GEORGIA CHAPTER RESPONDS TO THE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION OF GEORGIA ON HEALTHCARE REFORM

In early July many physicians across Georgia received a "Call to Action" from the Medical Assocaiton of Georgia requesting them to contact their members of Congress and request that Congress oppose the "Tri-Committee Discussion Draft". This draft has evolved into the "America's Affordable Healthcare Choices Act of 2009" or better known as H.R. 3200. In addition to the Call for Action, the Medical Association also sent letters to each member of Congresss encouraging them to oppose this legislation.

While the Georgia Chapter ACP respects the Medical Assocation of Georgia's decision to oppose this legislation, we were and remain disappointed that this action was taken by the Medical Association of Georgia without requesting comment from its constituent membership. The Georgia Chapter is particularly concerned as many positive directives within this legislation are there do to the hard work of the ACP Washington office and are in direct agreement with ACP Policy.   The Georgia Chapter has responded to MAG with a letter which provides specific information related to key points of opposition from MAG. to view this letter, click here.  Additionally, we have submitted a similar letter to each member of Congress advising them of our support of ACP policies and recommendations submitted previously and encouraged them to continue communication with ACP on healthcare reform. 

We continue to work toward finding common ground with the Medical Association of Georgia and others  on healthcare reform so that messages going to our Congressional members in Washington are consistent, encourage collaboration and do not show the House of Medicine as a  house of cards, ready to fall with the slightest change in activity.

If you have comments, questions or would like to talk to the Chairwoman of Georgia's Health and Public Policy Committee, please contact Dr. Jacqueline Fincher at: jwfinchermd@cs.com or Karen Townsend, Executive Director at: ktownsend@gaacp.org