The "Pressley Cavin Stutts Jr. Patient and Health Provider Protection Act" aims to amend South Carolina law by allowing prescribers to issue prescriptions for off-label medications, provided they obtain informed consent from the patient or their healthcare power of attorney. The bill outlines specific definitions related to healthcare professionals, hospitals, and off-label drugs, and establishes that pharmacists must dispense these medications unless they have documented moral, ethical, or religious objections, or if there is a documented history of life-threatening allergic reactions. Additionally, the bill provides immunity from civil liability for pharmacists and healthcare facilities under certain conditions when dispensing off-label drugs.

Furthermore, the legislation prohibits state agencies and political subdivisions from enforcing federal rules that restrict the prescribing or dispensing of off-label drugs. It also ensures that healthcare providers cannot face disciplinary actions for prescribing off-label medications in accordance with the new provisions, as long as they are not acting recklessly or with gross negligence. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 44-53-364
Latest Version: 44-53-364