ATLANTA – State Representative Matt Dubnik (R-Gainesville) was recently named the 2019 Family Medicine Legislative Champion of the Year by the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians for his commitment to advocating for physicians and patients. During the 2019 legislative session, Rep. Dubnik sponsored legislation that offers a state tax credit for physicians who precept nurse practitioners, physician assistants and medical students.
“I’m honored to have received this generous award from the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians,” said Rep. Dubnik. “House Bill 287 will help provide greater medical care to our citizens, as well as alleviate the state tax burden on physicians who work hard to train great health care providers in Georgia.”
Rep. Dubnik was presented the award by GAFP President Donald L. Fordham, M.D.
“The tax credits [Rep. Dubnik] advocated will expand Georgia’s physician workforce, and it’s desperately needed,” said Dr. Donald L. Fordham. “They echo our purpose as an organization, that all Georgians can have access to high quality healthcare regardless of zip code. I thank [Rep. Dubnik] on behalf of our 3,200 members for [his] leadership and grit in sponsoring this innovative solution to bring homegrown clinicians to our state.”
The Preceptor Tax Incentive Program (PTIP) Act, or House Bill 287, was introduced by Rep. Dubnik during the 2019 legislative session. The bill, which passed with bipartisan support in both legislative chambers, grants state tax credits not just to licensed physicians training future doctors, as was implemented in a 2014 law that gave tax deductions instead of credits, but also to medical students, advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants who receive no financial compensation for their work as instructors or preceptors. Governor Brian Kemp signed HB 287 on April 25, 2019, and the legislation went into effect on July 1, 2019, as the new PTIP.
Established in 1947, the GAFP is a member chapter of the American Academy of Family Physicians. GAFP strives to promote the health of the citizens of Georgia by advancing the specialty of Family Medicine through education, advocacy and service to family physicians in the State of Georgia. Boasting a membership of 3,200 family physicians, family medicine residents, and medical students, the organization supports those who aspire to achieve excellence and who are committed to delivering it.
For more information on the GAFP, please click here.
For more information on HB 287, please click here.
*Editor’s Note: A photo of Rep. Dubnik and GAFP President Donald L. Fordham, M.D. attending the GAFP Board Meeting is attached.
Representative Matt Dubnik represents the citizens of District 29, which includes portions of Hall County. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2016 and currently serves as Vice Chair of the Game, Fish & Parks and Juvenile Justice committees. He is also a member of the Higher Education, Small Business Development and Interstate Cooperation committees.
###