The Senate Committee on Health & Human Services convened on February 19, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding residency programs and their funding, particularly through Medicare. The meeting highlighted the financial dynamics of residency programs, emphasizing that hospitals typically bear no costs for residents after an initial investment, as Medicare covers their salaries.

A committee member pointed out that while hospitals in Georgia are struggling to attract and retain physicians, the state ranks 41st in the nation for per capita physicians, a decline from 39th. This situation is exacerbated by the increasing number of medical students and residents without a corresponding rise in available positions. The discussion underscored the need for incentives to encourage medical graduates to practice in Georgia, noting that residents who complete their training in the state are statistically more likely to remain.

The committee also touched on the importance of tort reform as a factor in making Georgia an attractive place for medical professionals. A motion was made and unanimously passed to support initiatives aimed at enhancing residency programs and addressing the physician shortage in the state.

In closing, the committee chair encouraged hospitals to maximize their residency programs, referencing a recent congressional measure that allows hospitals to reset their residency caps, potentially enabling them to expand their training programs. This initiative is seen as vital for improving healthcare access in regions like Coastal Georgia. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore these issues in future sessions.