Georgia Senate Bill SB287

Georgia 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/26/25
• Refer: 2/27/25

Caption

Medical Assistance; Georgia Interested Parties Advisory Group within the Department of Community Health; create and establish a purpose

Impact

The bill mandates that the DCH and the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) collect and analyze data regarding direct care workers employed within HCBS provider agencies. This data will include workforce demographics, employment rates, wage information, and benefits provided to workers. It aims to serve both as a resource for policy making and a public transparency tool by ensuring reports are accessible on the DCH website. Such measures are intended to address workforce challenges within the direct care sector and to improve service delivery for those reliant on Medicaid and similar services.

Summary

Senate Bill 287 aims to amend the medical assistance framework in Georgia by creating the Georgia Interested Parties Advisory Group within the Department of Community Health (DCH). This group will serve to advise and consult with DCH, focusing specifically on improving direct care services related to Medicaid and home and community-based services (HCBS). The bill stipulates the establishment of a group composed of various stakeholders who will be tasked with gathering insights and providing recommendations to enhance community health support services.

Contention

While the bill has the potential to significantly improve the reporting and oversight of direct care workforces, there may be concerns regarding the implementation and effectiveness of the advisory group. Some stakeholders could argue about the sufficiency of the data collection methods or the potential bureaucratic challenges faced by the DCH and DBHDD in fulfilling these new requirements. Furthermore, discussions regarding the appropriateness of government oversight versus market-driven approaches in healthcare may arise as the bill progresses through legislative scrutiny.