WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 866

Community Health, Department of; pilot program to improve management of inpatient insulin levels in rural hospital organizations; provide

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Matt Barton and 4 co-sponsors

House Bill 866 establishes a pilot program to improve insulin management in rural hospitals, enhancing diabetes care and patient outcomes through grants and data sharing.

House Second Readers
#education #health #publicofficersandemployees
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 866

Summary of House Bill 866

Bill Number: HB 866
Title: Community Health, Department of; pilot program to improve management of inpatient insulin levels in rural hospital organizations; provide
Status: House Second Readers
Introduced: March 25, 2025

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 866 aims to establish a pilot program under the Georgia Department of Community Health to enhance the management of inpatient insulin levels in rural hospital organizations. The bill seeks to address the challenges faced by these hospitals in managing diabetes care, ultimately aiming to reduce adverse patient incidents and improve patient outcomes upon discharge.

Key Provisions

  1. Pilot Program Establishment:

    • The Rural Health System Innovation Center will conduct a pilot program focused on improving inpatient insulin management in rural hospitals.
    • The program will provide data on insulin management to primary care physicians when patients are discharged.

  2. Grant Program:

    • The center will establish a grant program to fund rural hospital organizations and physician groups.
    • Funding can be used for:
      • Technology and software to track and manage insulin levels.
      • Specialty consultation and training in insulin management.
    • Grant criteria will consider:
      • High diabetes prevalence among patients.
      • Commitment to using technology for insulin tracking.
      • Partnerships with larger health systems or endocrinology practices.
      • Plans to provide discharge data to primary care physicians.

  3. Reporting Requirements:

    • A report summarizing the pilot program's outcomes must be submitted by December 31, 2026, to various state leaders and committees.
    • The report will also be made publicly accessible.

  4. Automatic Repeal:

    • The pilot program will be automatically repealed on January 1, 2027, unless further action is taken.

  5. Effective Date:

    • The bill will take effect only if funds are appropriated for its implementation in a future Appropriations Act.

Impact

  • Affected Entities:

    • Rural hospital organizations and their patients will be the primary beneficiaries of this bill.
    • Primary care physicians will receive improved data to manage patient care post-discharge.

  • Healthcare Outcomes:

    • The program aims to enhance the quality of diabetes care in rural settings, potentially leading to reduced hospital readmissions and better overall health outcomes for patients with diabetes.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced on March 25, 2025, and has progressed to the House Second Readers stage as of March 28, 2025.
  • The implementation of the pilot program is contingent upon the appropriation of funds by the General Assembly.

This summary provides an overview of House Bill 866, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impact on rural healthcare management in Georgia.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.