The bill H. 3119 aims to enhance the safety and transparency of blood and organ donations in South Carolina by introducing new testing and labeling requirements. It mandates that all donated blood, human tissue, and organs be tested for high-count spike proteins associated with long COVID-19 and products from gene therapy biologics before they can be used in transfusions or transplantations. Healthcare providers must ensure that these products are tested at a licensed laboratory and appropriately labeled. Additionally, patients must provide written consent if they are to receive any product identified as containing these contaminants, and they have the right to decline such products without facing penalties.

The bill also establishes a civil penalty of $500 for healthcare providers that fail to comply with the testing and consent requirements, particularly if a patient receives a contaminated product without their consent. Furthermore, it provides limited immunity to healthcare providers who adhere to the new regulations, protecting them from legal repercussions related to the presence of these contaminants in donated products. The bill is set to take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 44-43-15
Latest Version: 44-43-15
12/06/2024: 44-43-15