Ga. House defeats fitness standards for state employees

ATLANTA - House lawmakers have defeated a measure that would require doctors to develop medical and fitness standards for state employees.

The measure got only 89 votes on Wednesday, just short of the majority needed in the 180-member chamber. When it came up again minutes later, it was more soundly defeated, 107-55.

The bill would create a medical review board of five doctors to set the standards.

Supporters say it would improve the health of Georgia's public employees, but critics worried the government would be infringing on personal rights.

Lawmakers had little at stake in the bill's outcome. House Speaker Glenn Richardson said they would have been exempt from its guidelines because they were elected officials and not employees.

On the Net:
Senate Bill 174: http://www.legis.ga.gov
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

http://accesswdun.com/article/2008/4/208635