Bill > HB1393

This bill allows rural hospitals in Georgia to collaborate and form partnerships to increase their bargaining power when negotiating with third-party payors, such as insurance companies, while still maintaining their individual independence. It clarifies that these collaborations are in line with state policy to improve healthcare delivery in rural areas, which are defined as counties with fewer than 50,000 residents. The bill also provides immunity from federal and state antitrust laws for these rural hospitals and their collaborating entities when they engage in activities like joint negotiations, shared staffing, joint purchasing, and coordinated service planning, recognizing that these actions are intended to benefit the community and are considered an exercise of delegated sovereign authority.

Health and Social Services

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/73431