Rep. Matt Dubnik Named 2019 Family Medicine Legislative Champion of the Year by Georgia Academy of Family Physicians
TUCKER, GA, August 5, 2019 – The Georgia Academy of Family Physicians (GAFP) has awarded State Representative Matt Dubnik of Gainesville its 2019 Family Medicine Legislative Champion of the Year, for his commitment to advocating for physicians and our patients. During the 2019 legislative session, Representative Dubnik successfully shepherded legislation that offers a state tax credit for physicians who precept nurse practitioners, physician assistants and medical students.
“The tax credits you advocated will expand Georgia’s physician workforce and it’s desperately needed,” said Dr. Donald L. Fordham, president of the GAFP, in announcing the award. “They echo our purpose as an organization, that all Georgians can have access to high quality healthcare regardless of zip code. I thank you on behalf of our 3,200 members for your leadership and grit in sponsoring this innovative solution to bring homegrown clinicians to our state.”
The Preceptor Tax Incentive Program (PTIP) Act, formerly known as HB 287, was introduced by Representative Dubnik this past session of the General Assembly. The bill, passed with bipartisan support in both legislative chambers, grants 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 and the legislation went into effect on July 1 as the new PTIP.
Dubnik is currently serving his second term in the House of Representatives as its member for Gainesville and central Hall County in northeastern Georgia. Outside of his duties in the General Assembly, Dubnik serves as the Chief Engagement Officer of Forum Communications, a Gainesville-based full-service strategic marketing agency. He graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in management.
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, please visit us at gafp.org or call (404) 321-7445.