09 LC
37 0921
Senate
Resolution 628
By:
Senator Hudgens of the 47th
A
RESOLUTION
Creating
the Senate Study Committee on Health Care Provider Rental Network Contract
Arrangements; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS,
the health of its citizens is of primary importance to the State of Georgia;
and
WHEREAS,
access to health care services and the availability and affordability of health
insurance have a direct impact on the lives and well-being of the residents of
this state; and
WHEREAS,
the number of intermediary entities involved in the health care payment process,
as well as the unregulated secondary discount market, is increasing
dramatically; and
WHEREAS,
there is an increased public concern as to how these organizations gain access
to a provider's health care services, contractual discounts, provider network
contracts that subsequently grant access to another third party, and the need
for accountability and transparency in these arrangements for the benefit of
patients and physicians.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that there is created the Senate Study
Committee on Health Care Provider Rental Network Contract Arrangements to be
composed of five members of the Senate to be appointed by the Lieutenant
Governor. The Lieutenant Governor shall designate a chairperson from among the
appointees. The committee shall meet at the call of the
chairperson.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the committee shall undertake a study of issues
surrounding the granting of access to a provider's health care services and
contractual discounts to a third party under certain circumstances. The
committee may conduct such meetings at such places and at such times as it may
deem necessary or convenient to enable it to exercise fully and effectively its
powers, perform its duties, and accomplish the objectives and purposes of this
resolution. The members of the committee shall receive the allowances
authorized for legislative members of interim legislative committees from the
funds appropriated to the Senate but shall receive the same for not more than
five days unless additional days are authorized. The funds necessary to carry
out the provisions of this resolution shall come from funds appropriated to the
Senate. In the event the committee makes a report of its findings and
recommendations, with suggestions for proposed legislation, if any, such report
shall be made on or before December 31, 2009. The committee shall stand
abolished on December 31, 2009.