Barrett’s push to curb corporate medicine returns after failed approval motion

An approval motion failed, but Commissioner Dana Barrett’s push against corporate ownership of medical practices is returning to the Fulton County commission. The Nov. 4 agenda lists the resolution again and explicitly notes that the motion to approve it failed Oct. 21.⁠[1]

The proposal would put the county on record supporting the “Stop Corporate Takeovers of Physicians Act of 2026” and urging Congress to enact it. It also asks Georgia lawmakers to preserve physician ownership and clinical control, prevent corporate interference in medical decisions and strengthen ownership transparency. It would not impose a county ownership ban.⁠[2]

As we reported in our preview of Barrett’s proposal, its local financial argument rests on projected county health-care costs of $128.3 million for 2027, compared with $115.1 million in 2026—a $13.2 million increase. The resolution identifies private equity ownership as one major reason for rising costs, but does not quantify its contribution. That $13.2 million difference is not a calculation of the cost attributable to corporate ownership.⁠[2]

The new agenda reports the failed approval motion without a vote breakdown or explanation. The next scheduled consideration is Nov. 4, when commissioners meet at 10 a.m. in Assembly Hall at the Fulton County Government Center, 141 Pryor Street SW in Atlanta. The resolution is item 26-0728.⁠[1]