Georgia Senate Bill SB481

Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/9/24
• Refer: 2/12/24
• Report Pass: 2/22/24

Caption

Georgia Health Care Professionals Data System; establishment; definitions; collaboration with state licensing boards; provide

Impact

If enacted, SB 481 will amend the Georgia Code to create a structured framework for collaboration between the Georgia Board of Health Care Workforce and various state licensing boards. By mandating that these boards supply demographic data, such as age, race, and gender, the bill aims to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare professional landscape in Georgia, which could inform future healthcare initiatives and resource allocation.

Summary

Senate Bill 481 proposes the establishment of a Georgia Health Care Professionals Data System, aimed at enhancing the collection and dissemination of data concerning licensed healthcare professionals in Georgia. The bill seeks to provide a centralized repository for information regarding the demographics and geographical distribution of these professionals while ensuring that the data collected does not include individually identifiable information. This initiative is intended to improve public accessibility to healthcare workforce data, potentially aiding in workforce planning and policy development in the state.

Contention

Notably, the bill is positioned as a means to strengthen the accountability and transparency of the healthcare workforce. However, there may be points of contention regarding the funding for this data system and the extent of the data collected. Questions could arise around privacy concerns and the potential implications of sharing demographic information, leading to debates on balancing public health needs and individual privacy rights among healthcare professionals.