Introduced by Consumer Champion, Representative Sharon Cooper (R-43), House Bill 458 would require the Georgia physicians, medical students and medical licensing board members to be trained on physician sexual misconduct and professional boundaries. The bill also requires doctors to report other doctors who have sexually abused patients. HB 458 would specifically authorize the Georgia Composite Medical Board to revoke or suspend a license if a physician is found guilty of sexually assaulting a patient in a criminal case. The bill would require the Board to report on its handling of sex abuse cases, including indicating how many cases were handled through private actions hidden from the public. The bill crossed over on February 26, 2021.

Georgia Watch supports legislation to protect the safety of patients from sexual abuse by physicians.