Public Health, Department of; two-year pilot program for home visiting in homes of children with asthma; provisions
Impact
By implementing this pilot program, the bill seeks to generate tangible benefits for public health, particularly for children affected by asthma, an all-too-common health issue. The outcomes anticipated from this initiative include improvements in the quality of life for these children and potentially reduced hospital visits due to asthma-related complications. The program encompasses measures for ongoing evaluation to ensure accountability and effectiveness during its duration.
Summary
House Bill 607, introduced in Georgia, aims to establish a two-year pilot program focused on home visits for children suffering from asthma. This initiative, through the Department of Public Health, is designed to assist families in identifying and mitigating exposure to asthma triggers in their home environments. The program will include training for home visitors who will assess the conditions of homes and provide educational resources to families regarding environmental risk factors associated with asthma.
Contention
Notably, the bill stipulates that the Department of Public Health will draft specific rules regarding the training of home visitors, develop assessment tools for evaluating homes, and provide necessary administrative support. The requirement for detailed reporting to state officials every year during the program's lifespan, culminating with recommendations regarding its continuation beyond 2028, emphasizes a long-term focus on childhood asthma management. However, the proposed pilot’s success will heavily rely on its implementation and the availability of qualified personnel to carry out home assessments effectively.
State Board of Education; establish five-year pilot program to incentivize qualified local units of administration to utilize school bus monitors; provisions