Sen. Nadine Thomas introduced this bill known as the "Terrell Peterson Act" which allows a physician to take physical custody of a child if that child is in imminent danger (life or health). The doctor would be required to notify parents/custodians as well as notify the court within 24 hours of taking control. This is added at Article 1 of Chapter 11 of Title 15 of the Code. The bill was signed on April 6, 2000 as Act No. 493 and becomes effective July 1, 2000. This bill came about in response to the death of young Atlanta boy named Terrell Peterson who somehow managed to slip through the cracks of the care of the Department of Family and Children Services.

Sen. Eddie Madden authored this amendment to the Essential Rural Health Care Provider Access Act in Chapter 20B of Title 33. Originally, this law was passed in the 1998 Session; this amendment will now require that health maintenance organizations, in addition to preferred provider organizations, negotiate with rural hospitals (which are those in areas with populations of less than 35,000 and having less than 100 beds) when conducting contracting with those to become participating providers of healthcare services. Governor Barnes signed this into law as Act No. 644 on April 19, 2000, and it will go into effect on July 1, 2000.

Governor Barnes also introduced this legislation to create the OneGeorgia Authority. The legislation, created in Title 50, will establish a mechanism by which Tobacco Settlement Dollars may be used to help the state's rural infrastructure by way of economic development. This year approximately $63 million was set aside for rural economic development. This new Authority will have the power to issue bonds and incur indebtedness. This can possibly have a direct impact on the rural hospitals within Georgia by granting them additional funds. Governor Barnes signed this into law as Act No. 682 on April 21, 2000, and it became effective on that date.

Sen. Mike Polak introduced this legislation to amend the Insurance Code and specifically add additional requirements to HMOs and PPOs in updating lists of providers (such lists must be updated every 30 days for HMOs and 60 days for PPOs). Also, this amendment will now require HMOs and PPOs to disclose fees to providers in the negotiating and contracting process. This disclosure may also be published on the Internet. This strikes current Code Sections at O.C.G.A. § 33-22A-5 and 33-20-33 and inserts new Sections. The bill was amended in the Senate with the input of various health plans and the American Academy of Family Physicians (which was behind this legislation). The bill was signed as Act No. 698 on April 27, 2000, and it goes into effect on July 1, 2000.

Sen. Connie Stokes carried this bill on behalf of the Governor. Specifically, this was the latest version of the 'pinklining' legislation. This will prohibit insurers from engaging in unfair or deceptive practices by discriminating against persons who are or have been victims of family violence or that the insured knows or has reason to know the applicant or insured is or has been a victim of family violence. The bill also requires insurers to provide such notice in their policies that they do not discriminate on this basis. This bill was created in O.C.G.A. § 33-6-4 and had a great deal of input from advocates for persons that have been victimized in domestic situations as well as the insurance industry. Governor Barnes signed this into law as Act No. 494 on April 6, 2000, and it goes into effect on July 1, 2000.

Sen. Charles Walker introduced this bill in Title 20 creating the "Georgia Medical Center Authority" which is an effort to expand and improve biomedical and bio-technical research, specifically in the Augusta area. This Authority will have various powers including the ability to build facilities, purchase patents, and assist in recruitment and retention of clinical staff at the Medical College of Georgia. The Authority will be overseen by the Board of Regents and funding was appropriated for this new Authority. Governor Barnes signed this into law as Act No. 501 on April 17, 2000, and it becomes effective on July 1, 2000.

This establishes a Joint Study Committee on Prevention and Emergency Care of Injuries in Georgia. This Committee will be comprised of 13 members (some from Senate, some from House, and additional agency/department heads such as Director of Governor's Office of Highway Safety, Director of Division of Public Health of the Department of Human Resources, etc.). It will report findings on or before December 15, 2000 and be abolished on that date as well. Governor Barnes signed this into law as Act No. 95 on May 1, 2000, and it becomes effective on July 1, 2000.

Rep. Buddy Childers authored this bill. This requires licensed practical nurses to wear name badges and display their titles when providing "direct patient care." This amends the current law at O.C.G.A. § 43-26-33. This was signed on May 1, 2000 as Act No. 752 and becomes effective on July 1, 2000.

Rep. Childers also authored this legislation to amend Title 31 which will require dialysis facilities and technicians providing end-stage renal disease dialysis services to be licensed and have certain training standards. Hospitals will not be affected by this legislation as they are already licensed and have certain criteria to meet (such as JCAHO). Federal and State Agency facilities are also exempt. Also, physician offices will be exempt unless those offices are used primarily as an end-stage renal disease facility. Funding will be necessary in order for this legislation to be effective as the Department of Human Resources will oversee such licensure; if no funds are appropriated by the fifth year, then the act will stand repealed. No funds were appropriated for 2001; thus, the bill is not effective. Governor Barnes signed this legislation on April 20, 2000 as Act No. 666.

Rep. Ben Harbin authored this legislation which was actually introduced in the 1999 Session and carried over in the 2000 Session. This adds additional requirements to the printing and updating of health insurance cards. This will affect private insurance companies and those insurance providers under the State's health plans. The current law is amended by adding a new section at O.C.G.A. § 33-24-57.1. It now requires insurance companies to issue either separate cards to each subscriber or list all covered persons on the card that are covered under that subscriber. It also requires an effective date of coverage as well as information on the co-payments, co-insurance, and deductibles. It also requires that the primary care physician be listed if applicable. Also, a toll-free telephone line must be provided to answer any questions on the primary hospital, laboratory and radiology services that are covered services. This telephone line must be answered between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. daily (Monday – Friday). It now requires that any changes to cards cause new cards to be reprinted within 60 days or stickers with the new information must be issued in the interim before new cards are issued. Governor Barnes signed this as Act No. 781 on May 1, 2000. This legislation becomes effective on July 1, 2000.

Rep. Buddy Childers authored this bill which amends Title 43 in order to create the professional licensing boards division within the Office of the Secretary of State as successor to the office of the joint-secretary of the state examining boards. The Georgia Board of Nursing will be the sole professional licensing board for determining if a registered professional nurse or any other person has engaged illegally in the practice of nursing. If a registered professional nurse is charged with the unauthorized practice of any other health profession by any other board, such board shall notify the Georgia Board of Nursing before conducting any hearing. This would not limit any powers of any other board. Governor Barnes signed this legislation on May 1, 2000 as Act No. 947. This becomes effective July 1, 2000.

Rep. Nan Orrock authored this bill to create another licensed group of healthcare professionals. This law allows acupuncturists to become licensed, by amending Title 43, as long as these acupuncturists are 21 years of age, are licensed by the Board, are certified in acupuncture by a national certification agency accredited by the National Organization of Competency Assurance, have successfully completed a nationally recognized and Board approved clean needle technique course, and obtained professional liability insurance. Creation of the Acupuncture Act of Georgia is inserted in the Code at Chapter 34 of Title 43. There were attempts to 'load' this bill with additional legislation including the centralized healthcare provider credentialing legislation (HB 1038) as well as the creation of a new licensed group of healthcare professionals that are master's level psychologists (HB 271). Due to also being overloaded, the bill's amendments were not added. In the end, the bill was basically the compromise which was reached between the Medical Association of Georgia and the acupuncturists who wish to become licensed. This was signed as Act No. 672 on April 20, 2000. The new legislation takes effect on July 31, 2000. [Note: We can anticipate several things as a result of this bill. First, we anticipate that the acupuncturists will want reimbursement from insurance policies in providing 'covered services.' Also, we anticipate that the centralized healthcare provider credentialing legislation and the master's level psychologists will reappear, perhaps in the 2001 Session.]

This was the Governor's bill, carried by Rep. Charlie Smith, known as the A-Plus Education Reform Act of 2000 which amends Title 20. One of the most significant measures in this bill relates to healthcare. It provides that each school shall have a school nurse – staffed by a "licensed health care professional." The bill also provides other key provisions such as teacher-pupil ratios, elimination of tenure for teachers, education and training updates for teachers on use of technology, etc. This bill was heard in numerous hearings and had numerous amendments – complete with a late night Session with the Conference Committee to work out final details. Governor Barnes signed this Education Reform measure on April 25, 2000 as Act No. 685, and it became effective on that date. Currently this nurse program being funded with Tobacco Settlement Dollars ($30 million) and overseen by the Department of Education. [There also may be some further restrictions on the type of nurse that a school may employ to fulfill this requirement.]

Rep. Mickey Channell authored this bill to amend the current law at O.C.G.A. § 49-5-273 which established the PeachCare for Kids program. This amendment expands the eligibility for children from birth to age 18 years in families with incomes of up to 235% of the Federal Poverty Level to be eligible for the PeachCare program. The bill also requires additional marketing and enrollment assistance by the Department of Education in an effort to help identify the children across the state who would be eligible. It is anticipated that this will help approximately 11,000 children get healthcare. Governor Barnes signed this bill on April 19, 2000 as Act No. 655, and it becomes effective on July 1, 2000.

Rep. Ron Stephens, a pharmacist, authored this legislation that will allow pharmacists who perform capillary blood testing in their pharmacies (as a means to screen for or monitor disease risk factors) to be exempt from state clinical laboratory licensure requirements – as long as these blood tests are approved for home use and can be performed by unlicensed professionals. Governor Barnes signed this into law as act No. 487 on March 30, 2000, and the bill becomes effective on July 1, 2000.

Rep. Buddy Childers also authored this legislation which creates in Chapter 43 of Title 31 the Commission on Men's Health. This Commission will be comprised of 11 members and will look at ways in providing better health outcomes in men (early detection and preventive screenings for heart disease, stroke, cancer, etc.). Findings of this Commission will be reported to the Governor, Speaker of the House, and President of the Senate. This is the 'companion' of the previously passed legislation creating the Commission on Women's Health. Governor Barnes signed this as Act No. 468 on March 10, 2000, and becomes effective on July 1, 2000.

Rep. Jim Martin from Statesboro authored this bill concerning the use of non-insurance discount cards. This amends the law at O.C.G.A. § 10-1-393 concerning unfair or deceptive acts or practices. It specifically prohibits companies from selling or offering discounts for healthcare related goods or services when there is no actual contract between the entity and the provider of the goods or services authorizing such discount. Primarily, these are seen used in vision or drug 'benefits.' Governor Barnes signed this on April 20, 2000 as Act No. 677, and it becomes effective on July 1, 2000.

Rep. Jim Stokes authored this legislation that amends the law passed in the 1999 Session dealing with the release of raw confidential research data. Specifically, this amends O.C.G.A. § 24-9-40.2 (a) by also protecting such data from disclosure in administrative proceedings, civil and criminal judicial proceedings, and quasi-judicial proceedings as that is essential to the safeguarding of the integrity of the research as well as guaranteeing the privacy of individuals who participate in such research, and ensures the continuation of such research in science, medicine and other such fields. Further, the bill struck the current law which would allow such confidential research data to be disclosed to a 'research sponsor' along with a person selected to perform peer review on the research for the purposes of reviewing the researcher's methodology in conducting the study. In addition, the change also adds at paragraph (e) that "nothing in this code section shall be construed to permit, require, or prohibit the disclosure of confidential raw research data in any setting other than an administrative, judicial, or quasi-judicial proceeding that is governed by the requirements of this title." Governor Barnes signed this legislation on May 1, 2000 as Act No. 844. It will become effective on July 1, 2000.

This creates a new venue law for corporations. Rep. Jim Martin of Atlanta passed this Civil Litigation Improvement Act of 2000 which also establishes new guidelines for supersedeas bonds. The bill amends O.C.G.A. § 5-6-46 by adding new subsections at (e) and (f). If an appellee in a civil matter obtains a judgment, including punitive damages, and the appellant files a notice of appeal of the judgment in order to obtain review by an appellate court, the supersedeas bond for the punitive damages portion of the judgment shall not exceed $25,000,000. Also, a new subsection is added at (f) which states that this limitation in (e) would not apply if a court finds that a party bringing an appeal for whom the supersedeas bond requirement was limited and has been purposefully dissipating or secreting its assets or diverting assets outside the jurisdiction of the United States Courts. In addition, the biggest change is in Title 14 of the Corporations Code relating to venue for a corporation. The plaintiff can bring a civil action in the county where the incident occurred, but the defendant can now move to remove an action to the county of its principal place of business. There is a procedure by which a plaintiff can challenge this removal. Argument was heard that this may only lengthen the time it takes for a case to actually get to trial. The Georgia Chamber of Commerce worked diligently on this issue with the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association to come to some agreement on this legislation. Governor Barnes signed this bill on March 30, 2000 as Act No. 490, and it became effective on that date.

Rep. Lester Jackson, a dentist, authored this legislation which amends the law passed in 1999 to allow retired physicians to practice under a special license. This amendment now allows chiropractors, registered nurses, and podiatrists to also practice under a special license. These professionals will have to be retired from the active practice of their profession (or not practicing on a part-time or full-time basis), have current licenses in good standing and will work in a non-profit entity on a volunteer basis and not be compensated for their work. Specifically, this amends O.C.G.A. § 43-1-28 and addresses the liability of these professionals (by their employers) in O.C.G.A. § 51-1-29.1. There were some amendments made to this legislation as there were initial efforts to also include dentists. The Georgia Dental Association asked that dentists not be included due to some difficulties in managing their practices in this particular Code Section. There were also discussions that this bill could become a vehicle for an 'expansion of scope of practice' or a way in which additional healthcare professionals could prescribe medications. Governor Barnes signed this on May 1, 2000 as Act No. 854, and becomes effective on July 1, 2000.

Rep. Jim Martin of Statesboro also authored this bill. A pharmacist will be allowed to modify a drug therapy as long as that pharmacist has delegated written authority from a physician to do so. This amends Article 3 of Chapter 4 of Title 26. Delegation of such authority shall be made only by certain pharmacists with the authority to modify drug therapy subject to certain conditions (the pharmacist will have to be identified as the person authorized to make the modification and the physician will have to be named that is delegating the authority) and will be made pursuant to written order and a physician's diagnosis. This bill is not to modify the current law on substitution of a drug. This was signed as Act No. 678 on April 20, 2000 and becomes effective on July 1, 2000.

Rep. Nan Orrock authored this legislation. During the Session, this was referred to as the 'needlestick' bill. This only applies to nurses or other healthcare professionals working in the 'public' sector (i.e., public health departments, etc.). This amends the Code at Chapter 12 of Title 31. The Department of Human Resources ("DHR") is to adopt, no later than January 1, 2001, a bloodborne pathogen standard governing occupational exposure of public employees to blood and other potentially infectious materials. This is to be at least as prescriptive as the OSHA guidelines. DHR would have to implement the most effective available 'needleless' system and sharps with engineered sharps injury protection. DHR will also be required to keep a log of injuries as well as train healthcare workers on using all engineering controls before entering a clinical setting and establish an evaluation committee to advise employers on the implementation of the new requirements. Governor Barnes signed this into law on April 20, 2000 as Act No. 673, and it becomes effective on July 1, 2000. [There is concern that additional legislation may be introduced to expand this to ALL healthcare professionals. There are already guidelines in place in most hospitals as they must adhere to OSHA guidelines, and if JCAHO certified, meet those requirements as well.]

Sen. Eddie Madden introduced this in the 1999 Session. This would have created an Advisory Committee on Pain Management for Terminally Ill in Chapter 34 of Title 31. Attempts were made at the end of the Session to use this as a vehicle for other legislation. The bill became overloaded; as a result, amendments made in the House were not accepted. [House amendments would have added additional nurses (hospice) to the Committee.] This 15 member Committee, under the supervision of the joint-secretary of the state examining boards, would have reported their findings annually to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee and the House Health & Ecology Committee. This would have been repealed on December 31, 2002 if the measure had been passed. If this legislation comes before the General Assembly once again, there may be an opportunity to amend the composition to allow for more hospice nurses or other types of healthcare providers.

These were the bills which would require health plans in Title 33 to cover the routine patient care costs associated with adult cancer clinical trials. In the Senate version, introduced by Sen. Connie Stokes, all four Levels of cancer clinical trials would be covered; in the House version, authored by Rep. Michele Henson, only Levels II, III, and IV would be covered. These bills stayed in their respective Committees. SB 361 had been assigned to the Senate Insurance and Labor Committee and HB 1640 had been assigned to the House Insurance Committee. [We anticipate seeing one or both of these bills in the 2001 Session. This legislation was pursued by St. Joseph's Hospital. Also, Emory University's new cancer center has expressed interest in this type of legislation.]

These bills would have allowed optometrists in Title 43 the right to prescribe medications. Both bills were introduced in the 1999 Session and were before each chamber on a number of occasions. The Senate version was introduced by Sen. Harold Ragan and the House version by Rep. DuBose Porter. Both bills passed in their respective houses. The House bill passed through the Senate requiring a Conference Committee. No agreement could be reached on any report. Thus, neither side could agree to the amendments made to either bill.

Sen. Susan Cable authored this bill which would have added 'human papilloma virus' to the list of venereal diseases declared as dangerous to public health. It would have added an amendment to Chapter 17 of Title 31. This bill stayed in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.

Sen. Nadine Thomas introduced this Resolution as another attempt to establish more awareness in Georgia about morbid obesity by creating Obesity Awareness Month. The resolution remained in the Health and Human Services Committee.

Sen. Eddie Madden authored this resolution which proposed to endorse the CDC/MP Recommendations on the 'judicious' use of antibiotics and would have urged the adoption of certain practices and formularies. This Resolution remained in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.

Rep. Jim Martin of Atlanta introduced this bill would have allowed psychologists, meeting extensive pharmacology training, the right to prescribe medications. It would have specifically amended O.C.G.A § 16-13-21; 26-4-5(33) and (37); 31-7-160; and 43-39-1(3). Further, it would have allowed a registered professional nurse and a licensed practical nurse the authority to execute an order for the administration of drugs issued by a psychologist certified to prescribe. This bill remained in the Health and Ecology Committee.

This legislation was introduced in the 1999 Session by Rep. Roger Byrd and was recommitted this year. The bill proposed to create the "Health Access Improvement Act" and would have granted an expansion of scope of practice for advanced practice nurses. These nurses would have been able to prescribe mediations under a collaborative practice agreement with a physician. Specifically, it would have created a new Article 3 in Chapter 26 of Title 43. After an agreement was made with the Medical Association of Georgia and various nurse interest groups while the bill was on the House side (and several versions of the bill were drafted), the bill passed out of the House. It then died once it was assigned to the Health and Human Services Committee.

Rep. Nan Orrock introduced this legislation which would have created a new Article 2 of Chapter 1 of Title 43 to be known as "Centralized Credentialing for Health Care Practitioners Act." An applicant for credentialing would have to submit to a certified or accredited quality assessment program of the National Committee for Quality Assurance, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, the American Accreditation Healthcare Commission/Utilization Review Accreditation Commission or other nationally recognized and accepted organization which could access and certify the credentials of the practitioner or provider. The practitioner would have to submit information such as professional education background, professional training, peer references, licensure, hospital affiliations, managed care organization affiliations, professional society memberships, civil or criminal violations, practitioner profiling data, etc. This bill passed out of the House with some amendments made. It was then assigned to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee once it crossed over to the Senate. It remained in Committee for the remainder of the Session. Various healthcare groups tried to amend this legislation – even at the midnight hour on Sine Die. The Medical Association of Georgia, MAG Mutual, and the Georgia Hospital Association were in favor of the legislation. There were attempts made by various health plans, in advance of the commencement of the Session, to come up with some uniform form which could be used and implemented on a voluntary basis.

Rep. Sistie Hudson authored this bill which proposed to amend the Physical Therapy Act in the Code at Chapter 33 of Title 43. It would have allowed direct access to patients being treated by physical therapists and thus eliminated the need for a physician referral. This stayed in the House Health and Ecology Committee.

This amendment to Article 3 of Chapter 24 of Title 33, authored by Rep. Bobby Parham, would have required health insurance coverage for inpatient care following a mastectomy or lymph node dissection including, without limitation, coverage for subsequent inpatient care for breast reconstruction surgery. This legislation remained in the House Insurance Committee.

Both of these bills, introduced by Rep. Sharon Trense, would have amended the Insurance Code in Title 33 at Article 1 of Chapter 24. It would have required healthcare coverage for a child's (person under age 21) craniofacial care. HB 1538 was an engrossed version of the bill and would have required that the State Health Benefit Plan, along with Medicaid and PeachCare programs, cover such treatment. HB 1484 remained in the House Insurance Committee. HB 1538 passed out of the House but failed to move in the Senate. Commissioner Russ Toal worked hard on killing the bill as it would cause great expense to the State (the State Health Benefit Plan is already showing large deficits). There were late attempts even to attach the language on several bills including HB 818. [HB 818, a bill requiring HMOs to become domesticated insurance companies and to also follow risk-based capital requirements, passed – but without the amendment to require coverage of craniofacial deformities.] The Children's Healthcare Network (Egleston and Scottish Rite) was vigorous in its pursuit of this legislation.

Rep. Sharon Trense authored this resolution that created the State Commission on Drug Addiction. It would have been composed of nine members and make a report of its findings and recommendations on or before December 1, 2000. This did get passed out of the House Rules Committee but was not placed on the House Rules Calendar.

Rep. Lanett Stanley-Turner introduced this resolution which would have created a Commission on Psychiatric Medication of School-Age Children. This ten-member Commission would have been required to report any findings on use of psychiatric medications and their effects on school-age children on or before December 1, 2000. This also passed out of the House Rules Committee but did not make it on the House Rules Calendar.