Comité Health de la Cámara de Representantes, 1 de abril de 2026

Transcripción

60 turnos. Seleccione un tiempo para reproducir ese momento del video.

1. 0:27:10

   Good afternoon. Um, I know this is a sort of a short notice on this meeting and I apologize, but, uh, we do have a member who is, um, very interested in some legislation that's very important to the patients of this state, especially the patients in middle and South Georgia with community folks, um, in healthcare. And that's what we're here for, is to help our s- citizens in healthcare and make sure that we do everything we can to provide good quality healthcare that's affordable and accessible.

2. 0:27:45

   So some of you may have heard that this was gonna be SB 6, uh, 367. Th- that's incorrect. This is SB39. So all those who are thinking, thought we're doing 367, if you, if you wanna leave, you can. If you wanna listen to a very good legislator with a very good subject that will still hold your interest and involve you, you may sit where you are. How about Chair Lady Taylor, would you come on up and present? Yeah, she deserves that.

3. 0:28:17

   SB39 or a version thereof.

4. 0:28:24

   Thank you.

5. 0:28:24

   That's it.

6. 0:28:26

   Your Honor. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Committee, I appreciate the opportunity to be here today and share this legislation with you. Um, today I'm bringing you SB39, formerly HB291. It concerns community healthware care workers and simply establishes a foundation and an ability to develop a structure for those who provide healthcare assistance in local communities. What we'll actually do is identify who and what a community healthcare worker is, outline what they can and cannot do.

7. 0:28:59

   It'll work under the direction of medical providers. We're going to be developing rules and criteria for these much needed community workers. We're gonna provide consistent training, uniform standards, and certify competency. This is the vehicle to build and establish a certification program and provide additional health workers and added credibility to the field. If this sounds familiar, it is because this bill, under HB291, has passed the House committee and the full House overwhelmingly, and it also passed the Senate Health Committee overwhelmingly.

8. 0:29:36

   It brings better healthcare resources to rural and underserved areas throughout Georgia. It aligns with the Department of Public Health current strategic plan to increase the skilled public workforce to help the needs of our state. It is also something that is needed at the federal level, and they are in- endorsing it. It standardizes any, uh, e- entry into the community health workforce, and it identifies those core competencies. Their impact has been proven. This is very important.

9. 0:30:07

   A pilot program in Lowndes County showed an annual cost savings of to- over $26,000 per patient after its implementation. It ensures that healthcare services are accessible and culturally sensitive to different communities' needs. It's pivotal given Georgia's diverse population. We will benefit both mental health needs and the benefit of our expectant mothers. Currently, several hospitals, including Emory and Grady, and even our FQHCs, have their own programs.

10. 0:30:40

    This will align everyone with the same standards. The program will be established and overseen by the Department of Community Health. It does not mandate any payment or services or coverages. It's just identifying it, what it is and who it is and what they can do. It is subject to appropriations, but by investing in the certification of community health workers, we not only enhance the workforce, but also pave the way for better healthcare resources, especially in our rural and underserved areas.

11. 0:31:11

    Let us recognize and support the work of community health workers as we provide more hands-on care for patients and we'll have a healthier Georgia. I'll be happy to answer any questions.

12. 0:31:26

    Well, you did a great job. There's not a question in sight.

13. 0:31:32

    I think-

14. 0:31:33

    It's a good bill, y'all.

15. 0:31:35

    Representative Gisler, I knew you wouldn't disappoint me.

16. 0:31:39

    No, sir. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um, section two says that the act becomes effective only if funds are specifically appropriated. And I know we're in the middle of appropriations right now for the budget. It, what's that look like?

17. 0:31:49

    Um, this, it means that we will have to have the funds to set this committee up within the community health-

18. 0:31:54

    Mm-hmm

19. 0:31:54

    ... uh, in Department of Community Health, and it just so happens that I chair Community Health and it will be in the amended budget.

20. 0:32:01

    Okay.

21. 0:32:01

    I can't guarantee it, but I know it's there. But if you don't-

22. 0:32:05

    All right

23. 0:32:05

    ... at least admit that you know it has to be funded. So I'm, I look for it to be, um, funded in the amended. I didn't wanna put it in this budget and then not have the bill pass.

24. 0:32:14

    Okay.

25. 0:32:14

    And then didn't need the funds, I could use them elsewhere.

26. 0:32:17

    Sure. I appreciate that. I-

27. 0:32:19

    Thank you

28. 0:32:19

    ... I've learned that nothing is, is for certain until it's done, so-

29. 0:32:21

    And you're right

30. 0:32:22

    ... I appreciate that. Thank you

31. 0:32:22

    ... it isn't done till it's done.

32. 0:32:24

    And then we forget it.

33. 0:32:25

    Yeah.

34. 0:32:26

    Representative Davis.

35. 0:32:28

    Thank you, Chairman. I just wanna say thank you for doing this bill and replacing the bill that was there before. Thank you. It's very needed, and I think this is gonna help everybody.

36. 0:32:39

    Yeah, it is.

37. 0:32:39

    Thank you.

38. 0:32:40

    Thank you.

39. 0:32:40

    I'm kind of a bulldog. I don't give up easy.

40. 0:32:43

    To say the least.

41. 0:32:44

    Yes.

42. 0:32:45

    We started this, what, at 10:00 last night?

43. 0:32:48

    Yes.

44. 0:32:48

    And all day today. Okay. Uh, is that Mitchell who's made the act? Chair Lady made the act.

45. 0:32:57

    How about a due pass, Mr. Chairman?

46. 0:32:59

    All right. Do I hear a second?

47. 0:33:01

    Second.

48. 0:33:01

    All those in favor say aye.

49. 0:33:03

    Aye.

50. 0:33:03

    All those against say nay. Congratulations.

51. 0:33:07

    Thank you, Committee-

52. 0:33:08

    You have-

53. 0:33:08

    ... Chairman

54. 0:33:08

    ... a due pass on SB39 LC46-1566S.

55. 0:33:16

    Yes.

56. 0:33:17

    And again, I wanna thank this committee for all your work this year and your attention to detail. You've done a lot of good work this year, and you pro- uh, have provided a lot of opportunity for a lot of folks in the state to receive some healthcare. And thank you to the audience also. I know you sat here for long hours in sort of a hot room and, and, and put up with us-

57. 0:33:35

    Hot room

58. 0:33:35

    ... with these long, long, uh, hours. So thank you very much.

59. 0:33:40

    We won't forget.

60. 0:33:40

    I hope you have a great sunny day. Thank you. This meeting's adjourned.