MAG Council on Legislation, Legislative Priorities (2013)
Preserving Physician Autonomy
The Medical Association of Georgia (MAG) will promote legislation that protects physicians from frivolous claims that are based on administrative procedures rather than the provision of sound, quality medical care. MAG will work to ensure that the practice of medicine is reserved for those who are qualified to provide care that is based on the standards of the Georgia Medical Practice Act. MAG will work to ensure that patients are aware of their health care provider’s credentials and that they are properly identified to provide the necessary care.
Medicaid
MAG will support Medicaid reforms that 1) ensure the adequacy of payment and 2) reduce administrative burdens and 3) reinforce the physician-patient relationship and 4) promote the practice of quality medicine in Georgia, including the adoption of the Patient-Centered Medical Home.
State Implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
The Medical Association of Georgia will monitor all legislative activity related to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and will work to maintain the rights, privileges, and autonomy afforded to physicians.
Tort Reform
Retain the remaining elements of the tort reform bill that passed in 2005, as well as exploring other tort reform measures that will improve the practice environment in Georgia. MAG will promote legislation that employs a quantifiable method to calculate damages that are awarded for future expenses in medical liability cases, and MAG will support legislation that allows the reimbursement of expenses and liens that equals the amount that is paid by the health insurer.
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA)
MAG will work to ensure that any recommendations for any health insurance exchange that is created in the state does not compromise patient well-being, the patient-physician relationship, or physician pay.
Health Insurance
The Medical Association of Georgia will work to relieve the administrative burdens of health insurance by working to protect physicians from legislation encouraging physician profiling and by working on issues related to prior authorization.