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.