HR1654: HR1654 Georgia's medical schools; prioritize patient-centered care; urge

26 LC 112 3720 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.1 WHEREAS, Georgia continues to face one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the2 United States, with preventable pregnancy-related deaths linked to gaps in access, quality,3 communication, and continuity of care; and4 WHEREAS, improving access to timely, continuous, and high-quality maternal health care5 during pregnancy and throughout the postpartum period is recognized as a critical strategy6 for reducing severe maternal complications and preventing maternal deaths; and7 WHEREAS, patient-centered care is defined as care that places an individual's specific health8 needs, preferences, values, and desired outcomes at the center of clinical decision making9 and quality measurement; and10 WHEREAS, strengthening patient-centered maternity care practice s that prioritize11 communication, access to supportive services, continuity of car e, and responsiveness to12 patient concerns can help reduce preventable pregnancy-related deaths across Georgia; and13 H. R. 1654 - 1 - 26 LC 112 3720 WHEREAS, patient-centered care requires collaborative decision making, full and timely14 information sharing, respect for patients' experience and backg round, and inclusion of15 patients and families as active members of the care team; and16 WHEREAS, empathy and effective communication are foundational c omponents of17 patient-centered care and are associated with improved patient satisfaction, stronger18 treatment adherence, better clinical outcomes, and improved trust in the health care system;19 and20 WHEREAS, patient-centered, respectful maternity care applies these established health care21 quality principles specifically to pregnancy and childbirth by promoting trust, informed22 choice, protection of patient; and23 WHEREAS, the establishment of the new University of Georgia Sch ool of Medicine24 represents a historic investment in expanding Georgia's physician workforce and improving25 access to care, particularly in underserved and rural communities; and26 WHEREAS, aligning medical education with patient-centered care standards ensures that the27 next generation of Georgia physicians is trained not only in cl inical excellence but also in28 communication, trust-building, informed consent, and culturally responsive care, thereby29 advancing health system quality and public health outcomes statewide.30 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that31 the members of this body urge all Georgia's medical schools to teach patient-centered care32 that includes shared decision making, informed consent, and tra nsparent communication;33 incorporates respectful maternity care practices, communication training, and clinical34 training; and promotes evidence-based education on bias and acc ountability mechanisms35 H. R. 1654 - 2 - 26 LC 112 3720 within clinical training and practice settings to reduce disparities in treatment and outcomes36 and to strengthen trust between patients and providers.37 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of this body encourage licensed health care38 facilities and medical education institutions across Georgia to implement trauma-informed39 training and communication standards for all clinical and nonclinical personnel who interact40 with patients.41 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized42 and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution avai lable for distribution to the43 public and the press.44 H. R. 1654 - 3 -