GEORGIA: House Resolution 406 Passes & Chapter Meeting Recap

House Resolution 406, sponsored by Rep John LaHood (R-Valdosta), and an initiative of the Georgia Council on Aging, passed on March 25. The measure urges the Georgia Emergency Operations Plan to recognize the importance of long-term care providers and their direct care workers. The Georgia Emergency Operations Plan is the comprehensive state emergency operations plan developed to ensure mitigation, preparedness, appropriate response, and timely recovery from natural and manmade hazards that may affect residents of Georgia.

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Yesterday, HCAOA’s Georgia Chapter held a meeting featuring several speakers.  Elaine Wright, Deputy Director, Healthcare Facility Regulation Division, for the Department of Community Health provided updates regarding citations and fines, TB testing rules from the CDC, fingerprinting and more. Additional information on information shared during the chapter’s meeting will be shared on the Georgia Chapter website in the coming days. 
 
State Legislative Updates:
The 2022 Georgia budget passed Wednesday, March 31. The budget includes a 10% Medicaid increase for HCBS providers, thanks to the efforts of Dave Lamb, GA Chapter’s Legislative Chair. 
 
House Bill 163 has been passed in the House and Senate. The bill directs the Department of Human Services to automatically enroll and renew eligible children in Medicaid and the PeachCare for Kids Program, based on application data received for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Read more here. 
 
House Bill 363 has passed in the House and is pending in the Senate. This bill relates to the abuse of elder persons and anyone who takes advantage of the mental or physical incapacity of their patients. Read more here. 
 
House Bill 605 has been passed in the House. Under this bill, home care agencies and caregivers must be informed if there is a camera or recording device in a patient’s home. Read more here.