ATLANTA (May 17, 2023) | Last month, Lt. Governor Burt Jones appointed Senator Freddie Powell-Sims (D – Dawson) as a member of the Senate Study Committee on Certificate of Need (CON) Reform.
“As a resident of south rural Georgia, I have seen how CON laws can prevent my fellow rural Georgians from receiving the healthcare they deserve,” said Sen. Powell-Sims. “In representing my constituents, my aim is always to ensure that the citizens of Senate District 12 and their needs are not forgotten. I understand that CON reform is a complex issue with a long history of debate in the Georgia General Assembly and among healthcare providers. However, the goal of this committee will be to discuss CON reform with my colleagues, experts in healthcare and citizens from across our state to ensure that all Georgians have access to care while also ensuring healthy competition among private healthcare providers. I want to thank Lt. Governor Burt Jones for entrusting me with this appointment and I am eager to get started.”
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.
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Sen. Freddie Powell Sims represents the 12th Senate District which includes Baker, Calhoun, Clay, Dougherty, Early, Miller, Mitchell, Quitman, Randolph, Stewart, Sumter, Terrell and Webster County. She may be reached at 404.463.5259 or by email at freddie.sims@senate.ga.gov.