Sen. Greg Kirk to carry proposed disabilities services legislation into next General Assembly session
Study committee in Georgia Senate recommends seven items to help individuals with developmental disabilities
From Staff Reports
ATLANTA — The Georgia Senate Study Committee on the Excessive and Duplicative Regulatory Oversight of Community Based Intellectual and Developmental Disability Services held its final study committee meeting on Thursday and adopted seven recommendations to be considered in drafting legislation for next year’s legislative session in the General Assembly.
State Sen. Greg Kirk, R, Americus, will carry the legislation — which is anticipated to improve access to health care for disabled Georgians by eliminating bureaucratic regulations and enhancing services available at the community level.
“The certification process for individuals with developmental disabilities shouldn’t be as difficult as it has been,” Kirk said. “The legislation we will create from the recommendations the committee adopted will consolidate the process to allow individuals, as well as agencies, to be clear on who needs to do what and where information needs to be reported and stored.
“This study committee gave us insight on where the most problems occur and will help to create efficient legislation moving forward.”
Senate Majority Leader Mike Dugan, R-Carrollton, the chairman of the committee, said the goal is to make sure the proper resources are in place for those with disabilities.
“It was an honor to chair this important committee and I believe the work we did over the interim has led to sound recommendations,” Dugan said. “Our top priority is to make sure that individuals with developmental disabilities have access to proper care, along with agencies having the appropriate framework in place to provide assistance.
“Senator Kirk has been instrumental throughout the study committee process and he will do a great job championing this legislation.”
For the committee’s final report, including the full list of its recommendations, visit http://www.senate.ga.gov/sro/Documents/StudyCommRpts/2018_IDD.pdf
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