SR347: SR347 Jadassohn, Josef; recognize

This resolution does not change Georgia law. It is a formal statement from the Georgia Senate recognizing Josef Jadassohn, a German dermatologist who developed the patch-testing technique in 1895, a method still used to check whether someone is allergic to substances like nickel, cobalt, or chromium. The resolution notes that many orthopedic implants contain these metals and that allergic reactions can cause joint pain, skin irritation, or implant failure. It encourages, but does not require, medical practitioners to consider patch-testing patients with a history of metal hypersensitivity before certain implant surgeries, and encourages surgeons and dermatologists to develop guidelines for identifying patients who might benefit from replacing previously implanted metal devices. It also directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.

• Formally recognizes German dermatologist Josef Jadassohn for inventing the patch-testing technique in 1895.
• Encourages, without mandating, medical practitioners to consider patch-testing patients with a history of metal hypersensitivity before certain implant surgeries.
• Encourages surgeons and dermatologists to jointly develop guidelines for identifying patients who might benefit from replacing previously implanted metal devices.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.

The resolution speaks to surgeons and dermatologists in Georgia and, indirectly, patients who receive orthopedic implants containing metals like nickel, cobalt, or chromium. It creates no binding obligations for hospitals, insurers, or medical boards.

Because this is a resolution rather than a law, it carries no legal requirement. Its practical effect is to publicly encourage Georgia doctors to consider allergy testing before implant surgery, which could raise awareness of metal hypersensitivity risks without changing medical practice standards or licensing rules.

• Recites background findings that metal implants used in about 1 million lower extremity joint replacements yearly in the U.S. can trigger allergic reactions such as chronic joint pain and dermatitis.
• Cites research published in JAMA Dermatology supporting patch-testing before implants are placed in bones or joints.
• Resolves that the Senate recognizes Jadassohn's contributions and encourages patch-testing for patients with a history of metal hypersensitivity before certain implant operations.
• Resolves that surgeons and dermatologists are encouraged to establish guidelines for identifying patients who could benefit from replacing prior metal implants.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to make copies available to the public and press.

1. 2025-03-06Senate Read and Referred (Senate)
2. 2025-03-04Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Donzella James (D, SD-028)Primary sponsor
• Harold Jones (D, SD-022)
• Sally Harrell (D, SD-040)
• Kenya Wicks (D, SD-034)
• Gail Davenport (D, SD-017)
• Tonya Anderson (D, SD-043)
• Michael Rhett (D, SD-033)
• Kim Jackson (D, SD-041)
• Jason Esteves (D, SD-035)
• Nan Orrock (D, SD-036)
• Derek Mallow (D, SD-002)
• Sonya Halpern (D, SD-039)
• Randal Mangham (D, SD-055)
• Sheikh Rahman (D, SD-005)
• Nabilah Islam Parkes (D, SD-007)
• Elena Parent (D, SD-044)
• David Lucas (D, SD-026)

• medical implants
• dermatology
• metal allergies
• joint replacement surgery
• Senate resolution