In the final hours of the fortieth and last day of the 2010 legislative session, the Georgia General Assembly agreed to a conference committee report containing Senate Bill 62. The legislation will require insurance companies and third party administrators to promptly pay providers within 15 days, or face fines from the office of Commissioner of Insurance. The legislation was introduced by Sen. Ralph Hudgens two sessions ago and has faced stiff opposition every year. Hudgens stated, "This bill is critical to doctors and medical providers throughout Georgia. It requires insurance companies and TPA's to do what everyone else in this state has to do: pay their bills on time."

The legislation has been a long-time priority agenda item for the Medical Association of Georgia (MAG), which is the leading voice for physicians in the state. "On behalf of MAG's 6,000-plus members, I'd like to thank Senator Hudgens for his leadership in passing a bill that will create a more favorable practice environment in the state," said MAG President Gary Richter, M.D. "That ultimately means that more Georgians will have more access to more physicians."