The bill S. 44 seeks to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws to improve the regulation and practice of physician assistants (PAs) in the state. It introduces provisions that allow PAs with significant postgraduate clinical experience to practice based on an attestation statement regarding their authorized medical and surgical acts. The bill also permits PAs licensed in other jurisdictions to provide emergency care in South Carolina under specific conditions, while limiting their liability. Additionally, the composition of the State Board of Medical Examiners will be revised to include two PAs, and various definitions and requirements related to PA practice will be updated. Key amendments include the removal of certain limitations on supervising physicians and the clarification of PAs' authorized acts and duties.

Moreover, the bill establishes misconduct grounds for PAs, such as misrepresentation and unethical conduct, and outlines disciplinary actions that may be taken against them, including license revocation or suspension. It also clarifies that PAs can bill for their services directly and must be identified as the rendering professional in billing processes. The legislation emphasizes the role of PAs in managing student athletes with suspected concussions, requiring written medical clearance from a physician or PA before they can return to play. Overall, the bill aims to modernize the role of PAs in South Carolina's healthcare system, ensuring effective practice while maintaining patient safety and care standards.

Statutes affected:
12/11/2024: 40-47-937, 40-47-939, 40-47-10, 40-47-20, 40-47-113, 40-47-195, 40-47-196, 40-47-910, 40-47-915, 40-47-935, 40-47-965, 40-47-1000, 40-47-1005, 40-47-1020, 44-80-120, 44-99-10, 59-63-75, 59-63-95
12/11/2024-A: 40-47-937, 40-47-939, 40-47-10, 40-47-20, 40-47-113, 40-47-195, 40-47-196, 40-47-910, 40-47-915, 40-47-935, 40-47-965, 40-47-1000, 40-47-1005, 40-47-1020, 44-80-120, 44-99-10, 59-63-75, 59-63-95
Latest Version: 40-47-937, 40-47-939, 40-47-10, 40-47-20, 40-47-113, 40-47-195, 40-47-196, 40-47-910, 40-47-915, 40-47-935, 40-47-965, 40-47-1000, 40-47-1005, 40-47-1020, 44-80-120, 44-99-10, 59-63-75, 59-63-95