ATLANTA (April 12, 2023) | Today, Sen. Ben Watson (R – Savannah) was appointed by Lt. Governor Burt Jones to serve on the Senate Study Committee on Certificate of Need (CON) Reform.
“As a primary care physician for the past 35 years, I have seen firsthand the adverse effects CON can have on healthcare costs and access through reduced competition,” said Sen. Watson. “The Senate body has seen the growing need for CON reform and it is clear that there is much work to do to address how these laws are preventing rural Georgians from receiving care. Our goal is to help Georgia citizens get the healthcare they deserve, all while ensuring that there is healthy competition in the healthcare field. Through the study committee, my colleagues and I will be able to get the full picture from experts and witnesses across the state. I want to thank Lt. Governor Burt Jones for appointing me to this study committee and I am eager to get to work.”
The Senate Study Committee on Certificate of Need Reform was created by Senate Resolution 279, which passed during the 2023 Legislative Session. The study committee, chaired by Sen. Greg Dolezal (R – Cumming), will comprise of seven members of the Georgia Senate and five citizen representatives who have served in executive roles throughout the health system. The study committee will evaluate the conditions, needs, issues and problems associated with Certificate of Need Programs and may choose to recommend any action or legislation relative to the topic. The study committee will hold meetings throughout the state, with dates and locations to be announced at a later time.
For the full text of SR 279, read here.
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Sen. Ben Watson serves as Chairman for the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services. He represents the 1st Senate District, which includes Bryan and Liberty, and half of Chatham County. He may be reached by phone at 404.656.7880 or by email at ben.watson@senate.ga.gov