nineteen public health districts.
$235,000 in total funds
  • Fund a state level epidemiologist, emergency coordinator and molecular biologist.
$2.3 million in total funds
  • Fund the development of a statewide trauma system and support hospital data collection and emergency simulation training.
$197,500 total funds
  • Purchase equipment for a statewide satellite communication system (SATCOM) for each of the nineteen public health districts.
$1.5 million in state funds
Fund increasing costs of vaccinations for uninsured children.
$1 million
 Restore state funds for MR/MH/SA mental health services for children in state custody.

- $125,000 in
state funds

Eliminate one-time funds for challenge grants to health care providers for cancer screening and early detection.
-$1.5 million in state funds
Reduce media contract for cancer education.
-$5.7 million
Reduce smoking prevention and cessation expenditures.
$2 million
Add funds to the Cancer State Aid program to cover medical expenses for uninsured cancer patients.
$3.4 million
The Cancer Coalition announced that funding for breast and cervical cancer screening initiative would come from Indigent Care Trust Fund and federal match to serve 64 rural countries.
$10 million
 Subcommittee recommended to include to fund SB 195 to provide grants to rural hospitals for infrastructure and equipment.
$5.75 million

Recommended by the Subcommittee to be given to the Cancer State Aid Program, in addition to the $2.022 million already recommended by the Governor in the FY03.

Subcommittee recommended to the Georgia Rural Health Association:

$25,000
  • to hire a new director;
$2.1 million
  • expand Medicaid to children in families up to 150% of fpl; and
$250,000
  • for start up grants for community and migrant health centers and payment to providers for colorectal screening for Medicaid patients.
$414,154

House Appropriations Higher Education Subcommittee's recommendation for ICAPP funds to include health care programs.
* $5 million
 Fund grants to rural hospitals for equipment and infrastructure.
* $250,000
 Restore start up grants for community and migrant health centers. The center must be affiliated with a critical access or rural hospital.
* Amount undetermined
Eliminate state funding to develop an integrated statewide trauma system. Federal funds will be used.
* $1.5 million
Fund multimedia campaign to promote cancer awareness.
*$3.9 million
Add funds to the Unite Georgia smoking prevention and cessation media campaign.
* $3.5 million
Add funds to the Cancer State Aid treatment program.



> Check out upcoming seminars & events
> Review recent activities and accomplishments by our attorneys


Some of the finest 20th century photographs and prints are on display at AGG.
> See the Art Collection