Senate Bill Repeals Department of Community Health Advisory Committee

ATLANTA (March 5, 2012) –The Georgia Senate passed SB 407 unanimously on Monday. Sponsored by Sen. Renee Unterman (R-Buford), this legislation would repeal the section of Georgia Code responsible for the creation of the Health Strategies Council and the Clinical Laboratory, Blood Bank and Tissue Bank Committee.

“I am pleased by the passage of Senate Bill 407 today,” said Sen. Unterman. “Through the passage of this bill, we are cutting bureaucracy and red tape by reducing laws governing pathologists.”

This legislation would streamline operations and provide the Department of Community Health with the autonomy to create rules regarding the oversight of clinical laboratories, blood banks and tissue banks. Currently, all proposed rules must go through the Health Strategies Council and the Clinical Laboratory, Blood Bank, and Tissue Bank Committee.

Members of this committee are appointed by the Governor with the confirmation of the Senate and represent many different specializations within the health care industry.

SB 407 will continue its way through the legislative process by traveling to the House of Representatives for a vote.

RELEASE
March 5, 2012

For Information Contact:
Natalie Dale, Director
Shawna Mercer,Sr. Communications Specialist
shawna.mercer@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028