Healthcare Related Bills Pass Georgia House

Several healthcare related pieces of legislation passed the Georgia House of Representatives last week.

On March 10, the Georgia House of Representatives passed House Bill 147 by a vote 150 to 20. The bill, introduced by freshman State Representative Ben Watson (R-Savannah), will allow Georgians to determine whether or not their physician carries malpractice insurance by checking the Georgia Composite Medical Board information website. 

“The patient has a right to know if a physician carries malpractice insurance,” said Rep. Watson in a House Communications Office press release.  “This is part of how a patient can judge a physician.  Though many patients assume all doctors carry malpractice insurance, this assumption is incorrect and has caused problems in parts of the state.  As a doctor, I do not want to see this continue or spread to other parts of Georgia, including Savannah.”

If the bill passes the State Senate, the Georgia Composite Medical Board will be required to add malpractice information to the demographic and professional information already available to the public.

Rep. Watson graduated from the Medical College of Georgia in 1985 and practices internal medicine with a specialty in geriatrics in Savannah. He represents the citizens of District 163, which includes portions of Chatham County.

Legislation Promises More Health Insurance Options

Also on Thursday, the House passed H.B. 47, a bill designed to provide Georgians with more options in the health insurance market. Rep. Matt Ramsey (R-Peachtree City) introduced the bill.

“H.B. 47 correctly places more power into the hands of insurance-buying consumers,” said Rep. Ramsey in a released statement. “This step will make it possible for us to break down the barriers to competition in the health insurance market in our state.  As a result, consumers will see an increase in options and greater latitude in their ability to make decisions that benefit their families.”

The legislation would allow licensed Georgia insurance companies to sell accident and health insurance policies approved for sale in other states.

Rep. Ramsey represents the citizens of District 72, which includes portions of Fayette County.