VSU Nursing’s Dr. Myron Faircloth Appointed to State Commission

VALDOSTA — An instructor in Valdosta State University’s College of Nursing and a practicing family nurse practitioner at G & G Family Medicine MD, PC, Dr. J. Myron Faircloth was recently appointed to the Special Advisory Commission on Mandated Health Insurance Benefits.

“The appointment is definitely an honor, as well as a responsibility I take very seriously,” he said. “I am humbled to have been chosen and look forward to serving Georgians and our great state.”

In this role, Faircloth and his fellow members of the commission will advise the governor and Georgia General Assembly on the social and financial impact of current and proposed health insurance benefit and provider mandates on small businesses. Sen. Tim Golden, R-Valdosta, noted that these men and women “will work with the Department of Insurance to collect data and assess the impact of mandated benefits and providers, including costs to employers and insurers, effectiveness of treatment, cost savings in the health care system, and other factors.”

Golden introduced Senate Bill 17, which formed the commission, to ensure state leaders had the most current information when making decisions about Georgia’s future. He said Faircloth was an obvious choice for the commission due to his commitment to rural health care as a professional and his commitment to the future of health care as a nursing instructor.

"Members of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) have listed health insurance as their No. 1 problem every year since 1986," Golden said when Gov. Nathan Deal signed the piece of legislation into law in May 2011. "On average, small businesses pay 18 percent more for health insurance coverage than large businesses. The insurance mandate legislation regularly considered by Georgia lawmakers, applying only to small group and individual plans, further increases the costs that small businesses must pay to provide insurance."

Golden added that the commission will provide for “a balanced, expert review of these mandates and the impact they will have on Georgia businesses and their employees.”

Faircloth earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Georgia Southern University in 2011, a Master of Science in Nursing from Brenau University in 2002, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Valdosta State University in 1995. He is a Georgia Board of Nursing-licensed registered nurse and advanced practice registered nurse. He is certified as a family nurse practitioner by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

Faircloth joined the VSU faculty in 2007 as an instructor in the College of Nursing’s Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Program. When not teaching, he maintains an active practice at G & G Family Medicine MD, PC, where he has worked since 2011. He maintains admitting privileges at Smith Northview Hospital. The Hahira resident is a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society, National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties, and American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

“I believe the appointment of Dr. Faircloth is a significant indicator of the potential impact the profession of nursing can have on securing best practices for health care insurance for Georgians,” said Dr. Anita Hufft, dean of the College of Nursing. “His preparation as a doctor of nursing practice uniquely qualifies him to address health policy issues, and his passion for caring for the vulnerable and underserved populations in the state brings a compassionate commitment to the deliberations about our health care future in Georgia. We are fortunate to have Dr. Faircloth representing South Georgia and to have him as a faculty [member] at VSU. I encourage anyone interested in health reimbursement systems to contact Dr. Faircloth with their ideas or feedback on the topic, as his dedication to inclusiveness guarantees he will want to empower your voice.”

The Special Advisory Commission on Mandated Health Insurance Benefits has 20 members each serving a four-year term and three ex officio members, including representatives from the medical, business, and insurance communities, as well as the general public. The governor appoints 16 members.

Contact Dr. Myron Faircloth at jfaircloth@valdosta.edu to learn more.

Valdosta State University’s 2013-2019 Strategic Plan represents a renewal of energy and commitment to the foundational principles for comprehensive institutions.

Implementation of the plan’s five goals, along with their accompanying objectives and strategies, supports VSU’s institutional mission and the University System of Georgia’s mission for comprehensive universities.

The story above demonstrates VSU's commitment to meeting the following goals:

Goal 1: Recruit, retain, and graduate a quality, diverse student population and prepare students for roles as leaders in a global society.

Goal 3: Promote student, employee, alumni, retiree, and community engagement in our mission.

Goal 4: Foster an environment of creativity and scholarship.

Goal 5: Develop and enhance Valdosta State’s human and physical resources.

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