House Approves Automated Credentialing for Physicians to Speed Licensure, Will Take Effect in 2027

The Georgia House adopted a committee substitute and passed Senate Bill 162 on Feb. 9, 2026, instructing the Georgia Composite Medical Board to implement an automated credentialing and data-management system intended to speed physician licensure and hospital credentialing. Chair Lady Cooper, presenting the bill, framed it as a response to physician shortages and administrative delays.

"I think everybody in this chamber realizes how short of doctors we are," Chair Lady Cooper told members when introducing the bill. She said the bill would allow the board to collect credentialing preferences and educational credentials during licensing and could permit the executive director to issue temporary licenses once necessary data is in place, rather than waiting for full board action.

Members asked about expected time savings and the extent to which the system would streamline hospital and insurer credentialing; Cooper said time savings depend on how quickly applicants provide documentation but noted the system would remove administrative bottlenecks and allow earlier temporary licensure in many cases. The bill sets Jan. 1, 2027, as the date for systems updates to be in place. The House approved the committee substitute and passed SB 162 by voice and recorded vote, yays 167, nays 0. The bill moves to the governor.