Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee
Regulated industries committee
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Feb 05, 2026
Meeting Information
The Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee convened to discuss legislation aimed at modernizing the Dietetics Practice Act and a proposed bill to eliminate Certificate of Need requirements for cancer treatment facilities and services.
Meeting Summary
Modernizing the Dietetics Practice Act (HB 185)
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House Bill 185 was introduced to modernize Georgia's Dietetics Practice Act, which had not been updated in 32 years. The bill aims to provide additional pathways to licensure for qualified nutrition professionals, narrow licensure requirements to focus on medical nutrition therapy, expand exemptions for non-medical advice, and facilitate multistate practice through an interstate compact. [Video 00:22:40] [Video 00:25:19]
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The bill clarifies the distinction between licensed dietitians, who are medically trained to treat conditions through medical nutrition therapy, and other nutrition roles like personal trainers or coaches who give general healthy eating advice. It also addresses the benefits of the multistate compact, particularly for military spouses, by improving license portability and expanding employment opportunities. [Video 00:25:19] [Video 00:27:05]
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Concerns were raised regarding the bill's specification of a single accrediting agency, the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Robin Stegall, representing the Georgia Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, explained that ACEND is the only body accrediting dietetics education programs, but the bill's language allows for other acceptable bodies should they emerge. [Video 00:29:07] [Video 00:30:34]
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The committee passed House Bill 185, a new committee substitute (LC 520987S), after a motion by Chairman Brass and a second by Senator Summers. The bill passed with one opposed vote. [Video 00:34:25] [Video 00:35:02]
Eliminating Certificate of Need (CON) for Cancer Treatment
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The Chairman introduced a bill for a hearing aimed at removing Certificate of Need (CON) requirements for cancer treatment. The bill clarifies that facilities 'primarily' dedicated to cancer treatment would be exempt and includes an amendment to ensure indigent care provision at a 3% level, mirroring language from previous legislation (HB 1339). [Video 00:35:25] [Video 00:37:35]
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Dr. Petros Nikolenakos from University Cancer and Blood Center testified in favor of the CON repeal, stating that CON laws create patient wait times, restrict access to essential procedures, and increase costs. He cited his practice's experience, where they acquired a PET scan machine the day after CON requirements were eliminated for such devices, after five years of being unable to obtain one due to hospital opposition. [Video 00:41:01] [Video 00:46:22]
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Dr. David Squires from Augusta Oncology also supported the bill, explaining that CON laws have historically increased healthcare costs. He detailed how his practice was forced to establish a radiation facility in South Carolina, where the absence of CON allows for cheaper care for Georgia patients, saving them approximately $50 per day for radiation oncology. [Video 00:55:27] [Video 01:02:36]
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Mike Riley from the Georgia Association of Health Plans supported the bill, anticipating increased competition and reduced healthcare costs for Georgians. Sydney Roberts from Emory Winship Hospital also expressed support, sharing challenges with CON for expanding radiology services and noting that they were only able to acquire a new linear accelerator after CON changes last year. [Video 01:09:01] [Video 01:11:13]
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Ray Williams from City of Hope (formerly CTCA) advocated for the bill, emphasizing patient access and collaboration over competition. He recounted past legislative battles and the positive impact of their facility, noting that no other hospitals went out of business after their exclusive cancer treatment facility was allowed to open. [Video 01:17:19] [Video 01:20:14]
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on Feb 06, 2026
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