Americans for Prosperity – Georgia Applauds Senate Passage of HB 1339, Urges House to Agree on Certificate Of Need Repeal Bill

Mar 14, 2024 by AFP

ATLANTA, GA – Following the overwhelming passage of HB 1339 in the Senate, Americans for Prosperity – Georgia (AFP-GA) is applauding the vote and urging the House to quickly agree on the needed improvements to the bill that will bring bold and transformative health care.

AFP-GA State Director Tony West released the following statement:

“Today’s Senate passage of HB 1339 is a victory for all Georgians that would have a direct impact on the care they receive. Certificate of Need laws in our state have created unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles that limit access to health care and increase costs. We thank all lawmakers who voted for this bill, as well as our many grassroots activists who have worked tirelessly to repeal CON laws in Georgia.

“This bill would no longer require Certificate of Need for perinatal services, in hospital settings and non-hospital settings, including birthing centers. This is a major victory for advocates like Katie Chubb, who led the effort to open a birthing center in Augusta and help parents in the community. AFP-GA thanks Katie for her leadership and is excited to continue supporting her.

“With today’s vote, and the upcoming Conference we encourage the House to agree on the Senate’s important additions that will put patients first.”

Background

The passage of HB 1339 in the Senate comes two weeks after the House passed the bill. AFP-GA urged the Senate to amend the bill to include further CON reforms. Included in the Senate bill are provisions that no longer require Certificate of Need for new hospitals in rural counties, new substance abuse and psychiatric facilities, and hospitals that had previously closed and are attempting to reopen. Last November, the Senate Study Committee on Certificate of Need Reform recommended a full repeal of Georgia’s Certificate of Need laws.

Since last year, Katie Chubb has been an outspoken advocate for repealing Certificate of Need in Georgia. In August, she spoke at a press conference in Augusta highlighting how CON has harmed her ability to open a birthing center. In September, AFP-GA celebrated Chubb at the inaugural Pathway to Prosperity Summit for her efforts and making a difference in her community. AFP-GA recently produced a short testimonial video highlighting Chubb’s story and State Rep. Lauren Daniel’s (District 117) efforts to repeal CON.

In case you missed it, Tony West recently published an op-ed in the Albany Herald highlighting Chubb’s story and how CON laws have been detrimental.

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