Kara Watkins
House Republican Press Secretary
April 30, 2008

NASHVILLE – Representative Doug Overbey  (R-Maryville) was honored Tuesday for his six years of service as Chairman of the Health Care Facilities Subcommittee at the final meeting of the House Health & Human Resources Committee for the 105^th Tennessee General Assembly.

In presenting him with a plaque in honor of the occasion, Rep. Joe Armstrong  (D-Knoxville), Chairman of the Health & Human Resources Committee, praised Overbey’s dedicated service of as Chairman of the Health Care Facilities Subcommittee, noting in particular the Subcommittee’s work on legislation requiring smoke detectors and sprinklers in all long term care facilities.

 

 

In making the presentation, Rep. Armstrong said, “Four years ago, Tennessee ranked #1 in the Nation for accidental nursing home deaths. The Legislature, particularly those serving on the Health Committee, felt the need to devise a plan to protect our most frail and elderly citizens. As Chair of the Health Care Facilities Subcommittee, Representative Doug Overbey spearheaded this mammoth task. Under his leadership, legislation was crafted requiring that all nursing homes have sprinkler systems, and it protected those facilities from going out of business while becoming compliant. Currently, the industry is doing well and our elderly citizens are better protected. Doug is a great man, as well as a dedicated leader.”

 

Overbey said that the receipt of the honor from the Chairman Armstrong and all of his colleagues on the Health Committee was totally unexpected but deeply felt and appreciated.  “I can’t think of anything that will mean more to me when I look back on my time in the House of Representatives than my service on the Health Committee,” Overbey said. “I’m overwhelmed and grateful for the kind and generous comments of Chairman Armstrong and the other members of the Committee.  Ours was a team effort in drafting the sprinkler legislation, and I believe that by working together we were able to bring about positive and effective change in way we provide care for our seniors.”

 

“It has been a sincere honor to have served on the Health & Human Resources Committee and Health Care Facilities Subcommittee with my friend, Doug Overbey, for six years.  He did an outstanding job as Chairman of the Subcommittee and demonstrated strong leadership,” added Rep. Jimmy Eldridge (R-Jackson).

This entry was posted on Thursday, May 1st, 2008 at 3:47 am and is filed under Featured News, In The News.
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