Legislative Days 33-35 (of 40)
Legislators honor former Speaker David Ralston
APRN/ PA bill advances
COVID liability sign bill passes in final form
Visitation bill passes committee by substitute
Last week legislators worked in session Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. This week. legislators have the same schedule, we are in session again Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with Tuesday as a designated committee day. The final day of session, sine die, is scheduled for March 28th.
Former Speaker Ralston
Legislators, Governor Kemp, former Governor Nathan Deal, former governor Sonny Perdue, and Speaker Ralston’s family and friends gathered at that capitol to unveil a portrait of former Speaker, David Ralston. Ralston was the second longest serving Speaker in Georgia History, and the longest serving Republican Speaker. Governor Kemp said, “Speaker Ralston was an accomplished statesman and a proud Georgian whose memory lives on under the Gold Dome. This portrait will serve as a lasting memory of both what was accomplished during his years of public service and our shared memories with him.” Speaker Jon Burns reflected, “Speaker Ralston was a great leader, mentor and friend to me, and it is fitting that his portrait be placed outside of the House Chamber that he loved so much. “Speaker Ralston left an indelible mark on our state as a champion for rural Georgia and through his bipartisan work in areas like mental and behavioral health. This portrait will signify a lasting reminder of his service and dedication to our great state. A story seldom told is a story soon forgotten, and Speaker Ralston’s story will surely be told for generations to come.”
PA Specific
HB 1046, allowing PAs and APRNs to sign death certificates passed committee by substitute. In the hearing, SB 460, allowing physicians to supervies 8 PAs/APRNs made up of any combination, was added to the bill. The bill now heads to the Rules committee for consideration. We are extremely grateful for the Senate Regulated Industries Committee for combining the two bills.
Floor Action
HB 1339 related to Certificate of Need, passed the Senate Regulated Industries Committee as well as the full foor. The bill now heads back to the House for consideration. To date, CON remains for long-term care.
SB 430, removes the sign requirements for the COVID liability protections. This bill passed in final form.
Committee Action
HB 663 providing for visitation in Hospitals Nursing Homes passed committee by substitute.
HB 1046, allowing PAs and APRNs to sign death certificates passed committee by substitute. In the hearing, SB 460, allowing physicians to supervies 8 PAs/APRNs made up of any combination, was added to the bill. The bill now heads to the Rules committee for consideration.
HB 1123: Creating adult Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation teams in each judicial circuit passed committee. The bill also creates an ANE commission.
SB 456 adding disabled persons (both physically disabled, and those with dementia) to the list of persons who can access the caregiver registry, passed committee.