HR 1654: Georgia's medical schools; prioritize patient-centered care; urge

House Resolution 1654

By: Representatives Flournoy of the 74th, Au of the 50th, Cannon of the 58th, Roberts of the 52nd, and Herring of the 145th

A RESOLUTION

Urging Georgia's medical schools to prioritize patient-centered care; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, Georgia continues to face one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the United States, with preventable pregnancy-related deaths linked to gaps in access, quality, communication, and continuity of care; and

WHEREAS, improving access to timely, continuous, and high-quality maternal health care during pregnancy and throughout the postpartum period is recognized as a critical strategy for reducing severe maternal complications and preventing maternal deaths; and

WHEREAS, patient-centered care is defined as care that places an individual's specific health needs, preferences, values, and desired outcomes at the center of clinical decision making and quality measurement; and

WHEREAS, strengthening patient-centered maternity care practices that prioritize communication, access to supportive services, continuity of care, and responsiveness to patient concerns can help reduce preventable pregnancy-related deaths across Georgia; and

WHEREAS, patient-centered care requires collaborative decision making, full and timely information sharing, respect for patients' experience and background, and inclusion of patients and families as active members of the care team; and

WHEREAS, empathy and effective communication are foundational components of patient-centered care and are associated with improved patient satisfaction, stronger treatment adherence, better clinical outcomes, and improved trust in the health care system; and

WHEREAS, patient-centered, respectful maternity care applies these established health care quality principles specifically to pregnancy and childbirth by promoting trust, informed choice, protection of patient; and

WHEREAS, the establishment of the new University of Georgia School of Medicine represents a historic investment in expanding Georgia's physician workforce and improving access to care, particularly in underserved and rural communities; and

WHEREAS, aligning medical education with patient-centered care standards ensures that the next generation of Georgia physicians is trained not only in clinical excellence but also in communication, trust-building, informed consent, and culturally responsive care, thereby advancing health system quality and public health outcomes statewide.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body urge all Georgia's medical schools to teach patient-centered care that includes shared decision making, informed consent, and transparent communication; incorporates respectful maternity care practices, communication training, and clinical training; and promotes evidence-based education on bias and accountability mechanisms within clinical training and practice settings to reduce disparities in treatment and outcomes and to strengthen trust between patients and providers.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of this body encourage licensed health care facilities and medical education institutions across Georgia to implement trauma-informed training and communication standards for all clinical and nonclinical personnel who interact with patients.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the public and the press.