The excitement of Tuesday afternoon's fire around one of the renovation sites in the Capitol eventually calmed down. Action on local bills continued, and the notable floor results for our clients are listed below. Anxiety about investigating the Noble, Ga. Crematorium is extensive and the cost is regarded as substantial.

HB 69 passed, requiring clinical perfusionists to be licensed in accordance with rules and regulations established by the Composite State Board of Medical Examiners. HB 1178 amended O.C.G.A. § 43-47-2 to exclude certain organizations from the definition of a used motor vehicle dealer. Specifically, Section 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations which provide motor vehicles to low-income or no-income individuals for the purpose of assisting the individuals in obtaining gainful employment are excluded from the definition of a used motor vehicle dealer.

SB 378 was adopted which mandates that a managed care entity offering a plan must obtain a signed acknowledgement form from each enrollee acknowledging that the enrollee has been informed of information regarding specific elements of the plan. Included within the acknowledgement must be information regarding the participating providers, the existence of limitations on choices of health care providers, and a summary of agreements between the managed care plan and a health care provider or a hospital.

The House Human Development and Aging Committee heard from the Department Heads about their fiscal year 2003 budgets. Orlando Martinez for DJJ , Ken Jones for DHR, and the Cancer Coalition testified.

The Senate Appropriations Sub-committee for the Department of Human Resources and Department of Community Health met and made recommendations on the supplemental budgets. It restored some funds for nurse call training and went back to the Governor's recommendations on other programs.

A subcommittee of House Human Development and Aging passed out the Governor's faith based initiative bill, H.B. 1407. The Georgia Center testified about the increased accountability provisions it desired.

NEW INTRODUCED LEGISLATION

HB 1486 by Rep. Bunn provides for the provision of health insurance for and a lump sum payment to the surviving spouse, minor child or children surviving a law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty.

HB 1487 by Rep. Manning revises the composition of county boards of health.

HB 1491 by Rep. Benfield provides for a mile-based premium for certain motor vehicle insurance.

HB 1492 by Rep. Parham changes insurance coverage for equipment and self-management training for individuals with diabetes.

HB 1494 by Rep. Ray authorizes the Board of Community Health to contract with any agricultural commodity commission to provide for the inclusion of its employees in the state employees’ health insurance plan.

HR 1148 by Rep. Stallings creates the House Study Committee on the Georgia Social Security Supplement Program.

HR 1149 by Rep. Benfield urges the coverage of dental services for adult pregnant woman under the Georgia Medicaid program.

HR 1178 by Rep. Powell creates a Joint House and Senate Study Committee on the Certification or Licensure of Home Builders and Commercial General Contractors.

SB 475 was introduce by the Governor's floor leaders and deals with identity fraud issues.

SB 476 is the Governor's Insurance Advocates bill dealing with round the clock verification of benefits and precertification of procedures for medical necessity. It also limits retroactive denials or reviews of medical claims.