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Advocacy
CORPORATIONS CAN DONATE TO GEMPAC There has been some wide spread confusion and misconceptions regarding corporate or LLC donations to GEMPAC or any state PAC. Many have been told by their accountants that corporations can not make donations to state PAC’s. THIS IS ABSOLUTELY INCORRECT. In the state of Georgia corporations can make donations directly to a candidate or to a state PAC such as GEMPAC. Georgia state regulations are different from federal regulations and that is most likely where the confusion and misinformation originated. CLICK HERE for documentation we acquired on this and contact GCEP if you have any further questions. Please make your contributions on behalf of your company to GEMPAC now. We need the support to continue making forward progress with our Georgia legislatures. |
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A message from... the GCEP Legislative Chair
Advocacy, as defined by the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, is the act of pleading or arguing in favor of something, such as a cause, idea, or policy. Although often behind the scenes and therefore underappreciated, it is one of the greatest benefits an organization can provide to its membership. The Georgia College of Emergency Physicians, through its advocacy efforts, is committed to advancing emergency care for our members, patients and specialty. GCEP represents its members at the Capitol and specifically targets several areas of legislative efforts and we are proud to have an impressive record of successes.
Until recently, Georgia, as a state, was in a very real, very serious crisis. Frivolous lawsuits and excessive jury awards were causing sky-high premiums and forcing many physicians to retire early, move to states with lower premiums, and drop “on-call” coverage for emergency patients.
The Senate Bill 3 that finally leveled the playing field between law and medicine regarding civil justice reform was signed into law 2/16/05. Besides the other 11 important provisions relating to civil justice reform such as the cap on non-economic damages, the two most important provisions relating to emergency services were a direct result of GCEP legislative efforts.
This has become model legislation for other states around the country.
There are certain things that physicians can do to fulfill their duty to their specialty. Besides paying your membership dues, what else can you do to help with advocacy?
If you want to help and don’t know where to start, just click here.
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A message from... the GEMPAC Chair
Besides New Year’s resolutions, the start of 2008 also brings the 2008 Legislative Session, now in full swing down at the “Gold Dome”. As emergency physicians practicing in Georgia we all need to resolve to make an impact in the legislative process. You may think your contribution doesn’t make a difference but it is your GEMPAC contribution that is one of the most important keys to making this happen. It is your GEMPAC contribution which allows GCEP to support those policy makers that support healthcare.
Through GEMPAC we are able to support those legislators fighting for tougher seatbelt laws which will save countless lives. GEMPAC will also support those legislators trying to establish an improved trauma network for the state, a goal which will ensure excellent trauma care for everyone in the state, regardless of geographical location. By contributing to GEMPAC, you will be contributing to healthcare for all Georgians because GCEP, through GEMPAC, supports the candidates that support these ideas.
SB3 was passed in 2005, largely due to the work of GCEP and GEMPAC and the support of Georgia ER docs. Thanks to SB3 we have already seen tremendous improvements in our practice environment. These improvements have come in the form of decreased law suits, a reduction in malpractice costs, the return of new insurance companies to the state, and most importantly, a less tense environment to practice medicine in.
Unfortunately, passing SB3 only represents half the battle. As we speak, the current Legislative Session is trying to pass SB 286, a bill with the single goal of removing the gross negligence clause from SB3, in effect stripping SB3 of all its power and returning Georgia emergency providers to the pre-SB3 days where high malpractice premiums and frivolous law suits were the norm. This would affect any health care provider who sees a patient in the ED (i.e., our ability to get on call specialty coverage for the ED) but primarily US!
Many of the doctors in Georgia are becoming complacent as a result of our mighty victory. We need to realize that protecting this bill is as important as having it passed. By supporting the candidates which support SB3, we are able to make our voices heard. We have to take the bull by the horns and spend some money to protect our work home!!! Believe me, political contributions are the cost of doing business and everyone needs to resolve to do their part!!! |
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Click here to find out more about SB3 To contact your state officials Visit http://www.capwiz.com/mag/state/main/?state=GA
Contact Your State Legislators http://my.acep.org/site/PageServer?pagename=adv_findstatelegis
Contact Congress http://my.acep.org/site/PageServer?pagename=adv_home&JServSessionIdr001=pzkngnwa84.app5b
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