The "Medical Informed Consent Act" proposed in South Carolina seeks to impose strict regulations on vaccine mandates and protect individuals who choose not to receive vaccinations. The bill prohibits any entity, including individuals, corporations, and state institutions, from mandating vaccines or gene therapies as a condition for employment or access to services, with violators facing penalties that escalate from misdemeanors to felonies based on the number of offenses. It also ensures that employers cannot take adverse actions against employees who refuse vaccines, allowing those individuals to pursue unemployment benefits and damages in cases of discrimination.

In addition to these provisions, the bill amends existing laws related to public health and pharmacy practices, allowing pharmacists to refuse to fill prescriptions under certain conditions and removing the requirement for state healthcare providers to assist in vaccinations for licensure. It modifies definitions related to public health, including "gene therapy" and "vaccine," and alters enforcement mechanisms for quarantine measures by eliminating the public safety authority's ability to request National Guard assistance. The bill also enhances the powers of the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) during public health emergencies, allowing for voluntary examinations, isolation, and quarantine of individuals, while ensuring informed consent for vaccinations and treatments. Additionally, it includes provisions for the appointment of healthcare providers during emergencies and establishes that if any part of the act is deemed unconstitutional, the remaining sections will still be effective.

Statutes affected:
12/11/2024: 16-17-780, 41-1-55, 40-43-86, 44-1-100, 44-4-130, 44-4-510, 44-4-520, 44-4-530, 44-4-540, 44-4-570
04/15/2025: 16-17-780, 41-1-55, 40-43-86, 44-1-100, 44-4-130, 44-4-510, 44-4-520, 44-4-530, 44-4-540, 44-4-570, 40-43-170
04/22/2025: 16-17-780, 41-1-55, 40-43-86, 44-1-100, 44-4-130, 44-4-510, 44-4-520, 44-4-530, 44-4-540, 44-4-570
Latest Version: 16-17-780, 41-1-55, 40-43-86, 44-1-100, 44-4-130, 44-4-510, 44-4-520, 44-4-530, 44-4-540, 44-4-570