James September-October 2024 web - Flipbook - Page 35
he state of healthcare in
Georgia continues to be a
pressing issue marked by
significant challenges and recent legislative efforts aimed at improvement.
Gov. Brian Kemp has already signed
several pieces of legislation to address
critical healthcare issues, particularly
in rural and underserved areas. But
there’s no question more needs to be
done to address emergent needs.
It’s important to note that Georgia’s healthcare system is heavily
reliant on federal funding, and this
often comes with stringent spending
requirements which limits the state’s
flexibility in addressing health priorities. However, smart budget allocations and new legislation have allowed
the state to work within this system
and still make strides. This James feature strives to give an overall view of
where Georgia has been going in this
arena, and what lies ahead.
NOTABLE SUCCESSES
In reflecting on recent accomplishments, Georgia implemented significant measures to improve healthcare
access across the state. Consider:
Rural Physician Tax Credit This allows
already appears to be making some
headway.
Student Loan Forgiveness Another
legislative effort includes expanding
service cancelable loans to dental
students who commit to practicing in
rural areas. This program seeks to alleviate the financial burden on healthcare professionals willing to serve in
underserved communities.
Certi昀椀cate of Need (CON) The state
revised its outdated and overregulated
CON process to facilitate the development of new healthcare facilities and
services. This includes exemptions
for establishing new psychiatric and
substance abuse programs, birthing
centers, and acute care hospitals in rural counties. The revisions also increased the limit on tax credits
for donations to rural hospital
organizations to $100 million
The governor, along with
Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and
House Speaker Jon Burns,
were champions of these
reforms. In reflecting on
them, Jones notes they
“are critical first steps to
removing barriers
to quality healthcare created by Georgia’s antiquated CON laws. Our efforts
will expand healthcare access regardless of zip code.”
workforce challenges
Unfortunately, Georgia has a severe shortage of primary care providers. Nearly every county in the state
lacks sufficient primary care doctors,
with federal standards indicating that
only three counties have adequate provider numbers. Lawmakers and stakeholders know this shortage is critical,
as primary care physicians are often
the first point of contact for patients in
providing essential continuous care.
Statistics show that Georgia currently ranks No. 40 among U.S. states
for the number of active patient care
qualifying healthcare professionals,
including physicians and dentists, to
receive a tax credit of $5,000 for each
12-month period of employment in
rural areas, for up to five years. This initiative aims to attract more healthcare
providers to underserved regions and
S E PT E M B E R/O C TO BER 2024
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