Last week in the Georgia legislature, action was taken on a House bill relating to regulation of “Influenza Disease Education in Assisted Living Communities,” another House bill that would require licensure of lactation consultants, and a House bill that would exempt certain private swimming pools from inspection and licensing.
News
Public Health Nurses Recognized at the Capitol
Last week, Senator Renee Unterman introduced Senate Resolution 848, which recognizes the work and contributions of public health nurses.
Legislative Report for Feb. 5
This week’s report includes an update on public health legislation regarding the regulation of fireworks, HIV Test Consent, Meningococcal Disease Vaccinations and more.
Legislative Report for January 29
Scott Maxwell, legislative liaison for GPHA, provided an update about recent legislative activity. His update includes a summary of the Governor’s amended FY 2017 state budget, as well as several other issues concerning public health.
Legislative Report for January 22
This week’s legislative report includes information about the legislative session timetable, budget/economy discussions, as well as an update on public health bills.
GPHA Awarded Funding to Support Health Departments
The Georgia Public Health Association has been awarded funding to help prepare local and state health departments for national accreditation.
Call for Papers on Rural Health
The Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association (jGPHA) announces a call for papers for a special theme issue on “The Two Georgias: Addressing Health Equity in Rural Georgia.” GPHA members are encouraged to submit their work. Please note the deadline for submissions is April 1, 2016.
Legislative Report for January 15
Scott Maxwell, legislative liaison for GPHA, provided an update about recent legislative activity concerning public health. His update includes a summary of the Governor’s spending plan for the motor fuel gas tax and his recommendations for the FY 2017 state budget.
UGA College of Public Health Receives $500,000 Gift
The University of Georgia College of Public Health has received a $500,000 gift to create the Karen and Jim Holbrook Distinguished Professorship and an endowed fellowship to support graduate students in the global health field.
Public Health Nurses Testify Before Senate Subcommittee Regarding Salary, Recruitment and Retention
Georgia’s public health nurses made a very impressive, effective presentation at a Georgia State Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, making a strong case for budgetary enhancements to bring PH nurse salaries up to par with those in the private sector. In addition, the presentation explained the real need to 1) increase the number of PH nurses in the field, 2) develop a progressive career track, and 3) create a service cancelable loan program for nursing degrees.