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Recent News
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2009 Legislative Priorities
Protect & Defend Civil Justice Reform – Retain all elements of SB3 that was passed in 2005, specifically the provision regarding standard of proof for services in emergency settings.
Support HB 24 but protect SB3 by inserting the phrase, "except as otherwise provided in Code section 51-1-29.5" at the beginning of the second sentence of proposed Code section 24-14-3
Handout: Reasons to Uphold and Support SB3
Advocate for Rural Emergency Medicine
Redefine who can qualify for financial assistance to “primary care and essential specialties”. Essential specialties should be defined to include emergency physicians, general surgeons, and OB/Gyn.
Provide financial incentives to rural and small-town medical facilities to install the necessary technology to give them the ability to communicate directly with our state’s major medical centers.
Loan forgiveness - Set up a structured plan to provide physicians who practice in rural and small towns in Georgia a graduated scale of loan forgiveness. Tax relief may be best plan.
Work with local communities to provide malpractice insurance, housing allowances, and medical, health & disability insurance.
Handout: GCEP Long Range Strategic Plan for Rural Emergency Medicine Eliminate Crowding in Emergency Departments- Educate state policy makers and DHS regarding true causes of ED Crowding, consequences for patients, and effective evidence based solutions.
Handout: Impact of ED Crowding on Patient Care and Survival
Continue support for reasonable, equitable & timely reimbursement formulas for Georgia adult & child Medicaid patients.
Handout: Key Facts on Medicaid and Emergency Care
Support efforts to develop and fund the statewide trauma network – SB60 established the Georgia Trauma Commission to develop, administer and maintain a statewide trauma network. No funding mechanism was included in the bill.
Support grant opportunities for stroke centers/telemedicine programs as a result of the 2008 Coverdell-Murphy Act
Support HB 22 (Oliver) which would require use of seat belts in trucks and in back seats of automobiles and result in fewer traffic fatalities and injuries statewide.
Support SB 5 (Thomas) which requires use of seatbelts in trucks.
Also, oppose any legislation that would repeal helmet laws.
Support HB 23 which makes it unlawful to use cell phones or texting while driving (age under 18).
Support HB 69 which clarifies that only one physician is required for DNR with family consent. (2 doctors without)
Partner with Georgia ENA to provide model language to Georgia Board of Nursing regarding Emergency Nurses administering sedation drugs in the presence of Emergency Physicians for procedural sedation.
Maintain active participation and leadership on the Emergency Medical Services Medical Director’s Advisory Council to the State Office of EMS and the Commissioner of Public Health. |
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