Recent health care stories

Health care may have its noisiest legislative session in years.

The biggest debate will involve proposed changes to the state's health care regulatory structure, known as certificate of need, or CON. The battle will largely pit hospitals against doctors.

CON controls health care construction and expansions in the state, along with medical services such as obstetrics and heart surgery. Physician groups want looser regulation -- if not elimination of the rules -- while hospitals will generally fight for the status quo.

Legislators might also consider proposals to shore up financing of medical services, from a statewide network to care for trauma patients to funding for financially ailing Grady Health System. Problems with Medicaid HMOs' payments to medical providers likely will also draw scrutiny.

Wild cards include how to fund the state's tab of up to $20 billion to pay for the health care of retired teachers and state employees in coming years.

Insurance legislation may surface that would strengthen consumers' ability to get information on pricing and quality of medical providers.

And advanced practice nurses may push for legislation that improves their ability to prescribe drugs.

-- Andy Miller