Substance-abuse centers would not be allowed to pay third parties to procure patients under legislation the Georgia House of Representatives passed unanimously Thursday. Senate Bill 4, sponsored by state Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick, R-Marietta, cleared the Georgia Senate last month. It would make illegal what is known as “patient brokering.” The practice has been on the rise as the emphasis on addressing substance abuse has shifted from criminalizing the behavior to treating it, said Rep. Bert Reeves, R-Marietta, who carried the bill in the House.

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Capitol Beat News Service