Bill > HR753

This resolution creates the House Study Committee on Improving Access to Internal Medicine in Underserved Areas, a temporary legislative body designed to address the significant healthcare challenges in rural Georgia. The committee will consist of eight members, including five representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House and three non-legislative healthcare providers familiar with rural healthcare needs. The committee's primary purpose is to evaluate strategies for increasing access to internal medicine in rural communities, particularly those experiencing healthcare professional and transportation shortages. With Georgia facing critical healthcare disparities—including 75% of counties being rural, 40 counties lacking internal medicine physicians, and 142 counties classified as healthcare professional shortage areas—the committee will study these conditions and recommend potential legislative or policy solutions. The committee is authorized to conduct meetings as needed, with members receiving standard legislative per diem and expense allowances. Members must file a report of their findings and recommendations, which requires majority approval, and the committee will be dissolved on December 1, 2025, ensuring a focused and time-limited investigation into this important healthcare access issue.

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https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/71722