Committee approves measure to speed credentialing for physicians and PAs
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Summary
Senate Bill 162, presented to the House committee, would streamline facility credentialing so a clinician credentialed at one hospital could be recognized by others and allow administrative approvals by composite medical board staff; an amendment moved the effective date to Jan. 1, 2027.
Senator Hufstedler told the committee Senate Bill 162 aims to shorten credentialing delays that can keep physicians and physician assistants from working at facilities in shortage situations. He said the composite medical board and the Georgia Hospital Association back the change, and that a new data management system has already cut many processing delays.
Sponsor said the proposal follows models used in medical-student credentialing piloted in Northwest Georgia by Paul Brock and would permit administrative approvals by the composite medical board’s staff (subject to later board ratification). Members asked whether new appropriations were required; the sponsor said appropriations and the new system already exist and are substantially complete.
The committee discussed an amendment requested by the Georgia Hospital Association to change a planned implementation date; members agreed to change the date to Jan. 1, 2027. The committee adopted the amendment and passed the substitute as amended by voice vote.
Next steps: the bill moves out of committee with the revised effective date and will continue through the House process.