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 Section 40-47-937, allowing PAs with significant postgraduate clinical experience to practice based on an attestation statement that outlines their authorized medical and surgical acts. Additionally, Section 40-47-939 permits PAs licensed in other jurisdictions to provide emergency care in South Carolina under specific conditions, while limiting their liability. The bill also proposes increasing the State Board of Medical Examiners' membership to include two PAs and revises definitions and requirements related to PA practice, including the establishment of mandatory third-party reimbursement for PAs under certain conditions.

Further amendments clarify the roles and responsibilities of PAs, including the removal of limitations on supervising physicians and the delegation of nursing tasks to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). The bill emphasizes the supervisory responsibilities of physicians over PAs and outlines conditions for PAs to prescribe medications, including controlled substances. It also addresses the role of PAs in school settings regarding student athletes with concussions, requiring written medical clearance for return to play. Overall, S. 44 aims to modernize the regulatory framework for PAs, enhance their scope of practice, and ensure better integration within the healthcare system while maintaining patient safety and compliance with regulations.

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