ATLANTA (February 27, 2012) –The Georgia Senate passed SB 361 unanimously last Wednesday, which would expand accreditation of health care facilities to include additional nationally recognized health care accreditation entities. Sponsored by Sen. Butch Miller (R-Gainesville), this legislation received tremendous bipartisan support.
“The passage of this legislation clarifies the Georgia Code and ensures our state is up-to-date in accreditation standards for health care facilities,” said Sen. Miller. “This bill provides additional options for hospitals seeking accreditation and would allow a nationally recognized health care accreditation entity to oversee hospitals in the State of Georgia.”
Previously, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) was the only accrediting body authorized to accredit hospitals by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Therefore, JCAHO is the only accrediting body referenced in several Georgia Code sections related to accreditation.
This legislation would expand the accreditation entities that are allowed to accredit hospitals or health care organizations within our state’s code to include national accreditation entities and would bring Georgia’s code in line with current federal regulations.
SB 361 will continue its way through the legislative process by traveling to the House of Representatives for a vote.
RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
February 27, 2012
For Information Contact:
Natalie Dale, Director
Shawna Mercer,Sr. Communications Specialist
shawna.mercer@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028