Posted inHealth

Georgia healthcare bill sparks debate among hospital groups and lawmakers

A state Senate committee narrowly approved legislation late Tuesday that would replace Georgia’s certificate of need (CON) law governing hospitals with a less restrictive “special health-care service” license. The original version of Senate Bill 162 introduced last week called for a complete repeal of CON, a move legislative Republicans and conservative public policy organizations have […]

Posted inYour Family

Photos: Lanier Islands has a new amenity that is a real Game Changer

Lanier Islands, the popular lakeside resort in Metro Atlanta, has added a new attraction to its growing list of offerings. The resort’s latest year-round amenity, Game Changer, is now open to the public in a sprawling two-story facility of approximately 23,000 square feet. The entertainment center features over 60 popular amusement games, a dedicated kids’ […]

Posted inYour Government

Gwinnett County code enforcement officers may be getting more power. Here’s what it means for renters and landlords

The Gist: Gwinnett County Commissioners voiced their support to adopt the International Property Maintenance Code, which would give code enforcement officers the ability to work with tenants at residential rental properties.  What is it?: The code, which requires sixty days of review, would give code enforcement officers the power to issue citations for interior code […]

Posted inHealth

Georgia lawmakers work to revolutionize mental health care in Georgia

The Gist: State Representatives Todd Jones (R-South Forsyth) and Mary Margaret Oliver (D-Decatur) have introduced House Bill 520 to continue reforming Georgia’s mental health care delivery system and address workforce shortages. The Bill: House Bill 520 would expand Georgia’s mental health care loan forgiveness program for providers. It would also create new authorities for sharing […]

Posted inIn The News

Georgia businesses needed paycheck protection loans, but fraud was rampant

(The Center Square) — While business leaders say the Paycheck Protection Program was invaluable to businesses struggling to stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s now clear the initiative was ripe for fraud. “The problem with following the rules is that it often puts you at a disadvantage in a world where fraud and deception […]

Posted inHealth

UGA Study: Fewer people are dying from heart disease, with a notable exception

Fewer people are dying from cardiovascular disease in the U.S., according to new research from the University of Georgia. But rural counties and those with a higher percentage of Black residents consistently experienced higher rates of cardiovascular disease than urban and more predominantly white counties. Published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, the study showed that […]