If you have followed Georgia politics for at least five minutes, you likely have seen the attention rural Georgia receives from legislators who are working to ensure the non-metro Atlanta parts of the state can keep up. The still Republican-controlled legislature both looks to answer to their own rural-inclined voters but also to give a boost to a part of the state that for a variety of reasons has been left behind a bit economically compared to the booming metro Atlanta region.
The latest in this line of legislative work is SB 352, a bill that would allow the spouses of healthcare providers, law enforcement officers or firefighters who have relocated to Georgia for work to more easily qualify for their pre-move jobs by expediting licensing.
“Despite having a record low unemployment rate of 2.6 percent, Georgia is facing critical workforce deficiencies, which are impacting public health and public safety. Recent studies have demonstrated that Georgia has the 5th lowest number of dentists, 5th lowest number of nurses and 11th lowest number of doctors per capita,” said Marc Hyden, director of state government affairs for the R Street Institute, a think tank that focuses on issues like licensing reform or other barriers to economic entry.
“79 Georgia counties do not have an obstetrician/gynecologist, 64 are without a pediatrician and nine have no physicians whatsoever. These shortages particularly impact rural Georgia.”
Hyden testified in front of the committee hearing the bill, adding: “While not a new issue, these deficiencies were exposed by the pandemic, exacerbating their circumstances. The results left medical facilities in Georgia and their employees overworked and stretched to the limit, while the health of Georgians hangs in the balance.”
The bill passed out of the senate this week and has gone over to the House for a look. If passed, the bill would make it much easier for these critical positions to find a home in rural – or anywhere – Georgia, thanks to the ease of settling their spouses. Normally, a worker may have to get re-certified through a long and arduous process in the state. This bill would allow those who have a good standing license from another state to expedite their licensing process and bypass some of the time-consuming requirements. The license must be “substantially similar” to the Georgia requirements and the applicant may still need to pass necessary examination to prove knowledge of Georgia’s laws.
The bill would impact not just the fulfillment of some of these specialty positions, but also mean a move for a relocating worker may not be so hard on their families. The senate version passed unanimously so there is a good chance the house may give the okay.
To see the full text: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/61205
